Dwayne McClinton, the newly appointed director of the Nevada Office of Energy, poses for a photograph at the Desert Research Institute in Las Vegas on Friday, March 20, 2023. (Daniel Clark/The Nevada Independent)

The Nevada Clean Energy Fund Welcomes New Board Chair

Las Vegas, NV– The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is pleased to announce the election of Dwayne McClinton, Director of the Governor’s Office of Energy, as Chair of NCEF’s Board of Directors. McClinton assumes the role previously held by Sharath Chandra, Administrator of the Real Estate Division in the Department of Business and Industry. This marks a new chapter for NCEF as it builds upon the strong foundation established under Chandra’s leadership.  

Sharath Chandra, who has served as Board Chair since the launch of NCEF, was instrumental in the growth and early success of the organization. During his tenure, NCEF secured transformative federal clean energy grants, launched impactful programs, and grew from one employee to a team of over one dozen mission-oriented staff who are committed to providing clean energy access to all Nevadans, regardless of income. Chandra’s invaluable mentorship to NCEF’s inaugural CEO, Kirsten Stasio, helped establish NCEF’s culture of integrity, professionalism, and service. 

During Chandra’s tenure, NCEF achieved significant milestones, notably a $156 million Solar for All grant from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This funding will enable NCEF to launch programs in Nevada that extend the benefits of solar energy to low-income and historically underserved communities. Additionally, under Chandra’s leadership NCEF introduced programs such as the Residential Energy Upgrade Program (RE-UP) and the $7.7 million Clean School Bus Program. NCEF also worked closely with the Governor’s Office of Energy to develop forthcoming programs that will support residential energy audits and energy efficiency in commercial buildings. 

“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished during my time as NCEF’s Board Chair,” said Sharath Chandra. “Our achievements reflect the hard work and dedication of the entire NCEF team and our partners. I am confident that under Dwayne McClinton’s leadership, NCEF will continue to drive positive change in the state of Nevada.” 

Chandra will continue to serve on the NCEF Board as an ex-officio member in his capacity as Real Estate Division Administrator. 

Dwayne McClinton, an energy policy expert, is well equipped to lead NCEF’s next phase of growth. McClinton’s expertise in clean energy and in Nevada will be instrumental in advancing NCEF’s mission with significant experience in renewable energy, including his role leading the Governor’s Office of Energy, and at Southwest Gas, Titan Renewables and Gamesa North America. 

“I am honored to step into the role of NCEF’s Board Chair and advance this opportunity to unlock clean energy access for Nevadans,” said Dwayne McClinton. “I am grateful for the foundational work of Sharath Chandra and his contributions to clean energy and affordability in this state.”  

For more information about NCEF and its programs, please visit www.nevadacef.org  

About the Nevada Clean Energy Fund 

The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is a nonprofit organization that supports a thriving, affordable, and accessible clean energy economy by providing financial and technical resources to Nevadans. NCEF was established by Nevada legislation in 2017 as the state’s green bank. NCEF implements programs for diverse Nevada stakeholders, including affordable housing, Tribes, nonprofits, schools, local governments, and rural communities. Clean energy measures include building electrification and efficiency, renewable energy, clean vehicles, and others.  

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