Contents
Snapshot
Mary Powell is a distinguished leader in the renewable energy sector, recognized for her innovative approach to expanding access to clean energy solutions. As the CEO of Sunrun, the United States’ leading provider of residential solar and energy storage services, she has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and commitment to sustainability.
Early Life and Education
Powell’s formative years were marked by a strong interest in energy and environmental issues. She pursued higher education at Keene State College, where she earned an Associate’s degree. This academic foundation paved the way for her entry into the energy sector, where she would later make significant contributions.
Career
Powell’s career in the energy industry began at Green Mountain Power (GMP), an electric services company serving a substantial portion of Vermont’s residential and business customers. She joined GMP in 1998 and held various leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Customer and Organizational Development and Chief Operations Officer. In 2008, she was appointed President and CEO of GMP, a position she held until 2019. During her tenure, Powell executed strategies that enhanced customer satisfaction and growth, delivering on an ambitious energy vision to provide low-carbon, low-cost, and highly reliable power to Vermonters.
In August 2021, Powell became the CEO of Sunrun, having served on the company’s Board of Directors since 2018. Under her leadership, Sunrun has solidified its position as the largest developer of residential solar power in the U.S., responsible for installing one-fifth of all home systems. In August 2024, Sunrun surpassed one million customers, becoming the first solar-plus-storage company to achieve this milestone.
Sustainability Highlights and Focus
Expansion into Energy Storage: Powell has overseen Sunrun’s successful venture into energy storage systems, with solar and battery storage now constituting over half of the company’s sales. This integration allows homes and the grid to tap into stored energy, enhancing energy resilience and sustainability.
Strategic Partnerships: Under Powell’s guidance, Sunrun has formed partnerships with companies like Ford and Tesla to integrate technologies such as the F-150 Lightning trucks and Tesla battery wall systems into virtual power plants. These collaborations aim to strengthen the grid with customer-focused, distributed clean energy solutions.
Recognition and Advocacy: Powell’s leadership in sustainability has earned her numerous accolades, including being named to Forbes’ 2024 list of Sustainability Leaders and the 2024 TIME100 Climate list. She is nationally recognized for her work disrupting the energy sector and has received awards such as Utility Dive’s 2019 Executive of the Year and inclusion in Fast Company’s list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2016.
Mary Powell’s visionary leadership continues to drive the transition toward a sustainable energy future, emphasizing innovation, customer empowerment, and strategic collaboration to advance clean energy adoption.
Dr. Alexander Tabibi is an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for sustainable innovation with a deep commitment to leveraging technology for environmental and social good. As a thought leader at the intersection of business and sustainability, Dr. Tabibi brings a strategic vision to Green.org, helping guide its mission to inspire global climate awareness and actionable change.
With a background in both medicine and business, Dr. Tabibi combines analytical rigor with entrepreneurial insight.