Massachusetts State Representative Carolyn Dykema is beginning a new chapter as she joins Boston-based Nexamp in the role Northeast Policy Director, where she will direct and manage Nexamp’s advocacy for innovative and equitable clean energy policies across New York and New England. For more than a dozen years, Dykema has tirelessly served residents of the 8th Middlesex District, which includes the communities of Holliston, Hopkinton, Southborough and precinct 2 of Westborough.
“Sustainability and the environment have always been central to my life, and to my twenty-plus years of public service,” notes Dykema. “To stem the worst effects of climate change we need to move quickly on all fronts, especially on rapid deployment of renewable energy. This new role is an exciting opportunity to shape policy and strengthen partnerships that are key to implementation of successful shared solar and energy storage projects and making solar energy accessible to all. Nexamp is a national leader in this space, and it’s the perfect place to use my experience to make a meaningful impact.”
In her new role, Dykema will lead and broaden the impact of Nexamp’s ongoing policy and regulatory affairs efforts across the Northeast by engaging with lawmakers, advocacy groups and others to develop and advance ambitious clean energy programs. Nexamp, a rapidly growing provider of decarbonization services for consumers and businesses alike, plays an active role in shaping and influencing energy policy through its own efforts as well as through leadership in many industry associations.
Kelly Friend, Nexamp Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, says, “Having Representative Dykema join our team is a real coup for Nexamp. Her vast legislative experience and deep connections will strengthen our efforts as we work to advance clean energy and ensure that the benefits are equally accessible to all. She understands the importance and urgency of moving forward with renewable resources in a way that helps people fully decarbonize, creates valuable job opportunities and gives back to the communities in which these resources are sited.”
The Northeast market is currently one of the most active for distributed solar and storage thanks to forward-looking programs. Nexamp has more than a gigawatt of projects in operation or under construction across the country, with multiple gigawatts under development. The company is unique in its market approach, handling all stages from development, design and construction to long-term operation and customer management in-house.
First elected to the House of Representatives in the fall of 2008, Dykema most recently served as Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and is a member of the Joint Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management. She became engaged with local government in 1999 with an appointment to the Holliston Sewer Action Committee and has since served continuously in public service at both the local and state levels, including service on the Holliston Planning Board, MetroWest Growth Management Committee, and state Energy Facilities Siting Board, to which she was appointed by Governor Patrick in 2007.
Dykema officially joined Nexamp on April 4th.