February 19, 2025
Energy

Ava Community Energy names new CEO


Ava Community Energy recently announced that former COO and renewable energy expert, Howard Chang, has stepped in as the regional power supplier’s new CEO following the departure of founding CEO Nick Chaset.

Ava Community Energy has named renewable energy expert and former COO Howard Chang as the agency’s new CEO. (Photo courtesy of Ava)

As the new CEO Chang’s focus is on achieving 100% carbon-free power by 2030; providing access to low-cost and clean power across the areas the nonprofit serves; and engaging further with the community, according to a June 17 press release from Ava.

“I look forward to working with the board and the rest of the Ava team to reach our 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2030,” Chang said in the announcement. “And as a son of first-generation immigrants, I’m especially proud to be a part of our local community, and motivated to help ensure healthy communities for future generations.”

Ava is a clean energy provider for more than 1.7 million residential and commercial customers across Alameda County and parts of the San Joaquin Valley. 

The agency was originally founded in 2017 as East Bay Community Energy, which is when Chaset first joined. During Chaset’s leadership he saw the agency grow into a trailblazer in providing large-scale, renewable energy services to various communities.

“I can truly think of no person more qualified to lead Ava in our ambitious clean energy work,” Chaset said of his successor. “Howard is a talented leader, canny negotiator and caring manager. Ava is in great hands going forward.” 

Chang has already taken the reins at Ava, with Chaset serving in an advisory role to him until his official last day set for Monday (July 15).

When Chaset first announced his resignation in late February, the agency’s board of directors had to work fast to find his replacement.

“I want to thank the ad hoc selection committee and the recruiting firm for leading a rigorous search and interview process. From that effort, it was clear that Howard is the right leader for Ava Community Energy as we navigate this next phase of growth and impact,” Pleasanton Councilmember Jack Balch said in the announcement.

Balch, who serves as chair of Ava’s board of directors, said the agency is anticipating more projects, such as the launch of its electric vehicle charging network and new members thanks to the expansion into Stockton and Lathrop, which is why he believes Chang is the best person to lead the agency through all of these goals thanks to his experience.

According to the announcement, Chang actually helped launch Ava when it was known as East Bay Community Energy. Before that, he served as the senior director of utility origination and development at Sol Systems, a Solar energy company in Washington, D.C.

He has also worked for SunEdison, a renewable energy company; General Electric; and J.P. Morgan.

In addition to the specific goals that Chang laid out, he plans to also work to achieve Ava’s long-term vision for “accelerating renewable energy adoption across its communities in Alameda County and San Joaquin Valley, offering innovative approaches that go above and beyond the regular scope of traditional utilities,” according to the agency’s press release.

“I am immeasurably grateful for the board’s trust in me as the next leader of Ava Community Energy,” Chang said. “I am honored to continue its legacy as a model for the broader energy transition, in California and nationwide.”



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