Samantha (Sammi) Kao

Samantha (Sammi) Kao joined RETA in August 2025 as Community Relations Director, bringing with her a strong track record in climate and energy policy. Most recently, she served as Policy Director at the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), where she led the department’s legislative strategy on issues ranging from oil and gas reform to renewable energy development and wildfire insurance policy. Previously, she served as Climate & Energy Director for Conservation Voters New Mexico.

Kao holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico and earned her Juris Doctorate in 2019. A proud New Mexican and lifelong learner, she enjoys traveling to new places and unwinding with her three beloved dogs when she’s off the clock.