IREC Announces Planned Retirement of CEO Larry Sherwood in Late 2024

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) announced that its President and CEO, Larry Sherwood, plans to retire at the end of 2024. 

Sherwood has led IREC as President and CEO for eight years and has left an indelible mark on the organization. During his tenure, he oversaw significant organizational growth and evolution, including a strategic merger with The Solar Foundation in 2021 that more than doubled IREC’s staff and positioned the organization for increased impact in years to come. 

For over 40 years, IREC has worked to build the foundation for the rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency, in pursuit of a 100% clean energy future that is reliable, resilient, and equitable. Through clean energy policy improvements in over 40 states, workforce development, and resources and technical assistance for local governments and other key stakeholders, IREC has helped make clean energy more accessible for millions of Americans.

“Under Larry Sherwood’s leadership, IREC’s role as one of the nation's leading independent nonprofits advancing the use of clean energy has been solidified,” said Marc Roper, Chair of the IREC Board of Directors and Vice President at ENGIE North America Inc. “While IREC has long been respected for its unbiased clean energy expertise, Larry facilitated an expansion of staff, programs, and resources that significantly increased the organization's impact, at a critical time in our transition to a clean and sustainable energy future. The IREC Board of Directors, and the broader clean energy community, are grateful for Larry's contributions." 

“It has been an honor to lead IREC for the past eight years and to have a hand in the organization’s evolution and growth,” said Sherwood. “Today, as I look ahead to my retirement later this year, I am confident that the exceptional team we have cultivated, including a strong Board and leadership team, will ensure continued success for the organization in the coming years.”

Before taking the helm of IREC in 2016, Sherwood worked with IREC in various capacities for over 20 years. This included three years as the organization’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Sherwood’s entire 46-year career has been dedicated to renewable energy. Sherwood has also served as President of Sherwood Associates, a renewable energy consulting firm; as Executive Director of the Small Wind Certification Council, the American Solar Energy Society, and the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association; and as Project Administrator for the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards. 

IREC has selected executive search firm DRiWaterstone to lead the search process for Sherwood’s successor. Sherwood and IREC leadership will work closely with the search committee to find the next CEO and ensure a seamless leadership transition. Interested applicants and individuals with recommendations of qualified candidates can visit https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/president-IREC/ for more information on the job posting. 

IREC | irecusa.org