Tim Pawlenty, the former Republican governor of Minnesota, will take over as the new permanent head of the Solar Energy Industries Association, the trade group announced on Monday.
Pawlenty, who will begin as president and CEO on June 15, takes over after the exit of Abigail Ross Hopper, who led the organization for nearly nine years. Darren Van’t Hof was tapped as interim president and CEO in January and will continue in the interim role until Pawlenty assumes the spot in June.
In a statement, Pawlenty said he was honored to join the group at such a “pivotal moment” for the 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,” he said. “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.”
