Eugene retired from the California Energy Commission as an Energy Resources Specialist fighting climate change and supervising a team working to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings, and promote clean energy equity in disadvantaged communities and tribal lands.
Born in Sacramento, Eugene is a proud first-generation college graduate from UC Davis and the son of Chinese immigrants working in California’s tomato industry. Educated in environmental policy, he worked briefly at the California State Assembly. Later, Eugene witnessed poverty while working at a non-profit organization improving energy efficiency in Sacramento County neighborhoods. His non-profit work focused his professional career in public service to improve peoples’ lives. Eugene led teams creating new statewide programs financing sustainable communities, neighborhoods, and developments at the State Department of Housing and Community Development. Notable new infill project areas in the Sacramento Region he created include The Railyards, Township 9, and the West Sacramento Bridge District.
“I am passionate about helping others learn and protect our environment,” says Eugene. “I draw life inspiration from Robert F. Kennedy to improve the lives of others and ‘dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.'”
Eugene enjoys serving as a career advisor to college students, cycling, hiking, kayaking, and playing drums. He is equally thrilled witnessing his adult children and their careers in marine biology and renewable energy.