McKnight Welcomes Ben Passer as Midwest Climate & Energy Senior Program Officer

The McKnight Foundation is pleased to announce that Ben Passer will join the Midwest Climate & Energy program as its senior program officer. Passer is a savvy energy policy professional and recognized equity expert in Minnesota’s climate and energy space. He joins McKnight at a pivotal moment as we expand the MC&E program to take bold action on the climate crisis by dramatically cutting carbon pollution in the Midwest by 2030. He will begin his new role on September 14.
 
The Midwest Climate & Energy program focuses on transforming the energy system, electrifying transportation and buildings, and sequestering carbon on working lands in the Midwest. As senior program officer, Passer will oversee and develop significant grant portfolios that support efforts to build power through partnerships, aligning McKnight’s climate and equity goals to advance solutions to the climate crisis.
 
“Ben brings an unwavering passion for and commitment to solving the climate crisis and addressing racial equity within the context of climate solutions,” said Sarah Christiansen, Climate program director. "His tenacity, spirit of collaboration, and strategic vision will serve our partners well as we work together to accelerate climate action in this pivotal time.”