Audrey Robertson

Audrey Robertson was confirmed as Assistant Secretary of Energy on Oct. 23, 2025. She leads DOE's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, where she oversees one of the nation's largest energy R&D portfolios. Prior to her appointment as Assistant Secretary, Robertson devoted her career to investment, development, and innovation in the energy sector. Through her experiences in finance, corporate governance, and entrepreneurship, she developed a unique understanding of energy systems, infrastructure, and the complex interaction of companies, markets, banks, and governments in the production and distribution of energy. Robertson began her career as an investment banker and worked in private equity for more than a decade, ultimately launching her own energy-focused private equity firm. In 2018, she co-founded Franklin Mountain Energy, which would become one of the largest private oil and gas companies in the U.S. before its sale in 2025. In addition to co-founding the company