Erik Stokes is the Deputy Director of the Energy Research and Development Division at the California Energy Commission. In his 14+ years at the Commission, Erik has spearheaded numerous initiatives to bring new clean energy technologies to the market. Erik has worked to strengthen California’s innovation ecosystem for cleantech entrepreneurship which has helped cleantech start-ups attract over $9 billion in private investment.

In addition, Erik has worked to address barriers that prevent broader deployment of emerging clean energy technologies, particularly in underserved communities. In 2016, Erik and his team pioneered a $50 million design-build competition to transform low-income neighborhoods into some of the most technologically-advanced clean energy communities in the world. In 2019, his team launched Empower Innovation, the first professional networking platform developed specifically for the cleantech sector. Empower Innovation has grown to over 3,000 members.

Erik has also overseen numerous marketing activities and events for the California Energy Commission including the EPIC Symposium; an annual event that draws over 800 people to Sacramento to discuss the latest innovations in clean energy and their connection to California's climate change policies. He has spoken at over 150 events and forums on entrepreneurship, innovation and a variety of energy and climate change topics including renewable energy, energy storage, microgrids, energy efficiency and electric vehicles.

Prior to joining the California Energy Commission, Erik worked in the computer sector helping develop next-generation data storage technologies. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering and a Master's Degree in Business Administration.