CEWD to Launch as Independent Nonprofit, Expanding Its Impact Across the Energy Industry
Transition builds on 20 years of support from the Edison Electric Institute and opens new opportunities for funding, partnerships and industry-wide collaboration
WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 3, 2026
The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), the national nonprofit that unites energy employers, organized labor, educators, associations, community-based organizations and other stakeholders to attract and develop a highly skilled workforce, announced today that it will launch as an independent nonprofit organization effective Jan. 1, 2027. The new structure will expand CEWD’s capacity to help the industry raise awareness of energy careers, strengthen and retain its talent pipeline, and collaborate on practical workforce solutions. The announcement comes as the industry prepares for significant hiring demands driven by technology shifts and infrastructure investment.
With this change, CEWD will transition from its administrative home within the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), which has provided administrative and financial support for the past 20 years. With EEI’s support, CEWD has grown into a coalition of more than 140 organizations representing the energy ecosystem, including 13 of the largest energy policy associations for which CEWD serves as a workforce development partner. CEWD convenes the industry’s most influential voices, turns shared workforce needs into practical solutions, and serves as a first stop for information, collaboration, leadership and resources spanning workforce planning, recruitment, development and retention. Its national initiatives, educational programs, data, insights and best practices help employers and partners build a talent pipeline for both today’s jobs and the energy careers of the future.
“EEI’s support has been foundational to CEWD’s impact over the past two decades, and we are tremendously grateful for its longstanding belief in our work,” said Missy Henriksen, executive director of CEWD. “Our mission is straightforward: unite energy stakeholders in attracting and developing a highly skilled workforce. Independent status gives CEWD greater flexibility to serve the full breadth of the energy sector and work with a wider range of partners. It also strengthens our ability to convene the energy community, attract new resources, help more people discover energy careers, and equip workforce leaders with practical tools and strategies.”
CEWD’s board of directors and staff, in collaboration with EEI, identified independence as the best path forward for the organization’s long-term service to the industry. Operating independently positions CEWD to pursue a broader range of public and private funding opportunities and deepen collaboration across the public and private sectors. These opportunities will support CEWD’s work to increase awareness of energy careers and expand initiatives that invest in America’s energy workforce.
“CEWD drives meaningful industry collaboration and serves as a trusted source of guidance on workforce development issues. EEI and our members look forward to continuing to work with the CEWD team as it expands its impact across the energy industry,” said Drew Maloney, president and CEO of EEI.
EEI will remain an active CEWD member, as will CEWD’s other national association partners: AESP, the American Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute, American Public Gas Association, American Public Power Association, Clean Power Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, Hydropower Foundation, INGAA Foundation, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Nuclear Energy Institute, and the Pipe Line Contractors Association. CEWD’s mission and commitment to its members remain unchanged, and the transition will not interrupt its programs or resources.
“Developing a skilled energy workforce has never been more important,” said Henriksen. “Meeting the workforce needs ahead requires the energy sector to work together on a greater scale. As an independent nonprofit, CEWD will be positioned to help the industry turn that collaboration into action.”
About the Center for Energy Workforce Development
The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) is a national nonprofit intermediary that unites energy employers, organized labor, educators, associations, community-based organizations and other stakeholders to attract and develop a highly skilled workforce. Guided by its vision of a thriving energy workforce powering the nation, CEWD focuses on three priorities: raising awareness of and attracting people to energy careers; leading the industry with tools, strategies and resources to develop and retain talent; and helping members succeed through high-value services, collaboration and leadership opportunities. Representing the diverse interests of the entire energy sector, CEWD serves as a first stop for workforce planning, recruitment, development and retention. To learn more, visit www.CEWD.org or www.GetIntoEnergy.org.