Craig McDonnell is the managing director of Fresh Energy’s industry department, focusing on regulation, policy, and market transformation to accelerate decarbonization of Minnesota’s industrial and agricultural sectors. Under Craig’s leadership, the Industry department is driving innovative, high-leverage opportunities in industrial decarbonization, focusing on early opportunities in “green fertilizer” and clean steel while also building a community of collaborators around the state.
Craig joined Fresh Energy in 2022 and prior to joining the team, served as the Assistant Commissioner for Air and Climate Policy at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). At the MPCA, Craig oversaw the agency’s air quality programs and served as an interagency leader on the Governor’s Climate Change Subcabinet, where he helped launch Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework. Before that, Craig worked at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, where he was responsible for policy and program development, including the statewide implementation of an innovative program to increase agricultural conservation practices that protect water quality.
Craig also has experience working in Congress, on political campaigns and has served as a consultant on federal energy policy. Craig holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Public Policy with a concentration in science, technology, and environmental policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. In his personal time, he enjoys downhill skiing, traveling, hiking, and spending time with his wife and family.
