After months of searching for a president, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has named Tim Pawlenty, the former Republican governor of Minnesota, to its leading role.
Tim Pawlenty, incoming CEO and president of SEIA.
“I am honored to join SEIA at such a pivotal moment for our nation’s energy future,” Pawlenty said in a press release. “The sun is the safest, most natural and largest nuclear reactor in the world, and it provides an abundant source of energy we should be using to its fullest potential. That’s why solar is one of the most effective tools we have to meet rising energy demand while lowering costs for families and businesses. At a time when affordability is front and center for Americans, expanding access to low-cost solar and storage can deliver real savings and strengthen our domestic energy supply. I look forward to working with SEIA’s members, policymakers, and partners to move that vision forward.”
Pawlenty served two terms as Minnesota’s governor, from 2003 to 2011. During his time in office, he signed into law climate-related legislation, namely the Next Generation Act, which aimed to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. He also supported the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord, a regional effort to curb emissions.
He reportedly later criticized cap and trade methods of curbing greenhouse gas emissions, which set limits on how much greenhouse gas an entity can produce, and which was a directive in the Next Generation Act. He most recently was CEO of the financial services roundtable for the Santander International Banking Conference.
Former SEIA president and CEO Abby Ross Hopper announced in October 2025 that she would resign from the role after nine years with the lobbying group. Darren Van’t Hof, managing director of US Bank, was appointed interim CEO and president in Hopper’s absence.
“On behalf of SEIA and myself, we are thrilled to welcome Tim to the organization,” Van’t Hof said. “I want to extend a special thanks to the search committee for their work throughout this process. We could not have found a better candidate for this role, and we’re excited to welcome Tim aboard.”
Pawlenty will assume his role with SEIA on June 15.
