Strategy & External Affairs
TOM KIMBIS - VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGY & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS | GENERAL COUNSEL
Tom leads the development of strategy to promote solar energy across the U.S. As Vice President of Strategy & External Affairs, he oversees the departments of Communications, External Affairs, Membership, and Research. He also provides legal services to SEIA as General Counsel.
Tom has been working in renewable energy since 2000, when he began supporting research, analysis, legislative, and planning efforts across all energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In 2005, he created the Market Transformation effort within the Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) at DOE to help technologies cross the chasm from R&D to commercialization. Tom served as Director of Market Transformation through 2009, when he began service as Acting Program Manager, managing the entire $170 million solar energy program of the United States.
While at DOE, Tom was a founder of the Solar America Initiative, a billion-dollar effort to accelerate solar commercialization. He led the creation of the Solar America Cities program, a DOE partnership with U.S. cities to develop innovative methods for the adoption of solar energy technologies. Prior to his work in solar, Tom headed a DOE legislative team, founded a real estate investment firm, and practiced litigation for a multinational law firm.
Tom currently serves as Chairman of The Solar Foundation, a nonprofit promoting the increased use of solar energy through education and research.
RIANA ACKLEY - EXTERNAL AFFAIRS ASSOCIATE
Riana focuses on developing and strengthening relationships with external organizations promoting solar energy. Additionally, she serves as the staff liaison to the Solar Services and Consumers Division. Previously, Riana worked in the Government Affairs Department as a Legislative Assistant supporting SEIA's tax related policy priorities. Prior to joining SEIA, Riana earned her B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of North Carolina - Asheville.
Riana enjoys running, practicing yoga, and traveling.
