Delmar Gillus is the Chief Operating Officer of Elevate, located in Chicago, Illinois. As part of the Elevate team, Gillus is responsible for implementing operational, workforce development, and project management processes in support of Elevate’s growing portfolio of clean energy projects. Gillus currently leads Elevate’s core operational functions and also supports business development, program design, project coordination, engineering support, and contract management for Elevate’s diverse energy efficiency and growing renewable energy programs. 

Gillus played a critical role in passing Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), the nation’s most equitable and comprehensive climate legislation. As a representative and negotiator for the IL Clean Jobs Coalition during the drafting of CEJA, he was responsible for ensuring the legislation centered equity throughout and provided programs that created project opportunities and jobs in underserved environmental justice communities. Through CEJA and other Elevate programs, Gillus works to increase contractor diversity, deliver workforce development programs, create opportunities for diverse contractors in community solar programs, and ensure smart grid programs are accessible to all Illinois utility consumers.

Lastly, Gillus is active in industry boards and advisory councils such as the IL Future of Work Task Force, the Building Performance Association, and the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), where he serves as board treasurer, and provides on-going mentorship and support to emerging energy leaders within and outside of Elevate. Outside of work, Gillus volunteers and supports the Chicagoland National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Alumni chapter, where he mentors and develops young engineers mostly through NSBE’s Pre-College Initiative (PCI) programs.