Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, PhD

Margaret Cherne-Hendrick steers Fresh Energy’s work to invest its capacity and use highest-leverage strategies to equitably decarbonize our economy through the transition of end-uses currently served by fossil fuels to efficient, equitable, carbon-free electricity and low- and zero-carbon fuels, with particular focus on shaping strategic growth and innovation across the organization. Margaret also leads Fresh Energy’s strategic imperative to create a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 through high-impact integrated solutions.

As an expert in multi-sector decarbonization policies and strategies, Margaret leads the Energy Transition team’s work across Fresh Energy’s Buildings, Transportation, and Industry departments. In this capacity, she oversees Fresh Energy’s advocacy work to equitably accelerate our transition away from fossil fuels economy-wide at the Public Utilities Commission, State Legislature, administrative channels, and local governments and businesses. An expert in carbon cycle science, Margaret also leads Fresh Energy’s work on carbon removal and management policies and practices.

Beyond Fresh Energy, Margaret is Co-Founder, former Co-Director, and now Board of Director of the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition. She also serves on the City of Minneapolis’ Energy Vision Advisory Committee.

A member of the Fresh Energy team since 2018, Margaret previously worked for the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Boston University. Margaret’s multidisciplinary background in climate science and energy policy includes past work with the Environmental Protection Agency, Conservation Law Foundation, Barr Foundation, and Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET). 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. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her wife, daughter, and dog as well as gardening, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.