Building leaders, advancing impact: Developing the workforce to drive a sustainable and inclusive global energy transition

Title : Building leaders, advancing impact: Developing the workforce to drive a sustainable and inclusive global energy transition

Abstract:

The global energy transition is accelerating, yet its success hinges not solely on technology, policy, or finance, and it depends on the people who design, operate, and sustain energy systems. As President of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), Mr. Chude will share a forward-looking vision that places workforce development, professional capacity building, and leadership cultivation at the center of the energy transition. 

Drawing from AEE’s experience representing a vibrant community of nearly 20,000 energy professionals worldwide, the presentation will explore how training, certification, and continuous professional development establish global standards of competence, foster collaboration across sectors, and equip professionals to deliver measurable impact. By emphasizing leadership, connection, and service, the session will outline actionable strategies for building resilient, inclusive, and highly skilled energy teams capable of scaling solutions across regions and technologies. 

Attendees will gain insights into how investment in human capital accelerates energy efficiency, drives innovation, and supports equitable and sustainable outcomes. This session challenges policymakers, industry leaders, and educators to rethink workforce development as a strategic lever for transforming energy systems, and demonstrates how cultivating the next generation of energy leaders is critical to achieving a resilient and sustainable global energy future.

Biography:

Ricson Chude is a project manager working for Southern California Edison (SCE) in the Customer Program & Services division where he’s primarily responsible for the development of strategic initiatives that support the integration of distributed energy resources such as solar PV and energy storage. During his time at Cal State LA, Ricson was actively involved in a number of student organizations where he held leadership roles – Associated Student Inc., where he served as Representative for the College of Engineering, President of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Vice President of the Mech. Eng Honor Society – PiTauSigma as well as member of the TauBetaPi Engineering Honor Society and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).  He is the current Vice President of Southern California’s Association of Energy Engineers and was a former president of the American Society of Heating Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers – Southern California Chapter.

Ricson holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from CSU Pomona, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Cal State LA. He is a licensed Mechanical Engineer in the State of California and is recognized as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), and Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) from the Association of Energy Engineers. In 2018, Ricson was awarded the Golden Eagle Award at the Cal State LA Alumni Awards Gala. He served as the AEE Western US Regional Vice President from 2022-2023.