Patrice ‘Pete’ Parsons | Executive Director
For nearly three decades, Patrice ‘Pete’ Parsons has been a leader and advocate for sustainability and renewable energy in public service and the non-profit sector. Her experience managing public/private partnerships to promote economic development and energy independence exemplifies collaboration. As Director of the Texas State Energy Conservation Office with grant oversight of $200M, Pete provided leadership on timely issues related to climate change and renewable energy policy. She was spokesperson and representative on climate change, renewable energy and the U.S. Clean Air Act Advisory Committee for the Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office. As Regional Director for the South Central Region of ICLEI USA, Local Governments for Sustainability, Pete managed program/project development, budget development and oversight, fundraising, best practices sharing and community development for 50 local governments. As Executive Director of TXSES, Pete is committed to fulfilling the organization’s mission to educate and inspire every Texan to adopt solar energy as part of an equitable 100% clean energy future.
Tamara Kowalski | Director of Communications
Tamara joins TXSES with more than 15 years of experience working with environmental nonprofits, much of which has been in communications and project management. She is passionate about solar energy, has solar panels on her home, and has a wealth of experience in communications and outreach, writing and editing, working on grants, and collaborating with regional chapters. Prior to TXSES, Tamara worked as communications and program manager at another membership-based organization in the EarthShare Texas federation, State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR).
Elle Nicholson | Intern
Elle is currently majoring in Philosophy at The University of Texas at Austin and plans to pursue a career in international environmental law. She has conducted alternative energy research for the regulatory department of an energy engineering and consulting firm and completed a senior thesis advocating for a cap-and-trade system in the United States. Elle is a published author with extensive writing experience, in addition to experience in public speaking and renewable energy policy. She is also active in several climate-related organizations on her campus.