Learn More About the Background of Rose McKinney-James

Rose McKinney-James is an experienced and seasoned small business leader, clean energy advocate and independent corporate director with a long history in public service, community and non-profit volunteerism and private sector corporate social responsibility. The former President and CEO for the Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources, (CSTRR) and former Commissioner with the Nevada Public Service Commission, also served as Nevada’s first Director of the Department of Business and Industry. She is currently the Managing Principal of Energy Works LLC and McKinney-James & Associates. Her firms provide business-consulting services and advocacy in public affairs, energy policy, strategy, community outreach, economic and sustainable development. This provides an opportunity to advance her extensive experience as a business, corporate and community leader.
Ms. McKinney-James has over two decades of experience in advocacy in legislative and utility regulatory proceedings relative to renewable and clean energy policy and community and stakeholder outreach in Nevada and the U.S. She has helped to shape the energy policy framework in the state of Nevada. A registered lobbyist with the Nevada Legislature, Rose currently represents public and private entities with interests in regulatory, energy, and public policy. She assists her clients by developing strategic plans and initiatives designed to be executed utilizing solutions that address unique circumstances and demands.
McKinney-James serves on the Boards of the Energy Foundation and Net Impact. She is the Immediate Past Board Chair for the American Association for Blacks in Energy (AABE). In 2013 Rose was selected to serve as an Inaugural Ambassador for the C3E initiative supporting increased participation by women in the clean energy sector. Rose is the past Chair of The Clean Energy Project and Chair Emeritus of Nevada Partners, a nationally recognized workforce development agency.

She has secured extensive experience in corporate governance and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of MGMResorts International, MGM Detroit, Toyota Financial Services Bank and NACD Pacific Southwest.
Ms. McKinney-James has been recognized by the US Small Business Administration as Small Business Advocate of the Year. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Chamber of Commerce as well as the Clark County Public Education Foundation. She has also been honored by the American Solar Energy Society (SOLAR NV) as the Advocate of the Year. She is the recipient of the inaugural GreenBiz Verge VANGUARD Award. McKinney-James is listed in the Black Enterprise Registry of Black Corporate Directors and in SAVOY Magazine Power 300 among the most influential African American corporate Directors.