SEEC Institute Announces 10 Members of Board of Directors
For Immediate Release, 8/1/24
Press contact: Max Frankel, Executive Director, SEEC Institute max@seecinstitute.org
Washington DC, Jul 31, 2024- Today, the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Institute, or SEEC Institute, announced the first 10 members of its new Board of Directors. The new Board includes 4 sitting members of Congress, two former Cabinet Members, and leaders in civil society and the private sector.
“I'm honored to have these distinguished members of SEEC Institute's inaugural Board of Directors. said Max Frankel, Executive Director of SEEC Institute. “The board is comprised of accomplished, experienced, and knowledgeable leaders who bring expertise across climate policy, industry, and advocacy. I look forward to working with them to ensure SEEC Institute is effective and successful in its ambitious agenda."
The Board includes:
Clinton Britt, Board President, President, Grove Climate Group
Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-7)
Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20)
Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14)
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-4)
Ernie Moniz, Founder and CEO, EFI Foundation, Former Secretary of Energy
Lisa P. Jackson, Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives at Apple, Former EPA Administrator
Ian Harrison, President, Bipartisan Climate Action
Katie McGinty, Vice President and Chief Sustainability, External Relations Officer, Johnson Controls
Sam Ricketts, Former founding Executive Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), Co-Founder and Partner, S2 Strategies
“SEEC Institute is strategically positioned to tackle climate change and clean energy challenges both in the near and long-term,” said Britt, who will serve as Board President.“By focusing on convenings, policy development, travel, and professional development, SEEC Institute aims to provide decision-makers the expertise and connections they need to empower action. Today’s announcement, coupled with the hiring of our first Executive Director earlier this year, are proof positive of the momentum and impact SEEC Institute is already making. It is an honor to be a part of such a talented and visionary team.”
“I am so pleased to join the board of SEEC Institute," said Representative Matsui (CA-7). "What excites me about this new Institute is the opportunity to bring together Members of Congress and experts with a wide breadth of backgrounds and perspectives. The SEEC Institute board reflects these diverse perspectives, with a range of thought leaders from both inside and outside Congress. This leadership will allow SEEC Institute to develop the big policy ideas we need to fight the climate crisis and ensure a habitable world for our children."
“I am honored to serve on the initial board of the SEEC Institute,” said Representative Tonko (NY-20). “SEEC Institute stands out in today's arena due to its exceptional team and ability to forge meaningful public-private deliberations- paving the way for thoughtful environmental and clean energy policy solutions. By fostering these critical connections between the private sector and policymakers, SEEC Institute is well positioned to be the preeminent thought leader in the climate, environment and clean energy policy space for years to come."
“I am honored to join the board of the newly-formed SEEC Institute,” said Representative Castor (FL-14). “SEEC Institute will play a pivotal role in convening climate and environmental champions among Congress, NGOs, and the private sector—and serve as a hub for creative, pragmatic policy solutions. I hope to support the Institute’s work in addressing the key challenges of our warming planet, including supporting community resilience and building a cleaner, stronger electricity grid.”
“As a long-term climate and environmental advocate and a proud member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) in the U.S. House of Representatives, I look forward to serving on SEEC Institute’s Board,” said Representative McClellan (VA-4). “SEEC Institute will provide Members of Congress with exciting and informative programming to learn more about climate and environmental challenges, impacts on communities, and how we can respond through thoughtful, forward-looking policy solutions.”
“SEEC Institute will play a much-needed role in bringing together a diverse leadership group, including members of Congress, to help devise actionable policy solutions addressing climate change and the clean energy transition needed in the years and decades ahead,” said Moniz.
“At Apple, we are constantly innovating to achieve our ambitious climate goals. Today, we are carbon neutral and run our entire company on 100% clean energy and by 2030, our suppliers will produce Apple products with clean energy as well,” said Jackson. “The urgency of the climate challenge requires cross-sector partnership, and we’re committed to doing our part. I’m thrilled to be part of the SEEC Institute, which will help showcase the most effective technologies and equitable solutions driving momentum in the private sector, and serve as a critical resource for elected officials leading action on climate.”
“SEEC Institute is perfectly placed to build strong connections between the private sector, Congress and environmental advocates, said Harrison. “While events, travel and staff development are vital, I believe SEEC Institute's potential to facilitate substantive policy discussion is essential to making clean energy solutions a reality.”
“Climate action can be accelerated as solutions that cut carbon and costs--like efficiency, electrification and digitalization--are spotlighted and understood,” said McGinty. “SEEC Institute will play an incredibly important role in educating Members of Congress and the public more broadly about promising technologies and partnership models that bolster competitiveness and climate action at the same time.”
“SEEC plays an essential role advancing a pro-clean energy and climate action agenda in Congress, and SEEC Institute will empower lawmakers to make informed decisions on questions that determine the future of our nation and the planet," said Ricketts. "I'm proud to join with such a distinguished group of board members to support the institute in its critical mission.
About SEEC Institute
SEEC Institute’s mission is to convene the private sector, Congress, leading climate and environmental advocates, and other experts to facilitate more formal and regular connections between interested parties and stakeholders to secure the biggest climate and clean energy solutions possible.
The Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, or SEEC, was founded in 2009 and has grown to a group of over 95 members of the House of Representatives that fight for climate and clean energy policies. Like many of its peer organizations on the Hill, supporters of SEEC noticed limits in the group’s abilities to convene and advance priorities. As a result, in late 2023, SEEC Institute was established as a nonprofit organization.
For more information on SEEC Institute’s board, including full bios of all of its current members, visit seecinstitute.org/board.
Media Contact:
Max Frankel, Executive Director
max@seecinstitute.org | 917-743-9318