2023 Board Nominations

In the 2023 CEF Board of Directors Election, CEF has three candidates for three open seats. Each candidate will be elected if they are supported by a majority of members voting.

Elections take place online during May closing with the final member meeting on May 30th. All members should look for an online ballot in their email or contact us to access your ballot.

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 and have served one term on the Board beginning in 2021. I seek re-election to the Board to continue to help advance CEF’s mission at this exciting and critical time.

It is 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 action to avoid deepening 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 and sustainable future.

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 re-elected to serve on the CEF Board, I would be particularly interested in expanding access to clean, affordable, reliable energy to more Minnesotans while accelerating the transition to a carbon-free 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

  • Cooperative Energy Futures Board Secretary, 2021-2023

KEITH DENT

Candidate Statement: My particular clean energy interest would be solar systems installation, solar workforce development, education and training.

I've been part of the solar industry since 2015. I started a youth education community outreach program called JUST B SOLAR, in 2016. In 2019, I co-developed a workforce program with City of Minneapolis called Green Career Pathway (Intro to PV Solar, training). I have worked as a lead solar installer and solar project manager for residential and commercial solar project. My participation and involvement in the pilot program, "Solar for Affordable Housing " would be the most recent solar career highlight.

The reason I'm running is because CEF has been and continue to be the best example and representation of the contribution and role in the solar industry. I personally wanted to be apart of since the very beginning of my solar career. Developing affordable and accessible clean energy solutions , advocate, create and educate.

Volunteer or Professional Affiliations:

  • 2 terms as a CEF board member.

  • Lead solar Installer on two of CEF's CSG.

  • 7 years in the solar industry.

  • Active partnership with local school districts, city government's and other solar entities.

  • The capacity to function in solar as an educator, employer, employee, and advocator.

SACHIKO GRABER

Candidate Statement: I am currently the vice chair of the CEF Board and have been a board member for 2 years. As a resident of Minneapolis and active advocate for environmental, climate, and energy justice, I believe deeply in the work of CEF and would be honored to continue working to further the vision of clean energy access for all. I believe my skills in financial management, relationship building, and community justice can support CEF's mission, projects, and staff in the important work of this organization.

Outside of CEF, I am the Associate Director of Climate for The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. My work focuses on supporting climate mitigation and adaptation action that help communities to thrive. I also serve on the Minnesota pollution Control Agency's Environmental Justice Advisory Group, where I work to center community needs and voice in what can be a complex regulatory scene. My experience in renewable energy stems from my prior work with RMI, where I focused on the technical and economic viability of small-scale solar installations and opportunity for community-centered models.

Volunteer or Professional Affiliations:

  • CEF Board Vice Chair (2022-2023)

  • staff member, The Nature Conservancy in MN, ND, SD (2020-)

  • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Environmental Justice Advisory Group Member (2023-)

  • Mortenson Family Foundation Grantmaking Advisor (2021-)

  • AmeriCorps ServeMN Climate Advisory Group Member (2021-)

  • Decadence Heirloom Beans farm co-owner (2022-)