As NCSEA's Executive Director, Ward Lenz manages relationships and programs that serve NCSEA's membership, develops staff abilities, supports new technology markets, and increases business opportunities. Ward also serves as an integrator of internal operations and programming to ensure smooth business processes throughout the organization.

Ward has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University. He is the former Director of North Carolina’s State Energy Office under Governors Perdue and McCrory. He has also participated in the Executive Development Program at the University of North Carolina and completed Executive Education at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.