Ben Kessler Email & Phone Number

Remote

EV Strategy

Responsible for policy objectives and strategy to promote networked charging products while advancing transportation electrification market development more broadly in an 18 state and territory region of the Eastern USExperience working with elected officials and state regulatory agencies, preparing, and delivering testimony and presentations before legislative committees, and advancing policy objectives in a wide variety of forums.Tracked, monitored, and analyzed state and federal legislation, regulatory filings, and other EV policy proposals to develop ChargePoint’s policy positions and market strategy for response.Developed and managed strategic relationships with contract lobbyists and association stakeholders in key states.Coordinated with internal teams and consultants on messaging, policy development, and strategy.

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Director of Palmetto Clean Fuels Coalition, the US Department of Energy designated Clean CitiesCoalition for South CarolinaManage the South Carolina Electric Vehicle Stakeholder Initiative - a statewide stakeholder convening forEVs culminating with a report to the State Joint Task Force Committee on Transportation ElectrificationPrepare reports, white papers, and grant deliverables regarding clean transportation, including executive cabinet actionsDevelop public-private partnership relations with OEMs and suppliers to support economic developmentobjectives

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Director of Palmetto Clean Fuels Coalition, the US DOE designated Clean Cities Coalition for SouthCarolinaCoordinate the Plug In SC incentive program a statewide standardization program for charging stations to increase visibility; over 73 sites deployedEngage regularly with fleet managers of public and private entities, ranging from local to international size, about vehicle procurements and infrastructure considerationsPrepare alternative fuel analyses for public and private fleets and case-studies; including a report for the State Energy Office to procure an electric vehicle, and analyses for multiple municipalities and varioustransit agencies

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Co-Director of Palmetto Clean Fuels coalition, the US DOE Clean Cities Coalition for South CarolinaManage the Manufactured Home EnergyStar Tax Credit program, including approving applicationsApply policy expertise and analysis on DER, DSM, DOE Better Buildings/EPA EnergyStar and EE/RE systems and programs from utilities and federal, state, and local entitiesCoordinate stakeholder events involving hydrogen, propane, electricity, and other EPAct recognized fuelsTechnical expert for GIS applications with proficiency in Spatial Analytics, Linear Referencing, and Network Analysis

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Area

Charleston, West Virginia Area

Maintained a thorough understanding of legislative and regulatory processes, and complete situational awareness of the political, legislative, and regulatory landscape.Maintained strong relationships with state policymakers in executive and legislative branches, their staff, as well as environmental and consumer boards. Attended committee meetings, stakeholder meetings, and floor sessions, plus active advocacy with lawmakers.Developed strategic and tactical plans to address identified threats and opportunities in executive and legislative branches. Participated as an integral member of an allied lobbyist team, meeting weekly during session.Led and actively participated in coalitions with advocates and other stakeholders. Worked collaboratively with other WVEC lobbyists, staff, and member groups.Wrote weekly articles for WVEC’s WV Green Update and a wrap-up article at the conclusion of the session.Participated in meetings with the Legislative Oversight Committee of WVEC.

Morgantown, West Virginia

Collaborated with WVU Administration and NGOs on strategies to reduce carbon emissionsPassed a WVU Student Government resolution advocating for a 50kW Solar Pilot ProgramCultivated development of a GHG Emission Inventory of WVUAdvocated against lower pollution controls (HB 2506) at the state capitolOrganized a University commitment to public data and environmental sustainability with multiple organizations

Harrisonburg, Virginia

AmeriCorps NCCC Member contracted by the United States Forest Service and The Nature ConservancyCoordinated with a ten person crew to accomplish repairing trails and rockways washed out by floodsExperience in invasive species removal and wetland remediation efforts

Morgantown, West Virginia

Analyzed peer-reviewed research from fellows around the WorldDemonstrated knowledge of international and US Federal environmental laws and treatiesResearched and composed a paper on the disconnect between scientists and policy makersProofread research from foreign language researchers

Morgantown, West Virginia

Analyzed and processed data in Microsoft Office and ESRI ArcMapCollaborated with multiple investigators to understand data trendsExperience in using GPS data systems, as well as, oxide and particulate matter sensorsProficient in Spatial Analysis, Geostatistical Analysis, and Tracking Extensions of ArcMap

Morgantown, West Virginia

Worked for Student Government Association. Engaged with 30,000 students through social media platforms in a productive and professional manner. Organized events and contact lists daily. Rallied voters and volunteers to accomplish tasks.

Morgantown, West Virginia

Organized phone banking lists and election materials. Developed grassroots strategies to better reach constituents. Canvassed and called thousands of residents in the 51st District of West Virginia.

Morgantown, West Virginia

Dedicated 15 hours a week to research the Higher Education Policy CommissionOrganized and scheduled meetings with West Virginia Senators and RepresentativesGarnered legislative support for medical amnesty and medical marijuana

Minor, Political Science And Government

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Environmental Geoscience

Thesis: Approaches to the TuNur Concentrated Solar Power Plant in Terms of Sustainable Development: Energy Policy and Land