Tristan Rader is a trailblazer for sustainability and social equity, turning grassroots action into green energy from Ohio’s rooftops to the halls of local government. Join him on a mission where community empowerment and environmental responsibility meet to shape a brighter, fairer future for all.
Tristan Rader is a visionary leader whose life's work is about fostering positive, sustainable change and deeply understanding the needs of his community. This dedication comes to life through his dual roles as the Ohio Program Director at Solar United Neighbors (SUN) and as a deeply engaged member of the Lakewood City Council. His story is one of unwavering commitment to the environment, economic justice, and the well-being of the people he serves.
From the Ground Up
Tristan's wide breadth of experiences has crafted a leader who is as knowledgeable as he is passionate. In his time at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Tristan helped thousands connect to the resources that they needed to make ends meet. His work at the Food Bank highlights the power of community outreach and advocacy. Working in Cleveland, as well as some of the most rural parts of Ohio, Tristan saw firsthand that real systemic change was needed to address hunger, housing, and health barriers that so many Ohioans struggle with daily. His insights were the building blocks of a career dedicated to the public good.
Grassroots to Governance
Tristan's journey took him from volunteering for progressive candidates and issues to working to running for office himself. Elected to the Lakewood City Council in 2017, he quickly began to work with his colleagues and spearheaded ambitious policies such as Lakewood’s 100% clean energy commitment, initiating the city's first climate action plan, raising the minimum wage for city employees, and creating new parks. These aren't just policies to Tristan; they are promises to his community — a pledge for a healthier, more equitable future from those who work day and night to serve our community to every family we are entrusted to serve.
Renewable Energy Leader
Tristan currently works for the non-profit Solar United Neighbors as their Ohio Director. There, Tristan has been a beacon of innovation and action. Leading solar co-ops and policy programs, he has made solar energy accessible to thousands of Ohioans, changing the clean energy landscape of Ohio city by city. His dedication to this cause is fueled by the belief that a sustainable future is a right for all Ohioans, and he works tirelessly to make this a reality.
Foundation of Knowledge & Experience
In addition to a wide breadth of experience in outreach, organizing, social service, renewable energy, and government, Tristan has an educational background that includes a Bachelor of Business from Kent State University, a Master of Public Administration from Cleveland State University, and a Certificate in Renewable Energy Development from Yale's Center for Business and the Environment. Tristan's expertise in both the public and private has prepared him well for the statehouse.
Meet Tristan
Tristan was born in Cleveland and he now lives in Lakewood with his wife Caitlin, who attends medical school, and his dog Marcus, who dropped out of obedience school. The photo to the right was taken at Bernice Pike Park in central Lakewood, Ohio.
Tristan launched his first city council campaign from a few vacant lots in downtown Lakewood near his home. During his launch, he vowed to create more green spaces and parks in Lakewood.
Over the next two years, he worked hard to consolidate those lots and got funding in Lakewood's budget to make improvements, making the space friendly and useable for all.
The park was named after the Lakewood native suffragemovement leader Bernice Pyke. Pyke Park was dedicated on August 19th, 2019, the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
