Who We Are
About AABE
The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a national association of energy professionals founded and dedicated to ensuring the input and participation of African Americans and other people of color in the energy sector.
Established in the 1970s, local chapters have expanded throughout the United States. Standing more than 2,000 members strong, AABE’s mission is to provide direct input into the deliberations and developments of energy policies, regulations, emerging technologies and environmental issues. The formation of the ABBE Minnesota Chapter establishes a platform to demonstrate the value of leaders across the state that are actively engaged in driving the energy industry forward.
“We welcome professionals from all energy and energy-related fields and are looking for members who will be actively engaged in driving the energy industry forward to economic inclusion and BIPOC talent participation.”
Monsherra Blank, AABE Minnesota Chapter President
Monsherra Blank
AABE Minnesota Founding Board Members
We are leaders, changemakers, and stakeholders who want to work together to have a lasting impact on Minnesota.
Board Officers
Board Chair – TBD | Xcel Energy
President – Monsherra Blank | Xcel Energy, Director of Regulatory Policy
Vice President – Christopher Pittman | Campos, Lead Pipeline Engineer
Secretary – Zahra Hargens Iliff | Vessyll, CEO
Treasurer – James Okullo | ESIG, Director of Systems Planning
Executive Advisory Board Members
John Gerlach | WSB, Vice President of Oil & Gas
Mike Harley | Environmental Initiative, Executive Director
John Kearney | Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Project, Vice President of Energy Utilities and a Principal at WSB
Channon Lemon | Intent Energy, LLC., Founder
Rolf Nordstrom | Great Plains Institute, President & CEO
Kimberly Randolph | Xcel Energy, Vice President of Engineering and Construction
Ken Smith | Evergreen Energy, LLC., President & CEO
Jamez Staples | Renewable Energy Partners, President & CEO
Priti Patel | Great River Energy, Vice President & Chief Transmission Officer
Our Partners
Galvanizing ($10,000)
Benefits Include:
Founding partner recognition
Recognition at scholarship events
Logo on website
PR & Marketing Feature
Sustaining ($5,000)
Benefits Include:
Founding partner recognition
Recognition at scholarship events
Logo on website
Marketing Feature
Contributing ($2,500)
Benefits Include:
Founding partner recognition
Recognition at scholarship events
Logo on website