Charlie Hemmeline is the Executive Director of the Texas Solar Power Association. A native Texan, he returned to Austin after more than 8 years with the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, DC leading innovative programs for solar and energy efficiency. Serving originally under President George W. Bush and later President Obama, Charlie led wide-ranging efforts to break down the barriers to mainstream solar and reduce the soft costs of implementation. Highlights included co-founding the Solar America Initiative’s market transformation portfolio and flagship Solar America Cities program in partnership with Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Charlie holds a master’s degree in Public Service & Administration and a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, both from Texas A&M University.