After months of searching for a president, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has named Tim Pawlenty, the former Republican governor of Minnesota, to its leadership role.
Tim Pawlenty, incoming CEO and president of SEIA.
“I am honored to join SEIA at such a pivotal time for our nation’s energy future,” Pawlenty said in a press release. “The sun is the safest, most natural, and largest nuclear reactor on earth, providing an abundant energy source that we must fully utilize. That’s why solar energy is one of the most effective tools we have to meet rising energy demands while lowering costs for families and businesses. At a time when affordability is paramount for Americans, expanding access to low-cost solar and storage can deliver real savings and strengthen our domestic energy supply. I look forward to working with the members, policymakers, and partners of SEIA to move that vision forward.”
Pawlenty served two terms as governor of Minnesota, from 2003 to 2011. During his time in office, he signed climate legislation, namely the Next Generation Actwhich aimed to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. He also supported the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord, a regional effort to curb emissions.
He reportedly later criticized cap and trade methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which place limits on the amount of greenhouse gas an entity can produce, and which was a guideline in the Next Generation Act. Most recently, he was CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable for the Santander International Banking Conference.
Former SEIA President and CEO Abby Ross Hopper announced in October 2025 that she would resign after nine years with the lobby group. US Bank Chief Executive Officer Darren Van’t Hof was named interim CEO and president in Hopper’s absence.
“On behalf of SEIA and myself, we would like to welcome Tim to the organization,” said Van’t Hof. “I would like to give a special thank you to the search committee for their work throughout this process. We could not have found a better candidate for this role and we are excited to welcome Tim on board.”
Pawlenty will assume his role at SEIA on June 15.
