Dorothy Barnett

As Executive Director of the Climate + Energy Project, Dorothy Barnett is leading the effort to address the Heartland's energy future. Grounded in an approach based on prosperity and energy security, Barnett has been successful in convening diverse voices in a conservative region of the country.

Prior to her position as Executive Director, Barnett served for 4 years as CEP's Director of Energy and Transmission. This work put Dorothy on the ground in energy policy work at the local, state and regional level. In this capacity she also led innovative programs such as the Take Charge Challenge and the Heartland Alliance for Regional Transmission - both of which raised the profile for energy efficiency, transmission and wind energy in Kansas and beyond.

CEP's newest project is gathering the agricultural, energy and water sectors to highlight innovative farm advancements in water and energy conservation that also positively impact the bottom-line. Barnett coordinated a successful and far-reaching effort to defend the Kansas Renewable Portfolio Standard from special interest group attacks on clean energy during this year’s Kansas legislative session.

CEP and Barnett have been recognized with national media attention for the innovative work being done in Kansas and across the Heartland. In addition to her tireless work for renewable energy, Dorothy is a proud mother of three girls and a new grandmother - which only brings home the importance of our energy future.

Formerly Reno County 2020 Growth Coordinator, she got her start in wind energy with the Reno County Wind Energy Task Force, which was awarded the Governor's Energy Award for Energy Education in 2008. Dorothy has a BA in organizational management from Friends University.