Shelley Cohen

Shelley Cohen serves as Ameresco’s director of clean technology business development, focusing on integrating clean technologies into resilient energy solutions. For Ameresco, Cohen developed 15 megawatts of renewable energy assets and implemented $50 million in building efficiency projects with another $50 million in development. She previously served as director of solar programs for the DC Sustainable Energy Utility where she developed the Solar for All (SfA) program. She managed the program’s $12 million annual budget, incentivizing the rapid deployment of solar across DC to benefit low-income residents. Under her leadership, SfA delivered 15 megawatts of community/residential solar, made solar more accessible and affordable, and expanded workforce development opportunities for residents in solar careers. Cohen founded and served as CEO of Alpha Solar Group, a consultancy providing solar projects, interconnection, and permitting expertise. Other career highlights include EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program, President’s Council on Sustainable Development, White House Office on Environmental Policy, and Office of Senator Lieberman (CT). Board experience includes NWF, MDV-SEIA, and DC Environmental Film Festival. Cohen is a leader/mentor with the Climate Reality Project. She has an MPA from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University (NY) and a B.A. from Tufts University (MA).