Cornelius “CJ” Jordan, chief of staff at the state Department of Environmental Quality, will serve as the keynote speaker for Thursday’s Solarfest at the Center for Energy Education.
Solarfest, C4EE’s signature event, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the campus located at 460 Airport Road in Roanoke Rapids.
Jordan, who leads strategic priorities and oversees non-regulatory processes at DEQ, will discuss North Carolina’s energy plan related to environmental quality and sustainable progress, targeting rural communities.
Driving DEQ's mission forward, Jordan’s leadership experience extends to its program management office, where he guides DEQ divisions in administering federal funding initiatives under the American Rescue Plan Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation Reduction Act.
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Prior to his DEQ role, Jordan addressed community health, safety, and welfare issues at the city and county government levels.
Skilled at optimizing service delivery, managing multifaceted projects and facilitating long-range planning and policy implementation, Jordan holds an undergraduate degree in sociology from Fayetteville State University and a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University.
In addition to Jordan, a slate of speakers will provide information, services and technical expertise to improve conditions across North Carolina for solar-based economic and workforce development opportunities for rural, underserved communities of color.
Calvin Lowe, a Hampton University professor, will discuss fusion as a clean energy source and Melissa Malkin-Weber, co-director of the NC Clean Energy Fund, will talk about clean energy funding opportunities. Braydon Stafford, environmental justice coordinator with the NC Black Alliance, will speak on energy equity.
“Solarfest is a lively opportunity to illustrate how clean energy can influence vibrant, healthy and just communities near and far,” said Mozine Lowe, Center for Energy Education executive director. “We’re here to prove small changes can have big impacts that begin today.”
Clean Power Light the Night
This evening’s event kicks off at 6 p.m. and will run until 10 p.m.
Light the Night is a festive evening of outdoor music, cinema and a silent disco. A solar-powered food truck will join the mix of hospitality offerings.
