We are pleased to introduce the newest members of the U.S. Energy Foundation (EF) Board of Directors. At a time that is crucial to climate and clean energy progress, we are excited to have them serving on our board. Their expertise in community engagement, business, communications, public affairs, and energy policy, finance, will bring valuable new insights and guidance to the EF team.
“We are delighted to welcome our new board members,” said Jason Mark, EF’s CEO. “Each of them will help guide EF’s work and support our mission to secure a clean and equitable energy future to tackle the climate crisis.”
MaKara Rumley, Esq. is an experienced community engagement strategist and an important thought leader on cultural humility. In 2016, she founded Hummingbird, a consulting firm specializing in community engagement, strategy/data analytics, and systems change training. The company services the environment, transportation, and energy industries. Prior to founding Hummingbird, MaKara served as the Senior Advisor on Community Engagement for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV. Previously, she was an environmental justice attorney with Greenlaw in Atlanta, Georgia. There she developed strategies to mitigate the disproportionate exposure to land, air, and water pollution for the overburdened and underserved. Learn more about MaKara Rumley.
Patrick Woodcock joined the Maine State Chamber in October 2023 as President and CEO after returning to his home state from serving in a number of state energy leadership positions in New England. Most recently, Patrick was the Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources under former Governor Charlie Baker in Massachusetts. In that role, Patrick oversaw offshore wind procurements, new building codes, solar policies, and all other state and regional energy policies. Patrick also served on the board of the National Association of State Energy Officials, and several state and regional energy boards. Learn more about Patrick Woodcock.
Chad Boettcher is Co-founder and President of the Impact Guild, a global professional network of people using media, art, and entertainment for social good and healthy democracy. Chad also is the Founder and President of True North, a boutique property design, management, and advisory firm. Previously, Chad led social impact and public affairs programming at top media companies—including Univision, Participant Media, and MTV—where his teams developed creative content, campaigns, and events designed to impact some of the world’s most pressing issues. His credits include hundreds of activations around film, television and digital programs over the past 20 years. Chad and his team’s work have garnered dozens of industry awards, including multiple Emmy Awards® for community and public service, and have been included in many national publications. Learn more about Chad Boettcher.
Kelly Speakes-Backman leads public affairs activities, including government relations and corporate brand, for Invenergy, an American-based multinational power generation development and operations company. The company develops, builds, owns and operates power generation, transmission and energy storage projects, including wind, solar, and natural gas power generation. Prior to this, Kelly served as Acting Assistant Secretary and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy. She has spent over 20 years working in energy and environmental issues in the public, NGO, and private sectors. Learn more about Kelly Speakes-Backman.