The Southern Renewable Energy Association (SREA) is an industry-led initiative dedicated to fostering the responsible use and development of renewable energy sources, specifically wind energy, solar energy, energy storage, and transmission solutions, in the Southern United States.
Our vision is to establish renewable energy as a primary energy source across the South, ensuring that these sustainable options play a significant role in powering communities and businesses. To achieve this, our mission focuses on promoting the responsible adoption and growth of renewable energy technologies, ensuring they are developed in a way that benefits both the environment and local economies.
SREA operates within a geographic region that encompasses seven Southeastern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we aim to advance the renewable energy landscape in these areas, empowering individuals, businesses, and policymakers to embrace cleaner energy solutions for a more sustainable future.
Our Staff
Simon Mahan, Executive Director
Simon Mahan is the Executive Director of the Southern Renewable Energy Association, a nonprofit trade association focused on promoting clean energy in the south. He has run the organization for over ten years, and mostly focuses on integrated resource planning processes, and transmission planning. For over twenty years, Simon has worked in the not-for-profit space on local, state, regional and federal advocacy efforts. He and his family reside in Little Rock, Ark.
Andy Kowalczyk, Transmission Director
Andy Kowalczyk is Director of Transmission for the Southern Renewable Energy Association where he has served in that position since 2022. He has advocated for energy policy at the local, state, regional and federal level supporting renewable energy for distribution level and utility scale resources throughout the Gulf Coast since 2016. Previous to SREA he has been a consultant to 350 New Orleans, the Energy Foundation and the National Resources Defense Council, focusing on transmission planning and interconnection of renewable energy resources. He currently lives in New Orleans where he has resided since 2015.
Taylor Schindler, Legislative Director
Taylor currently serves as the Legislative Director for the Southern Renewable Energy Association, a nonprofit trade association focused on promoting clean energy in the south. Prior to joining SREA, Taylor began his career working for Georgia’s 11th Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, serving in a variety of roles. He then entered the private sector working for an Atlanta-based public policy advocacy firm and later worked as a fourteen-state regional policy manager for grocery e-commerce leader, Instacart. Taylor and his wife, Liana have two children and reside in Watkinsville, Ga. Go Dawgs!
Whit Cox, Regulatory Director
Whit Cox is the Regulatory Director of the Southern Renewable Energy Association. Prior to joining SREA in 2024, Whit worked for the Arkansas Public Service Commission, where he drafted Commission orders and rules. He also has experience working as a general counsel for an energy services company in Arkansas, where supported the company’s solar development operations through regulatory and transactional work. He has been a licensed attorney since 2013 and has worked in the field of electricity regulation since 2019.
Jamie Moody, Communications Director
Jamie Moody is the Communications Director for the Southern Renewable Energy Association. With a diverse career that spans both nonprofit and for-profit sectors in Central Arkansas, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Jamie also has a background in political communications, albeit brief, and she plays a key role as Media Director for the Little Rock Marathon. She’s a passionate Ted Lasso superfan and believes wholeheartedly that her dog is the greatest. Jamie is currently looking for some guidance on keeping her native plants alive. She lives in Sherwood, Ark., with her husband Gary and their two children.
Stacey Svendsen, Operations Director
Stacey Svendsen is the Operations Director of the Southern Renewable Energy Association. She entered the renewable energy sector in 2021 and previously served as Vice President of Operations at Delta Solar, where she optimized customer experience, built strong client relationships, and secured over $4.8 million in federal funding for clients. Stacey holds degrees in Economics and Studio Art from Hendrix College. She lives in Little Rock, Ark., and is the communications chair for the Ozark Society's Pulaski Chapter.
