Tara McElhinney

As Manager on the Policy and Programs team, Tara manages a portfolio of research, tools, and stakeholder engagement to advance building decarbonization policies and programs across the region. She leads NEEP’s role as convener of the New England Heat Pump Accelerator, a major regional initiative to scale the adoption of high-performance heat pumps and support ambitious state climate and energy goals. Tara develops strategies, oversees the creation of resources, facilitates stakeholder working groups, and collaborates closely with state energy offices, utilities, advocates, and industry partners to accelerate equitable building decarbonization.  

Tara joined NEEP’s Technology Market Transformation team in 2022 before transitioning into the Policy and Programs team in 2025. Prior to joining NEEP, she worked with NYSERDA and COI Energy on clean energy innovation, market research, and stakeholder engagement.  Tara also worked with the United States Forest Service and UMass Amherst on forestry and conservation land management, and has always been passionate about finding holistic solutions to environmental and social issues.

Tara holds a Master of Science in Environmental Policy and an MBA in Sustainability from Bard College, and a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation from UMass Amherst.  

Q: What is your favorite thing about NEEP?

A: The mission, vision, and all the inspiring people working towards it together. I love that NEEP uses collaboration to work toward a better world.

Q: Name one thing you cannot live without

A: My Spotify! You can always find me with music on in the background or taking a walk with a good podcast.

Q: What book is currently on your nightstand?

A: The books in my rotation right now are The Wheel of Time series (I’m on 4 out of 16) and the Circular Economy Handbook.