Erik Stokes

About Erik Stokes

Erik Stokes is the Chief of Staff to California Energy Commissioner Noemi Gallardo, advising the Commissioner on key clean energy policy initiatives including Lithium Valley. Prior to joining the Commissioner Gallardo\'s Office, Erik held several roles in the Energy Commission\'s Research and Development Division, most recently as the Deputy Director. Erik has extensive experience managing clean energy programs and initiatives, including working across sectors and disciplines to develop innovative approaches to longstanding challenges facing the cleantech sector. Erik has spearheaded several programs to commercialize breakthrough clean energy technologies; these programs have helped start-up companies attract over $10 billion in private investment. In addition, Erik has worked to address barriers to broader deployment of emerging clean energy technologies, particularly in underserved communities; including pioneering a design-build competition to transform low-income neighborhoods into technologically-advanced clean energy communities. Erik has also overseen a number of engagement activities and events for the California Energy Commission including the Lithium Valley Symposium and the EPIC Symposium; an annual event that draws over 800 people to Sacramento to discuss the latest innovations in clean energy. He has spoken at over 150 events and forums on a variety of energy and climate change topics including clean energy entrepreneurship, renewable energy, energy storage, microgrids, energy efficiency and electric vehicles. Prior to joining the California Energy Commission, Erik worked in the computer sector helping develop next-generation data storage technologies. He holds a Bachelor\'s Degree in Computer Engineering and a Master\'s Degree in Business Administration.

Experience

1. Chief of Staff, Office of Commissioner Noemi Gallardo

   California Energy Commission

   Aug 2023 — Present

Education

• California State University, Chico

  BS, Computer Engineering

  1995 — 2000

• California State University-Sacramento

  Masters, Business Administration

  2002 — 2005

Skills

• Electronics
• Energy Efficiency
• Policy Analysis
• Solar Energy
• Strategic Planning
• Government
• Program Management
• Research
• Management
• Event Planning
• Engineering
• Renewable Energy
• Project Management