EO & Founder of GC Green, Native American Energy Services, and Veteran Energy Services Company 
North Fork Rancheria Mono Indians | San Diego, California 

 

Elizabeth “Liz” Perez, a proud member of the North Fork Rancheria Mono Indians, is a trailblazing leader in clean energy, recognized as the only Native American woman veteran to own and lead a licensed renewable energy development company. With a family lineage rooted in military service, including her Pima Indian and Latin heritage, Liz’s journey to becoming a visionary in the energy sector began during her time as a combat Navy veteran. Her military experience revealed inefficiencies in material transportation and a greater need for the U.S. to reduce its reliance on foreign oil, sparking her passion for sustainability and energy independence. 

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After transitioning to civilian life, Liz applied her insights in the mechanical engineering industry, where she pioneered a green services division, recognizing the importance of climate resilience. In 2009, during the economic downturn, Liz took a bold step, founding GC Green, Native American Energy Services, and Veteran Energy Services Company. Over the past 15 years, Liz has built a thriving enterprise focused on energy security for rural and marginalized communities, including over 50 tribal nations and 4,500 non-tribal customers across California. 

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Liz's contributions have been widely recognized both nationally and internationally. In 2022, her firm was awarded the prestigious National Minority Veteran-Owned Firm of the Year Award. Previously, she was honored as a White House Champion of Change and selected as a U.S. Delegate to Israel and Japan for her work in advancing clean energy and sustainability. 

From 2017 to 2019, Liz served as Deputy Secretary, Tribal Liaison, and Disabled Veteran Business Advocate at the California Department of Veterans Affairs. There, she led initiatives promoting veteran inclusion, LGBTQ rights, and Native American veteran benefits, amplifying her impact as an advocate for the underserved. 

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A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.S. in Aeronautics, Liz also completed the prestigious Veterans MBA Program at Texas A&M University. Through her leadership, Liz continues to champion renewable energy development and community resilience while staying deeply committed to veteran services, equity, and climate action. 

Recent Tribal Energy Projects 

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• Indian Health Council Photovoltaic Carport Project: Designed and installed solar carports at multiple locations, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs. 

• Tule River Tribal Economic Development Corporation EV, Solar and Battery Storage Project: Integrated solar, battery storage, and fast charging infrastructure to boost energy resilience for the Tule River Tribe. 

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Representative Consulting and Outreach Projects 

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• Tribal Gap Analysis: Identified tribal priorities in clean energy and climate resilience, offering recommendations for state programs and technical assistance. 

• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Outreach: Delivered energy efficiency and sustainability training for tribes, veterans, and disadvantaged communities, supporting programs like Energy Upgrade California and the SD EnergyLink Federal and Tribal Nations Energy Program. 

• Disadvantaged Community Microgrid Outreach: Engaged with disadvantaged communities through education and job development, promoting microgrid benefits and clean energy adoption.