My Life at Palmetto: Courtney DeLena

Since joining Palmetto in 2020, Courtney DeLena has grown alongside the company, building deep expertise across multiple roles and helping navigate some of the most complex moments in the business. Today, as Manager of Compliance and Licensing, she plays a critical role behind the scenes, ensuring the company can continue to grow, expand, and operate with integrity across markets.

How long have you been at Palmetto, and what is your role here?

I’ve been with Palmetto since November 2020, and I’m currently the Licensing and Compliance Manager.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

The first thing I do every morning is check in with my team member, Stacey. Sometimes we’re catching up on family life outside of work, and other times we’re setting the tone for the day or reviewing any urgent issues I can help resolve.

No two days are the same, which is one of the reasons I truly enjoy my role.

I oversee contractor licensing at both the local and state levels for multiple license holders across the company. That includes securing new licenses and maintaining existing ones to ensure we stay compliant with constantly evolving requirements.

I also manage annual compliance filings for all company entities, Energy Bureau registrations and filings in Puerto Rico, lessor licensing in new territories, and regulatory research as LightReach continues to expand into new markets. And of course, whatever else comes up.

What originally excited you about joining Palmetto, and what keeps you excited today?

I live in New Jersey, which was one of the first East Coast states to really scale residential solar back in the late 90s and early 2000s, so I was fortunate to enter the solar industry fairly early in 2012.

Over the years, I’ve worked with both small, mom and pop companies and large-scale operations. When I found Palmetto in 2020, it felt like the best of both worlds.

I was lucky to work under Paul Platt right from the start, taking ownership of permitting across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to grow through several roles within the company.

What continues to excite me is that I’ve seen us navigate some very challenging times, just like many companies in our industry, and come out stronger. That’s a testament to the leadership here, which continues to inspire me.

What excites you most about the impact our work could have on the world?

It may sound cliché, but I rest my head at night knowing I have a small part in fighting the climate crisis, and that gives me hope for the world I’ll leave to my daughter.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?

Your reputation matters more than your resume. A resume gets you hired, but your reputation earns you opportunities.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work that keeps you energized?

I’m a concert junkie. You’ll find me anywhere from New York City down to D.C., chasing my favorite bands at some of the country’s best venues.

I spend just about all my time with my partner Anthony and our incredible nine-year-old daughter, Cora, who is a gifted musician in her own right. She’s an accomplished pianist and will be playing at Carnegie Hall in New York City for the second time this spring.

I’m also her Girl Scout troop leader, so if anyone still needs cookies, I’ve got you covered.

Other than that, you can usually find me at the beach or out on the water. I’m a born-and-raised Jersey Shore kid, and I promise we are nothing like the TV show.

Favorite Palmetto value or principle?

Happiness and Well-Being.

I’m a people-first leader and advocate. A happy person is always going to give you their best, both personally and professionally.