Mike Vehar joined the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy as an engineer in March 2023. Duty-stationed in Miami, Florida, he serves as a technical expert supporting technical assistance and administering financial assistance awards to American Indian nations, Alaska Native villages, and tribal and intertribal organizations.
Prior to joining the DOE team, Mike supported the Office of Indian Energy as a contractor engineer and technical project monitor administering financial assistance awards. He also served in a similar role for the DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office, Solar Energy Technologies Office, and the Tribal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Mike brings a wealth of expertise in federal project and program management to his new role with the Office of Indian Energy.
Mike is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering technology as well as a master's in engineering management and systems from the University of Dayton. Prior to his work with the Office of Indian Energy, Mike gained valuable experience over many years in various roles in the private sector, including energy efficiency consulting, lighting and energy controls optimization, and working with the territorial energy office of American Samoa implementing various energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. He has also spent time working internationally on various rural development projects. Mike is honored to be a part of the team working to advance the mission of the Office of Indian Energy for the ultimate benefit of American Indians and Alaska Natives.