Aaron Backs joined the Great Plains Institute in 2023 as a program associate supporting Metro CERT. In this role, he helps coordinate the 11-county Metro CERT region, with a programming emphasis on energy efficiency and solar for underserved communities.

Prior to joining as a staff member, Aaron served at GPI as an AmeriCorps Sustainability Project Coordinator. During his service, he supported Metro CERT initiatives related to solar and underserved businesses, and organized energy efficiency blitz events for manufactured home parks.

Aaron graduated from Macalester College with a B.A. in environmental studies and an emphasis in political science.