Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association Announces Executive Director Transition

The Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) announced that Executive Director Logan O'Grady will conclude his tenure with the organization on July 31, following five years of leadership advancing Minnesota's solar and energy storage industry. The MnSEIA Board of Directors has appointed Cynthia Bennett, Principal Consultant at Cynergy Consulting, to serve as Interim Executive Director while the Board conducts a search for the association's next Executive Director.

"Logan has been an extraordinary advocate for Minnesota's clean energy industry and an exceptional leader for MnSEIA," said Griffin Dooling, President of the MnSEIA Board of Directors. "His dedication, vision, and tireless commitment to our members has built a solid foundation for MnSEIA, where our team is stronger and bolder than ever."

During O'Grady's tenure, MnSEIA grew to 175 member companies and organizations while helping drive landmark policy achievements expected to enable more than 2 gigawatts of new solar development in Minnesota over the next decade. The association played a leading role in advancing policies that expanded solar and energy storage deployment, modernized permitting and the electric grid, strengthened community solar, protected consumer choice, and created new opportunities across Minnesota's clean energy economy.

Reflecting on his time with the organization, O'Grady shared his gratitude for the people who have made the work so meaningful.

"This work has always been a collective effort," said O'Grady. "I'm deeply grateful to our outstanding members, an engaged and visionary Board of Directors, our talented staff, and the countless partners who have dedicated their time, expertise, and passion to advancing solar and energy storage for all Minnesotans."

O'Grady is leaving MnSEIA to join the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) as Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, where he will lead national advocacy efforts to expand distributed solar, energy storage, and other distributed energy resources.

Bennett brings decades of experience in association leadership, strategic communications, public affairs, and organizational development. She has guided numerous mission-driven organizations through periods of transition and growth.

"I am honored to serve MnSEIA during this important transition," said Bennett. "Logan leaves behind a strong organization with an exceptional team. I look forward to building on that foundation while the Board identifies the association's next Executive Director."

"MnSEIA’s mission is more important now than ever before," added Dooling. "Our industry is moving through a pivotal period of evolution as we build Minnesota's clean energy future. We are committed to building on this momentum with policies that expand clean energy, strengthen Minnesota's economy, and create opportunities across the state."

Candidates interested in MnSEIA's Executive Director position may submit applications here.

Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association | www.mnseia.org