Leadership, Milestones, and Momentum: Clean Energy Fund of Texas 2025 Board Retreat Recap
In June 2025, Clean Energy Fund of Texas (CEFTX) convened its annual Board Retreat in Houston, a pivotal moment to reflect on progress, welcome new leadership, and align around a bold strategic vision for the years ahead. This year’s retreat was more than a meeting; it was a milestone. With new leadership at the helm, a sharpened strategic roadmap, and growing portfolio of impact, CEFTX is entering a new chapter of growth and resilience.
Meet our New Chair: Michael Hokenson
Leadership transitions are defining moments for any organization, and CEFTX is proud to welcome Michael Hokenson as the newly elected Chair of the Board of Directors. Michael brings a wealth of experience in impact investing and community finance, having co-founded Community Investment Management (CIM). His commitment to equitable capital access and sustainable development aligns seamlessly with CEFTX’s mission to empower communities through clean energy. Under his guidance, CEFTX is poised to deepen its impact and scale its reach across Texas.
“I am honored to serve the people of Texas and advance the mission of the Clean Energy Fund of Texas by leveraging the tools, resources, and stakeholders across the impact investing ecosystem.”
Honoring Chris Bell’s Legacy
As we welcome new leadership, we also honor the legacy of outgoing Chair Chris Bell, whose tenure marked a period of rapid growth and transformation for CEFTX. Chris’s leadership helped steer the organization through pivotal moments, laying the groundwork for the ambitious goals ahead. Though stepping down as Chair, Chris will continue to serve on the Board, offering his invaluable insight and support. His reflections remind us of the importance of perseverance and creativity in the face of challenges. Reflecting on his tenure, Chris shared:
“It has been a great honor to serve as chair and watch CEFTX grow in so many ways. While very concerned about recent attempts to stymie the progress of clean energy in general, I feel better knowing there are still big, creative minds at CEFTX working to move us forward.”
Strategic Vision for 2026-2028
The retreat marked the launchpad for CEFTX’s 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, a forward-looking framework designed to guide the organization through its next phase of growth. With input from board members, staff and stakeholders, the plan outlines five key focus areas that will shape CEFTX’s operations, investments, and partnerships. Central to this vision is the Revenue Shift Strategy, which aims to diversify income streams and build long-term financial resilience by increasing earned revenue and interest income to 40-50% of total revenue by 2029:
- Strengthen Financial Sustainability
- Build Scalable Operational Infrastructure
- Expand Investment and Lending Portfolio
- Expand Strategic Partnerships
- Strategic Evaluation and Risk Management
Impact in Action
CEFTX’s progress over the past years has been a testament to the power of strategic investment and community-driven innovation. From expanding access to clean energy financing to launching new programs that serve underserved households, CEFTX continues to deliver measurable impact across Texas. These milestones reflect not only the organization’s growth but also its unwavering commitment to equity, resilience, and sustainability.
- $10M in lending capital secured through catalytic partnerships
- 45 loans totaling $1.28M deployed, with 60% serving low- and moderate-income households
- Launch of the CHARGE Program, backed by a $156M EPA award
- RiseUp rooftop solar initiative underway, targeting 100+ households
- Expansion of the Trusted Texas Contractor Network to 128 contractors across 30 counties
- TERRF (Texas Energy Relief & Resilience Fund) scaling with $7M in capital
- Sustainable Green Growth Fund launched to support commercial clean energy projects
- EV Access Fund piloted to support affordable electric vehicle ownership
Looking Ahead: Building a Resilient Energy Future
As CEFTX looks to the future, the themes that emerged during the retreat, governance, accountability, and community-driven innovation, will serve as guiding principles. With a renewed strategic focus, expanded partnerships, and visionary leadership, CEFTX is well-positioned to accelerate its mission and deliver transformative outcomes. The path ahead is ambitious, but the foundation is strong, and the momentum is real.