Jennifer E. Leisch, Ph.D., is a recognized leader in international energy, climate, and resilience programs, with two decades of experience advancing energy transition and decarbonization strategies across Asia, Africa, and emerging markets worldwide. Prior to joining the NREL foundation, Dr. Leisch led Climate, Energy, and Water business development at Deloitte Consulting, guiding a pipeline of donor-funded initiatives focused on energy reform, advanced energy technology, industrial decarbonization, grid integration, and net zero strategies.

Previously, Dr. Leisch helped lead USAID’s Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program II, where she advised government and private sector partners on national policy for electric vehicles, corporate renewable energy procurement, industrial efficiency, and carbon market development. She also served as Partnership Lead at USAID, managing the landmark USAID–NREL collaboration to bring advanced U.S. Department of Energy expertise to developing energy systems.

Her career began as a scientist at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Stanford University, where she contributed to pioneering solar and hydrogen research and holds a U.S. patent in solar manufacturing.

Dr. Leisch serves on advisory councils for international clean energy initiatives and is widely published on energy transition, resilience, and green growth strategies. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry and Materials Science from the Colorado School of Mines.