Scott Institute Names Siefken First Executive Director

As Carnegie Mellon University’s Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation steps up efforts to solve the most pressing energy and environmental issues, it has named Anna J. Siefken its inaugural executive director, effective Aug. 1.

Siefken takes on the role after serving as the Institute’s associate director for Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, deepening engagements and developing an innovative partnership strategy for the Scott Institute that promotes energy-related collaboration with industry, government, nongovernmental organizations, foundations and other universities. The Institute also works with energy-related centers at CMU that execute cutting-edge research and commercialize technologies, in addition to performing a range of education and outreach activities.

“I am looking forward to further amplifying the Scott Institute’s role in the energy space, forging new strategic partnerships and startups and helping to drive initiatives integral to the Scott Institute’s mission and vision,” said Siefken. “There is much work to be done to address the world’s energy challenges sustainably, and we are helping to ensure CMU’s deep and lasting impact through continued alignment with our research focus areas.”

The Scott Institute’s mission is to promote research and education focused on improving energy efficiency, creating innovations in energy technologies and broadening the world’s mix of energy sources in a way that is sustainable, reliable and affordable. Its many efforts aim to connect over 140 energy innovators, researchers and faculty across the university and beyond to enable more substantive, free-standing energy research efforts.

"The need for new technical and policy-based solutions to address the world’s energy challenges is unwavering, and I think Anna is an outstanding choice to serve as executive director of the Scott Institute as it moves into its exciting future,” said Scott Institute Director and College of Engineering Trustee Professor in Energy Jay Whitacre. 

As an Adjunct Professor in CMU’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, Siefken’s recent work focuses on creating a “Smart Data Utility” in Pittsburgh. Working with the City of Pittsburgh and the major utilities in southwest Pennsylvania, she advised students in the Master of Science in Public Policy and Management program as they developed a deployment strategy that maps Pittsburgh’s underground infrastructure. This effort could save millions of dollars each year by leading to greater efficiency and cost-sharing during the long-term planning process.

Prior to joining Carnegie Mellon in 2016, Siefken was the Pittsburgh 2030 District director and vice president of Strategic Engagement for the Pittsburgh-based Green Building Alliance. She is a founding member of the international 2030 District Network’s Board of Governors, and is on the executive committee. An accredited professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP), Siefken previously worked as principal consultant at ICF International in Washington, D.C., where she managed corporate, retail and manufacturer relationships for both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. She earned her green—and orange—stripes as a merchant and environmental program manager at The Home Depot headquarters in Atlanta, GA. She is a graduate of Duke University.

A recognized leader in the promotion of energy efficiency, green initiatives and environmental practices, Siefken is frequently asked to speak on energy, sustainability and academia’s growing and central role in the smart cities innovation ecosystem. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently selected her as a member of its national Executive Energy Leadership Academy cohort. Siefken has also received the Pittsburgh Business Time’s 2016 Women in Energy Leadership Award, a spot on the Smart Business Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Who to Watch” list in 2017 and a recent 2018 Women of Achievement Award from Cribs for Kids.