IREC Welcomes Chris Nichols as Interim CEO

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) announced the hiring of Chris Nichols as its Interim Chief Executive Officer. IREC is an independent nonprofit that builds the foundation for rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency. Nichols comes to IREC from Renewables Forward, an initiative of leading U.S. clean energy companies and partners to advance inclusivity and opportunity in the industry, where she serves as Executive Director. Nichols is a long-time partner and supporter of IREC and brings to the role deep familiarity with IREC’s programs. She succeeds Larry Sherwood, who served as IREC President and CEO since 2016.

“I’m excited and honored to join IREC as Interim CEO,” said Nichols. “IREC has a long history of excellence in its work to advance clean power through workforce development, regulatory reform, and innovative programs that help local communities navigate the energy transition. I'm eager to help the organization continue its vision of a clean energy future that is reliable, resilient, and affordable.” 

Nichols has a wealth of experience in the clean energy sector, which spans roles at organizations including the U.S. Department of Energy, Groundswell, and SunEdison. Her achievements range from spearheading energy workforce development and credentialing programs to delivering solar and energy efficiency programs for low-income communities to forging public-private partnerships, and more. One of her proudest accomplishments is founding the Solar Ready Vets Network, a well-known industry program creating solar career pathways for military veterans—which IREC currently manages.

Nichols takes the helm of IREC at a time of transition in the clean energy sector, with significant shifts in both the nonprofit fundraising landscape and federal energy policy following the change in presidential administrations. In the position of Interim CEO, Nichols will work with the IREC board and staff to evaluate and buttress IREC’s strategic plan in light of changing federal energy policy priorities, ensuring the organization’s strength and continued service to its mission. IREC’s former President & CEO, Larry Sherwood, has transitioned to the role of President Emeritus as he prepares for retirement. In this capacity, he will collaborate closely with Nichols and remain available to the organization in an advisory capacity. 

“Chris will be an exceptional leader for IREC as the organization navigates a changing clean energy landscape. Under Chris’s leadership, I am confident that IREC will continue to advance its mission to build the foundation for rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency to benefit people, the economy, and our planet,” said Larry Sherwood, former IREC President & CEO. 

“IREC has found in Chris a phenomenal leader to help navigate a tumultuous time for the clean energy transition in the US,” said Marc Roper, Chair of the IREC Board of Directors and Senior VP & Chief Commercial Officer at OPTERRA Energy Services. “Chris is deeply versed in the technical issues that IREC works on and how that work has helped to drive change over the past four decades. She will provide a steady hand for IREC.”

IREC supports the adoption of clean energy across the nation through three interrelated strategies: regulatory engagement, workforce development, and solutions for local communities. IREC’s Regulatory team improves rules, regulatory policies, and technical standards to streamline the installation of clean energy and decarbonize the nation's buildings and vehicles.  IREC’s Workforce Development team leads initiatives to build a highly-trained, future-ready workforce to meet the rising demand for clean energy. Its Local Initiatives team supports communities in developing policies and practices that accelerate the deployment of clean energy and energy efficiency.

Interstate Renewable Energy Council | irecusa.org