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. 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 EarthShare Texas member organization, State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR).
Steven Ùgalde | Marketing and Outreach Coordinator
Steven joins TXSES with an impressive array of skills and expertise, making him a valuable addition to our team. With a wealth of experience in customer success relationships, data analysis, case/project management and social media, Steven will be instrumental in helping grow our base, acting as the main liaison between TXSES and our members while being responsible for promoting models and tools with local governments and other stakeholders that help advance our mission. Steven’s enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge about diverse sustainability practices contributes to making a positive impact on the lives of others and is the driving force behind his actions. His keen interest in studying films and his aspirations as an aspiring writer reflect his curiosity and creative spirit.
Ethan Miller | Intern
Ethan has been TXSES’ intern since July 2022. He handles the management of the organization’s database and assists with newsletters, website management and various research projects. While working for TXSES part-time, Ethan is also enrolled full-time at UT Austin’s LBJ School, where he is pursuing a Master’s of Public Affairs with a specialization in energy studies. His interest in TXSES began while an undergraduate studying Urban and Regional Planning Policy. With a strong emphasis on climate planning, Ethan realized that addressing the needs of the climate crisis would require a strong transition to distributed solar, among a combination of other renewables. When Ethan is not working with TXSES or studying at school, he enjoys hiking around Austin, making art and following politics.
Mohammad Alkhatib | Intern
Mohammad is currently an MBA candidate at Concordia University Texas. As a business analyst to Pflugerville’s Assistant City Manager, Mohammad conducted comprehensive research and data analysis on utility rate trends and drought management plans. He has hands-on experience in renewable energy projects, sustainable initiatives and city utility management. Mohammad holds a Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering from German Jordanian University and has certification from the ESG Real Estate Laboratory and FEMA National Incidents Management System.