Local Content Power List 2026: Andel Koester

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Andel Koester is advancing a collaborative vision for climate action that places communities, industry, and public institutions at the center of shared economic and environmental progress. As Director of Community Initiatives at The New York Climate Exchange, Koester is helping launch a bold nonprofit platform designed to unlock new levels of cross-sector collaboration on climate solutions, spanning renewable energy, adaptation, and resilience.

Drawn to renewable energy by its rare ability to align planetary health with economic opportunity, Koester has focused his career on building partnerships that allow people, communities, and markets to succeed together. His work reflects a belief that meaningful progress requires coordination across government, industry, and local stakeholders, rather than isolated efforts. At the Climate Exchange, success depends on forging the same kinds of strategic relationships and investments that have enabled renewable energy to scale.

Looking ahead, Koester sees a critical opportunity in accelerating investment in climate adaptation and resilience at a scale comparable to renewables. As communities confront climate impacts in real time, his leadership emphasizes collaboration, long-term planning, and inclusive solutions that protect ecosystems while strengthening local economies.