ENERGY.

CARSON HARKRADER

CEO | Carolina Solar Energy III

Durham

With project names like Turkey Creek, Horseshoe Bend and Flat Run, Harkrader might be expected to head a small family company. Wrong. With her father, solar energy pioneer Richard Harkrader, she is building one of the Southeast's largest utility-scale solar energy developers, with nearly 50 projects pumping out renewable energy in North Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia. Another 10 are under development.

The Durham-based company is family owned, and built on the foundation Richard Harkrader laid in 2007 when he built the first utility-size solar farm in the Southeast, at N.C. State University.

Harkrader joined in 2012 after working for CE Energy. She became CEO in 2018 upon her father's retirement. She's pushed Carolina Solar expansion into western North Carolina and Kentucky, working with Duke Energy, to help the state become the second-biggest producer of solar power behind California. With degrees from Brown University and New York University, she is also active in the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association.

Favorite family tradition: My son, 5, loves to travel and is very adventurous. I just took him skiing for the first time. Introducing him to new things and seeing his excitement and eagerness to learn about the world is my favorite thing to do with him.

Favorite N.C. place to visit: The great outdoors--whether the beach, mountains or rivers. We're lucky to have it all here in N.C.

Major inspiration: I am inspired by the enormity of the challenge we face in attempting to reduce the impacts of climate change on our planet.

Top career highlight: Since the summer of 2020, Carolina Solar Energy has hired undergraduate interns remotely in the fall, spring and summer. It has been really exciting to see some of our interns go on to get jobs working in clean energy. Working in renewables is so rewarding, and I love playing a part in helping get young, smart people into our industry.

Favorite hobby after work: I enjoy cooking a new or favorite recipe, or going for a walk outside.

Best advice for industry newcomer: You're in the right place. The clean energy industry will only continue to grow, and it's a great place to grow a career.

Key industry change in next five years: Sourcing challenges and tariffs, community engagement, and the urgent need to holistically upgrade our country's transmission system to accept new renewable energy are my top three concerns.

JOE BRANNAN

executive VP, CEO | North Carolina's Electric Cooperative

Raleigh

Brannan worked as chief operating officer for six years before taking the helm in 2012. The group is owned by its 26 not-for-profit co-ops that serve 2.5 million people in North Carolina. He has degrees from Pennsylvania State University and Lehigh University.

Favorite N.C. place to visit: Hatteras Island and Grandfather Mountain. Both of these places showcase the unique and natural...