In the words of Crew Liaison Ian Pirkey, "Connecting with our community and with the natural world around us are my two deepest motivations." Those motivations have not only guided Ian's life, but have made him a perfect fit at AES Solar.

Ian's love of nature took root at a very young age. Born in Denver, Colorado, he grew up in a region known for its abundance of outdoor opportunities. Hobbies like backpacking, kayaking, and skiing have been mainstays for Ian, and continue to be some of his favorite ways to connect with the wilds. His enduring passion for wildlife and nature, as well as his love of community, drove him to work as a teacher, outdoor educator, and youth minister, sharing his passion and knowledge with the next generation.

These twin motivations of community and the natural world eventually led Ian to Southern Illinois. While visiting to work at a summer camp, he fell in love with our region, especially the Shawnee Forest and the people of Southern Illinois. Ian soon pulled up his roots and planted himself in Murphysboro, where he lives today and continues to pursue his life's mission as a part of our team. "Working at AES Solar allows me to do work that helps save people money and helps to keep the environment in Southern Illinois beautiful."

When he's not at work helping to energize our community or out playing in the woods, Ian enjoys woodworking, leatherworking, and getting his hands in the dirt. Ian is also a long-time martial artist and boxer, keeping his body and mind in tip-top shape for his active outdoor life. If you share Ian's affection for the people and places of Southern Illinois, come by our HQ at 1804 Supply Rd. in Carterville and meet him for yourself. You might just learn something!