Leadership Changes New for 2012 at Solar Energy International

Tresi Houpt

The Solar Energy International Board of Directors and Executive Director Johnny Weiss have announced that on Jan. 1, 2012, Weiss will transition into the position of advising co-founder, where he will focus his time on program design and business development. For more than 20 years, Weiss has provided SEI with outstanding leadership and guidance, establishing the organization as the most respected professional solar training provider in the renewable energy industry.

"I am so proud of SEI - both our new team and all of our past accomplishments," Weiss said. "Our mission to help others learn about renewable energy is stronger than ever, and it has never been more important."

Solar Energy International's Board Chairperson, Trési Houpt, has been named Interim Executive Director effective Jan. 1. Her background in nonprofit management and Houpt's leadership at the local, state and national level as an elected and appointed official in Colorado has advanced awareness on the critical issues that support the need for the advancement of renewable energy technologies. Her dedication and thoughtful approach supporting renewable energy allows SEI to continue to innovate and lead in training well into the 21st Century. 

"Now, more than ever in the history of our nation, is the time for all of us to make a true commitment to renewable energy," Houpt said. "SEI offers a broad spectrum of instructional opportunities for people interested in pursuing a profession in the new energy economy, and I am proud to help lead the Board and Staff in providing these opportunities. I am pleased that Johnny will be leading SEI in program design and business development; his rich knowledge of the industry will continue to allow SEI to provide professional educational programming internationally. "

In recent years, SEI has launched new programs to provide quality training to ensure a thriving professional workforce in support of the renewable energy sector. Additionally, SEI has established programs to serve other solar businesses and organizations through contract training and other business-to-business efforts. At the same time, SEI has expanded many of the original outreach and informational programs that helped position the nonprofit as the global leader in renewable energy education for all populations here in the U.S. and internationally. Some of these programs include:

• Department of Energy Solar Trainers Network
• SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program
• Contract Training and B2B Programs
• Colorado Renewable Energy Professionals Academy
• International and Developing World Program
• Native American Outreach Program
• Solar in the Schools Program
• Walt Ratterman Scholarship Fund

About Solar Energy International (SEI)
Solar Energy International was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization to train people on renewable energy technologies and has served more than 20,000 people from all 50 states and 90+ countries in hands-on workshops and online courses. Solar Energy International works with grassroots and development organizations worldwide. Visit http://www.solarenergy.org for information about SEI, including workshops, alumni, and outreach.