Tala Goudarzi is a seasoned energy policy expert and business strategist with extensive experience in both government and industry. She currently serves as a Partner at the Torridon Group, where she guides companies and investors through complex energy, infrastructure, and regulatory environments to advance U.S. energy leadership globally. Prior to joining the Torridon Group, Tala served as Acting Assistant Secretary and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fossil Energy (FE) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). During her tenure, she led initiatives that expanded U.S. LNG exports, streamlined permitting, and strengthened America’s energy security and competitiveness. Her accomplishments include lifting the pause on LNG exports, reducing regulatory burdens on LNG bunkering and permit extensions, and authorizing new LNG export capacity to meet global demand. She also reestablished the National Coal Council, designated metallurgical coal as a critical material, implemented policies to maintain baseload generation for grid reliability, commissioned two pivotal studies for the National Petroleum Council, and revitalized the critical minerals supply chain - key components of America’s modern energy strategy. Before her DOE service, Tala was Chief of Staff to the President and CEO of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), where she directed cross-industry initiatives addressing challenges such as resource adequacy and surging electricity demand from AI and data-center growth. At Sempra Infrastructure, she acted as Public Affairs and Policy Lead to the President, developing strategic briefings and cultivating key partnerships that contributed to the final investment decision for Port Arthur LNG Phase One, one of the nation’s largest U.S. export projects. She also served as Strategic Initiatives Advisor at the Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA), where she expanded member engagement, built advocacy campaigns, and enhanced the organization’s presence through industry and PAC events. Earlier in her career, Tala served as Advisor to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce, providing counsel on trade, energy, and economic development and representing the United States in international negotiations and trade delegations. She also served as Counselor to the Secretary of Energy, overseeing departmental operations and stakeholder engagement. Tala holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. With a proven track record of bridging policy, commerce, and investment, she remains committed to driving innovation and securing reliable, affordable, and globally competitive energy solutions.