This is the ninth in a series of stories about Clean Energy Champions—real people who are taking action to support or join the transition to a clean energy economy. Their stories illustrate the many ways you, too, can become a Clean Energy Champion.

Since 1985, the United States has celebrated Public Service Recognition Week to honor the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees. Here, you can meet some of them who work at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

Operations manager, Water Power Technologies Office    
15 years of public service

What drew you to public service? 

My family initially sparked my interest in public service. Many of my relatives were in the military or  government civilians. Once I was active-duty military, I was deployed twice overseas for a total of 26 months and realized how public servants made a difference with not only Americans lives but people all over the world.

What aspect of public service do you find most rewarding? 

Helping people and seeing missions from infancy to completion makes me feel empowered and hopeful. Everyone's function or job matters to make missions complete. I enjoy seeing how public servants become a well-oiled machine and execute orders from higher each time. It is the selflessness that everyone puts into their jobs for America to be a better place.

What was your path to EERE/your career in clean energy? 

When I transitioned from the Army, I did multiple jobs to prepare me for EERE. At West Point, I was a financial tech, budget analyst, and supervisory inventory manager. I then moved to Texas, where I was a management analyst for the Directorate of Public Works. When coming to EERE, I knew I would use my expertise with operations and budget but had no idea the amount I would learn about clean energy! What a perk! Since being here, I understand the supporting role I play to clean energy is important to making the difference. 

What advice do you have for Clean Energy Champions who want to pursue careers in public service? 

Keep an open mind. While most think you have to be a scientist or engineer to work here, I have met so many people with different formal education and experience, it is unreal. EERE is inclusive, understands the mission, and uses everyone's expertise to work toward it. Be ready to make a difference in EERE because you will.

Director, Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs Office              
24 years of public service

What drew you to public service? 

My earliest interests were in the study of biology and the environment. I realized I could apply both in a meaningful way through public service to protect the environment, and made a change from marketing chemicals for scientific research to working for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I felt a strong responsibility to do whatever was in my power to ensure a safe and healthy future for the planet. 

What aspect of public service do you find most rewarding? 

In the beginning, I found working on the issues and finding solutions to big problems intellectually challenging and rewarding, even if it took time to see them to fruition. As my career progressed, the aspect I have found most rewarding is working with other people who have dedicated themselves to public service. The people I have worked with at EPA, DOE, and in state and local governments are some of the smartest and hard-working that I have met. It is an honor to work alongside them in the pursuit of making progress on clean energy and protecting the environment. 

What was your path to EERE/your career in clean energy? 

I spent the first 10-plus years of my federal career at EPA, first working in pesticides and toxic chemicals, and then developing programs for worker safety and groundwater protection with state governments. Wanting to have a more diverse set of experiences, I moved to EPA's Wastewater Management Division and got to see how the Clean Water Act was implemented across the country. In the mid-1990s. I had the opportunity as part of a fellowship program to work on Senator Jeff Bingaman's staff, where I was the energy and environmental legislative assistant. That time in Congress really set the stage for my work and career in clean energy.  

What advice do you have for Clean Energy Champions who want to pursue careers in public service? 

Jump in headfirst—and look to your next opportunity every three years or so. There are so many great, new opportunities opening up as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the new Office of Infrastructure—take advantage of this time! One thing I have always found true in my experience at EPA and DOE is that smart and dedicated people willing to roll up their sleeves and put their all into solving the many problems we face will always find challenging work and be rewarded with even more interesting and exciting career paths. 

What aspect of public service do you find most rewarding?

The outcome and impact that DOE funding has on research communities and industries. I enjoy the process of developing and using my knowledge, experience, and skills in service, and helping foster the growth of innovative bioenergy research ideas from the lab to large-scale deployment.

What was your path to EERE/your career in clean energy?

I became passionate about renewable energy, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability in graduate school, and this drove me to pursue a career in waste-to-bioenergy. I am very blessed to have worked at three DOE national labs doing hands-on research to address science and engineering problems. In 2017 I had an assignment that supported the Bioenergy Technologies Office, and I was excited to see the big picture and vision for the clean energy bioeconomy. I decided to change my career from the technical research side to a more programmatic, strategic role. I am thrilled that I can help support national labs, research institutions, and industry on exciting research ideas and technology development for bioenergy and bioproducts.

What advice do you have for Clean Energy Champions who want to pursue careers in public service?

I believe the hardest part of reaching a goal is jumping out of your comfort zone and having the courage to try to adapt to change. Do not limit yourself to just one area when you pursue your career. Aim to build your personal skills and competencies to increase your opportunities and grow within public service.

EERE is hiring! Check out these career opportunities, and read more about jobs for Clean Energy Champions.