University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Grainger College of Engineering

Carrie Zalewski

[title]

For professional achievement, exceptional leadership, and service as a state regulator and attorney and for advocacy for environmentally sustainable energy solutions.

Chair, Illinois Commerce Commission

  • BS, General Engineering, The Grainger College of Engineering, 2001

Carrie Zalewski serves as an energy regulation attorney with an engineering background. She has more than 15 years of experience in public utility regulation, environmental policy and compliance, wholesale power issues and corporate governance.

Carrie oversees an agency of more than 200 employees, consistently delivering balanced budgets and strong results. Carrie’s stewardship of the Commission during the pandemic has resulted in stability and equity for Illinois consumers. She led the Commission through the first round of implementation of the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and is the 3rd female Chair to serve in the 150-year history of the Commission.

Carrie has been tapped by both Democratic and Republican administrations to serve in a variety of roles. Her expertise is sought after by various entities such as projects for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, not-for-profits, think tanks, academics and regulators abroad.

Harnessing the strength through collaboration, Carrie is the founding Chair of NARUC’s Chair Council where she brings together Commission Chairs from all 50 states and regions to discuss timely and relevant topics. She serves in appointed positions on the Illinois Cybersecurity Commission and the Illinois Hydrogen Taskforce. Carrie is a graduate of the Illinois Women in Leadership Program, class of 2008. She currently serves on the University of Illinois Alumni Association Board of Directors. 

Carrie is a frequent speaker and lecturer in discussions in the energy and regulatory space and especially enjoys speaking to law, policy and engineering students about energy issues. She has authored articles in Utility Dive, T&D World and Diversity Plus Magazine.

Carrie has been active in her community throughout her career, having donated her time as a volunteer at Courage Connection serving victims of domestic violence in Champaign, and as a tutor for Tutoring Chicago. She served on the Chicago Youth Centers Auxiliary Board, the Cameron Can Foundation Advisory Board and the Greater LaGrange YMCA Board. 

She earned her Juris Doctor at the Chicago-Kent Law School and her Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with one semester abroad in Durbin, South Africa.

Current as of February 2023