AABE President and CEO Named

January 9, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact:  communications@aabe.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF BLACKS IN ENERGY NAMES JAY L KNOTT AS PRESIDENT AND CEO

President of Metropolitan Group tapped to lead organization into the next chapter  Washington DC. (January 12, 2025) – American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is pleased to announce that, following an extensive national search, Jay L Knott will be the organization’s new President and CEO and will step into the role on January 12.   

The search committee, comprised of members of the Board of Directors, unanimously confirmed the selection. The committee was co-led by Kevin Simmons, AABE’s Board Chair and US Sector Leader Power Utilities and Renewables at Deloitte, and Moanica Caston, AABE’s Governance Chair and Vice President Diversity and Inclusion at Quanta Services.

“On behalf of the board, I want to congratulate and welcome Jay to this key leadership position within our community,” said Simmons. “Throughout the search process, we were impressed with his experience as a strong strategic leader with C-Suite experience across non-profit, public and private arenas and his authentic and collaborative leadership style.”

Caston added, “AABE needs a strong, visionary leader with the ability to work globally at the intersection of regulatory, government and industry combined with a passion for the community. Jay has helped lead organizations through transformational change and growth and we couldn’t be happier that he will bring this experience to bear as CEO.” 

Knott brings to this new role proven successes in delivering cross-sector and global experience in social impact. Most recently, Knott served as the President of Metropolitan Group, a social change agency that crafts strategic services to amplify the power of voice of change agents in building a just and sustainable world. He also served as Chief Operating Officer for the Environmental Defense Fund, leading all of its operational systems and functions in a period of significant growth and change, and as chief business officer at Abt Associates, a global leader in research, evaluation and technical assistance for health, social-environmental policy and international development. Prior to that, Knott enjoyed a successful 20-plus-year career as a leader at USAID, including roles as mission director in Jordan and Mozambique and deputy director in Ghana. 

“I am beyond excited to lead AABE and help drive the organization’s vitally important mission of providing direct input into the deliberations and developments of energy policies, regulations, emerging technologies and environmental issues,” said Knott. “I have a great passion for doing good work that improves the quality of life for individuals and families and know that, in collaboration with the AABE Board and team, we are poised to help bring about positive and significant change in the energy sector and beyond.”

Knott holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania. He also completed an executive certificate in technology and operations from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is fluent in French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Knott succeeds Thomas Graham, who served as interim CEO of AABE. The Board thanks Thomas for providing outstanding leadership to AABE and is deeply appreciative of the dedication and the significant legacy of achievement and service created over the past year. 

About AABE: The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a national non-profit organization founded in 1977 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. With over 1,800 members and 40 chapters nationwide, AABE is committed to increasing the representation and influence of African Americans and other minorities in energy policy, regulation, research, development, and environmental issues. Through advocacy, education, and professional development, AABE strives to ensure a diverse and inclusive energy sector that benefits all communities.

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Contact:
Damali Harding
dharding@aabe.org

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