California Energy Commission Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

California Energy Commission has 5 executives leading key functions including policy administration, financial oversight, and commissioner support.

Focused on advancing sustainable power infrastructure, California Energy Commission drives the state's mission to reduce energy costs and curtail greenhouse gas emissions through resilient, reliable, and safe energy planning.

Leadership Roles at California Energy Commission

  • Chief Financial Officer - Harsh Thakar
  • Chief of Staff - Robert Chun
  • Chief of Staff To Commissioner Nancy Skinner - Jana Ganion
  • Chief of Staff & Office of Noemi Gallardo Commissioner - Erik Stokes
  • Chief of Staff & Andrew Mcallister Commissioner - Bryan Early
  • Harsh Thakar - Chief Financial Officer

    Harsh Thakar, the Chief Financial Officer at California Energy Commission, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the state's primary energy policy agency. Overseeing complex financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments align with the mandate to reduce energy costs and promote sustainable infrastructure. This leadership role involves auditing large-scale energy projects to guarantee compliance with state regulations and fiscal transparency. By optimizing the allocation of public funds, Harsh Thakar directly impacts the agency's ability to support renewable energy initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with external auditors and internal departments to maintain rigorous financial controls. Through strategic budget planning, Thakar facilitates the expansion of energy-efficient programs across the region. This position demands precise management of fiscal resources to ensure the long-term viability of state energy planning. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the economic framework required for achieving critical environmental and energy reliability targets.

    Robert Chun - Chief of Staff

    Robert Chun, the Chief of Staff at California Energy Commission, directs internal operations and coordinates high-level policy initiatives across the agency. Managing administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between departmental goals and the broader state energy mandate. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between executive leadership and technical teams to optimize energy planning processes. By streamlining organizational procedures, Robert Chun directly impacts the efficiency of state-wide energy programs. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on greenhouse gas reduction targets while maintaining operational stability. Through rigorous oversight of internal resources, Chun supports the agency's commitment to a reliable energy supply. This position requires constant collaboration with various stakeholders to advance the long-term sustainability objectives of the commission. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the operational foundation necessary for achieving complex energy policy goals across the entire state.

    Jana Ganion - Chief of Staff To Commissioner Nancy Skinner

    Jana Ganion, the Chief of Staff To Commissioner Nancy Skinner at California Energy Commission, architects policy strategies and manages the legislative agenda for the office of Commissioner Skinner. Overseeing research initiatives, the Chief of Staff To Commissioner Nancy Skinner ensures that policy recommendations support the state's goals for greenhouse gas reduction and energy reliability. This leadership role involves synthesizing complex technical data into actionable policy frameworks for the commission. By facilitating engagement with stakeholders, Jana Ganion directly impacts the development of state-wide energy regulations. The Chief of Staff To Commissioner Nancy Skinner coordinates with other executive offices to ensure a unified approach to energy planning. Through careful analysis of emerging energy trends, Ganion drives the adoption of innovative solutions that lower costs for consumers. This position requires deep expertise in energy policy to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff To Commissioner Nancy Skinner advances the agency's mission through strategic policy development.

    Erik Stokes - Chief of Staff & Office of Noemi Gallardo Commissioner

    Erik Stokes, the Chief of Staff & Office of Noemi Gallardo Commissioner at California Energy Commission, manages the operational and policy priorities for the office of Commissioner Gallardo. Overseeing the implementation of energy mandates, the Chief of Staff & Office of Noemi Gallardo Commissioner ensures that all initiatives align with the agency's commitment to a safe and resilient energy supply. This leadership role involves managing complex regulatory filings and coordinating with industry partners to advance clean energy adoption. By directing the workflow of the commissioner's office, Erik Stokes directly impacts the efficiency of policy execution. The Chief of Staff & Office of Noemi Gallardo Commissioner monitors the progress of energy programs to ensure compliance with state environmental standards. Through strategic coordination, Stokes facilitates the integration of new energy technologies into the state grid. This position requires constant attention to detail to support the commissioner's objectives. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & Office of Noemi Gallardo Commissioner drives the agency's success in achieving long-term energy goals.

    Bryan Early - Chief of Staff & Andrew Mcallister Commissioner

    Bryan Early, the Chief of Staff & Andrew Mcallister Commissioner at California Energy Commission, directs the strategic policy agenda and operational activities for the office of Commissioner Mcallister. Overseeing the development of energy efficiency standards, the Chief of Staff & Andrew Mcallister Commissioner ensures that all projects contribute to the state's goal of reducing energy costs. This leadership role involves managing technical research and policy analysis to support the commissioner's decision-making process. By coordinating with internal and external experts, Bryan Early directly impacts the advancement of energy-saving technologies. The Chief of Staff & Andrew Mcallister Commissioner monitors the impact of energy policies on the state's infrastructure to ensure reliability. Through rigorous oversight, Early facilitates the implementation of innovative energy solutions that benefit the public. This position requires a deep understanding of energy markets to navigate the evolving regulatory environment. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & Andrew Mcallister Commissioner supports the agency's mission through effective policy leadership.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding California Energy Commission Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads California Energy Commission?
    California Energy Commission is led by Harsh Thakar (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Robert Chun (Chief of Staff) and Jana Ganion (Chief of Staff To Commissioner Nancy Skinner).
    Who is part of California Energy Commission’s executive team?
    The executive team of California Energy Commission includes leaders such as Harsh Thakar (Chief Financial Officer), Robert Chun (Chief of Staff), Jana Ganion (Chief of Staff To Commissioner Nancy Skinner) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does California Energy Commission have?
    California Energy Commission has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in California Energy Commission’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of California Energy Commission includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff To Commissioner Nancy Skinner, Chief of Staff & Office of Noemi Gallardo Commissioner, Chief of Staff & Andrew Mcallister Commissioner.