Mary Collins is a seasoned executive and strategic leader with over two decades of experience shaping global energy policy, sustainability initiatives, and international diplomacy. Guided by her professional motto, “Positive leadership transforms challenges into sustainable opportunities,” Mary has consistently demonstrated a unique blend of expertise, innovation, and effective leadership across various high-profile roles.
Currently, Mary is the founder of Climate Forward Strategies, where she partners with organizations to strategically align public policy, advocacy efforts, and market insights to accelerate advanced energy solutions. Her consultancy leverages her deep knowledge of policy frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and market dynamics, ensuring that sustainability goals translate into actionable and impactful results.
Previously, as Senior Advisor for Climate and Economy at the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, Mary spearheaded the California Jobs First initiative. Under her leadership, this ambitious $450 million program aimed to mobilize over $12 billion in state, federal, and private investments, significantly advancing California’s transition to carbon neutrality while promoting economic equity and high-quality job creation.
At MC Renewables Consulting, Mary advised prestigious international clients such as the Norwegian Embassy on offshore wind and zero-emission vehicle policies, showcasing her remarkable diplomatic and strategic capabilities. Additionally, her support for Kenya’s Organic Health Response demonstrated her commitment to impactful international collaboration and sustainable development.
Mary also distinguished herself during her tenure with the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., serving as Climate Attaché and Energy Advisor. In this role, she notably advanced critical policies leading to California’s commitment to phase out combustion-engine vehicles, influencing global climate negotiations at COP26. Her ability to navigate complex diplomatic landscapes and build consensus significantly bolstered international climate objectives.
Her scholarly contributions at the University of California, Berkeley further established her as a thought leader in energy policy. Mary co-founded the U.S.-Mexico Binational Laboratory and authored multiple influential papers and book chapters on renewable energy and market development. Through workshops and collaboration, she effectively bridged academic research and practical policy solutions.
As Co-Founder and Managing Director of the American Jobs Project, Mary, alongside U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, created state-specific roadmaps fostering renewable energy job creation and influencing millions in public investment across the U.S. This initiative underscored her strengths in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy, significantly impacting regional economic sustainability.
Mary’s commitment to sustainability began during her transformative tenure with the United States Peace Corps in Panama. There, she significantly enhanced agricultural practices, community resilience, and sustainable economic growth through effective mentoring, leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration.
An active industry contributor, Mary serves as a mentor for Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and contributed six years of impactful governance to a nonprofit board. Her extensive board experience underscores her dedication to leadership development, strategic oversight, and community outreach.
Outside her professional endeavors, Mary nurtures a balanced life, passionately engaging in yoga, gardening, and hiking—activities reflecting her personal dedication to sustainability, wellness, and holistic living.
Character:
Mary embodies integrity, resilience, and enthusiasm, consistently demonstrating ethical standards and positivity in professional settings. Her leadership approach inspires trust and fosters collaborative team environments.
Knowledge:
She possesses comprehensive knowledge of international policy frameworks, renewable energy markets, and sustainability best practices, positioning her to effectively drive global environmental initiatives. Her expertise spans academic, governmental, and private sectors.
Strategic:
Mary excels at navigating complex interdependencies and proactively developing strategies that leverage policy and market dynamics to deliver sustainable results. Her strategic foresight consistently enables effective long-term planning.
Communication:
An exceptional communicator, Mary effectively translates complex policy and technical information into accessible insights for diverse stakeholders. Her engaging public speaking and diplomatic negotiation skills significantly enhance stakeholder alignment and project outcomes.
