The Clayton County Energy District and Clayton County Conservation are proud to announce that Kelsi Davis was hired as the full-time Energy District Coordinator. In her new position, she will uphold the shared values of the Clayton County Conservation Board and the Clayton County Energy District (CCED) Board in conserving natural resources and promoting the general welfare of Clayton County residents. This new full-time position, designed to strengthen Clayton County communities, aims to deliver clean energy education, coordinate energy coaching services, and ultimately reduce energy burden. “When we spend less on energy costs, we have more for our personal bottom lines,” says Joleen Jansen, CCED board member. “Our ultimate goal is to include everyone in the prosperity of a local clean energy transition and not leave anyone behind.”
CCED Board chair, Jim Osterhaus comments, “We are excited for this wonderful opportunity to offer full-time Energy District coordination in Clayton County. Since 2016, we have relied largely on the goodwill of volunteers and part-time staff to deliver our values of energy burden relief and clean energy market transformation in Clayton County. This opportunity was made possible by Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque grant funds, the emerging strength of offerings by the network of Clean Energy Districts of Iowa, the Clayton County Energy District, and most importantly, the cooperative and open-minded Clayton County Conservation Board.”
Kelsi’s story of environmental intrigue began on the farm, like many other northeast Iowa natives. Her father farms corn and soybeans near Luana, IA with her grandfather and brother-in-law. Through the seemingly limitless imagination and curiosity of a child Kelsi wandered the areas surrounding the farm, developing a deep connection with the land she calls home. As an adult, however, she realized her sense of childish wonder missed part of the picture, specifically the burden resource consumption has placed on the planet. This founded her journey to discovering her part in the movement for social advocacy, climate justice, and the transition to clean energy.
Kelsi attended The University of Iowa in Iowa City where she earned two degrees in Environmental Policy and Philosophy (a personal passion for which she has MFL Mar Mac educator Dale Crozier to thank) with an additional certificate in Sustainability. Her studies combined with volunteerism and advocacy work helped navigate her path forward. She began her career in clean energy selling solar arrays, inspired by helping others to achieve energy independence, cost reductions, and lower emissions. After returning home to Clayton County, though, Kelsi sought an opportunity more suited to her interests in advocacy and community work. The emerging partnership between Clayton County Conservation and the Energy District presented that opportunity.
Clean Energy Districts are an emerging locally led network of county level organizations dedicated to strengthening their communities by leading an equitable and locally owned transition to clean energy use. The partnership exemplifies a close alignment to the Clayton County Conservation mission, “… to promote the health and general welfare of the people; and to encourage preservation, conservation, education and recreation through responsible use and appreciation of our natural resources and cultural heritage”. This convergence of clean energy education programming and community engagement focuses on energy burden relief, climate stewardship, and clean energy prosperity.
Promoting the idea of “green meeting green” represents a central aspect of Kelsi’s position. Energy efficiency and clean energy sources are great for the environment, but they’re also great for your wallet. Regardless of which “green” drives the decision to invest in energy efficiency, the Energy District Coordinator will facilitate connections with energy coaches to determine a customized approach to energy efficiency. Another important part of this role will involve community education through various outreach events, media engagements, classroom visits, and discussions with organizations such as city councils or local businesses.
“The Conservation Department is eager to help convey the ever-changing technology surrounding energy conservation and best practices that can benefit area residents,” says Jenna Pollock, Clayton County Conservation Board Director.
Kelsi’s position revolves around the community and will require transparency, frequent communication, and inclusivity for all. She is honored to fulfill the Energy District Coordinator role and looks forward to the opportunity to make a difference in the community she loves. “Our piece of Iowa contains an abundance of natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and a range of economic activites. I want to add to these advantages by reducing the percentage of income spent on power for all residents of Clayton County which simultaneously conserves our natural resources, reduces emissions, and keeps local dollars in the local economy,” says Kelsi Davis, Clayton County Energy District Coordinator. Kelsi can be reached through the Osborne Nature Center or through her direct email: kdavis@claytoncountyia.gov.
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