On Thursday, October 3rd, entrepreneurs and leaders from Irvine and greater Orange County gathered for the Irvine Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural 40 Under 40 awards. Highlighting 40 leaders in business, medicine, nonprofit advocacy and public service under the age of 40 who are making strides in their industries and the greater Irvine business community were selected and honored. One of those honorees was Sullivan Solar Power’s own Director of Government Affairs, Selene Lawrence.
As the Director of Government Affairs for one of Inc. 500’s fastest growing companies in America, Sullivan Solar Power, Ms. Selene Lawrence is advancing renewable energy in the state of California through effective policy, community engagement and advocacy. Since Ms. Lawrence started as the Community Development Manager for Sullivan Solar Power in 2016, the Orange County branch of the business has expanded by taking on an additional 525 clients, growing their market share in the region significantly. Her approach to solar has always been education first, and she has planned and executed over 50 solar workshops throughout the region, teaming up with local nonprofits to educate the public on solar technology, policy and incentives. After being promoted to Deputy Director of Community Development, Ms. Lawrence created an internal philanthropy program that has donated to multiple nonprofits including the Save the Waves Foundation, Olive Crest, Ronald McDonald House and more.
In early 2019, she was promoted to her current role after demonstrating a strong interest in renewable energy policy. Through her advocacy both in Southern California and Sacramento, Ms. Lawrence has worked to protect and create positive policies to enable the growth of local solar and energy storage market. Sullivan Solar Power is currently the fifth top developer of energy storage in the state, helping to meet California’s state climate goals while providing opportunities for local employment and economic development. Recently, Ms. Lawrence represented Sullivan Solar Power and the region on a national stage at Columbia University, discussing how Orange County cities are moving towards a Community Choice Energy model.
“I feel honored to be amongst peers who are changing and driving their industries forward” stated Ms. Lawrence. “Irvine is a hub for innovation and collaboration, and this transformative environment is one I am excited to continue my growth as a solar advocate in.”
Ms. Lawrence is an active member of several sustainability advocacy groups, including the California Association of Solar and Storage, Sustain OC, Surfrider and more. She is a founding member of the South OC Community Choice Alliance, a grassroots group of community members advocating for Community Choice Energy in San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano. Through the alliance Ms. Lawrence developed free community workshops, presenting to local elected officials and residents and facilitating dialogue. In addition, she makes an effort to have a presence in every community throughout Orange County by being a member of various Chamber of Commerce groups. As a resident of San Clemente, she volunteers with the city’s Rotary International chapter and local environmental clubs. It is common to find her participating in beach clean ups and attending community education programs on the weekends.