Welcome Will, Ethan, Jackson, Kwezi, and Sarah

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Fresh Energy is excited to welcome five new team members who bring diverse skills and experiences to our mission of advancing bold, equitable solutions to the climate crisis. As we work toward the ambitious goals set forth in our Vision 2030 strategic framework, we’re thrilled to introduce Will Mulhern, Ethan Culver, Jackson Sweeney, and Kwezi Tabaro, and welcome Sarah Clark — each of whom will contribute to our efforts in building a clean energy future that works for all Minnesotans.

Join us in welcoming Will, Ethan, Jackson, Kwezi, and Sarah, and learn about the unique perspectives they bring to Fresh Energy!

Will (left) and his partner on a ski trip in Methow Valley, Washington.

Meet Will, director, clean electricity

Will Mulhern brings a deep passion for policy and a wealth of experience in the energy sector to his new role at Fresh Energy. Originally from a small town outside Madison, Wisconsin, Will discovered his interest in public policy after an early career in microbiology and healthcare policy left him yearning for more people-centered, impact-driven work. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Will’s experiences camping with his family in the Boundary Waters and his growing awareness of environmental destruction motivated him to apply his skills to addressing climate challenges. His pursuit of solutions led him to earn a Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, where he gravitated toward the energy sector’s complex and urgent challenges.

Before joining Fresh Energy, Will worked with the Oregon Department of Energy and, most recently, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Commission). At the Commission, he led staff analyses on utility Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) and resource procurement dockets, contributing to Oregon’s clean energy transition. One of his proudest accomplishments was advising the Commission to intervene when a major utility fell short of meeting its decarbonization targets, working collaboratively with stakeholders to chart a path forward. Will was drawn to utility regulation because it’s where “the nuts and bolts” of the clean energy transition are being worked out, offering the chance to address technical and equitable solutions to climate policy and our energy future.

At Fresh Energy, Will is a part of the Clean Electricity team, focusing on advancing Minnesota’s 100% clean electricity law. He’s eager to dive into the IRP process, where utilities plan for the future of energy generation, and tackle questions about affordability and equity in the clean energy transition. “There’s such a big communications component to this work,” Will notes. “Helping people understand what’s happening behind the scenes and how we can build a cleaner grid that works for everyone is critical. It’s very exciting and meaningful work.”

Outside of work, Will stays active and connected to the outdoors through biking, trail running, cross-country skiing, and paddling. Now back in the Midwest, he’s excited to explore Minnesota’s natural beauty, from the North Shore to the vibrant parks system in the Twin Cities. An aspiring vegetable gardener, he looks forward to cultivating a new garden and adjusting to Minnesota’s growing seasons. For Will, the connection between nature and his work is deeply personal. “Some of my best memories are outside with my family,” he says. “I feel an obligation to be on the right side of history in how we care for the planet.”

Ethan (second from right) picnicking with his friends at Concert on The Square in Madison, WI.

Meet Ethan, senior associate, coalitions and campaigns

Ethan Culver is joining Fresh Energy’s Public Affairs team as the senior associate, coalitions and campaigns. Ethan grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago, where he cultivated a deep appreciation for the outdoors along the trails and parks lining his hometown’s river. A proud Midwesterner, Ethan later moved to Minnesota for college and quickly embraced life in the Twin Cities. Now living in Uptown Minneapolis, Ethan finds joy in Minnesota’s winters, which remind him of the ones he loved growing up — and hopes to help preserve for future generations.

Ethan’s career began in project management for large-scale initiatives before he started working in natural resources and conservation. At the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ethan administered the Land and Water Conservation Fund, navigating the complexities of a national grant program while collaborating with state and federal partners to protect vital conservation and recreation lands. His time at the DNR honed his ability to craft effective communications and build coalitions, skills he’s eager to leverage in his new role at Fresh Energy.

At Fresh Energy, Ethan will focus on strengthening relationships with partner organizations, applying his expertise to advance the mission of Clean Heat Minnesota, and support policy implementation at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Beyond work, Ethan’s hobbies reflect his love for the outdoors: he’s an avid hiker, a dedicated home cook, and a voracious reader. Whether he’s exploring Minnesota’s trails or diving into a book about bird intelligence, Ethan’s passion for conservation and community shines through in everything he does.

Jackson (back) with his sixth-grade students in the gardening club he started during his time as a Fulbright Grantee in Taichung City.

Meet Jackson, associate, session

Joining us for the Minnesota legislative session this spring, Jackson Sweeney will be working closely with Fresh Energy’s Public Affairs team to support clean energy and climate-focused policy initiatives. As a key player during the fast-paced session, Jackson will help track legislation, coordinate advocacy efforts, and ensure that Fresh Energy’s goals are represented at the Capitol.

“I’m thrilled to join Fresh Energy this legislative session,” Jackson shares. “It’s an exciting opportunity to take what I’ve learned during my time at the Minnesota Senate and apply it to advancing meaningful energy policy. This work is all about connecting communities with the policymaking process to create real, tangible change.”

Hailing from Inver Grove Heights, Jackson graduated from Villanova University before spending a year in Taiwan on a Fulbright grant teaching English. His passion for community service and policy work deepened over two years at the Minnesota Senate, where he supported bipartisan legislative efforts and learned to navigate the complex dynamics of policymaking.

When he’s not working, Jackson enjoys growing vegetables, cooking, rowing on the Mississippi River during the summer, and keeping up his Chinese language skills over coffee chats with his language partner. He also loves to read and is planning to read more climate fiction this spring (don’t miss our latest climate book recommendation list!). A few of his favorite recent reads are “Chain-Gang All-Stars” and anything by Louise Erdrich. As Jackson dives into his new role, he’s excited to help Fresh Energy advance decarbonization efforts while making clean energy policy accessible and impactful for all Minnesotans.

Kwezi gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park in Uganda, one of only three countries that still has a population of wild mountain gorillas.

Meet Kwezi, a Fulbright-H. Humphrey Fellow

Emmanuel Kwezi Tabaro joins Fresh Energy as a Fulbright – H. Humphrey fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs where he is diving into energy policy research. His work focuses on exploring the future of internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as electric vehicle (EV) adoption increases, just transition strategies for the petroleum sector in Minnesota, and how recycling can reduce the need for new mining projects.

Originally from Uganda, Kwezi holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Chemistry from Makerere University. His professional journey spans over a decade, beginning as a political commentator and radio host discussing news and public policy before transitioning to work at the LéO Africa Institute, where he contributed to youth leadership programs and capacity building initiatives.

Two years ago, Kwezi visited Uganda’s wild gorilla population, noting it was a meaningful experience of his career. Uganda is one of only three countries that still has a population of wild gorillas, and only 1,000 remain. “Being so close to our distant relatives and seeing the damage we’ve done to their habitat strengthened my resolve to find solutions for a more liveable world, both for ourselves and the gorillas, as well as many other creatures, too.”

Kwezi is passionate about applying what he learns in Minnesota to tackle the climate challenges facing his home country. Uganda, part of the Great Lakes region of Africa, is grappling with climate disruptions like excessive rainfall, pest management issues from shifting wet and dry seasons, and more frequent disease outbreaks. “Where the U.S. is facing electrical demand problems from data centers, Uganda’s energy demand for the next 10-20 years will mainly come from connecting more people to the grid,” says Kwezi. “Understanding how Minnesota has built its electricity grid and energy markets, the opportunities and challenges that system has created, and understanding how Uganda can learn from Minnesota is incredibly interesting.”

When he’s not studying energy policy, Kwezi enjoys running and exploring Minnesota’s parks and trails. Having grown up in Africa’s Great Lakes region and with the Nile River, which flows through central Uganda, Kwezi sees plenty of parallels with Minnesota’s own Great Lakes region and the Mississippi River that flows through our capital. Whether on the trails or in the office, Kwezi brings curiosity, dedication, and a global perspective to Fresh Energy’s mission.

Sarah (left) poses with her daughter in the great outdoors.

Welcome back, Sarah Clark!

Sarah Clark has returned to Fresh Energy to act as Interim Chief Executive Officer over the coming months. Sarah was a Fresh Energy staff leader from 2013-2022, including in the role of Deputy Executive Director overseeing all programmatic, development, and communications work across the organization. In 2024, Sarah rejoined Fresh Energy as a consultant to guide the organization in developing “Vision 2030,” the organization’s new five-year strategic framework. Sarah’s long history with Fresh Energy, close relationships with staff, and commitment to our mission will help the Fresh Energy team to not miss a beat during this period of transition.

A 30-year nonprofit leader, Sarah’s career has focused primarily on climate, energy, and environment. She is working with Fresh Energy on a full-time contract basis through her consulting firm Clark Squared LLC. In her consulting work Sarah provides organizational management, communications, advancement, and strategic planning services to purpose-driven organizations. Sarah is a Pilates enthusiast and aspiring tennis player who enjoys spending time in nature with her husband and two young adult daughters.