RENEW Wisconsin has named Sam Dunaiski as Executive Director. Mr. Dunaiski was hired as RENEW Wisconsin Program Manager in July 2018 and moved into the Distributed Resources Director position in October 2020. Before joining RENEW, he served as an operational meteorologist, creating detailed weather forecasts for utilities, agriculture groups, radio stations, and other clients.
“I am very pleased that Sam will become RENEW’s next Executive Director,” said Michael Vickerman, Policy Director at RENEW Wisconsin. “Sam’s leadership will be a crucial factor as we prepare for the next chapter of Wisconsin’s clean energy transition. It is our goal to make clean energy accessible, affordable, and available for anyone who desires it. This will involve engaging the many constituencies who have much to gain from actively taking part in Wisconsin’s journey towards a zero-carbon future. Sam has the drive and the skill set necessary to make that happen.”
RENEW’s Board President Amy Seeboth Wilson added, “The RENEW Board is ecstatic to work with Sam in this new role. He is a true champion for our mission, first volunteering with us in 2017 before joining our staff in 2018 and taking on increasing responsibility within the organization. Sam is committed and passionate- we cannot imagine a better person to lead us into this period of pivotal growth and transition for Wisconsin’s renewable energy future!”
“I am honored to lead RENEW Wisconsin at this transformational time for clean energy,” Mr.Dunaiski said. “With unprecedented legislation in the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, our work is more important than ever. RENEW will work towards bipartisan implementation of these new laws and increased access to the benefits of solar, wind, biogas, local hydropower, and building and transportation electrification.”
“This is an incredible opportunity to invest in Wisconsin communities and keep our energy dollars in state,” he continued. “We are committed to ensuring all Wisconsinites can reap the benefits of clean energy and will continue our work towards building a healthier, smarter Wisconsin through the advancement of clean energy.”
Sam has served on numerous committees and working groups addressing renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change, including co-chairing the Sustainable Madison Committee. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Other advocates and industry professionals applauded Mr. Dunaiski’s appointment.
“In both volunteer and professional capacities, Sam is a champion for renewable energy in our community and a tremendous partner. From co-chairing the City of Madison’s Sustainable Madison Committee to helping us expand the MadiSUN program, Sam’s leadership has been a key to success. I’m excited to see him take on the role of Executive Director at RENEW.”
-Jessica Price, Sustainability and Resilience Manager, City of Madison
“Sam has been the Solar for Good grant program coordinator for the Couillard Solar Foundation for the last five years. He is as dedicated and committed to our mission as we could hope, and we know that he will bring that same commitment to his new role as RENEW Wisconsin’s Executive Director. Personally, I’ve worked with Sam closely over this last year when I stepped into my role at the foundation and I couldn’t be happier to see his achievement.”
– Jackie Harrison-Jewell, Executive Director, Couillard Solar Foundation