Karin Burns

I have spent my career at the point where capital, strategy, technology, and execution come together. Over two decades in energy and climate markets, I have founded, grown, and turned around organizations, and I have learned that lasting results come from pairing financial discipline with hands-on operating leadership.

Today I lead one of California's largest community choice clean-energy providers, serving nearly 1 million customer accounts across the San Diego region. During my time here, we have grown annual revenue from under $350 million to more than $1 billion and built reserves from below $20 million to over $500 million, all while expanding the team from 18 people to nearly 100 and keeping turnover low. I am proud to have championed our path to 100% clean and renewable power by 2035, supported by more than 1 GW of renewable power agreements and 1.5 GW of battery storage.

My route here ran through both finance and operations. I started in global finance at firms including JPMorgan Chase and GE Equity, leading transactions that ranged from a $1.1 billion cross-border sale to investments in early-stage climate technology. I later moved into operating roles, running a full turnaround as CEO of Build It Green, expanding a multi-state portfolio at Franklin Energy, and leading forest-conservation strategy at Code REDD, where I launched the Stand for Trees campaign.

I earned my Master in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School and my MBA in International Finance from Edinburgh Business School, and I was a Fulbright Fellow in India. I have lived and worked across five continents and speak Spanish and Portuguese. When I am not working, you will usually find me skiing, swimming, or traveling with my husband and two sons in search of a new place, cuisine, or culture.