Chris Kemper is the Chairman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Palmetto Clean Technology, Inc. He is a mission-oriented leader focused on technology solutions to climate change. Chris’ approach blends capitalism with environmentalism, focusing on re-imagining decentralized energy systems and a decarbonized future. As outlined in his manifesto, the New Utility Revolution, technological advancements and economic advantages created by clean technology are approaching a tipping point in the global energy infrastructure. The need to democratize access to clean energy and the need to reduce global warming and emissions is quickly driving the realization that clean energy now makes good business sense for the planet’s survival.
Prior to founding Palmetto, Chris refined his skill sets in policy and finance from organizations including the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. In both capacities, he worked primarily with, and in, developing countries to deliver clean technologies in an effort to leapfrog and work outside of an antiquated centralized utility grid structure.
Chris is passionate about driving environmental change at scale, through his business endeavors, advocacy and philanthropy. He has undertaken study in business, economics, and policy at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, Class of 2025), University of North Carolina, Ball State University and at Rhodes College. With his graduate degrees in hand, Chris aspires to one day complete his doctorate-level coursework in environmental economics, which he plans to use to continue educating populations about the environment and the ramifications of climate change.
Chris is an avid hiker, a struggling fly fisherman, and is active in charitable giving through his foundation that focuses on supporting early-stage companies, entrepreneurs, and mission driven organizations. He currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.
