Talberg will lead the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, while Campbell will oversee programming
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Saves, the nation's first nonprofit green bank, today announced it has appointed two key leaders: Sally Talberg as president and chief executive officer, effective March 3, 2025, and Martha Campbell as the nonprofit's first-ever chief program officer, effective January 21, 2025. Their leadership comes at a pivotal time of growth for Michigan Saves, as their deep expertise in energy policy, finance and climate strategy will be instrumental in accelerating the organization’s impact in its next phase of expanding access to sustainable energy solutions.
Sally Talberg, President and Chief Executive Officer
Talberg has a long-standing history with the organization, having been part of the Public Sector Consultants team that led the development of Michigan Saves in 2009 and later played a key role in managing the program’s design and implementation from 2009 to 2013.
“It’s an honor to return to Michigan Saves and further its mission of ensuring that energy efficiency and clean energy solutions are accessible to everyone, regardless of income or background,” said Talberg. “I am deeply committed to ensuring that all Michiganders can experience the health and financial benefits of clean energy, and I look forward to working alongside the team and board during this pivotal time of growth and transformation.”
Talberg brings to Michigan Saves more than 25 years of experience in energy policy, regulation and clean energy transformation. After serving on the Michigan Public Service Commission from 2013 through 2020 — under governors Whitmer and Snyder, including four years as chair — she launched her own consulting firm, specializing in policy and regulatory analysis for the electricity and natural gas industries. Public Sector Consultants was among her first clients, leveraging her deep expertise in energy policy.
“Sally’s deep understanding of both the energy landscape and our mission at Michigan Saves makes her the ideal candidate to lead our organization,” said Paul Schutt, Michigan Saves board president. “Her expertise and strategic insight will strengthen our ability to develop innovative solutions to today’s most pressing energy and environmental challenges, and we are excited for her to lead us in driving meaningful impact.”
Talberg will assume the role of president and CEO following the departure of Chanell Scott Contreras last month. Scott Contreras made significant contributions during her time at Michigan Saves, including overseeing the launch of various programs and securing two successful grants under the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
Martha Campbell, Chief Program Officer
Campbell joins Michigan Saves from the governor’s office, where she served as a senior climate policy advisor to Governor Whitmer. Now, in her role as Michigan Saves’ first chief program officer, she will lead the organization’s strategic initiatives to drive clean energy adoption and climate resilience at scale.
During her tenure at the governor’s office, Campbell played a role in advancing statewide clean energy initiatives and shaping policies that positioned Michigan as a leader in sustainability. Prior to her work in state government, Campbell launched and scaled market- and policy-based interventions to environmental challenges at RMI, a national thought leader in energy and climate, for over a decade.
“Martha’s expertise and proven leadership in market-based climate solutions will be instrumental in expanding our programs and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future,” said Schutt. “We look forward to her strategic insight strengthening our ability to develop innovative solutions to today’s most pressing environmental challenges.”
To date, Michigan Saves has enabled more than $650 million in clean energy financing. In recent years, the organization has added additional programming, including:
· Septic Replacement Loan Program: In partnership with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, this program offers financing for the replacement of near-failing and failing septic systems
· Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund: Offering financing, support, and a 50% cost-sharing initiative to help homeowners in need of lead abatement
· Tax Credit Bridge Financing: Helps nonprofits and government entities access the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay tax credits for clean energy projects
· Climate Fund: Provides custom, low-cost financing for large-scale clean energy projects for businesses, governmental and nonprofit organizations
For more information about Michigan Saves, visit MichiganSaves.org.
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