With a rich background spanning various industries, Erica Brinker, Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer at Chaberton Energy, leads the company’s commercial operations and sustainability initiatives, driving meaningful change as a leading community solar developer. Her transition from the worlds of technology and healthcare to the front lines of renewable energy highlights a remarkable evolution of purpose and dedication, reflecting a commitment to making a difference in business and in the world at large.
A Journey Across Industries that Landed in Renewable Energy
Transitioning into a leadership role in renewable energy and sustainability can be quite a journey. For Erica Brinker, Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer at Maryland-based Chaberton Energy, the motivation stemmed from an unexpected source. “When COVID hit, I read a book called ‘Uninhabitable Earth’ by David Wallace-Wells,” she recalls. “It had a profound impact on me and proved to be a North Star in terms of what I wanted to do next.”
The book, devoid of political bias and agenda, presented a stark depiction of scientific observations on climate change and its global impacts. This catalyzed Erica’s desire for a career shift toward making a direct impact on the environment. With diverse experience spanning luxury brands, healthcare, technology, and aerospace—including a decade in leadership positions at Honeywell—she sought a role in the renewables industry.
Erica’s first step into solar energy was with Array Technologies, an American-based solar tracker manufacturer, where she served as Chief Commercial Officer and Head of ESG. Joining the company as it went public, she faced the challenge of building teams and creating a scalable operational structure. Her efforts were recognized when she was named a “Nasdaq ESG Trendsetter” for establishing a new ESG program with significant impact.
Despite her success in solar manufacturing, Erica aspired to transition to the solar development sector, where she could work with a company to build projects from the ground up. That’s when Chaberton Energy approached her with an opportunity to lead their commercial and sustainability efforts. As the company’s Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer, she now contributes to one of the fastest-growing community solar developers in the United States, with operations extending to Italy.
In this highly entrepreneurial environment, Erica thrives on the creativity and problem-solving aspects of her role. “I get to be creative in problem-solving, wear many hats, and develop an incredible team to drive our goals,” she says. For her, the role at Chaberton Energy represents a perfect blend of purpose, meaning, and challenge. “The future is bright for solar and the broader renewable energy sector, and I am so proud to be a part of it at the ground floor.”
Overcoming Obstacles as a Pathway to Growth
In the ever-evolving landscape of renewables development, challenges are inevitable. Erica, who has navigated a non-traditional career path, exemplifies how confronting obstacles can lead to significant growth. Her journey, marked by frequent shifts across industries and functions, underscores her drive to uncover deeper insights and enhance business practices.
Erica’s approach is rooted in a deep-seated curiosity. “I look for the root of challenges and want to go beyond the surface to create better businesses,” she explains. This mindset has propelled her beyond her initial career path in marketing, leading her to acquire broad skills and embrace diverse opportunities.
Her career journey illustrates that overcoming obstacles requires resilience and a willingness to get out of one’s comfort zone. Through her experiences, Erica demonstrates that the pursuit of understanding and improvement can transform challenges into pivotal moments of growth.
Chaberton Energy: Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure
Based in Maryland, Chaberton Energy operates as a public benefit corporation dedicated to distributed energy development through innovative infrastructure projects. Since its founding in 2020, the company has expanded significantly, growing to more than 50 employees at the start of 2025. Chaberton’s exponential growth was recognized nationally last year when the company was named the 34th fastest-growing private company in America on the Inc. 5000 list.
Chaberton specializes in community solar and commercial solar projects, providing solutions that help community members save money on their utility bills through clean energy subscriptions, and help businesses control energy costs while meeting sustainability goals.
In a notable achievement, Chaberton reached 100 solar energy sites under contract by January 2024, within just four years. The company now has a robust pipeline of more than 130 projects representing 1.5 gigawatts in active opportunities, with locations spanning Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Illinois, New Mexico, and beyond…even abroad in Italy.
Redefining Sustainability: Chaberton Energy’s Impact on the Industry
Chaberton Energy is helping to reshape the energy landscape with a commitment to company values of creativity, excellence, and humanity. These core values are deeply ingrained in the company’s operations, influencing every aspect of their work and driving their mission to advance renewable energy solutions for communities and businesses.
Chaberton’s projects deliver multiple benefits: more affordable energy, increased local tax revenue, and cleaner, carbon-free electricity. Moreover, through its Chaberton Cares program, the company extends its impact by providing $5,000 in funding to local nonprofit organizations for every megawatt of new community solar capacity developed. This early engagement ensures that communities start benefiting from Chaberton’s efforts even before projects break ground.
So far, 16 non-profits have been supported by Chaberton Cares, including:
- Lake Forest High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) in Sussex County, DE
- Dreamcatchers, offering equine-assisted therapeutic services in James City County, VA
- Diakonia, supporting unhoused individuals in Worcester County, MD
- Selbyville Library in Sussex County, DE
Through these efforts, Chaberton Energy exemplifies how sustainable practices and community support can drive meaningful and lasting change for various stakeholders.
Driving Innovation and Adaptability in a Competitive Energy Market
Chaberton’s innovation extends to its technology. For instance, a project currently under construction in Potomac, MD, will feature Erthos’s cutting-edge ground-mounting solar technology. This system allows solar panels to be installed just inches above the ground, as opposed to the conventional racks that stand two feet or more off the ground. This approach offers several advantages: it maximizes land use by eliminating the need for space between rows of panels, thereby increasing electricity production per acre, and its low-profile design minimizes visual disruption, helping to garner community support.
In addition to technological advancements, Chaberton remains adaptable by focusing on state markets with favorable policies and adhering to its core values of creativity, excellence, and humanity. This strategy not only fosters innovation and strengthens partnerships but also ensures the company maintains a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace.
Navigating a Role of Strategic Leadership and Innovation in Sustainability
As Chief Commercial & Sustainability Officer at Chaberton Energy, Erica oversees the company’s origination, business development, commercial support operations, and marketing communications teams. Her role is pivotal in driving business growth, securing new customers and landowners, and enhancing brand recognition and affinity.
A typical day for Erica involves supporting her teams, setting strategic direction, and engaging with potential customers and investors. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, reflecting the complex nature of her role.
Describing herself in one word, Erica chooses “dynamic,” a testament to her enthusiasm for tackling new industries, roles, and challenges. Her current focus on solar energy aligns with her commitment to supporting a more sustainable future.
Maintaining Balance and Inspiring Excellence
Balancing personal and professional commitments is a challenge many face, and Erica is no exception as a mother of five kids who range from preschool to college age. Her approach is one of complete immersion: she dedicates 100 percent of her focus to work when she’s on the job and gives her full attention to her family when she’s at home.
By being intentionally present in each moment, Erica finds that her time, whether spent working or with her family, becomes more meaningful and productive. This commitment to presence enriches her own experiences while enhancing her interactions and ultimately, her relationships, with colleagues and loved ones.
Future Aspirations and Leadership Advice in Sustainability
Chaberton Energy’s remarkable growth since its founding reflects its strong trajectory. Expanding from 5 to 50+ employees and experiencing significant revenue increases, the company faces ongoing challenges, including legislative decisions that impact community solar market viability and the inherent fluctuations in sales performance.
Looking ahead, Chaberton aims to continue expanding its pipeline and completing new projects. The focus will be on acquiring new customers for community solar and commercial project development while exploring ways to diversify operations, leveraging its core strengths in development and engineering.
Erica’s advice to aspiring leaders in sustainability is to remain adaptable, focus on strengths, and continually seek out-of-the-box solutions to overcome industry challenges.
Erica Brinker’s journey from fashion and healthcare to leading Chaberton Energy’s commercial and sustainability efforts showcases a powerful blend of saying yes to opportunities, and being committed to the work. Her career path to renewable energy exemplifies how diverse experiences can converge to foster meaningful change and help to shape a brighter, more sustainable future.
