COSSA Institute
Providing the necessary tools, training, and resources to grow and expand the solar and storage industry to keep up with market demand for clean energy
A Letter from COSSA Institute Leadership
The last decade has seen an unprecedented rise in innovation, energy technology, and passion for clean energy. To build on these incredible gains, the COSSA Institute was created with a primary focus on advancing community-driven clean energy solutions in partnership with local leaders, elected officials, and solar advocates across the state.
To ensure a safe, sustainable future for the next generation and curb the worst impacts of climate change, we must achieve a 100% clean energy reality by the next decade. To help make this happen, we must share our story with the public, grow the talent pool, and equip communities and their leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to increase solar energy generation, storage, and consumption.
Established in 2022 as the 501(c)(3) nonprofit sister organization of the Colorado Solar and Storage Association, we have witnessed great enthusiasm for the Institute’s initiatives and have been generously supported by foundations, local governments, utility partners, and private donors. With additional support and engagement from the Colorado and Mountain West philanthropic community, the COSSA Institute will execute its programming with a magnitude of impact that will touch every corner of our state, while building a foundation for community engagement to accelerate the momentum of a renewable energy, climate safe future.
Your support of the COSSA Institute will build a foundation for community engagement that will accelerate the momentum of a renewable energy, climate-safe future.
Thank you for being a partner in this effort.
— Mike Kruger & Adrienne Dorsey
Mission Statement
The COSSA Institute is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) organization focused on accelerating the clean energy movement through community investment. The COSSA Institute provides the necessary tools, training, and resources to grow and expand the solar and storage industry — keeping up with market demand for clean energy.
The COSSA Institute Agenda
Since 1989, the Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA) has been leading the charge of growing the industry and laying the groundwork to reach 100% clean energy in Colorado. By expanding solar and storage markets, we’re generating jobs and prosperity for all Coloradans. With a firm commitment to build deeper, trusted and collaborative relationships in these communities, the COSSA Institute is committed to supporting and amplifying the impact of the growing industry in Colorado through three key priority pillars:
Educating Local Leaders and Decision Makers
- Providing an easy-to-use guide on the myths and truths of solar and storage
- Creating in-person engagement opportunities such as Solar 101 demonstrations, educational site tours, energy panels, convenings
Creating Public Awareness and Dispelling Misinformation
- Educating the community on the benefits of clean energy and combat misinformation and myths about the solar and storage industry
- Explaining local regulations and incentives, as well as career opportunities in the solar and storage field
- Developing comprehensive communications, marketing, and social media toolkit to combat misinformation and change public perceptions toward solar and storage projects – ultimately leading to new, skilled jobs across Colorado and especially in rural communities
Growing a Skilled Clean Energy Workforce in Colorado
- Provide thought leadership and convenings of public, private, and nonprofit partners centered on ensuring workforce challenges and solutions so that more Coloradans, especially in rural communities, are able to join this rapidly growing industry
- Work with industry partners and educational institutions to develop programs to grow an inclusive workforce that spans the state
COSSA Institute
Community Impact:
The COSSA Institute is committed to supporting and increasing COSSA’s work by growing the solar and storage industry through education and community involvement.
Support of the Institute allows us to build a pipeline for accredited professionals while educating both lawmakers and communities on the benefits of solar and storage.
Who We Are
COSSA Institute Leadership
Mike Kruger
Executive Director
Mike Kruger has served as the President and CEO of COSSA since October 2018. Previously, he was the Director of Communications for the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) in Washington, DC. He oversaw all public communications for the organization, including public speaking engagements, research reports, and the annual SEPA Power Players Awards program.
Prior to joining SEPA, Kruger was the Deputy Director of Communications for the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Obama Administration. He also served on the communications staff for the U.S. House of Representatives Education and Labor Committee.
Mike earned a Master of Arts in Education and Social Justice from the University of London and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Western Washington University. When he’s not explaining the wonders of the electric grid, you can find him watching baseball.
Adrienne Dorsey
VP of Strategic Initiatives
Adrienne Dorsey joined the COSSA Institute in 2024. She has nearly two decades of combined experience working in the energy, land conservation, and sustainability sectors.
Prior to joining the COSSA Institute, she was the Executive Director of La Plata Open Space Conservancy (LPOSC), a land trust based in Durango where she led efforts to permanently protect working and natural lands across several counties in Southwest Colorado. Before her time at LPOSC, she was the Executive Director of GRID Alternatives Colorado, where she led efforts to install over 10MW of solar for income-qualified households and develop clean energy workforce training programs. She has extensive experience working with local governments and nonprofits and has led innovative programs at both the state and local levels throughout her career.
Steve Pearson
Director of Development
Steve is a fundraising professional and business strategy advisor dedicated to working with nonprofits to build more sustainable and diversified revenue models. He joined the COSSA Institute in 2024 to develop and lead a fundraising strategy to scale the new organization and its impact and cultivate new relationships with philanthropy across Colorado.
Prior to relocating to Denver in 2022, he spent 16 years securing major gifts and implementing sustainable fundraising models for notable policy and advocacy organizations in Washington, DC including The ONE Campaign, Brookings Institution, and the Wilson Center. Before nonprofits, he worked on two U.S. presidential elections and inaugurals and served as the government relations lead for a national trade association and legislative aide for two Members of Congress.
Since moving West, he spends much of his free time exploring Colorado and the Mountain West. He enjoys hiking and running, cooking for friends, and outdoor adventures with his dog Ronin.
Jeremiah Garrick
Manager of Community Engagement & Strategy
Jeremiah joined the COSSA team full-time in 2022 as their Local Community Liaison after completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Energy and Sustainability Policy at The Pennsylvania State University, then moved to COSSA Institute in 2024.
Being born and raised in Colorado, Jeremiah’s education largely focused on Colorado’s local and state-level energy policy, changes to our climate, and current industry practices. Jeremiah’s connections with local governments through sustainability initiatives, knowledge of Colorado’s renewable energy industry, and passion for lowering carbon emissions drove his efforts to seek an internship with COSSA prior to joining the team full-time.
Suggested Levels of Support
Clean Energy Champion: $10,000
Clean Energy Ally: $5,000
Clean Energy Supporter: $500
Friend of Clean Energy: $25
Contact Us
COSSA Institute
P.O. Box 3154
Durango, Colorado, 81302
info@cossainstitute.org