Since 1954
The power of community
Since 1954
The power of community
ASES Members – This year, we have four eligible candidates and four open seats on the board. Listed below are the candidates and their statements.
Check out the list of the current Board of Directors here. Questions about the elections or about any other ASES matter can be addressed to info@ases.org.
Christian Custode
I am a Houston-based financial planning and project economics professional with more than 20 years of experience in finance, including 14 years dedicated to the energy sector. Throughout the past seven years, I have supported Financial Committees and Boards of Directors by delivering strategic analyses and presenting scenario-based recommendations to aid informed decision-making.
Recent reports from SEIA and Wood Mackenzie suggest that in 2025, the solar sector faces notable difficulties due to a slowdown in major residential and community solar markets, unfavorable government policies toward renewable energy development, and grid failures. To ensure profitable outcomes and secure reliable returns, I firmly believe that it is essential for ASES to actively engage the private sector in the financing of solar projects. By involving private entities, we can leverage their resources and expertise to drive investment and enhance the overall success of our initiatives.
Promoting technological advancement and innovative solutions through platforms such as ASES’s awards contest and conference papers will help accelerate progress in the field. These initiatives engaging the private sector and fostering innovation are central to my commitment as a candidate. I am dedicated to supporting these efforts to strengthen ASES’s impact and promote sustainable growth in solar energy.
If elected, I will leverage my board-level finance experience to support ASES in expanding partnerships and increasing revenue through collaborations with local authorities and academic institutions. My initiatives will include organizing webinars featuring energy experts and enhancing activity on the YouTube channel to engage younger audiences. Additionally, I propose introducing a monthly “ASES Achievements Dashboard,” presenting key performance indicators on the ASES website and social media platforms. This dashboard will provide concise summaries of results from the SOLAR Conference, National Solar Tour, and educational programs, ensuring that members and donors clearly see the impact of their contributions and enabling ASES to maintain more reliable funding streams.
Samantha Ronjak
I’m Samantha (Sam) Ronjak and my interest in the American Solar Energy Society comes from a long-held belief that renewable energy isn’t just an industry—it’s the path to a livable, equitable future. My work with EDF Renewables and Fortune 100 technology teams has given me a clear, hands-on understanding of how the solar sector operates, where the real pressure points are, and where the biggest opportunities lie.
ASES is rich in policy expertise, financial insight, and technical depth. What I offer is the strategic and human-centered lens that helps all of that expertise land with clarity and momentum. My background in design strategy and organizational planning is rooted in asking the right questions, aligning people around purpose, and building structures that actually work.
If elected, I would focus on three things: strengthening ASES’s brand coherence and digital visibility; using thoughtful, data-informed storytelling to bring in sponsors, partners, and donors; and applying design thinking to deepen member engagement and support sound, modern governance.
I’m committed to doing the steady, strategic work that keeps an organization healthy. I’d be honored to help ASES grow with intention and continue pushing our mission forward.
Henry Vandermark
I am currently a member of the ASES Board of Directors and would like to continue for a second term. My first ASES conference demonstrated collaboration. I learned from architects and developers on the same stage and saw policy makers learning about technology in solar and other renewable solutions. Seeing science and fact-based solutions reviewed by peers is important. Hard questions matter. While I am chair of the solar thermal division, the area of my work for 40 years, my interest is to help ASES create an environment where students and young professionals can see a path to fulfill the ASES mission of a 100% renewable economy. Today the membership and the technical divisions are a mix of professionals experienced in their related fields along with advocates, students and the general public. My hope is to increase professionals in the divisions. So, if you have expertise in any of the technical division areas please consider engaging in that division, share knowledge and help with peer review. If you are interested in learning, please investigate the ASES online community and technical division of your interest. Sharing knowledge is part of the ASES culture. I hope to see you at SOLAR 2026.
Sean White
I love ASES and go to all the ASES conferences. I tell everyone to participate. I am the President of NorCal Solar, a 51-year-old ASES chapter. I have a lot of connections. My main business is solar and storage training and I am building an awesome solar training center.
I am a very busy person. If you want to get something done, ask a busy person. I will not have a lot of extra time, but I think the time I do have will be valuable for ASES.
CV: www.maximumpowerpointtraining.com
Website: www.solarSEAN.com