As Charlene Heydinger retired at the end of 2025 after a decade of extraordinary service leading the Texas PACE Authority, the Texas Senate formally recognized her transformative leadership and lasting impact on energy policy, sustainable investment, and community development. Through Senate Proclamation No. 65, the Texas Senate honored her service building and leadership of the Texas PACE Authority (TPA), culminating in a flag flown over the State Capitol in her honor.

Charlene’s leadership helped shape a powerful force for positive change in Texas, creating new financing options that empower local governments, property owners, and communities to invest in energy and water efficiency, resiliency, and sustainable infrastructure.

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A Founding President — A Decade of Leadership

In 2013, the Texas Legislature enacted the Texas Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Act (SB 385), a law that enables counties and cities to offer long-term, private financing for energy and water saving improvements in commercial, industrial, and multifamily properties. Charlene played a pivotal role in advancing this landmark legislation by assembling broad support and leading extensive education efforts that helped ensure its passage in a single legislative session. 

As the founding president of Texas PACE Authority, Charlene led the organization from its inception, building it into the nonprofit backbone of TX-PACE implementation across the state. Under her leadership over the past decade:

• TPA expanded to administer more than 100 local TX-PACE programs, reaching roughly 75 % of Texas residents through partner cities and counties.
• The programs facilitated hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment for energy and water infrastructure improvements, supporting economic growth while reducing operating costs and environmental impact.
• Charlene championed uniform best practice standards, including the collaborative “PACE in a Box” toolkit developed with more than 100 volunteers organized by Keeping PACE in Texas, to help local governments implement programs efficiently and responsibly. 

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Recognition Beyond Retirement

Charlene’s influence extended well beyond Texas. In 2020, PACENation recognized her as one of three national PACE Champions, affirming her leadership at the national level. In 2024, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Texas Energy Summit, a testament to her decades-long commitment to advancing energy efficiency and sustainable financing. And in 2025, she was honored with the Women in Smart Energy (WISE) Award for Leadership, celebrating her role as a trailblazer in the clean energy sector. 

The Senate’s proclamation and flag (pictured right) salute not only mark her retirement from the helm of TPA but also reflect a legacy of public service that will shape Texas communities for generations.

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More Than a Leader — A Legacy of Impact

Charlene’s career also reflects depth and breadth beyond PACE: before her work in clean energy finance, she served as general counsel to U.S. House Republican Leader Bob Michel and as counsel to U.S. Senate and House committees, bringing federal legislative experience and strategic insight to every challenge.  Her legal and leadership background helped her navigate complex legislative, regulatory, and stakeholder landscapes with skill and conviction.

Looking to the future, the Texas PACE Authority, now under new leadership, stands on a firm foundation she helped build. But Charlene’s influence will endure not just in statutes and programs, but in the strengthened communities, resilient buildings, and empowered local leaders she helped make possible.

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Thank You, Charlene

From shepherding the Texas PACE Act through the Legislature to growing TX-PACE into a bedrock of sustainable investment, Charlene Heydinger’s vision and dedication have made a lasting difference for Texas.

As the state celebrates her leadership and honors her service, we join in saying:

Thank you, Charlene, for your extraordinary leadership and devotion to Texas.