Gerald Espinosa elected during March board meeting as former president Ken Gardner ends tenure

Paonia, Colo., May 18, 2023 — Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading solar training educational non-profit organization, has announced that Gerald Espinosa from Pivot Energy was recently elected as their new Board President. Espinosa succeeds Ken Gardner, who served as Board President since 2016.

Gerald joined SEI as an AmeriCorp VISTA in 2015 and has been a board member and industry advisory resource for many years. He brings a wealth of experience and vision to the SEI Board President role, having served as a member of the organization’s board for the past two years. Gerald is currently the director of Corporate Clean Energy Solutions at Pivot Energy, where his responsibilities include national on-site solar development for some of the most innovative brands in America.

“It’s a new era here at SEI. Domestic and Global markets are hungry for a pipeline of Clean Energy workers qualified to build the safe and reliable solar projects their climate commitments depend on. This is especially true here in the US in light of the Inflation Reduction Act and its workforce development policies. SEI is looking outward like never before and, with a broad coalition of stakeholders, expanding access to its leading solar workforce vocational training. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we’re also doing so within a lens of equity, ” Espinosa expressed.

SEI’s outgoing board president, Ken Gardner said, “I have always admired Gerald’s knowledge and experience in the renewable energy industry. His means of expressing himself and conveying his thoughts is unparalleled. I have enjoyed my association with the SEI Board over the past eight years and have now stepped back toward retirement. SEI will continue to contribute to the renewable industry in new and expanding ways. I look forward to assisting SEI as an instructor for many years to come.”

The SEI board and staff expressed its appreciation for Gardner’s valuable contributions and service throughout his tenure. 

“Ken has been an enormous asset as a Board President, instructor, leader, mentor, and overall SEI supporter throughout the years. Apart from his contributions to our organization, he is a faithful friend and inspiring role model to many. We are excited that he will continue with us as an instructor and will continue to be an industry advisor for years to come,” said Chris Turek, SEI VP of Business Development and Executive Leadership Team member.

In honor of Ken’s service to SEI’s non-profit mission, the new student tech center building located at SEI’s Lab Facility in Paonia, Colorado has been named ‘The Ken Gardner Tech Center’. This building and the solar PV and storage training equipment found therein will be a hub of learning and discovery for years to come.

Turek went on to say, “Gerald has fresh perspectives for SEI to draw upon, with great insight into the solar industry. We have worked with him since he first started in the solar industry and knew he was a solar powered rocket of ideas and inspiration, launching to new heights. We look forward to what the future holds with him at the helm of the SEI board of directors.”

The announcement marks a new era in board leadership, with one of the youngest Board Presidents in SEI’s 30+ year history as a non-profit, alongside a healthy board of solar professionals from varying walks of life and industry experience.

About SEI
Solar Energy International (SEI) empowers students, alumni, and partners to expand a diverse, inclusive, well-trained and educated solar electricity workforce. Our aim is to promote sustainable economic growth, mitigate climate change, and support energy independence. For more information, please visit SEI.

​​Media Contacts
Chris Turek, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development
[email protected]