Abby Watson leads government and institutional relations for Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy in North America, covering federal and state policy and regulatory issues. In her nearly 15 year career, Abby has worked with almost every type of renewable energy technology from several angles – development, construction, risk management, project management, supply chain, sales and policy. In her nine years’ experience with Siemens Gamesa, she moved from managing landowner relationships during development, to the sale of spare parts in support of its non-warranty fleet, and finally took a role leading government relations.
As Head of Government Affairs, Abby manages strategic planning for government and institutional relationships, maintaining a close dialogue with the business development function for both the onshore and offshore business units, while also taking a hands-on role with state policy issues and new market entry planning.
Recently elected chairwoman of the board of RENEW Northeast, Abby has established herself as an industry leader working to bring together all stakeholders to pursue effective and equitable policies that support renewable energy and climate change solutions. Abby is also the founder and past President of the Philadelphia chapter of Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE) and is an enthusiastic mentor and advocate for women in the renewable energy industry.
Abby studied Geology with dual concentrations in Environmental Studies and Geoarchaeology at Bryn Mawr College, received a BA in Energy and Sustainability Policy from Penn State University, and is currently enrolled in the Villanova Executive MBA program.
