Kelly Buchanan

Experience

1. Senior Policy and Strategy Manager, East

   Lightstar Renewables, Llc

   Feb 2025 — Present

   Tracked and provided reliable reports on policy and regulatory matters across 5 states (New York, New Jersey,PA, MA, Maryland)- Developed and delivered expert testimony, in both regulatory and legislative arenas. Successfully advocated for necessary changes to legislation and regulatory proceedings by relying on strong relationships with policy makers, lobbyists, industry colleagues, and trade associations- Secured a grant for Lightstar from the Maryland Energy Administration through education of key state officials, compelling presentations to secretary-level state officials, and efforts to encourage broad based support of emerging agrivoltaics technologies- Secured over $1 million in RFP funding for Lightstar from the New York Solar Energy Research & Development Authority- Provided and communicated expert policy analysis across business units to effectuate ideal business outcomes- Developed content for marketing efforts, authored internal memos, provided consistent policy updates in both written and verbal formats, and assisted with policy priority development and strategic decisionmaking- Served as a 3 term elected chair of the Coalition for Community Solar Access’ Maryland Committee. Represented the diverse priorities of a member-based trade association in legislative and regulatoryproceedings. Guided the association’s policy priority development in Maryland by coordinating with association staff and other business members- Presented Lightstar\'s business practices, as a subject matter expert, to national groups, and local, state, and federal policymakers- Represented Lightstar at external events and conferences across the U.S. related to both energy and agriculture.

Education

• University of Colorado Boulder

  Environmental Studies and a minor in Political Science

  2013 — 2016

Skills

• Event Planning
• Outlook
• Microsoft Office
• Quickbooks
• Sustainability
• Marketing
• Microsoft Word
• Community Outreach
• Teamwork
• Research
• Conservation Issues
• Communication
• Time Management
• Customer Service
• Social Media
• Education
• Public Speaking
• Childcare
• Public Policy