SEIA names former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty as president and CEO

SEIA president and CEO – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has appointed former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty as its next president and chief executive officer, selecting a veteran Republican political figure to lead the U.S. solar trade group at a time of rapid industry expansion and ongoing policy uncertainty.

Pawlenty, who served two terms as governor of Minnesota from 2003 to 2011, will officially assume the role on June 15. He succeeds interim leadership that has been guiding the organization following the departure of former SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper, who stepped down in 2025 after nearly a decade in the position.

In a statement released by SEIA, Pawlenty said he is joining the organization at what he described as a pivotal moment for U.S. energy policy. He emphasized the role of solar and energy storage in meeting rising electricity demand and lowering energy costs for consumers and businesses. He also framed solar power as a key component of strengthening domestic energy supply chains.

During his tenure as governor, Pawlenty supported several energy and climate-related initiatives, including signing Minnesota’s Next Generation Energy Act, which set greenhouse gas reduction goals for the state. He also participated in regional climate efforts such as the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, a multi-state initiative aimed at coordinating emissions reduction strategies across the Midwest.

However, his political record on climate policy is more complex. After leaving office, Pawlenty expressed skepticism toward cap-and-trade systems, which are market-based mechanisms designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions. That position placed him in line with broader Republican critiques of carbon pricing policies during national debates over climate regulation.

Before joining SEIA, Pawlenty held leadership roles in the financial services sector, including serving as president and CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable, which later became part of The Clearing House. His experience spans both public office and industry advocacy, giving him familiarity with regulatory policy and trade association leadership.

SEIA, which represents the U.S. solar and storage industry, has grown in influence as solar has become one of the fastest-expanding sources of electricity generation in the United States. The organization has played a central role in federal and state policy advocacy, including tax credit extensions, trade policy discussions, and grid interconnection reform.

Industry stakeholders view leadership transitions at SEIA as significant because the organization frequently engages with Congress, federal agencies, and state regulators on issues that directly affect project development and investment conditions for solar companies.

The appointment comes at a time when the U.S. solar sector is experiencing both rapid growth and structural challenges. While installations and capacity additions continue to rise, the industry is also navigating supply chain pressures, evolving trade restrictions, and shifting federal incentives that influence project economics.

Outgoing interim CEO Darren Van’t Hof welcomed the appointment, stating that the selection process had identified a strong candidate to guide the organization forward. He also thanked the search committee for its work during the transition period.

Pawlenty’s leadership is expected to focus on expanding solar deployment, strengthening industry competitiveness, and engaging policymakers on issues related to energy affordability and domestic manufacturing.

As the U.S. energy landscape continues to evolve, SEIA’s leadership will play a central role in shaping how the solar industry responds to policy changes, market conditions, and long-term decarbonization goals.

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Sources

• Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) official announcement
• Solar Power World reporting (Billy Ludt, May 11, 2026)
• Historical record: State of Minnesota energy legislation archives
• U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) background on U.S. solar industry growth
• Financial Services Roundtable / The Clearing House leadership history