Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty named solar trade group CEO

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been named the new president and CEO of The Solar Energy Industries Association.

The trade group said Pawlenty led Minnesota from 2003 to 2011 and previously served as president and CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable.

“On behalf of the SEIA board, I am thrilled to welcome Tim Pawlenty as the next head of SEIA,” said SEIA board chair Scott Moskowitz of QCells. “Tim brings a proven track record of executive leadership, deep public policy expertise, and a clear understanding of the energy challenges facing our country. I am confident Tim will build strong coalitions to advance the growth of affordable, American-made solar and storage across the United States.”

SEIA said it represents the U.S. solar and energy storage industry and has helped drive growth in solar and storage nationwide. The group said the industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment.

“I am honored to join SEIA at such a pivotal moment for our nation’s energy future. The sun is the safest, most natural, and largest nuclear reactor in the world, and it provides an abundant source of energy we should be using to its fullest potential. That’s why solar is one of the most effective tools we have to meet rising energy demand while lowering costs for families and businesses. At a time when affordability is front and center for Americans, expanding access to low-cost solar and storage can deliver real savings and strengthen our domestic energy supply. I look forward to working with SEIA’s members, policymakers, and partners to move that vision forward,” said Pawlenty.

SEIA said Darren Van’t Hof will remain interim president and CEO until June 15 when Pawlenty will take over.