Executive Director

Paige Knutsen is MEEA’s Executive Director where she is responsible for advancing the mission and vision of the organization through stakeholder, member, and board engagement, leading a dedicated team of professionals committed to promoting energy efficiency in the Midwest and ensuring the financial stability of the organization. Paige brings nearly 20 years of industry experience to this role, including 4 years at MEEA, joining the organization immediately following graduate school. Prior to joining MEEA as the Executive Director, she was a regional vice president at Franklin Energy where she helped utility customers use energy more efficiently and effectively through energy efficiency and demand response programs throughout the Midwest.

She holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and environmental management from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in sustainable agriculture from Iowa State University. Paige has served on several boards and commissions, including the Illinois Green Alliance (formerly the U.S. Green Building Council Illinois Chapter) and currently as a Commissioner on the City of Park Ridge’s Sustainability Commission. Outside of work, Paige enjoys swinging kettlebells, playing with her dogs and digging weeds on her family’s conservation farm in Iowa.