Jennifer Granholm

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  • Secretary of Energy (2021-2025)
  • 47th Governor of Michigan (2002-2011)

Jennifer Granholm is an American lawyer, educator, author and politician who served most recently as the 16th United States Secretary of Energy, and previously as the two-term governor of Michigan. As governor, she spearheaded Michigan’s economic recovery after the Great Recession by diversifying the state’s economy to focus on clean energy and revitalizing the auto industry to build electric vehicles. 

As Secretary of Energy (2021-2025), Granholm restructured the U.S. Department of Energy to focus on research and development of advanced clean energy solutions and, importantly, deployment of zero-carbon technologies. She oversaw $200 billion of U.S. DOE investments into companies and projects to accelerate the clean energy transition. During her tenure as Secretary, thanks to the policies and laws that she helped to shape, the country saw record deployment of clean energy — adding the equivalent of 30 Hoover Dams of zero-carbon energy to the nation’s electricity grid in 2024, more than twice as much solar power deployed as ever before. Due to incentives to manufacture in America, businesses announced almost 1,000 factories were coming or expanding in the U.S. to build clean energy products -- solar panels, EVs, batteries, small nuclear reactors, clean hydrogen, geothermal and more. Thanks to DOE’s work, the nation’s transmission grid is seeing an 11X expansion of new transmission miles.

During her tenure as Secretary, DOE with its 110,000 employees was ranked among the Top 10 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government. Secretary Granholm was named in 2024 to the "TIME 100 Most Influential People" list, and Forbes’ list of "Top Climate Leaders."

Secretary Granholm taught law and public policy at UC Berkeley from 2011-2020, specializing in clean energy and public leadership. A former Attorney General of Michigan (1998-2002) and an honors graduate of Harvard Law School (1987), she is the author of A Governor's Story: The Fight for Jobs and America’s Economic Future, has penned scores of articles and opinion pieces on clean energy, and continues to play a leading role in shaping America’s energy future. Heralded for her forward-looking insight, Granholm brings a balanced and nuanced perspective sorely needed in today's divisive times

 


Jennifer Granholm headshot
Past Hosts Include:
  • JF Maddox Foundation
  • Consumers Energy
  • Broadbent Institute
Rave Reviews About Jennifer Granholm
Governor Granholm was incredible! She blew the roof off the place, in fact. That and she was a delight to work with.

Jennifer Granholm: Advancing cutting-edge clean energy tech for net-zero carbon emissions goals by 2050 | SXSW - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Jennifer Granholm
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Powering the Future: Strategies for a Sustainable and Secure Energy Transition

Drawing on her extensive experience as the U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Michigan, JENNIFER GRANHOLM offers unique insights into the intersection of energy innovation, economic growth, and climate action. In this speech, Secretary Granholm discusses the challenges and opportunities ...

Drawing on her extensive experience as the U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Michigan, JENNIFER GRANHOLM offers unique insights into the intersection of energy innovation, economic growth, and climate action. In this speech, Secretary Granholm discusses the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a clean energy economy, highlighting how investments in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development can secure America’s energy independence while combating climate change. She also explores the role of public-private partnerships, innovative technologies, and community-driven solutions in creating a resilient and equitable energy future for all.

Breaking Barriers and Powering Change

JENNIFER GRANHOLM, a trailblazer as the U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Michigan, shares her inspiring journey as a woman in leadership, navigating the challenges of public service and forging a path in traditionally male-dominated fields. Drawing from her career, Secretary Granholm ...

JENNIFER GRANHOLM, a trailblazer as the U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Michigan, shares her inspiring journey as a woman in leadership, navigating the challenges of public service and forging a path in traditionally male-dominated fields. Drawing from her career, Secretary Granholm explores the critical role of women in shaping policies that drive innovation, promote equity, and address complex societal challenges. She discusses the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the power of diverse perspectives in leadership, offering actionable insights for empowering the next generation of women to step boldly into roles of influence and impact.

Global Energy Policy in a Time of Transition: Leadership, Innovation, & Collaboration

JENNIFER GRANHOLM, with her deep expertise as U.S. Secretary of Energy, delivers a compelling analysis of the global energy landscape and the policies shaping its future. She examines the critical role of international cooperation in addressing pressing energy challenges, including the shift to rene ...

JENNIFER GRANHOLM, with her deep expertise as U.S. Secretary of Energy, delivers a compelling analysis of the global energy landscape and the policies shaping its future. She examines the critical role of international cooperation in addressing pressing energy challenges, including the shift to renewable energy, the geopolitics of energy security, and the need for equitable access to sustainable power worldwide. Secretary Granholm discusses how nations can align policy frameworks to accelerate the clean energy transition, address climate change, and manage the economic impacts of decarbonization. She also highlights the importance of innovation, cross-border investments, and the integration of emerging technologies to achieve a resilient and inclusive global energy system.

Bridging Divides: Finding Common Ground Through Leadership and Practical Solutions

JENNIFER GRANHOLM, with her distinguished tenure as Governor of Michigan, is uniquely positioned to lead bipartisan discussions on today’s most pressing issues. Known for her ability to navigate a politically diverse state during economic challenges, Secretary Granholm offers insights into fostering ...

JENNIFER GRANHOLM, with her distinguished tenure as Governor of Michigan, is uniquely positioned to lead bipartisan discussions on today’s most pressing issues. Known for her ability to navigate a politically diverse state during economic challenges, Secretary Granholm offers insights into fostering collaboration between Democrats and Republicans. She shares lessons learned from revitalizing Michigan’s manufacturing sector, addressing unemployment during the Great Recession, and spearheading innovative energy policies that gained support across the aisle. In this discussion, Secretary Granholm emphasizes the power of pragmatism, shared values, and results-driven policymaking to build bridges and drive progress in a divided political landscape.

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Jennifer Granholm receives rave reviews for her speeches

U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Michigan JENNIFER GRANHOLM receives rave reviews for her speaking events: 

  • Broadbent Institute: "Governor Granholm was incredible! She blew the roof off the place, in fact. That and she was a delight to work with."
  • Consumers Energy: "Everything was perfect. She was phenomenal, as always, and we have received great feedback from our guests."
  • JF Maddox Foundation: "We were thrilled with Jennifer and what she brought to our event. She really did her homework...Thank you so much for all your help on getting our first virtual event off the ground. It turned out really well."

Jennifer Granholm receives rave reviews for her speeches

U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Michigan JENNIFER GRANHOLM receives rave reviews for her live events: 

  • Broadbent Institute: "Governor Granholm was incredible! She blew the roof off the place, in fact. That and she was a delight to work with."
  • Consumers Energy: "Everything was perfect. She was phenomenal, as always, and we have received great feedback from our guests."
  • JF Maddox Foundation: "We were thrilled with Jennifer and what she brought to our event. She really did her homework...Thank you so much for all your help on getting our first virtual event off the ground. It turned out really well."

Secretary Granholm's engaging speaking style makes her a strong choice for talks on energy, policy, leadership, and innovation. Her career in government offers insights into decision-making, crisis management, and leading through change. 

Watch Secretary Jennifer Granholm speak on clean energy tech at SXSW >>

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Biography

Jennifer Granholm is an American lawyer, educator, author and politician who served most recently as the 16th United States Secretary of Energy, and previously as the two-term governor of Michigan. As governor, she spearheaded Michigan’s economic recovery after the Great Recession by diversifying the state’s economy to focus on clean energy and revitalizing the auto industry to build electric vehicles.

As Secretary of Energy (2021-2025), Granholm restructured the U.S. Department of Energy to focus on research and development of advanced clean energy solutions and, importantly, deployment of zero-carbon technologies.   She oversaw $200 billion of U.S. DOE investments into companies and projects to accelerate the clean energy transition. During her tenure as Secretary, thanks to the policies and laws that she helped to shape, the country saw record deployment of clean energy — adding the equivalent of 30 Hoover Dams of zero-carbon energy to the nation’s electricity grid in 2024, more than twice as much solar power deployed as ever before. Due to incentives to manufacture in America, businesses announced almost 1,000 factories were coming or expanding in the U.S. to build clean energy products -- solar panels, EVs, batteries, small nuclear reactors, clean hydrogen, geothermal and more. Thanks to DOE’s work, the nation’s transmission grid is seeing an 11X expansion of new transmission miles.

During her tenure as Secretary, DOE with its 110,000 employees was ranked among the Top 10 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government. Granholm was named in 2024 to the Time 100 Most Influential People list, and Forbes’ list of Top Climate Leaders.

Granholm taught law and public policy at UC Berkeley from 2011-2020, specializing in clean energy and public leadership. A former Attorney General of Michigan (1998-2002) and an honors graduate of Harvard Law School (1987), she is the author of A Governor's Story: The Fight for Jobs and America’s Economic Future, has penned scores of articles and opinion pieces on clean energy, and continues to play a leading role in shaping America’s energy future.  


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