Chéri Smith

Chéri Smith has a diverse and extensive work experience in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors. Since 2016, they have been serving as the President & CEO of the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy. Prior to that, they held various roles at Tesla, SolarCity, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). At Tesla, they served as the Head of Workforce Strategy from 2017 to 2018, and at SolarCity, they were the Head of Workforce & Training Development from 2015 to 2017.

From 2014 to 2016, Chéri had roles at both the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. At the DOE, they were a Subject Matter Expert/Project Reviewer for the SunShot Program, and they also worked as a Consultant for the SunShot - Solar Ready Veterans program. At the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, they served as a Consultant and advised on the development of the Solar Instructor Training Network programs and the Solar Career Map.

Prior to that, Chéri was the Founding Principal of The Carbon Free Consultancy from 2009 to 2015. Chéri provided strategic and project consulting services in renewable energy, electric vehicles, sustainability, and energy efficiency to various clients including the U.S. Department of Energy, Pennsylvania State University, and City University of New York - Center for Sustainable Energy.

From 2013 to 2014, Chéri worked as a Program Manager at NYSERDA, where they oversaw the audit and revision of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced energy technologies programs throughout the state of New York.

Earlier in their career, they served as the Founder and Executive Director of the Solar Campus Initiative at the Earth Island Institute from 2009 to 2014. Chéri also worked as the Director of Education & International Workforce Initiatives at the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) from 2005 to 2009, where they developed and managed various renewable energy education and workforce programs.

Chéri's career also includes seven years of senior management positions at Boston University, Corporate Education Center, where they oversaw sales, marketing, technical curriculum development, and workforce development efforts for information technology programs.

Overall, Chéri Smith's work experience demonstrates their expertise in renewable energy, workforce development, and sustainability, with a focus on strategic planning, program management, and curriculum development.

Chéri Smith attended Boston University from 1994 to 1997 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Environmental Science. Prior to that, they studied Environmental Engineering at Roger Williams University from 1986 to 1988. Chéri also holds a certification as a Climate Leader from The Climate Reality Project.