Brad Heavner to Take the Helm as Bernadette Del Chiaro Launches a New Effort to Expand the Fight for Clean Energy in California
CALIFORNIA—The California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) today announced a transition of leadership that promises to further strengthen California's rooftop solar movement.
After a twelve-year tenure marked by numerous achievements, Bernadette Del Chiaro will be stepping down from her role as executive director of California’s oldest and largest clean energy business group. Brad Heavner, who leads CALSSA’s policy work, will assume the position, ensuring a seamless continuation of CALSSA's vital work.
Under Del Chiaro's leadership, CALSSA came to the forefront of California's solar revolution, successfully navigating challenges and securing critical victories for the industry. Her unwavering commitment to clean energy has been critical in positioning California as a national leader in solar adoption.
Del Chiaro's guidance helped CALSSA become the largest clean energy business group in the country dedicated to consumer-facing clean energy resources. Prior to her tenure with CALSSA, Del Chiaro was instrumental in advancing California’s “Million Solar Roofs Initiative.” In 2013, Del Chiaro came to CALSSA, and under her leadership helped the state meet that goal in ten year’s time and then double it in just five more years. Del Chiaro is a staunch defender of the policies that keep solar adoption growing among all California families, reducing red tape, encouraging energy storage, and defending against attacks by private utilities that view solar as a threat to their monopolies.
Looking ahead, Bernadette will remain a leader in California fighting for clean affordable energy for all communities throughout the state as the Senior Vice President, California of the Environmental Working Group, a well-regarded 30-plus year old environmental organization that plans to expand its operations in California under Del Chiaro’s leadership.
“It was an honor to serve as CALSSA's executive director these past twelve years, and to work alongside such dedicated professionals in advancing California's clean energy future,” said Del Chiaro. “I am not leaving the fight but rather bringing in reinforcements and support from fellow Californians who share our vision for clean, reliable, and community-based energy.”
Heavner will shift to the executive director role on March 15. He brings more than 25 years of clean energy advocacy experience, including the past eleven with CALSSA. His long-standing commitment to renewable energy aligns perfectly with CALSSA's goal of expanding the use of solar and storage technologies.
Heavner has been the architect of CALSSA's policy work on critical issues such as rate design, interconnection standards, the new construction mandate, and various strategies to boost energy storage. His experience in both crafting policies and running non-profit advocacy organizations provides CALSSA with a broad perspective on effective strategies and management.
By combining his advocacy skills, policy expertise, research capabilities, industry knowledge, and regulatory experience, Heavner is well-equipped to lead CALSSA in its mission to promote the widespread deployment of smart, local, clean energy technologies in California.
“I am thrilled to take on this new role, building on my policy focus and the strong organizational foundation laid by Bernadette,” Heavner said. “CALSSA will continue working with member companies, partners, and policymakers to ensure customer-sited solar plays a growing part in the state’s clean energy transition.”
This leadership transition comes at a crucial time for California's solar industry. In the face of increasing attacks by for-profit utilities and regulatory challenges, CALSSA remains committed to promoting policies that support the growth of rooftop solar and energy storage as the state pushes towards its ambitious clean energy goals.
The CALSSA Board of Directors expressed their gratitude for Del Chiaro's contributions and their enthusiasm for Heavner's appointment. “We are deeply appreciative of Bernadette's tireless efforts and the significant milestones achieved under her leadership,” said Board President Ed Murray. “We are equally excited about the future with Brad at the helm, and we are confident that his expertise will propel CALSSA and California's rooftop solar movement to new heights.”
As CALSSA embarks on this new chapter, the organization reaffirms its dedication to advancing clean energy solutions, creating jobs, and fostering a sustainable future for all Californians.
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About CALSSA
The California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) has advanced the common interest of the solar and storage industry for over 40 years, making California the most robust market in the U.S. The association is the state’s largest clean energy business group, with 700 member companies representing an array of businesses that manufacture, design, install, finance and provide other resources to the growing local solar and storage market in California. Learn more at www.calssa.org.