Starting January 1, 5 Lakes Energy Co-Founder and Partner Liesl Eichler Clark will serve as the Director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for the Whitmer Administration. Clark brings to the position deep expertise in environmental, energy, natural resources, corporate sustainability and agriculture policy, and an indomitable passion for combating climate change.
Prior to joining the Whitmer Administration, Clark worked as a partner at 5 Lakes Energy LLC, a clean energy policy consulting firm that she co-founded with Stanley “Skip” Pruss. Since its founding, 5 Lakes Energy has provided client services in 25 states and the firm’s capabilities and vision have made it a trusted source for businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders seeking to advance the transition to a clean energy economy.
Prior to launching 5 Lakes Energy in 2010, Clark served as Deputy Director for energy programs at the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth (DELEG) for Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. Clark previously held a series of roles involving natural resources, environmental and agriculture policy in state government, from policy advisor in Governor Granholm’s office, to legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of Agriculture. She worked as a consultant for Accenture before joining the public sector.
Clark completed a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Michigan State University while working full-time, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Economy from MSU’s James Madison College.