Silicor Materials, a global producer of high-quality solar silicon, announced today that its Chief Executive Officer, Theresa Jester, was honored with the 2015 Women in Solar Energy Award from the American Solar Energy Society (ASES).
Each year our pool of applicants gets stronger and our decision gets tougher, but Terry's decades of commitment to propelling the solar industry forward helped her stand out from the pack, said Carly Rixham, executive director of the American Solar Energy Society. Ms. Jesters combination of tenacity, leadership and humility is rare, and we are proud to call her the 2015 Woman in Solar Energy.
Since 2004, the ASES Women in Solar Energy Award program has honored individuals who contribute significantly to the acceptance and advancement of women in solar through advocacy, politics, education, social change, business, or technical achievement. Winners are selected by a committee of distinguished solar professionals, advocates and experts from across the industry.
With more than 35 years in the solar industry under her belt, Ms. Jester has guided manufacturing, engineering and operations for pioneering companies including Arco, Siemens, Shell and SunPower. She has also authored more than 50 technical publications, and holds three patents.
In her current role as the CEO of Silicor Materials, Ms. Jester is leading the development of the companys first large-scale solar silicon production facility in Grundartangi, Iceland, which will produce at least 16,000 metric tons of environmentally-friendly solar silicon each year.
Under Ms. Jesters leadership, Silicor was also selected as a 2015 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, which honors innovative organizations from around the world that are poised to have a significant impact on business and society.
The solar industry has been my home for more than three decades, and Ive loved every second of this journey, said Theresa Jester, CEO of Silicor Materials. Joining the ranks of ASES esteemed Women in Solar Energy is the icing on the cake, and a much appreciated honor. Im proud to be part of an illustrious group that underscores the invaluable role women have playedand will continue to playin driving this business forward.
An award ceremony was held in conjunction with the ASES SOLAR 2015 Conference, July 28-30 at The Pennsylvania State University. For additional information on the Women in Solar Energy Awards, please visit SOLAR 2015 here: http://solar2015.ases.org/
