Learning Center

First Impressions—Early Community Engagement Strategies for Project Approval

First Impressions—Early Community Engagement Strategies for Project Approval

Early community engagement is essential for the success of renewable energy and transmission projects. It sets the stage for long-term relationships and lasting impressions of both the developer and the project. This panel will explore first-entry tactics and strategies to lay the foundation for success through early engagement. By incorporating meaningful outreach and sustained engagement with landowners, local officials and other stakeholders, developers can make a positive first impression and pave the way for project approval and community integration. Join us to learn best practices and innovative approaches to early community engagement that can set projects and the community up for success.

Lara Hamsher, MSC (Moderator)

Director of Stakeholder Relations, Impact and Sustainability

AES Clean Energy

Lara Hamsher is the Director of Stakeholder Relations, Impact, and Sustainability for AES’ Clean Energy Business.

Lara oversees a growing team of over 25 professionals, guiding AES' social and sustainability efforts for a substantial renewable portfolio – 8.6 GW of operating assets across 28 states and a 51 GW development pipeline. Her core purpose is to drive positive change, empower communities, and foster a sustainable future for our planet.

As a second-generation energy professional, Lara's dedication to this sector runs deep. After earning an undergraduate degree in Architecture & Urbanism from Smith College and spending initial years in design, she transitioned to the energy industry in 2014.

Lara's commitment to a sustainable future led her to the renewables industry in 2019, after receiving a Master of Science in Communications from Northwestern University. She began working in the renewables industry, leading Communications and Government Relations at sPower, and then joined AES in 2020. At AES, she has spearheaded the development of the Stakeholder Relations, Sustainability, and Impact team.

Lara's passion extends beyond her role at AES. A strong advocate for women in energy, she is a founding member of Women of AES Clean Energy and sits on the board of the Women's Energy Network Utah. Lara also serves on the board of the Public Affairs Council, is enrolled in the Public Affairs Institute, and serves as the vice-chair of American Clean Power’s Local Affairs Committee.

Cathy Boies, M.Ed and M.L.S.

Director

Gridworks

Cathy Boies is an energy policy strategist, analyst, communicator, and facilitator. She has a decade of experience in regulatory affairs and renewable energy. She currently works for Gridworks as the Director of the Interior West. Previous roles include at the Colorado Solar and Storage Association, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, and an energy practice law firm in Madison, Wisconsin. While at state commissions, Cathy advised commissioners as they decided rate cases, resource plans, renewable energy standards, and grid investments, among other issues. While in the private sector, Cathy led regulatory initiatives, taking deep dives into utility filings, setting the strategic direction for case development, and collaborating with counsel, expert witnesses, and organization members to develop responses. Cathy holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and master’s degrees from Harvard University and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

Darden Copeland

Managing Director

Calvert Street Group

Darden Copeland, Founder and Managing Director, launched Calvert Street Group in 2009, taking his experience in guiding voter and stakeholder targeting for presidential campaigns and utilizing similar strategies to build support for companies seeking land use and regulatory approvals. For over two decades, he’s managed corporate campaigns in 46 states and Canada. He has helped site and permit new landfills; mining operations; utility-scale solar and wind facilities; NFL stadiums; hospitals; and other controversial developments. He has run ballot initiatives to support mass transit, gaming, alcohol, and energy projects. He has advised Fortune 500 companies and CEOs on issues around permitting, zoning, and entitlements, and has engineered electoral and local regulatory outcomes for the most controversial public affairs projects in the country. During his tenure, Calvert Street clients have successfully sited more than four gigawatts of utility-scale renewable energy and Calvert Street campaigns have garnered 60 national awards from organizations like the American Association of Political Consultants and Campaigns & Elections magazine.

Matthew Wagner, PE

Renewable Energy Development Manager

DTE Energy

Matthew J. Wagner is Manager of Renewable Energy Development for DTE Energy, a Detroit-based energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses. Currently Wagner’s focuses include community engagement, wildlife, and permitting. Previously Wagner managed renewables development, including project site selection, design, land easements, wind resource info, environmental studies, communications and community relations, and landowner care. Wagner has worked in renewables since 2006. At DTE Energy Wagner also led teams responsible for environmental compliance beginning in 1994. Previously Wagner worked for Delta Environmental Consultants and ENCOTEC, Inc. in Michigan. Wagner began his career at the US EPA’s Automotive Emissions Lab, also in Michigan. Wagner has BS and MS degrees in environmental engineering from the Pennsylvania State University (1984) and University of Michigan (1991), respectively. He is a licensed PE in Michigan.
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