Stacey Simms

About Stacey Simms

Stacey is a transformational executive and strategic leader with over 20 years of experience across the public and private sectors, driving innovation in clean transportation, electrical infrastructure development, and organizational leadership. As the Senior Director of Clean Fuels and Infrastructure at CALSTART, Stacey oversees over $1B in incentive, technical, strategic planning and research programs advancing zero-emission vehicle adoption. Her career spans leadership roles at 7-Eleven, Xcel Energy, McKinstry, and the Colorado Energy Office, where she built and scaled high-impact teams, executed complex, multi-state initiatives, and shaped state and national policy frameworks.She combines rigorous strategic expertise with a deep commitment to fostering leadership development, operational excellence, and system-wide transformation. Stacey is known for connecting the micro and macro, blowing up barriers to execution, and influencing the rhythm of business at scale.In addition to her corporate leadership, Stacey founded Graceful Emergence, a coaching practice dedicated to empowering executives and high-potential leaders to navigate complexity and unlock transformational growth. She realized the power of personal authenticity, community leadership and \"doing power differently\" after her Peace Corps in El Salvador in the late 1990\'s. Stacey holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Regis University, certified professional coach designation from CoachU and Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI. She is a certified executive and life coach and meditation teacher, and an advocate for holistic leadership practices that integrate mind, body, and spirit. Whether navigating the complexities of large-scale initiatives or mentoring emerging leaders, Stacey brings a blend of heart, resilience, and strategic clarity to everything she does. Transformational Executive Strategy & Leadership Development Certified Executive Coach Project Management Professional Proven executive leader with 20+ years across public and private sectors, managing teams of 30+ and 200+ indirect staff. Expert in strategy, execution, and stakeholder engagement, with 10+ years in project leadership and high-impact initiatives. Oversees $24M+ CapEx/OpEx and $900M+ in grants. Fluent in: Emotional Intelligence & influencing the rhythm of business Expertise in: Executive & Team Leadership, Strategy, Program Design, EV Procurement & Infrastructure Strategy, Sustainability Initiatives, and Leading from Vision to Execution.

Experience

1. Senior Director, Clean Fuels and Infrastructure

   CALSTART

   Aug 2023 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   Lead, coach and develop high-performing teams (30+ subject matter experts) across Incentive Administration, Technical & Advisory Research, MHD Corridor Strategy, Charging Research, and Utility & Tribal Advisory Programs to drive clean transportation innovation.Oversee all Clean Fuels & Infrastructure (CF & I) strategy and execution, including $1B+ in programs across California Energy Commission and Air Resources Board programs.Shape and influence national, state, and international policy, including utility regulatory frameworks, to accelerate clean energy adoption and infrastructure development.

Education

• MIT Professional Education

  Executive Leadership: Women of Change, Organizational Leadership

• Regis University

  Master of Science, Organizational Leadership

Skills

• Training
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Energy Efficiency
• Team Leadership
• Professional Mentoring
• Organizational Development
• Project Management
• Marketing
• Resource Conservation Management
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Solar Energy
• Grants
• Program Management
• Sustainable Design
• Management
• Strategic Planning
• Strategy
• Energy Services
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Contract Management
• Energy Service Performance Contracting
• Strategy Development
• Contract Negotiation
• Budgets
• Grant Research
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Analysis
• Energy Management
• Customer Relations
• Public Speaking
• Policy
• Public Sector
• Energy
• Customer Service
• Negotiation
• Sustainable Energy
• Sustainability