As Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Energy, Dr. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick brings extensive experience in clean energy, climate science, nonprofit management, and fundraising to Fresh Energy.

Margaret has dedicated her career to fighting climate change and advancing the clean energy transition. She came to Fresh Energy from a multidisciplinary background in climate science and energy policy with past work alongside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Barr Foundation, Conservation Law Foundation, and Institute for Global Sustainability. Margaret holds a doctorate in Geography from Boston University, a master’s degree in Organismal Biology and Ecology from the University of Montana, and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Reed College.

Through her work at Fresh Energy, Margaret also co-founded and co-directed — and later, served as Board Treasurer — of the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition and raised significant funds to facilitate its successful launch into an independent nonprofit in 2024.

In her tenure at Fresh Energy prior to becoming CEO, Margaret built, led, and significantly grew the organization’s work and impact within energy transition policy, including in the buildings and transportation sectors. She also broke new ground for the organization in “Vision 2030: Fresh Energy’s Strategic Framework,” by identifying pathways for our work to expand into the heavy industry and agriculture sectors — crucial and difficult areas that must be decarbonized to achieve an equitable, carbon-neutral economy by 2050.

A seasoned public speaker, climate advocate, nonprofit leader, and published researcher, Dr. Cherne-Hendrick has testified before the Minnesota Legislature and Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and frequently serves as a resource for the media.

For nearly 35 years, Fresh Energy has been speeding Minnesota’s transition to a clean energy economy to ensure that our region enjoys good health, a vibrant economy, and thriving, equitable communities today and for generations to come.

Margaret channels her deep, multidisciplinary experience and passion for climate science into her work as she leads Fresh Energy in its mission shaping and driving bold policy solutions to create equitable carbon-neutral economies for all.

Margaret lives in the Twin Cities and enjoys spending time with her wife, daughters, and dog as well as gardening, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.