New Energy Equity Names Elizabeth Driscoll to Role of Chief Operating Officer and Laurel Passera as Vice President of Policy

New leadership hires will accelerate the company's capabilities to build distributed energy projects in markets where they will deliver the most benefit.

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New Energy Equity, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE, today announced two new members of the senior executive team to power the company's next growth phase. Elizabeth Driscoll joins the company as Chief Operating Officer, leading engineering, construction, and operations for New Energy Equity's growing portfolio of distributed energy assets. Laurel Passera joins as Vice President of Policy and will lead the company's efforts to establish and expand markets where solar can improve reliability and affordability for electricity customers.

As demand for energy continues to increase, generation must keep pace and ensure electricity is available and affordable for all communities. With these additions to the executive team, New Energy Equity is bringing on two industry veterans who will take leadership roles in building more distributed energy projects in markets where they will have the most benefit for electricity customers.

In her role as Chief Operating Officer, Elizabeth Driscoll will oversee the company's engineering, construction, and operations functions to support successful execution and long-term performance of New Energy Equity's growing project portfolio. She has more than two decades of leadership experience and expertise in renewable energy, construction, engineering, and infrastructure development, including managing more than 1 GW of solar and energy storage projects. Prior to New Energy Equity, Elizabeth held leadership positions with Carson Power, Advanced Power, and Borrego Solar, where she successfully constructed and delivered renewable energy projects across multiple markets.

"Elizabeth brings the technical depth and operational discipline needed to ensure our projects move smoothly from development through construction and rapidly to operation," said Josh Kunkel, Chief Executive Officer of New Energy Equity. "She knows how to build complex projects and scale project portfolios quickly. We're excited to add her extensive experience in distributed generation to our team."

Laurel Passera joins the company with more than 15 years of experience advancing renewable energy markets through policy, regulatory strategy, and utility engagement. Prior to New Energy Equity, she spent 10 years at the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA), where she led multi-state policy campaigns and worked directly with utilities, regulators, and state agencies to address market barriers and expand community solar and distributed storage opportunities. Her work included developing national model policy frameworks and resolving challenges related to interconnection, customer billing, and utility coordination. Laurel serves on the board of the Center for Resource Solutions and the advisory board of Raleigh City Farm, which she co-founded in 2011.

"New Energy Equity's focus is on building energy projects with rewarding impact for landowners, partners and communities. Laurel brings the policy and regulatory expertise to help us to do just that," said Jackie Chambers, President of New Energy Equity. "Laurel's experience working with utilities, regulators, and state agencies will help us develop projects with greater certainty so communities can see the impact sooner."

About New Energy Equity
New Energy Equity, a whole-owned subsidiary of ALLETE, develops, builds and owns solar and energy storage projects designed to generate reliable energy and lasting economic value for all. New Energy Equity has developed over 600 megawatts of solar projects across 16 states. To learn more, visit http://www.newenergyequity.com.

SOURCE New Energy Equity