Our Staff
Executive Leadership Team
(Ret.) General James L. Jones -- President and CEO
General (Ret.) James L. Jones is President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy. He is responsible for executing the Institute's strategic mission of uniting energy consumers and producers in a common cause-to expand America's supply of affordable, clean and secure energy for our economy, to protect our environment, and to provide for our national security.
On February 1, 2007, General Jones retired after 40 years of active duty service. Most recently, he served successively as 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps and Supreme Allied Commander Europe. He is a decorated combat veteran who has worked closely with government, business, and civic leaders in an effort to protect and advance U.S. and allied interests around the world. During his final assignment, he helped NATO organize discussions on energy issues and the defense of critical infrastructures, and he worked to advocate energy security as a core part of NATO's mission. |
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General Jones was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree (1966) and an Honorary Doctorate of letters (2002) from Georgetown University. He is a 1985 graduate of the National War College in Washington, DC. His personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Silver Star Medal, the Legion of Merit with four gold stars, Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V," and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Karen Harbert -- Executive Vice President and Managing Director
kharbert@uschamber.com
Karen Harbert, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of the Institute for 21st Century Energy, formulates the Institute's policy proposals and helps to direct its programs, operations, and outreach initiatives. She assists General James L. Jones in advancing the Institute's mission with policymakers and the public.
Prior to her work at the Institute, Ms. Harbert was the Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy and also the Vice Chairman of the 27 member country International Energy Agency. She was the primary advisor to the Secretary of Energy on domestic and international energy and climate issues, new policy initiatives and implementation of national policy. She was also a member of DOE's Executive Board which approved the annual budget request as well as the Credit Review Board which analyzes applications for DOE's $39 billion loan guarantee facility for advanced clean energy technology projects. Previously, she was the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean at the U.S. Agency for International Development with primary responsibility for foreign assistance programs in South America and the Caribbean. Ms. Harbert had oversight of 1,000 employees and programs totaling more than $800 million in 11 countries.
In the private sector, Ms. Harbert worked for a developer of international infrastructure and power projects valued at more than $9 billion in dozens of countries. She also coordinated efforts to open new markets and sectors for the corporation.
Frederick C. Smith -- Vice President
fsmith@uschamber.com
Fred Smith, Vice President of the U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy, is responsible for the management of the Institute's programs, operations, and initiatives. He assists General James L. Jones in advancing the Institute's mission and policies before energy stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
Mr. Smith brings over 30 years of senior management experience in business and government to the Institute. Prior positions and experience include President and CEO of Siemens Government Services, Inc.; Senior Advisor on the Coalition Provisional Authority staff in Iraq; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asia-Pacific; and Director of Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs in the Department of Defense. He has been a visiting professor at the National Defense University and the United States Naval Academy. Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Navy, 1969-1972.
Sarah S. Farnsworth -- Chief of Staff
sfarnsworth@uschamber.com
Sarah Farnsworth is Chief of Staff at the U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Institute while planning and executing its major activities and strategic direction.
Ms. Farnsworth's prior experience includes serving as Vice President and Chief of Staff of the USO World Headquarters. In this capacity, she worked closely with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, members of Congress, the White House, and the Pentagon to develop programs and support for America's military personnel and their families. This included traveling to Iraq and Afghanistan on several occasions. She has also served as Vice President and Chief of Staff to the Chairman of a major healthcare corporation, and served at the White House on the staff of the First Lady of the United States during the Clinton Administration.
Charli E. Coon -- Executive Director, Policy
ccoon@uschamber.com
Charli Coon is Executive Director, Policy at the U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy. With more than ten years of experience working on energy and environment issues, Ms. Coon is responsible for analyzing, researching, monitoring, and coordinating policy for the Energy Institute.
She was most recently a member of the Majority Counsel for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Capitol Hill. She has also held positions with the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Heritage Foundation. A lawyer with a J.D. from the Loyola University School of Law, Ms. Coon has written and spoken frequently on the legal, tax, and regulatory issues affecting America's energy producers, utilities, and consumers.
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