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Donnel Baird
Turning buildings into Teslas—Greener, healthier, + more valuable buildings to fight climate change. Family guy. BOD @ New York Federal Reserve Bank Advisory Board / Climate Reality Project / Coalition For Green Capital
Donnel Baird is the founder and CEO of BlocPower, a climate technology company based in Brooklyn, New York.12 Born in 1981 to Guyanese immigrant parents, Baird grew up in Brooklyn before moving to Atlanta as a child.1
Education and Early Career
Baird earned his bachelor's degree from Duke University, where he studied history, political science, and African-American studies.12 After graduation, he spent four years as a community organizer in New York City.1 He later pursued an MBA at Columbia Business School, graduating in 2013.12
Founding BlocPower
During his final semester at Columbia, Baird launched BlocPower in 2013.13 The company's mission is to upgrade residential buildings in underserved communities while combating the environmental crisis.1 BlocPower focuses on:
- Installing solar panels
- Retrofitting buildings with efficient electric heating and cooling systems
- Lowering utility costs
- Providing financial assistance for installations
Professional Experience
Before founding BlocPower, Baird held several positions:
- National Get Out The Vote Director at SEIU (2012)
- National Field Director for Green Jobs at Change to Win Federation (2009-2011)
- Regional Field Director and Pennsylvania Constituency Vote Director for Obama for America (2007-2008)2
Recognition and Impact
Baird's work with BlocPower has earned him significant recognition:
- Named a "Champion of Change" by the White House in 2014
- Recognized as one of Crain's "40 Under 40" influential young leaders in 2017
- Featured on Time magazine's 100 Next list in 2022
- Named TIME's inaugural "Dreamer of the Year" in 20224
Baird has been invited to speak at prestigious events such as TED and the World Economic Forum in Davos.1
Board Memberships
Baird serves on several boards, including:
- New York Federal Reserve Bank Advisory Board
- Al Gore's Climate Reality Project
- Sierra Club Foundation
- The Sunrise Movement1
Donnel Baird's work with BlocPower aims to address the intersection of climate change, energy waste, public health, and poverty by providing employment opportunities for low-income families while reducing carbon emissions in urban areas.13
