Lorraine Voles in 2023. Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for HBO
Let's look at the Kamala Harris staffers, current and former, who could help shape her views on climate and energy.
Why it matters: Harris would likely carry on President Biden's agenda, but top policy aides could make a big difference in how the IRA is implemented and where she would focus her attention.
Ike Irby
Irby was Harris' longtime climate adviser — for seven years from her Senate days through the IRA — before he left her office early this year.
- He had a hand in much of what she's done on energy and climate at the federal level and was with her team for Harris' introduction of environmental justice and electric school bus legislation.
- Irby started an independent policy and political advisory firm when he left the administration, according to his LinkedIn.
- He's also a scientist who holds a PhD from William & Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
Becca Ellison
Ellison is Harris' current top climate adviser, having joined her office around the time Irby left in January, per her LinkedIn.
- She worked on policy at Evergreen Action before joining the Biden Department of Transportation in 2021.
- Ellison also did a stint at EPA helping implement the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
Deanne Millison
Harris' former top economic adviser is now a lobbyist for Ford working on manufacturing policy.
- Before her move to the private sector, Millison was another long-tenured staffer.
- She was the legislative director and deputy chief in Harris' Senate office before joining the administration.
Mike Pyle
An alum of the Obama administration and Blackrock, Pyle was for a time Harris' top economic aide.
- He later served on the White House National Security Council, where he was involved in trade and critical minerals issues.
Lorraine Voles
Voles is Harris' chief of staff. She moved up to that position in 2022 after the departure of Tina Flournoy.
- Voles has deep roots in Democratic politics. She was a communications director for Hillary Clinton's Senate office and for Al Gore when he was vice president.
What we're watching: If elected, we'll see whether Harris brings on any of the climate and energy staffers in the Biden White House, like Ali Zaidi, Mary Frances Repko or even John Podesta.
- Harris' office also has been noted for high staff turnover.
