Keely Rau joined the Great Plains Institute in 2024 as a program associate supporting Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs), where GPI is a partner. In this role, she helps with CERTs statewide initiatives and assists with coordinating the 11-county Metro CERT region in Minnesota. Her work is centered on energy efficiency and reducing the energy burden for underserved communities in the Metro. She also assists in coordinating the CERTs Community Energy Ambassador program statewide.   

Prior to joining GPI as a staff member, Keely served at GPI for one year as an AmeriCorps sustainability project coordinator through Ampact’s Climate Impact Corps. During her service, she supported Metro CERT initiatives related to organizing energy efficiency blitz events for manufactured home parks and food shelves.    

Keely graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BA in business administration.