Maria Martinez leads planning, evaluation, and strategy development as part of Breakthrough Energy’s U.S. Policy and Advocacy team. In this role she also manages BE’s clean fuels policy portfolio and develops engagement and advocacy strategies to advance the drive towards a net-zero economy.

Prior to joining Gates Ventures and Breakthrough Energy, Maria held roles in local and state governments, most recently serving as an appointee at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection working on development and execution of state climate change preparedness programs. Maria previously worked on international climate policy at the Natural Resources Defense Council and the U.S. Green Building Council. She holds a master’s degree in environmental management from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree in sustainability studies from the University of Florida.

Maria is based out of Breakthrough Energy’s Washington DC office. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, running, and testing out new savory recipes. She is a Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation Fellow and serves on the foundation’s Fellows Advisory Committee.