Emily Burks

Emily Burks is a seasoned legal and strategic professional with extensive experience in the renewable energy sector. Currently serving as Chief Strategy Officer at Zelestra US since April 2025, Emily previously held dual roles as Vice President of Hydrogen Projects and Vice President of Origination and Market Development at The AES Corporation from January 2022 to April 2025. With a demonstrated history at Community Energy, Inc. from September 2014 to January 2022, Emily was the Executive Vice President and General Counsel, leading significant transactions and overseeing legal matters related to utility-scale solar projects. Earlier in their career, Emily worked in various legal capacities in employment and real estate law, and contributed to business development initiatives, while also holding interim academic administrative roles. Emily holds a Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology from Cornell University.