Rose E. McKinney-James

Managing Principal
Energy Works LLC
McKinney-James & Associates

Rose McKinney-James is the Managing Principal of McKinney-James & Associates and Energy Works LLC a consulting practice based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ms. McKinney-James has over two decades of experience in advocacy in legislative and regulatory proceedings relative to renewable and clean energy policy in Nevada and the U.S. She has helped to shape much of the energy policy framework in place in the state of Nevada.

McKinney-James is the former CEO for the Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources (CSTRR), and a former Commissioner with the Nevada Public Service Commission. She also served as Nevada’s first Director of the Department of Business and Industry. Her firms provide business-consulting services and advocacy in the areas of public affairs, energy policy, and economic and sustainable development. A registered lobbyist with the Nevada Legislature, Rose currently represents a range of public and private entities with interests in regulatory and energy policy.

Ms. McKinney-James began her career in Washington D.C. as an Intern with the U.S. Department of Labor. A subsequent Internship with the Honorable Shirley Chisholm (D-NY) resulted in a position with her Office as Legislative Assistant. Ms. James was recruited to work with the Council of the District of Columbia as the Administrative Assistant to the Council Chair. She relocated to Las Vegas Nevada to accept a position as Director of Economic Development programs with Operation Life, a community based economic development center. Thereafter, she served as Economic Development Coordinator for the Nevada Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO). Ms. McKinney-James transitioned to the City of Las Vegas and served as Chief of Staff to the City Manager.

McKinney-James serves on the Board of the Energy Foundation. She is the Immediate Past Board Chair for the American Association for Blacks in Energy (AABE). She is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Alliance to Save Energy. In 2013, Rose was selected to serve as an Inaugural Ambassador for the C3E initiative supporting increased participation by women in the clean energy sector. Rose is the former Chair of The Clean Energy Project and Chair Emeritus of Nevada Partners, a nationally recognized workforce development agency. She is a member of ELC, the Executive Leadership Council. Ms. McKinney-James serves on the Board of Directors for MGM Resorts International and Toyota Financial Services Bank.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Ms. McKinney-James is a graduate of the Antioch School of Law in Washington D.C., and received her BA from Olivet College in Olivet, Michigan where she was honored with the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2013. Ms. McKinney-James is married and the mother of two sons.

Ms. McKinney-James has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Chamber of Commerce as well as the Public Education Foundation. She was also honored by the American Solar Energy Society, SOLAR NV as the Advocate of the Year.