Donna Rolf – Hecate Grid

In the evolving energy storage and battery solutions world, Donna Rolf, general counsel for Hecate Grid, is navigating complex legal, strategic and operational terrain. The role has brought new challenges and learning opportunities for Rolf, who joined the company without any internal connections—a first in her career. She embraces the journey with her signature blend of curiosity and resolve, and her story is not just one of career progression. It is a testament to the power of thoughtful leadership, adaptability and the courage to step into uncharted territory.

Donna Rolf | Hecate Grid | General Counsel

Hecate Grid, headquartered in Chicago, is an energy storage IPP that develops, owns and operates standalone storage projects in the U.S. Hecate, pronounced HEK-uh-tee, is the Greek goddess of the crossroads. Her domain includes the earth, sky and sea. Rolf says the company has one operational asset in California and three more under construction. There is also an entire pipeline of projects under development in California and Texas.

Into the unknown

Before joining Hecate Grid, Rolf’s career was at a crossroads. She was at a point in her life where she was looking to dive back into a full-time legal role, and a call from a recruiter caught her attention. She was intrigued by Hecate’s work on battery storage and renewable energy, industries adjacent to but distinct from her previous focus on renewable natural gas. Despite knowing few details about Hecate’s internal dynamics or culture, she took the plunge, drawn by the opportunity to expand her knowledge and the company’s potential.

“For the first time in my career, I took a random call,” she laughs. “And it ended up being meant to be.”

Joining Hecate as its first-ever general counsel, Rolf saw the lack of in-house legal expertise as a unique chance to shape the role from scratch and offer guidance where it was sorely needed. They probably should have hired someone years ago, she says with a smile. Still, Rolf acknowledges the responsibility of her position, as Hecate is a small but ambitious company in a highly specialized industry. Her arrival has made an immediate impact, bringing fresh insights to a team that values her collaborative approach to problem-solving.

Hecate’s office schedule is structured to maximize productivity while fostering team connections. Everyone must be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with each employee picking a third day for in-office work—though Friday remains a remote day across the company. Rolf finds herself coming in Monday through Thursday, allowing her to work closely with every part of the organization.

“It helps me get up to speed and connect with the team,” she explains. She uses these days to dive deeply into Hecate’s operations, keeping a tight schedule and immersing herself in the flow of information and decision-making.

“The energy is good, and the people are great. At this point in my career, who I work with, the type of people and the culture—it what really matters,” Rolf says.

Listening, learning and leading

For Rolf, the role of a general counsel isn’t about being the person with all the answers from day one.

“You can’t come in pretending like you’re all-knowing,” she says. “My approach is rooted in listening, learning and leading, a philosophy that has guided my career from the start.”

Rolf emphasizes the importance of truly understanding the business and its people before diving into decision-making. This requires asking hard questions, especially during the early days, to uncover the full picture, even when you don’t know all the answers.

“I’m not afraid of asking questions,” she says. “It’s the best way to solve problems.”

The work is multifaceted, encompassing legal issues across different states, land use, real estate, permitting and utilities. As a small company, Hecate relies heavily on outside counsel for its specialized needs, which comes at a high cost. Managing this dynamic, Rolf is already at 100 percent capacity, a testament to the sheer volume of work her role demands. However, she views this challenge as part of the learning process.

“Building things, solving problems, working with people—that’s what I enjoy most,” Rolf says.

The frontlines and the sidelines

Rolf’s operations experience with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and AMP Americas and her legal background have given her a balanced view of risk and reward. She understands that business is about forward momentum, but the finish line isn’t reached without first assessing the potential risks. Her ability to straddle both legal and operational roles makes her a powerful advocate for Hecate’s ambitious goals, particularly as it builds, develops and operates in a complex industry.

For all the intensity of her role, Rolf is equally dedicated to family and personal fulfillment. She is a proud basketball mom, attending her son’s high school games and cheering him on from the sidelines.

She also cherishes time spent on Lake Michigan, where she first began leasing a boat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was the smartest decision we ever made. The quiet moments on the water perfectly balance my fast-paced work life. There’s something special about being out there,” Rolf says.

Reflecting on her journey, Rolf credits her success to an early fascination with the law and a willingness to remain curious throughout her career. She recalls her senior year in college as the turning point when she decided to go to law school despite not knowing what area of law she wanted to pursue. Her career took her beyond purely legal roles, venturing into senior leadership positions and operational roles that broadened her perspective. These experiences have allowed her to bring additional value to every role she’s held.

Her leadership philosophy is grounded in honesty, transparency and fairness. These qualities, honed over the years, are inspired by leaders Rolf admired early in her career. She built her own style, one that values integrity, collaboration and treating people with respect.

“I pay attention to how the people I admire handle themselves, and I try to emulate what I like in a leader,” Rolf explains.

Rolf, who earned a degree in economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a JD from the University of Illinois College of Law, remains committed to continuous learning. She is curious about artificial intelligence and its potential for improving areas like contract management and project scheduling, and she plans to examine how these tools could streamline Hecate operations in the future. Her eagerness to explore new tools speaks to her adaptability and dedication to improvement, which are hallmarks of her career.

In the fast-moving world of energy, Rolf is a leader who values growth, connection and resilience. From diving into a role that challenged her assumptions to help Hecate Grid make strides in a complex industry, her journey continues to be fueled by curiosity and a clear sense of purpose. As she reflects on her path, she sums it up simply.

“I’ve built things before, and developing, building, and operating—that’s hard. And that’s why it isn’t for everyone.”

But it is precisely where Rolf wants to be.