After seven years in the clean energy sector, Mary Coyne is no stranger to solving complex problems. Her journey into renewable energy is anything but conventional—beginning not in an office or lab, but deep beneath the ocean’s surface as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy.

Mary was always curious about the energy sector. That curiosity, coupled with her desire for a mission-driven career, drew her toward clean energy after transitioning out of military service. “When I left the military, I sought the same mission-focused and problem-solving ethos that I had in submarines, and I found it in clean power at GE,” Mary says. “Through a phenomenal support network of fellow veterans I was able to see firsthand the breadth of impact this industry has for communities from sea to shining sea.”

Coyne’s impact has been especially felt in the wind energy sector, where she has played an instrumental role in early U.S. offshore wind projects, including Vineyard Wind and Community Offshore Wind. “Offshore is a completely different beast,” she notes. “The logistical and operational challenges are immense—but that’s what made it so rewarding. Being part of the team that helped execute these first-of-their-kind projects in the U.S. was unforgettable.”

Now based in New York, Coyne advocates not only for clean energy but for the broader ripple effects it brings. “I wish more people understood the economic return of clean energy projects,” she emphasizes. “It’s not just about megawatts. These projects bring long-term, high-skill, high-wage jobs and catalyze professional and community development that multiplies over time.”

For Coyne, clean energy represents more than just a technical solution—it’s a blueprint for the nation’s growth and resilience. “Clean energy powers communities efficiently and responsibly. It’s about ensuring our homes are supplied with reliable energy while also enabling America’s continued development,” she says.

That’s why she’s urging Congress to see the big picture. “Investing in clean energy is investing in Americans—wherever they live. From dense urban centers to the quietest plains, these projects unlock opportunity for all.”

As clean energy continues to scale across the country, leaders like Mary Coyne are proving that a career in renewables is not only viable for veterans—it’s vital for our future.