Board of Directors President
Samantha (Sam) Childress is expanding the global adoption of renewable energy by designing and commercializing microgrid & distributed energy solutions.
She is passionate about delivering clean energy technologies through innovative business models and community partnerships that enable clean and affordable energy for everyone.
Sam has been volunteering with USI since 2014 and has led the Board since 2022. She enjoys working alongside dedicated subject matter experts & committed communities to make an impact.
Jon has over 15 years of experience in the solar energy industry and has built over 500 MW’s of utility scale solar projects.
Jon has a passion for making the world a better place and is committed to helping end energy poverty in his lifetime, dedicated to developing solutions for the 1 in 7 people in the world who currently do not have reliable access to electricity.
Jon is currently working on new innovative ways to use blockchain technology to help fund and increase access to solar energy. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and two children.
Steven co-founded USI as a blending of two passions – international development and renewable energy.
He started his career with Habitat for Humanity before moving to Kenya to teach farmers about beekeeping.
Upon his return he worked as a project manager for Strata Solar building utility scale solar farms. He’s currently the vice president of Trinity Design/Build.
He’s passionate about photography, cooking, traveling, and all types of outdoor activities.
Ed Witkin has been designing and installing solar electric systems for both on and off grid applications since 1987.
He has been involved with renewable energy education through workshops, teaching engagements, writing articles for industry journals, and creating displays at solar energy fairs and festivals.
While teaching in the Sustainability Program at Durham Tech Community College in 2011, Ed and one of his students, Steven Thomsen, collaborated on a project to build a solar electric generator for a remote school in Nicaragua. That project led to the formation of United Solar Initiative where Ed continues to serve on the board.
Ed lives in Chapel Hill, NC with his brave wife, Ellen. His two daughters and four grandchildren also live nearby. You can find him playing music with family and friends most anytime.
Jack is supporting our global decarbonization goals by deploying innovative solutions across a variety of climate technologies.
Having spent time in the utility scale solar and wind industries, he is now focused on how best to scale and bring new technologies and solutions to market.
Jack was a part of the initial team of USI founders and volunteers starting in 2013, building on his studies at Appalachian State University focused on using renewables to make a positive impact.
In his free time you’ll usually find him outside, biking, running, skiing, or any other active hobby.
Jess is working on improving the access and feasibility in the transition to electric vehicles through her work in EV charging.
Her focus is on expanding public charging infrastructure and mitigating grid stress from the energy demands of chargers.
Jess is committed to pursuing a future where renewable energy options are accessible and scalable for everyone, which led her to start working with USI.
When she’s not looking at new ways to deliver sustainable technologies, you can find her hiking, making loose leaf teas or building escape rooms for her friends.
Charlotte is committed to building sustainable energy infrastructure in underserved communities around the globe.
Her work in business development and her studies in Political Science at Duke University have equipped her with a deep understanding of the political and economic landscapes affecting energy policy and development.
Since joining USI, Charlotte has helped in expanding the organization’s reach and impact. She is driven by the mission to make renewable energy both accessible and sustainable, aiming to create lasting change in the communities USI serves.
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