Adam Cooper is Executive Director of the Institute for Electric Innovation (IEI).  In this capacity he collaborates with a Management Committee of more than 25 electric company CEOs and a select group of technology companies to provide thought leadership on current issues, trends, and innovation in the electric power sector.  He establishes and oversees IEI’s key initiatives, its annual research agenda, and day-to-day activities.

Mr. Cooper frequently publishes articles and issue briefs that assess how technology, public policy, and customer expectations are shaping an increasingly clean, customer-centric, and innovative electric power sector.  Recent research efforts address how electric companies are using data and technology to personalize residential customer solutions, deliver 100% carbon-free energy solutions for corporate customers, and tailor solutions and services to meet the needs of low-to-moderate income customers.     

Prior to joining IEI, Mr. Cooper worked at the Center for Automotive Research, the White House Office of Management and Budget’s Energy Branch, and held the title of Economist at Regional Economic Models, Inc.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Energy Foundation and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and the Executive Leadership Group for the State Energy Efficiency Action Network.

Mr. Cooper holds a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Economics and History from Brandeis University.

Nanako Hisamichi is Senior Manager of Research and Partnerships at the Institute for Electric Innovation (IEI).  In this role, she manages all aspects of the IEI Technology Partner Roundtable - a select group of technology companies to advance innovative customer solutions that support the electric power sector’s transition to a cleaner, customer-centric, and flexible energy grid.  She is responsible for evaluating the role of new technologies in the electric power industry to improve operational efficiencies and promoting strategic partnerships between technology companies and electric companies to develop and deploy innovative customer solutions.

Prior to joining IEI, Ms. Hisamichi was Project Manager at Washington CORE, where she provided advisory services for government, business entities, and international organizations in the energy and technology sectors. Her expertise includes energy technology and innovation policy, clean energy, decarbonization solutions, and energy resiliency.

Ms. Hisamichi holds a MBA from Indiana University and a BS in Business Administration, International Business from Washington State University.

Claire Louise Mills is the Coordinator and Analyst for the Institute for Electric Innovation (IEI). In this role, she facilitates administrative support, coordination and data analysis for programmatic activities. This includes developing and finalizing all reports and documents, organizing/coordinating meetings, keeping website
and social media platforms up-to-date, and managing operational activities.

Prior to joining IEI, Ms. Mills held a variety of positions throughout graduate school, including working in energy policy at the Congressional Research Service and Green Capitol, working as a math and science educator for at risk youth, and working as a utility forester for Florida Power and Light. 

Ms. Mills holds a MS in Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex and a BS in Environmental Geography and Climate Change from the University of East Anglia.