Fresh Energy is driven and dedicated to leading in the face of unprecedented challenges to climate and clean energy progress. Our leadership shines through in our work to pull the highest and best policy levers to enact change and through the staff who commit their time, energy, and passion to these efforts. To continue advancing our mission, we are thrilled to announce that the search for a new Chief Executive Officer has concluded with the Board of Directors unanimously voting to hire Dr. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick.
Margaret has been on staff at Fresh Energy for seven years and in her time at the organization has served as a thought leader, accomplished fundraiser, and strategic policy expert, helping to shape how Fresh Energy makes progress on equitable clean energy and climate policy while also growing relationships.
In her tenure with Fresh Energy, Margaret has built, led, and expanded the organization’s work and impact within energy transition policy, including in the buildings and transportation sectors. She has also broken new ground for the organization in “Vision 2030: Fresh Energy’s Strategic Framework,” by identifying pathways for our work to expand into the heavy industry and agriculture sectors — crucial and difficult areas that must be decarbonized to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.
Through her work at Fresh Energy, Margaret also co-founded and co-directed the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition and raised significant funds to facilitate its successful launch into an independent nonprofit in 2024.
“Margaret is the right leader for Fresh Energy and I’m confident she will be the leader we need during this unprecedented time in history that is challenging climate work and nonprofits,” said Ellen Palmer, Fresh Energy Board Chair. “As a former Fresh Energy employee, Board member, and current Board Chair, I have witnessed firsthand Margaret’s deep energy and climate expertise, her fearless entrepreneurial spirit, her passionate leadership, and her expansive ability to fundraise.”
Margaret has dedicated her career to fighting climate change and advancing the energy transition. She came to Fresh Energy from a multidisciplinary background in climate science and energy policy with past work alongside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Barr Foundation, Conservation Law Foundation, and Institute for Global Sustainability. Margaret holds a doctorate in Geography from Boston University, a master’s degree in Organismal Biology and Ecology from the University of Montana, and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Reed College. Margaret and her family moved to Minnesota in 2017, where she got to know Fresh Energy’s leadership and work. View Margaret’s full bio here.
“I sought out Fresh Energy because I knew this was a place I could bring my expertise to bear on the fight against climate change. It has always been clear to me that Fresh Energy’s culture and staff are unique and brilliant,” said Margaret Cherne-Hendrick. “My commitment to our staff, the organization, and our work has continued to grow and is a core part of who I am as a person. I’m truly honored to have been selected to lead this special organization.”
We are at a critical time in our history and must keep fighting to advance clean energy policy that takes on the climate crisis. Fresh Energy plays a pivotal role leading this work in Minnesota through our unrelenting advocacy — and we remain committed to ensuring this leadership continues and that we also provide a defensive bulwark against policies that aim to undo the progress we’ve already made.
“Policy change that advances clean energy, takes on the climate crisis, and centers equity is who Fresh Energy is — it is woven into our DNA,” said Cherne-Hendrick. “Fresh Energy is not going to let up or slow down in the face of challenge and I’m both humbled and excited that as CEO I have the opportunity to lead this organization.”
Fresh Energy began the process of seeking a new CEO in February. To undertake the search, the Board of Directors appointed a Search Committee of four board members, four staff, and one external expert, to evaluate and then conduct an internal search process. Over the past months, this group has collaborated closely on a thorough and intensive process. Thank you to Search Committee members, including Board Chair Ellen Palmer and board members Bryan Herrmann, Merritt Clapp-Smith, and Christina Yagjian; staff members Anjali Bains, Mat Larson Krisetya, Meggie LaValley, and Jo Olson; and Aimee Witteman, friend of Fresh Energy and Vice President of Network at Rewiring America.
Fresh Energy’s Board of Directors and staff would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sarah Clark of Clark Squared LLC who stepped in to act as Interim Chief Executive Officer during an important time of change for Fresh Energy. Her collaborative nature and deep understanding of Fresh Energy’s mission helped to ensure a smooth transition.
On April 15, 2025, Margaret transitioned from her role as Deputy CEO at Fresh Energy into the CEO position. We hope you can join us in welcoming Margaret into her new role at an event in the coming months!
Register and join us on May 21 for our end-of-session Lagers and Legislation event at Urban Growler in Saint Paul. We’ll unpack the legislative session together. All are welcome and your first beverage is on Fresh Energy, so bring a friend! RSVP here.
The Fresh Frolic is back by popular demand this summer. Grab your tickets here and join us on July 15 at The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth for a party featuring all-electric tech, great conversation, and more.
And of course, we hope you can join us for our annual Benefit Breakfast on September 30. We will be back at the RiverCentre in Saint Paul with virtual options available for those who cannot join in person. Our featured speaker will be announced soon, and planning is already underway for another engaging and interactive Fair of the Future before and after the program! Registration will open soon.
Thank you for being part of the Fresh Energy community as we embark on this exciting new chapter!
