As the largest developer and owner-operator of utility-scale solar facilities in North Carolina, Pine Gate Renewables is leading the charge toward a more resilient energy landscape. With three gigawatts (GW) of operating assets spanning 20 active states, our reach is national. But our roots run deep in North Carolina, where Pine Gate’s headquarters are proudly based in Asheville and 53 operating projects produce more than 960 megawatts of renewable energy across the state. That impact goes beyond the grid, as these projects have contributed to a statewide increase of $17.6 million in property tax revenue across 78 counties, helping local governments reinvest in their communities.

Behind these numbers is a team driven by innovation, grit, and impact. Women now make up 30% of the US solar workforce, and Pine Gate is proud to be part of that momentum. From land origination and permitting to financing, policy, and long-term asset management, our women professionals are shaping every facet of the industry. Their work powers communities, economies, and something just as vital to our collective future: the belief that tomorrow can be brighter, equitable, and more sustainable.

We are honored to introduce a few of the women at Pine Gate who embody that promise. Meet our architects of possibility, stewards of progress, and a driving force behind America’s clean energy transition.

Regan Fink: Manager, Transmission & Interconnection Policy

I work on the Regulatory Affairs team, which tracks regulatory changes and advocates for smart and fair energy policies. While I started at Pine Gate in Project Development, I was fascinated by the dynamic market issues and the need for novel solutions, all while navigating stakeholder relationships. Fortunately, Pine Gate provided me with the opportunity to lean into my interests and grow. I have always sought to make a positive environmental impact, so being able to influence policy to help more renewable energy come online has been very rewarding.  

Working at Pine Gate over the past five years has been an incredible experience. I love my colleagues—they are passionate, dedicated, and I learn something new from them every day. We are a community that supports one another and likes to have fun.  

One of my proudest moments was my involvement in an employee working group focused on sustainability. We sought a solution to mitigate the required tree removal at some of our solar sites and together, we pitched an idea to the Pine Gate leadership team encouraging donations to the Arbor Day Foundation.Four years later, Pine Gate’s support has resulted in over 94,000 trees being planted across six states. It’s that ability to come together, shape ideas, and make them into reality, that has made Pine Gate a special place to work.

Katie Wanka: Vice President, Environmental

I’ve spent the past 20 years taking on diverse roles in the environmental field—from working on oil and gas pipelines, to overseeing regulatory coordination for a county flood control district, and now contributing to the renewables industry. Through these experiences, I have found that I need to be fully invested in the mission of the organization to truly feel satisfied in my position. Pine Gate Renewables has provided exactly that. I get to see the deployment of renewable energy solutions while ensuring we prioritize the natural environment where our projects are sited.

As I have become a mom of two spirited but wonderful kids, I have found that I also need to be part of an organization that enables me to balance work and home. I feel parents, especially moms, often feel they need to minimize their family or home commitments when in the workplace to ensure there is no question of their commitment to the organization. At Pine Gate, I have never felt that pressure and I value that so much in this season of my life.

There have been several moments in my career that have been truly rewarding — finally getting a complicated permit after working years to obtain it, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure projects avoid impacts to the natural environment, and continuing to advance best practices across the project footprint. Beyond these achievements, I most value the opportunities I get to help educate others on the science and environmental regulations that create the basis for the work my team completes every day.

Piper Miller: Director, Origination

I serve as Director of Origination at Pine Gate Renewables, where I lead our commercial strategy and work to secure power contracts for our utility-scale solar portfolio across the US. My role centers on building meaningful partnerships with large energy buyers—whether they’re utilities, corporations, or municipalities—and helping them meet their energy and sustainability goals. It’s a space where strategy meets impact, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of it.

What drew me to the solar industry is the intersection of purpose and people. I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and the renewable energy transition, but what truly inspires me is the opportunity to collaborate, solve complex challenges, and create solutions that benefit communities. Solar is not just about electrons on the grid—it’s about progress, equity, and resilience.

One of my proudest accomplishments at Pine Gate has been helping to negotiate and manage over 1,000 MW of solar energy contracts across nearly every state in the Southeast. That work has directly contributed to expanding access to renewable energy and creating economic opportunities for thousands of customers and communities, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts are making a tangible difference.

Learn more about Pine Gate’s projects and impact at PineGateRenewables.com.