RMI welcomes John Szoka, Leah Qusba, and Nag Rao, key U.S. leaders across the political, communications and entrepreneurial sectors that help shape clean energy.  

BOULDER, CO – October 15, 2026. 

A former leader of the North Carolina House Republican Conference, the CEO of GoodPower, and an innovative clean tech entrepreneur and philanthropist are joining RMI’s Board of Trustees. Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to secure a prosperous, resilient, clean energy future for all. As members of RMI’s board, the new trustees will support RMI’s mission and help guide its global strategy. 

John Szoka is CEO of Conservative Energy Network (CEN). He became an advocate for clean energy during his ten years of service (2013-2022) in the North Carolina House of Representatives. During his legislative tenure, he served as the House Republican Conference Leader, Senior Chairman of the Finance Committee, Chairman of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, and Chairman of the Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy, and was widely recognized as the leading advocate for free market solutions to a clean energy future. 

John graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in a variety of command and staff positions. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of service.  

Leah Qusba is the Chief Executive Officer of GoodPower, a leading strategic communications and research organization advancing the global energy transition. 

Leah has positioned GoodPower at the cutting edge of media innovation and campaigning. She is widely regarded as an advanced practitioner at the nexus of energy, media, and culture, leveraging modern communications tools to reach across ideological divides and build broad coalitions that drive the energy transition forward. 

Nag Rao is a serial entrepreneur dating back to the 1990s, with a focus on software and SAAS platforms. More recently, he became the founder and sole investor in Oso Robotics, a manufacturer of 21” smart and autonomous electric mowers for commercial landscapers, with an extensive footprint in the California market.  

Nag is also actively engaged in philanthropic world with many impactful environmental projects sponsored through The Rao Foundation. The Rao Foundation is also passionate about children’s health and education with active involvement in many local and national nonprofits. 

“Bi-partisan solutions to energy security, affordability, scaling clean energy are all within reach and RMI is a key player in bringing the technical receipts and industry relationships to the table.” said Szoka. “The work that RMI does is outstanding, and I have repeatedly applied their work throughout my career. Joining the board is an honor.” 

“I am deeply inspired by RMI’s unique convening power – a proven formula that the energy transition needs now more than ever. There is so much important work to be done to ensure that cutting edge research and analysis are reaching the right audiences and effectively shaping global conversations about energy security, affordability, and tackling the climate challenge,” said Qusba. “I couldn’t be happier to join in support of RMI’s mission at this critical time.” 

“RMI has always been ahead of its time in thinking about the impact of our energy generation and consumption. The organization is engaging deeply on the hardest macro issues with techno-economic thinking and working from first principles to unearth key new insights. With my passion for renewable energy generation, it was the perfect organization for me to expand my role with,” said Rao.  

“As RMI works to drive consensus around scaling affordable, reliable clean energy that meets economic and security needs around the world, we are thrilled to welcome these exceptional leaders to RMI,” said Jon Creyts, CEO, RMI. “Their perspectives and understanding of the issues underpinning the energy transition will strengthen an already outstanding board.” 

Media Contact: 

abeitman@rmi.org  

About RMI 

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to secure a prosperous, resilient, clean energy future for all. In collaboration with businesses, policymakers, funders, communities, and other partners, RMI drives investment to scale clean energy solutions, reduce energy waste, and boost access to affordable clean energy in ways that enhance security, strengthen the economy, and improve people’s livelihoods. RMI is active in over 50 countries.