SPOTLIGHT SERIES: ANNIE AMRHEIN

Foss & Company is comprised of a group of experienced tax credit professionals, representing a depth of knowledge within their respective fields. In this blog series, we highlight different Foss & Company team members to shine a light on the diverse and dedicated people that help make us who we are. 

As the Vice President of Renewable Energy Investment Operations on the Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies team, Annie Amrhein is focused on facilitating and managing all closing aspects related to the financing of solar and carbon capture investments. Prior to joining Foss & Company, she worked as a paralegal in commercial real estate where she supported attorneys in the acquisition, construction, and refinancing of multifamily housing and healthcare facilities. Annie graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Environmental Science and completed her Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Energy, Technology, and Climate Policy from University College London.  

To learn more about Annie, read our latest Spotlight blog series installment: 

 How did you get started in the tax credit investing industry?   

My first exposure to tax credit investing was during my first day working for at Foss & Company. Prior to joining the renewables team, I had worked in the legal space where I was exposed to real estate and financial services management with my academic background rooted in environmental science and policy. This role at Foss has provided me with an opportunity to not only apply my professional and educational skillsets, but also expose me to an entirely new industry of tax credits, project finance and investment management. It has been extremely interesting to learn about renewable energy financing as this wasn’t necessarily a component highlighted in my academic courses, so I’ve been able to broaden my knowledge base in an unexpected, yet highly rewarding way.    

When did you join Foss & Company and what interested you about the company?   

I joined Foss & Company back in February 2021. I was most interested in how this opportunity really seemed to blend existing skillsets of mine. Most notably, it allowed me the opportunity to work within the environmental space, specifically within renewables, which was a professional goal of mine given my personal environmental interests. In addition, I was excited to join a company that was dynamic in nature, entrepreneurial and provided growth opportunities. It really seemed like a company in which you could carve your own path to a certain extent, and after being a part of the team for over 3 years now, that sentiment still rings true.    

What originally interested you about the renewable energy/sustainability industry?  

I have always had a personal interest in environmental issues from a young age having been exposed to real-life climate change such as sea level rise, energy issues, environmental degradation and so forth. In learning about and living with these issues, this led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree and ultimately a graduate degree, in environmental science and policy. My line of thinking being that if I can educate myself on the issues, government actions/inactions, applied or potential solutions, this will give me a leg-up when moving into the professional space as I will be fully equipped with the knowledge and tools to create change. And more importantly, be able to make a positive impact.   

Any major changes in the renewable energy tax credit industry that you are excited about or that people should be aware of? 

The passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was certainly a milestone event, which exhibited commitment and significant investment by the U.S. government in climate and energy. One specific component of the IRA is the inclusion of transferability. In very simple terms, transferability allows for an entity to transfer all or a portion of credits generated to an outside buyer and in turn receive a cash payment. This concept has expanded the traditional tax equity market to include a hybrid structure beyond the traditional financing structures (partnership flips, inverted leases, etc.). This hybrid structure allows an opportunity of entry into the market by entities previously unable to leverage or utilize traditional tax equity. 

Any other insights you would like to add?  

Since joining the team three years ago, we have grown significantly and accomplished a lot in a relatively short period of time. It is exciting to be a part of such a dynamic, driven team and I’m looking forward to what this next year brings!  

Those interested in learning more about Annie, can contact her at annie@fossandco.com. 

To learn more about our offerings in the transferable tax credit space, visit our transferability page today.