Jim Purekal is the Director for Advanced Energy United’s legislative portfolio in the Commonwealth of Virginia, where he leads policy efforts to advance clean energy projects across the state. He also manages the association’s outreach and engagement with political associations such as the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators. Additionally, Jim helps guide the association’s policy efforts on state-level siting and permitting solutions for mid- and large-scale energy projects across the country.

Prior to joining Advanced Energy United in October 2023, Jim managed the legislative and regulatory portfolio for the southeast region at SunPower Corporation, a national solar and battery storage installer. He earned his policy experience during the latter portion of his 20-year career with the U.S. Marine Corps, where he prepared congressional testimony and advocated on issues impacting military aviation operations. Jim’s notable achievements in the Marine Corps include his role as a CH-46E helicopter Weapons & Tactics instructor pilot – the Marine Corps’ version of Top Gun –, a Congressional fellow for the Office of Senator David Perdue (Georgia) serving as a Marine One co-pilot for President Obama and Marine Two pilot for Vice President Biden from 2011 – 2015.

Jim has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Tufts University and a Master’s in International Economics from American University.

Jim is a member of the Truman National Security Project, Project Vanguard, and a graduate of the 2025 Cohort of the University of Virginia – Sorensen Institute for Civil Leadership.

Jim lives in Norfolk, Virginia with his wife, Shannon Kelly, and daughter.