The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has appointed the inaugural board of directors for its first ever agency-related foundation, the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI). Authorized through the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, FESI is an independent non-profit entity that supports DOE in its mission to ensure America's continued security and prosperity through transformative science and technology solutions for addressing energy and environmental challenges.
Once established, FESI will help accelerate the commercialization of new and existing energy technologies by raising and investing funds through engagements with the private sector and philanthropic communities. The Foundation will assist DOE in providing additional resources, tools, and capacities for potential partners and communities across the country. This support will further solutions-driven research and innovation that strengthens America’s energy and national security while helping achieve the Biden-Harris Administration's ambitious clean energy goals.
“The Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation offers an unparalleled opportunity for support and advancement in our nation’s rapid and equitable transition to a clean energy economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “The FESI Board of Directors will help meet the Department’s goals, and bring alive the biggest, boldest solutions to the challenges of our time.”
Since 1959, twelve agency-related independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations have been created, which have averaged a return of $67 for every dollar in federal contributions.
As directed in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, DOE identified individuals to serve on FESI’s governing board. These board members will have the opportunity to set priorities for FESI, make key hires including the executive director, establish bylaws and governance structure, as well as actively fundraise for FESI activities and initiatives.
The board members represent some of the nation’s top leaders in energy and related sectors including Vicky A. Bailey; Dr. Noël Bakhtian; Miranda Ballentine; Rita Baranwal; Mike Boots; Dr. Mung Chiang; Noelle Laing; Kathleen A. McGinty; Tomeka McLeod; Nancy E. Pfund; Stephen Pearse; Jason Walsh and Rudolph Wynter.
In addition to the appointed individuals, the authorizing statute language names four Ex-Officio nonvoting board members from designated DOE Leadership positions: Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy; Dr. Geri Richmond, Under Secretary for Science and Innovation, U.S. Department of Energy; Jill Hruby, Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration and Dr. Vanessa Chan, Chief Commercialization Officer and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, U.S. Department of Energy.
The Office of Technology Transition (OTT) within DOE will serve as a formal liaison to FESI as the Foundation works to advance the goals of the Department and support technology commercialization.
