2021 CEF Board Nominations

In the 2021 CEF Board of Directors Election, CEF has six candidates for four open seats.

Ahmed Abdi

Candidate Statement: When I think of the future, I like to see a world where technology and nature could work side by side, a world where it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Clean energy is making that possible. This field is still on it’s pioneering years. CEF is especially pioneering because of how it’s making it possible for low income and middle class families to get needed access. I would like to be part of that to further expand and develop the mission.

Volunteer and Professional Affiliations: Recruiting and community relations

Anita Mercado

Candidate Statement: As a citizen of planet Earth, I think everyone should have an interest in clean energy issues. I have two young children and want them to inherit a more manageable situation than what it feels like we have now. So, if I can learn more about the issues, act locally and lend my skills in the process, that is rewarding (hopefully) for all parties. In terms of skills and experience, I am a skilled communicator and training/meeting facilitator. I have deep experience in most facets of Human Resources and, as the current head of HR for Bridgewater Bank, I think I can provide some helpful insights in that arena.

Volunteer or Professional Affiliations:

  • I have expertise in HR, with a particular passion around people and leadership development as well as organizational design and talent strategy. Extensive experience with employee relations and HR policies is also part of my background. I am a member of the Society for HR Management (SHRM) as well as the HR Executive Forum.

  • I am fluent in Spanish and am comfortable using my Spanish in a variety of settings.

  • I am also a certified training and meeting facilitator, which is helpful in many situations.

Holly Buchanan

Candidate Statement: I have been a member of Cooperative Energy Futures since 2014 when we applied to participate in the Gopher Solar rooftop leasing program. I now seek a seat on the Board to actively help advance CEF’s mission.

It is very important to me to be involved in work that has a direct and positive impact on the climate, joining with others to push for immediate and large scale action on the climate crisis. This work is inextricably tied to addressing inequities in our society. With its leadership on progressive energy policies and vision to expand access to community-owned solar energy across the Twin Cities, especially low-income residents and renters, I view CEF as a driver to a more equitable future and sustainable climate.

I am a conservation biologist by degree and profession and an environmentalist at heart. My professional work has focused on helping slow and reverse the loss of biodiversity through land acquisition and habitat restoration. From years in this line of work, I am experienced in project development and management and offer communications, negotiating and analytical skills.

If elected to serve on the CEF Board, I would be particularly interested in helping cite the location of community solar gardens as well as maximizing opportunities to increase energy efficiency and accelerate the electrification of the economy.

Volunteer or Professional Affiliations:

  • Minneapolis Public School volunteer, 2014-present

  • Minneapolis YWCA Otters, volunteer, 2017-present

  • Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board volunteer, 2018, 2020

Keith Dent

Candidate Statement: My interest in clean energy is to be proactive and lead by example. To partner, associate or simply share my knowledge and experience with an organization that's committed to development of ideas, solution for making clean energy more accessible to all, inform and educate.

I've been a part of MN solar industry since 2015 as a Project Manager and Lead Solar Installer on residential and commercial solar projects.

I've personally install two of CEF, CSG and the founder of a youth renewable energy outreach program, JUST B SOLAR with strong ties within my North Minneapolis community.

Volunteer and Professional Affiliations:

  • Currently on the board of CEF, CEF member and subscriber (Shiloh Temple CSG)

  • Youth & Education programs: Just B Solar, Go Solar! Kids, Breck, Gems & Gise Program

  • Strong Community Ties North Minneapolis

  • Just Solar Coalition

  • Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light

  • Solar Bear

Sachiko Graber

Candidate Statement: I am passionate about small-scale renewable energy and believe that CEF is the right organization to develop this work in Minnesota. I'm interested in bringing both my experience working in renewable energy/renewable energy policy and my perspective on equity and climate justice to the conversation, and I hope that these can benefit CEF!

I have worked with small-scale renewable energy projects for several years. My former and current work with Rocky Mountain Institute focused on the technical and economic viability of small solar installations and the opportunity for community-centered models to succeed. I understand many of the specific financing issues that are apparent in small scale renewables projects and am interested in helping CEF grow rapidly. In addition, my primary employment right now is as a climate policy advisor here in Minnesota. I hope that this specific knowledge of government and legislative action might also help CEF to identify and access particular opportunities as they arise.

While top-down financial analyses and policy considerations are important to any business, one of the most magical qualities about CEF is that its model enables individuals to take part in community solar projects, who might not otherwise have the financial or other capacity to take part. I believe there is ample opportunity to grow the way local communities are involved in project development, design, and use. I first became involved with CEF because I saw the links to the growing climate and environmental justice movement and would love to continue to explore these. In particular, I feel that my experience tailoring energy systems to local community needs, engaging communities, and thinking through access and equity considerations can be relevant to CEF.

Volunteer and Professional Affiliations:

  • The Nature Conservancy: I am currently the Climate Policy Manager for MN-ND-SD. I follow relevant policy, develop new recommendations, and lead TNC's climate justice program.

  • Rocky Mountain Institute: I worked as an electrification associate for several years and continue to be an advisor. This included developing community-centered methods for solar minigrid development and technoeconomic modeling exercises.

  • Climate Justice/Environmental Justice: I am involved with climate and environmental justice organizing in the Twin Cities and interested in continuing to expand that network.

Sagal Dirir

Candidate Statement: I would like to be part of the CEF board of directors. First let me start off by telling you about myself; I worked at nonprofit organizations for the last 10 years working in the field for the last decade gave me an end and understanding of people in organizational culture dealing with diversity. Now I work at PPL as a property manager we just started working with the CEF putting solar panels on our properties that’s how I got interested while helping my residence sign up and get informed about the field. I really think clear energies is the future for our planet and the generations to come.

Volunteer and Professional Affiliations: Lutheran services