Samantha Childress, 31
Microgrid Partner and Strategy Director
Schneider Electric
Samantha has spent more than a decade in the energy industry, with a strong focus on distributed energy resources and microgrid technology for the duration. “I entered the industry because I was drawn to the intersection of technology, sustainability, and real-world impact,” she explained. “Early in my career, I was fascinated by how energy systems underpin every aspect of modern life—and how innovation in this space could significantly accelerate decarbonization and significantly improve the quality of life for many communities that have limited or no access to reliable power.”
Since joining Schneider Electric in 2018, “I’ve had the opportunity to gain technical expertise as a solution architect, lead a team of subject matter experts, and define a new channel to market by building our partnership strategy,” Samantha said. “The technical and commercial acumen I’ve collected has been a result of my deep curiosity in this area of the energy industry, and a wealth of experts I’ve been surrounded by who’ve mentored and empowered me to take on leadership roles. This has culminated in my current position as microgrid partner and strategy director, where I lead strategic partnerships and channel enablement, which is set to be an important growth engine for our microgrid business.”
Samantha noted that what appealed to her more than a decade ago still motivates her today: the opportunity to shape the future of resilient, sustainable energy infrastructure. “Microgrids, in particular, allow me to work at the cutting edge of energy innovation while helping customers achieve tangible outcomes in reliability, decarbonization, and operational efficiency,” she said.
Asked about a major challenge the industry faces today, Samantha pointed to the complexity of integrating distributed energy resources—from regulatory hurdles to technology fragmentation to a shortage of standardization in how microgrids are developed and deployed. “This can make projects lengthy, costly, and difficult for customers to navigate,” she explained. “In my role, I focus on tackling this challenge by strengthening and scaling our partner ecosystem so we can deliver microgrids efficiently and consistently; creating clear go‑to‑market pathways and repeatable execution models that reduce friction for customers and partners; and collaborating with the industry and policymakers to advocate for practical and forward‑looking microgrid standards. The goal is simple: make microgrids easier, faster, and more accessible for organizations that need them.”
Looking ahead, Samantha’s next career goal is to advance into a broader strategic leadership role, where she can influence cross‑organizational direction and help shape the energy transition at scale. “I’m preparing for this by expanding my executive‑level partnerships and industry relationships; leading cross‑functional initiatives that stretch my capabilities beyond my current scope; driving accountability and successful outcomes within the high performing team that I lead; and pursuing ongoing leadership development, including coaching, mentorship, and strategic decision‑making training,” she explained.
What would Samantha tell someone new to the industry? “I would tell them that this is one of the most exciting times to join the energy sector,” she said. “The industry is undergoing massive transformation, and new voices and fresh thinking are essential. Be curious, stay adaptable, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Find mentors early, expose yourself to as many parts of the business as possible, and look for opportunities to work on cross‑functional teams. Most importantly, remember that innovation and progress often come from those who are willing to challenge the status quo.”
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her wife, Megan, and their golden retriever, Packer. “In the summer months, you’ll usually find me outdoors, most often on the golf course or grilling out on our patio,” she added. “During Wisconsin winters, I switch to enjoying sports from the warmth of our home in Green Bay. I’m lifelong Duke basketball supporter and, of course, a Green Bay Packers fan. As a former college soccer player, I also enjoy tuning in to Sunday morning Premier League matches.”
Samantha also noted that “Since before my professional career began, I’ve been volunteering for non-profits in the energy space and have collected many learnings while also being a part of the impact they’ve created in communities worldwide. Today, I serve on the board of directors for two incredible organizations: United Solar Initiative, a solar and microgrid project development group that leverages private sector contributions to deploy clean energy technologies for communities and NGOs worldwide; and Footprint Project, a disaster response team that help communities #buildbackgreener following climate disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and tornados.”
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Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tEDmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2026 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
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