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Donnel Baird

Turning buildings into Teslas—Greener, healthier, + more valuable buildings to fight climate change. Family guy. BOD @ New York Federal Reserve Bank Advisory Board / Climate Reality Project / Coalition For Green Capital

Donnel Baird is the founder and CEO of BlocPower, a climate technology company based in Brooklyn, New York.12 Born in 1981 to Guyanese immigrant parents, Baird grew up in Brooklyn before moving to Atlanta as a child.1

Education and Early Career

Baird earned his bachelor's degree from Duke University, where he studied history, political science, and African-American studies.12 After graduation, he spent four years as a community organizer in New York City.1 He later pursued an MBA at Columbia Business School, graduating in 2013.12

Founding BlocPower

During his final semester at Columbia, Baird launched BlocPower in 2013.13 The company's mission is to upgrade residential buildings in underserved communities while combating the environmental crisis.1 BlocPower focuses on:

  • Installing solar panels
  • Retrofitting buildings with efficient electric heating and cooling systems
  • Lowering utility costs
  • Providing financial assistance for installations

Professional Experience

Before founding BlocPower, Baird held several positions:

  • National Get Out The Vote Director at SEIU (2012)
  • National Field Director for Green Jobs at Change to Win Federation (2009-2011)
  • Regional Field Director and Pennsylvania Constituency Vote Director for Obama for America (2007-2008)2

Recognition and Impact

Baird's work with BlocPower has earned him significant recognition:

  • Named a "Champion of Change" by the White House in 2014
  • Recognized as one of Crain's "40 Under 40" influential young leaders in 2017
  • Featured on Time magazine's 100 Next list in 2022
  • Named TIME's inaugural "Dreamer of the Year" in 20224

Baird has been invited to speak at prestigious events such as TED and the World Economic Forum in Davos.1

Board Memberships

Baird serves on several boards, including:

  • New York Federal Reserve Bank Advisory Board
  • Al Gore's Climate Reality Project
  • Sierra Club Foundation
  • The Sunrise Movement1

Donnel Baird's work with BlocPower aims to address the intersection of climate change, energy waste, public health, and poverty by providing employment opportunities for low-income families while reducing carbon emissions in urban areas.13

Highlights

Oct 1 · bloomberg.com
Green Building Startup BlocPower Faces Uncertainty as CEO Quits
Jul 2 · youtube.com
Donnel Baird, CEO of BlocPower - YouTube
Donnel Baird, CEO of BlocPower - YouTube
Jun 28 · Inc.
Why This Founder Believes That Black People Are Essential to the $110 Trillion Clean Energy Transition - Inc.
Donnel Baird | Notable Leaders in Sustainability 2024 - Crain's New York Business
Dec 27 · bloomberg.com
How BlocPower's Donnel Baird developed a new model for green ...
Dec 8 · blocpower.io
BlocPower CEO Donnel Baird Named TIME's Inaugural “Dreamer of ...
Aug 30 · forbes.com
Donnel Baird Raised Over $100 Million For BlocPower By ... - Forbes

Related Questions

What inspired Donnel Baird to start BlocPower?
How has BlocPower impacted the communities it serves?
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How does BlocPower's technology work to reduce carbon emissions?
What recognition has Donnel Baird received for his work at BlocPower?
Donnel Baird
Donnel Baird, photo 1
Donnel Baird, photo 2
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Location

New York, New York, United States