Margie Gardner
Bonneville Environmental Foundation
CEO

Margie Gardner is the Chief Executive Officer of the entrepreneurial nonprofit Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF).  She provides vision and inspiration to the foundation’s work in renewable energy development, watershed restoration, energy education and carbon offsets.

Under Margie’s leadership, BEF has doubled its staff and expanded its programs since January 2008. Notable program expansions include:

• Adding high-quality methane-capture projects to BEF’s carbon offsets inventory
• Partnering with six new local communities for long-term watershed restoration
• Launching www.shrinkyourfoot.org -- a new educational website for consumers
• Founding BEF Renewable Inc. -- a for-profit subsidiary to help tax-exempt organizations develop renewable energy projects
• Developing Water Restoration Certificates -- a first-of-its kind product that enables companies and consumers to help re-water critically de-watered streams and rivers.

Margie devoted the last two and a half decades to developing responsible energy alternatives. Prior to BEF, she founded and led the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), an award-winning organization that transforms markets for energy-efficiency. Before NEEA, Margie promoted energy-efficiency initiatives at the Northwest Power Planning Council and co-authored the first least-cost electricity plan for the Northwest while at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Margie has served on numerous boards including the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy and the Climate Trust.  She currently serves on the boards of BEF Renewable Inc. and Renewables Northwest Project.