SEIA Hires Erika Symmonds as Vice President of Equity and Workforce Development

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced today that it has hired solar veteran Erika Symmonds as vice president of equity and workforce development. In this role, Erika will design and oversee programs to ensure that the solar workforce is ready to meet the challenges of the Solar + Decade, and that the industry’s workforce reflects the diversity and richness of our nation.

This hire comes as the solar industry is poised to be the largest source of U.S. electricity generation by the end of this decade and as SEIA projects that the solar workforce will grow to 1 million strong in that time. It also emphasizes the association’s commitment to centering equity in its work, including, but not limited to, building a diverse, equitable, inclusive and just solar industry. SEIA has a goal for solar and storage to generate 30% of U.S. electricity by 2030 as part the Solar+ Decade.

“Erika is a brilliant solar industry executive and is a leader on matters related to equity and workforce development,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s President and CEO. “We are lucky to have her join our team to lead work that is so important to our industry and the American people. We are committed to building a robust and diverse workforce and customer base as solar becomes a major source of energy generation in every community in America.”

Importantly, Erika’s work will extend beyond solar workers. She will be deeply engaged in ensuring that solar opportunities are available to entrepreneurs, customers, investors, business entities and individuals in every community in America.

“Working for SEIA presents a great opportunity to expand on the work I have been doing for my entire career,” Ms. Symmonds said. “I know and we know that solar is not going to meet its aspirations for growth if it isn’t available to all Americans, and the prospects for growth within communities is just immense. I am excited to get started.”

Erika comes to SEIA from Grid Alternatives, where she was vice president of workforce development and service-learning.

Learn more about SEIA’s work on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, as well as the solar industry’s bold vision for the Solar+ Decade.

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About SEIA®: 

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org and follow @SEIA on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Media Contact: 

Morgan Lyons, SEIA’s Director of Communications, mlyons@seia.org (202) 556-2872