Betsy Kauffman heads up Energy Trust of Oregon’s renewable energy sector, which provide cash incentives and technical assistance to solar, hydro, biopower, and geothermal projects in Oregon. The program has funded more than 10,000 commercial, residential, and large-scale solar projects and more than 20 hydro, bio, and geothermal projects.

BACKGROUND

Prior to joining Energy Trust, Betsy worked at For the Sake of the Salmon where she managed the Salmon-Friendly Power program, one of Oregon’s first programs to allow utility customers to choose a renewable power option. Betsy also has a long history in the news business, having spent ten years as an anchor and reporter at radio stations across the country.

EDUCATION

She has bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and moonlights as a stand-up comic.