When an industry association brings in a leader whose résumé spans Hispanic engineering advocacy, rural energy efficiency campaigns, and a communications firm she built from scratch, it signals a deliberate pivot toward broader public engagement. That is exactly what Geothermal Rising has done by naming Pilar Montoya as its new Executive Director.
CA, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Montoya steps into the role with a track record in organizational leadership, fundraising, and data-driven operational improvement — all aimed at advancing geothermal energy for a resilient future. Her background spans national STEM workforce development, public engagement, and philanthropy.
Previously, Montoya led the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), a national organization dedicated to expanding participation and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. During her tenure, SHPE reported more than 10,000 members and hundreds of chapters. She managed a combined $6 million operating budget across its membership and foundation organizations, and helped raise millions of dollars to support its work.
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Her energy-related experience includes statewide efficiency campaigns that promoted utility programs and cost-saving improvements for rural households, participation in national discussions about the energy workforce, and coauthored research on public understanding of energy issues. Beyond energy, she has worked on public-participation initiatives tied to transportation and water engineering projects.
“My first priority is to listen to our members and team, understand their priorities, and identify how Geothermal Rising can best support their success,” said Montoya. “Our community brings extraordinary expertise and commitment to geothermal energy. I look forward to working together to strengthen our organization, build partnership, and expand our impact.”
Jericho Reyes, President of Geothermal Rising, echoed that sentiment. “Pilar brings organizational leadership, financial discipline, and experience building partnerships across technical and philanthropic communities. I look forward to working with her to strengthen Geothermal Rising and support our members driving geothermal innovation and growth.”
Montoya’s career also includes community-foundation development, national and international clean energy and climate communications, and founding a communications firm she grew and sold after 14 years. At Geothermal Rising, she will collaborate with members and staff to strengthen organizational performance and professional development.
Read Pilar Montoya’s full biography and explore her media dossier: Link to biography
About Geothermal Rising
Geothermal Rising brings people together to accelerate geothermal for a resilient energy future. Learn more at geothermal.org.
Media contact: Brandy Obvintsev, Director of Communications, Geothermal Rising | brandy@gallantculture.com
Brandy Obvintsev
Geothermal Rising
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Why it matters: Geothermal energy remains a largely untapped resource in the clean energy transition, and associations like Geothermal Rising play a crucial role in connecting technical experts with policymakers and the public. Montoya’s blend of STEM advocacy, fundraising discipline, and communications savvy could help the sector gain the visibility and investment it needs to scale.
