Tara Hammond is the founder and executive director of Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation (HCSF), a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to expediting positive change for a just and livable future. The organization focuses on advancing climate solutions that improve public health, strengthen communities and expand access to clean energy. For more than 15 years, Tara has been a leader in San Diego’s clean energy and climate movements, bringing together philanthropy, nonprofits, government agencies, businesses and community organizations to accelerate equitable climate action.

A recognized clean energy expert, Tara was among the first women in North America to earn the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Technical Sales Certification, one of the solar industry’s most respected professional credentials. She is frequently invited to speak at conferences, professional events and often mentors students and emerging professionals interested in clean energy, climate leadership and community impact. In recognition of her expertise and commitment to public service, Tara has been selected to serve on numerous boards and advisory committees focused on clean energy, sustainability, philanthropy, workforce development and environmental justice. Her leadership has earned recognition from organizations including the San Diego Business Journal, San Diego State University, Business For Good San Diego and the California State Assembly.

Since founding HCSF in 2020, Tara has grown the organization into an innovative climate nonprofit with international reach. Under her leadership, HCSF has supported more than 651 clean energy projects, managed more than $40 million in climate funding, helped deploy over 222 megawatts of solar energy and facilitated climate solutions that have offset approximately 5.49 megatons of carbon emissions. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy and community-centered programming, HCSF has become a trusted partner for organizations seeking impactful and equitable climate solutions.

Among Tara’s most significant accomplishments is the creation and expansion of the Solar Moonshot Program, an innovative initiative that helps nonprofit organizations transition to clean energy through grants, technical assistance and creative financing solutions. Through her ability to build trusted relationships with mission-aligned funders and philanthropic partners, Tara has secured the resources needed to scale the program nationally and internationally. Under her leadership, the program has committed nearly $5 million in grant funding and supported projects across 34 states, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Mexico, Cameroon and the Philippines. The program enables nonprofit organizations to reduce energy costs, strengthen resilience, lessen the impacts of the climate crisis and reinvest savings into community services while advancing climate justice and supporting local green job growth.

Beyond clean energy deployment, Tara is a dedicated climate educator, coalition builder and advocate. Since 2009, she has led hundreds of community education events, policy discussions and advocacy efforts while helping launch collaborative initiatives that address climate resilience, public health and environmental justice. Most recently, HCSF launched its Holistic Healthy Communities initiative, which integrates clean energy, healthy indoor environments and community greening investments at trusted community-serving sites in Communities of Concern.

Tara’s work is driven by a belief that climate solutions should reduce climate injustices, improve lives, create economic opportunity and empower communities with the tools, resources and knowledge needed to build a healthier, more equitable future.