The Texas Solar Energy Society
(
TXSES
)
is pleased to announce Patrice “Pete” Parsons has been named executive director, effective January 1, 2020, of the nonprofit devoted to promoting clean, safe, locally harvested solar energy for every Texan.
Parsons, a University of Texas at Austin graduate, has worked with 50 U.S. municipalities to create climate action and sustainability plans and was the former Director of the Fuel Cell Research and Applications Center at the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC). Prior to that, she served as the Associate Deputy Land Commissioner and Special Assistant to the Texas General Land Commissioner. In 1993, Parsons was appointed by the Governor of Texas to direct the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). She succeeds Lucy Stolzenburg, who has held the post for seven years and will leave the organization at year end.
Pete enjoys swimming, hiking, gardening, and live music. She joins TXSES from Millvale, a consulting service specializing in leading organizations through change.
“All of us at TXSES see an opportunity to have an even bigger influence on the adoption of rooftop and community solar energy and are thrilled to have Pete lead us in this exciting stage of growth,” Board Chair Rosa Orenstein said. “I’m really excited about this next step for the organization and I can’t wait to see where we can go.”
Parsons’ hiring comes as TXSES implements a plan of strategic growth in grant programs, development and outreach, building on the successes of previous years, including hosting the innovative
Cool House Tour
in Austin, which showcases energy efficiency and state-of-the-art passive and active solar design in homebuilding and renovation.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead TXSES. I am eager to bring my enthusiasm, expertise, and passion for the environment and clean renewable energy to Austin, my favorite Texas city, and I look forward to being a part of the effort to bring TXSES to the next level, engaging all of the passionate, creative people who seek to advance solar energy in the state of Texas,” Parsons said.
About TXSES:
As an education-focused nonprofit, TXSES works to bring solar energy to all Texans via rooftop or community photovoltaics and passive solar design. Sunlight can sustain our communities by delivering inexhaustible, pollution-free, and affordable energy that conserves water and creates good-paying jobs.
