Erik Stokes
Chief of Staff and clean energy innovation leader at CEC
Sacramento, California
Summary
Leader in clean energy technology commercialization: As a long-time senior manager and deputy director in the CEC’s research and development programs, he has focused on programs and competitions (EPIC, RAMP, design-build contests) that move emerging clean energy technologies toward market readiness and private investment. opengrants+2
Senior advisor and policy lead on lithium development: Serves as Chief of Staff and Lead Advisor on the Lithium Valley initiative, coordinating policy, strategy, and community benefits for developing a lithium industry in the Salton Sea region. direct-lithium-extraction-show+2
Experienced public speaker and stakeholder engager: Frequently represents the CEC at conferences, webinars, and panels (over 150 events referenced), and helps lead outreach events such as the EPIC Symposium to connect innovators, investors, and underserved communities. microgridconferences+2
Focus on equitable deployment and community benefits: Work includes addressing barriers to deployment in underserved communities and advancing programs that emphasize community and workforce benefits alongside technology development. opengrants+2
Work
Education
Projects
Writing
Accelerating California's Journey to Net Zero (Keynote / Slides)
January 1, 2022Keynote slides discussing pathways to net zero in California, CEC programs (e.g., EPIC, CalSEED, RAMP), and contacts for CEC research and innovation programs.
Policy+Innovation Coordinating Group — Equity Workstream (Presentation)
December 3, 2020Presentation addressing policy direction and equity considerations in CEC programs such as EPIC and related initiatives (provided as a PDF presentation).