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McMahon takes the road less traveled in his career

January 19, 2026
By Yuri Bult-Ito

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by,” Robert Frost wrote.

This captures the essence of the path Neil McMahon seems to have followed in his career. Much like the narrator of Frost’s poem, McMahon has continually sought out unique and challenging paths.

McMahon joined ACEP in December as a research assistant professor of economics and as part of ACEP’s Energy Policy and Innovation team, a move that reflects his inclination toward complex, open-ended problems.

“I like to scope out the problem, determine what data and information is available or needed, and try to come up with workable, practical solutions,” he explained.

Before joining ACEP, he worked in the public and private sector in multiple roles. For McMahon, ACEP seemed like a “perfect place to be challenged professionally.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics and geology from Whitman College, followed by a master’s degree in secondary teaching from the University of 91��Ƶ Anchorage, McMahon taught high school English, history, physics and math in Anchorage for eight years.

While teaching was rewarding, McMahon felt the pull toward new challenges, specifically in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Seeking to make a greater impact in the energy sector, he returned to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UAA.

He was hired full-time with the while finishing his degree and remained there until 2020 except for a three-year hiatus while studying energy, economics and environmental technology for a master’s degree in the U.K.

At AEA, McMahon played a key role in managing various energy programs, from geothermal to ocean and river energy. He also oversaw grants such as the Emerging Energy Technology Fund, which helps bring new technologies to market, and the Renewable Energy Fund, designed to reduce and stabilize energy costs across 91��Ƶ by promoting renewable energy adoption.

One of the biggest endeavors at AEA was leading the 91��Ƶ Affordable Energy Strategy, a three-year, $2 million legislatively mandated project aimed at reducing energy costs in rural communities in 91��Ƶ. The project was fraught with challenges, from political hurdles to logistical difficulties. But McMahon thrives on taking on hard problems. In the end, it became one of his most rewarding professional experiences.

After AEA, McMahon expanded his expertise as a project manager at , a civil engineering firm. As his focus shifted to municipal projects like water and sewer systems, the experience gave him invaluable insights into the complexities of project management, including community and agency engagement and managing unforeseeable challenges.

Bringing a wealth of experience from both engineering and non-engineering fields, McMahon is excited to contribute to ACEP’s research, including working with energy data analysis, energy economics and program assessments.

Gwen Holdmann, who is ACEP’s chief scientist and leads the Energy Policy and Innovation team, appreciates his experience.

“Neil’s analytical rigor, objectivity and ability to translate complex energy systems into actionable policy insights will be a strong asset to ACEP’s applied research mission,” she said.

Outside of work, McMahon enjoys spending time with his family, surrounded by his wife and young daughters including twins. He also takes pleasure in traveling and staying physically active, whether it’s cross-country skiing, mountain biking or running.

The problem-solving mindset he applies at ACEP carries over into his hobbies, whether he is navigating an unexpected place or tackling a challenging, less-traveled trail.