At Fresh Energy, we’re driving bold and equitable policy solutions to the climate crisis. As our deep bench of staff members drives progress at the Capitol, the regulatory arena, and other forums, our Board of Directors plays a crucial governance role, ensuring the organization is strong and true to its mission. This summer, we welcomed three new members to the Board.
Kevin Lindsey has been the CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center since June of 2019. As an attorney, he has successfully litigated and argued numerous cases on appeal in state and federal court. Immediately prior to joining MHC, Lindsey served as the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights in Governor Mark Dayton’s cabinet where he increased the effectiveness of the Department and helped to secure passage of legislation benefitting historically marginalized communities. Lindsey has been honored with Iowa Law Review Distinguished Alumni Award, the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts Civitas Award, Minnesota Lawyer award, and the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers President Award. He currently serves as the Board Chair of the African American Leadership Forum and Wonderlust Theater. Lindsey is a board member of the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the St. Paul Public Housing Authority. He was recently elected as President of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers in June of 2024. Read more about Kevin.
Jina Penn-Tracy is devoted to improving the planet. Her current ventures include co-ownership of Centered Wealth, an investment firm dedicated to sustainability and impactful investing, as well as co-founding SYNCRIS, a pioneering climate tech company focused on simplifying and enhancing the accessibility of microgrids. Her journey in activism began following a cancer diagnosis at 19, which inspired years of advocacy against chemical contamination within our environment and food systems. In 2004, Jina transitioned into financial advising, focused on utilizing the power and influence of money to make positive changes in the world. She has since carved out a niche in sustainable finance, frequently providing insights to major publications like Financial Advisory Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Investment News, as well as to Minneapolis’s local media outlets. During Climate Week 2020, she hosted an event under the auspices of the United Nations. Read more about Jina.
Christina Yagjian is the Global Renewable Energy Strategy and Origination Leader for Cargill. She leads a team responsible for sourcing renewable energy on a global scale to support Cargill’s operational decarbonization targets. Christina has more than 17 years of clean energy experience in commercial, policy, and technical capacities. Prior to Cargill, Christina held renewable energy commercial structuring roles at Meta, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Edison Energy. She has also worked for the Sierra Club as a renewable energy advocate and organizer, as well as at Tradewind Energy and in General Electric’s wind business. Christina holds an MBA and a Master’s of Environmental Management from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Southwestern University. Read more about Christina.
This board brings a wonderful mix of enthusiasm and intersectional experience to Fresh Energy, and we’re looking forward to working together in the coming years.
