Abigail Ross Hopper named as SEIA’s president and CEO

January 9, 2017
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Hopper joins SEIA after serving as director of BOEM where she was responsible for leasing oil, gas and offshore wind projects. Source: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Abigail Ross Hopper has been named the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA) new president and CEO. She will assume her position on the 17 January.

She replaces Rhone Resch, who stepped down in May after 12 years' leading the association.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Hopper joins SEIA from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), where she worked on federal energy policy. Prior to her role at BOEM, Hopper led the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), taking on a range of policy roles including serving as energy advisor to former governor Martin O'Malley.

“I am thrilled to lead the Solar Energy Industries Association,” Hopper said. “I have spent my career working with all sides of the political and ideological spectrum to arrive at pragmatic approaches to energy policy. I look forward to utilizing that experience to serve our SEIA members.”

SEIA board chairman Nat Kreamer said Hopper was chosen in part for her “bridge-building talents.” Hopper joins the SEIA at a crucial time; characterised by both unprecedented solar growth, and federal opposition, with the president-elect deeming the technology “too expensive”.

Tom Kimbis, who served as interim president since the end of May has been appointed executive vice president and general counsel. 

Read Next

March 2, 2026
Massachusetts’ state energy efficiency bill contains some positive support for solar energy but falls short on efforts to reduce energy bills, according to US renewables advocacy groups.
March 2, 2026
The final months of 2025 saw a surge in US residential solar installations as homeowners sought to take advantage of the end of the federal tax credit for purchased systems, according to the solar marketplace EnergySage.
February 27, 2026
Despite posting strong revenue growth for 2025, US residential solar and energy storage installer Sunrun reported a decline in quarterly solar installation.
February 26, 2026
US engineering and manufacturing company MacLean-Fogg has acquired solar PV tracker and fixed-tilt solutions manufacturer OMCO Solar.
February 26, 2026
Developers are forecast to add a record 43.4GW of new solar PV capacity to the US power system in 2026, according to the EIA.
February 26, 2026
Power loss at solar PV projects has more than doubled in the last five years despite maturing markets and advancing technology, according to new data from US-based  solar asset analysis firm Raptor Maps.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain