Tribal Energy Alternatives Announces Inaugural Board of Directors

Denver, CO – August 21, 2025 – Tribal Energy Alternatives (TEA) proudly announces the appointment of its distinguished Board of Directors, bringing together nationally recognized leaders in tribal governance, climate action, and community empowerment. This milestone strengthens TEA’s mission to advance renewable energy, workforce development, and sustainable infrastructure across Tribal Nations.

The newly appointed Board of Directors includes:

• Board Chair: Collette Brown-Rodriguez – (Confederated and Salish Kootenai Tribe, Navajo Nation), Director of Tribal Development at Avantus. A leader in Native community advocacy and organizational development, bringing extensive experience in advancing equity and capacity-building for tribal communities.
• Board Member: Daniel Wiggins – (Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians), current Executive Director at the Midwest Tribal Energy Resource Association (MTERA). Environmental and tribal sovereignty advocate with deep expertise in climate resilience and Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
• Board Member: Fawn Sharpe – current President of the Quinault Indian Nation in Taholah, Washington. Ms. Sharp is also President of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI). Former president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and a champion for tribal sovereignty, economic development, and environmental justice.
• Board Member: John Lewis – (Lakota, Gila River), Managing Director for Native American Energy at Avant Energy, and AES Clean Energy, Senior Development Manager. A strategic leader in tribal energy policy and sustainable infrastructure development, with decades of experience advancing Native-led solutions for energy independence.

“Tribal Energy Alternatives is honored to have such visionary leaders guiding our work,” said Talia Martin, Co-Executive Director of TEA. “Their collective knowledge, experience, and commitment to tribal sovereignty will ensure that our programs not only deliver clean energy but also empower tribal communities to thrive.”

“By uniting energy sovereignty with climate justice, TEA is advancing a future where Tribal Nations lead the way in renewable energy and workforce innovation,” added Tanksi Clairmont, Co-Executive Director of TEA. “Our Board of Directors reflects the strength, resilience, and leadership that Native communities bring to the climate solutions movement.”

Tribal Energy Alternatives continues to build momentum with initiatives focused on solar development, workforce training, and tribal energy independence. With the guidance of its Board, TEA is positioned to expand its impact and strengthen partnerships nationwide.

For more information about Tribal Energy Alternatives and its leadership, please visit www.tribalalternatives.org.