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Former Director of International Policy, Climate and Energy Program

Christel Hiltibran

From Bengkulu, Indonesia to Bastogne, Belgium, Christel began building multilateral relationships early in her career as a US Army officer. While she wasn’t always working on climate and energy issues, she quickly learned that the most important agent of change is a strong partnership. She spent the last few years of her military career mitigating natural resource challenges in countries facing recurring natural disaster—which inspired her to pivot to a profession in climate policy.

As the Director of International Policy for Third Way’s Climate and Energy Program, Christel leads efforts to shape and advance America’s internationally-facing climate and energy policy, engaging with the European Union and United Kingdom to foster transatlantic cooperation on clean energy initiatives. Her role involves designing and implementing strategies and policies to promote a reliable, independent, affordable, and clean energy system essential for the security, prosperity, and clean energy goals of the US and its allies. She manages and directs policy research on comprehensive, tech-inclusive energy portfolios, with an emphasis on nuclear technologies, supply chains,  manufacturing, and exports and trade. She serves as a spokesperson to communicate Third Way’s fresh ideas to the press, policymakers, and stakeholders in the global energy sector.

Prior to coming to Third Way, Christel managed energy systems analyses to include decarbonization and energy land use planning studies with a focus on renewable energy deployment in the US. During her military career, Christel gained deep experience in interagency coordination and advising senior diplomats and international government officials on policies and programs that drive behavioral change. 

Christel holds a MS in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University, and a BA in Political Science from Loyola University Maryland. As an east coast native, Christel loves exploring the Appalachian range to hike, camp, paddle, and cycle. She and her husband love spending their weekends chasing around their two young kids wherever the wind takes them.

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Memo
Published May 12, 2026
Blog
Published December 15, 2025
Report
Published September 26, 2025
Memo
Published June 30, 2025
Infographic
Published June 18, 2025
Showing 1–5 of 8

Team

Deputy Director for Nuclear
Senior Communications Advisor
Senior Visiting Fellow
Senior Director, Philanthropy, Climate & Energy Program
Deputy Director of Learning & Organizational Development
Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity
Executive Coordinator
Director of Communications for the Climate & Energy Program
Video & Motion Graphics Editor
Office and Facilities Associate
Graphic Designer
Executive Vice President for Public Affairs
  • ...
Showing 1–12 of 114

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