TEPRI Announces Interim Executive Director

TEPRI Announces Interim Executive Director

January 10, 2022

Contact: news@tepri.org

AUSTIN, Texas—The Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI) is delighted to announce that Margo Weisz has assumed the role of Interim Executive Director, effective January 1, 2022. Margo has been instrumental to TEPRI’s success from the very beginning, and she has faithfully served on the Board of Directors since 2015, most recently as Chair.

TEPRI Founder Becky Klein applauded the move noting that, “…Margo has played an integral role in TEPRI since 2014, when she worked with me to conceptualize and launch the organization. She has great passion for energy poverty and is a visionary with exceptional research and business experience. We are lucky to have her steer the organization to new heights in 2022.”

Weisz has had a distinguished career working to build opportunities in underserved communities. She was a founder and CEO of PeopleFund, a nationally recognized community development financial institution (CDFI), for 15 years. For the past 10 years, she has been a Principal at City Lights Group, a strategic consulting firm that designs and grows mission-related initiatives.

In response to her appointment as Interim Executive Director, Weisz made the following statement:

“Energy is the most pivotal industry in the world today, affecting every aspect of society: environment, transportation, health, resilience, and the workforce. Over the next decade, the industry will experience dynamic transformation, and these changes must be designed for the benefit of all segments of society. 

“I am passionate about advancing sustainable models that can scale in our most vulnerable communities. TEPRI addresses the intersection of the issues closest to my heart: a sustainable energy future and the economic well-being of all members of society. I believe TEPRI is well-positioned to play a meaningful role in meeting the demands of our energy future.”

Outgoing Executive Director Dana Harmon stepped down in December 2021 to spend more time with her family, however, she will continue to stay involved with TEPRI in a consulting capacity. Under Harmon’s leadership, TEPRI was established as a leading voice in the energy equity movement and made major steps to provide equitable energy services to low income communities.

In a parting statement, Harmon said, “I’d like to thank you, TEPRI members, partners, and friends, for the incredible journey of the last five years. I’m passing the baton with a heart full of pride, gratitude, and sense of excitement about what’s next for TEPRI. This organization is poised to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the future of energy and social equity. I remain committed to the mission of TEPRI and am thrilled to be able to continue to support the critical work of the organization and of Margo as Interim Executive Director.” 

Weisz will serve in an interim capacity until a permanent Executive Director is selected.

 

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The Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute is a collaboration of power market participants encompassing a variety of public and private stakeholders with the unified goal of inspiring lasting energy solutions for low-income communities. Learn more here: txenergypoverty.org