Rachel Chard

Interim Head of Bus Programs
Central Standard Time (GMT-6)

Work History

Rachel Chard is a recognized leader in the clean transportation sector, currently serving as the Interim Head of Bus Programs at CALSTART. In this strategic leadership role, she is responsible for overseeing the organization’s comprehensive vision for the adoption of zero-emission school and transit buses. Rachel’s expertise sits at the critical intersection of policy advocacy, industry collaboration, and technical implementation. She works extensively with government agencies and industry stakeholders to provide expert guidance on policy design and the development of effective incentive structures. Beyond high-level strategy, Rachel is deeply committed to the success of individual fleet operators. She and her team provide essential research and technical assistance to fleets across the country, helping them navigate the complexities of transitioning to zero-emission transportation technology. Prior to joining CALSTART, Rachel spent nearly a decade spearheading sustainability initiative within the K-12 educational sector. Her professional foundation is built on a series of successful large-scale projects, most notably her work with the Sacramento City Unified School District. During her tenure there, she led the district’s pioneering school bus fleet electrification efforts and managed the implementation of an innovative electric vehicle workplace charging program. This experience provided her with a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by public institutions and the logistical requirements of managing clean technology transitions at the local level.

Education & Certifications

• Master of Engineering in Sustainable Systems Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Bachelor of Arts in Planning and Community Development from St. Cloud State University.

Work Approach

At the core of Rachel’s professional identity is a systematic and solution-driven work approach. She is known for her intentionality, making decisions that are meticulously informed by a blend of rigorous research, empirical data, and real-world experience. Rather than seeking quick fixes, she analyzes problems through a broad lens to understand how individual components affect the entire ecosystem. Rachel is a firm advocate for collaborative leadership and believes that the most impactful advancements in the clean energy sector are the result of collective expertise. She places a high value on the insights of others, actively seeking out diverse perspectives to strengthen project outcomes. By focusing on individual strengths and fostering a culture of mutual respect, she empowers her teams to excel in a collaborative setting.