Charles “Chuck” McConnell is the Executive Director of the Rice University Energy and Environmental Initiative.

Prior to joining Rice University, McConnell was Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy at the U. S. Department of Energy with responsibilities for office operations and managing the oversight of Fossil Energy's Research and Development program (encompassing coal, oil and natural gas) and the U.S. Petroleum Reserves.

McConnell has served as the Chief Operating Officer in the Office of Fossil Energy at the U. S. Department of Energy. As COO, McConnell managed the daily operations of Fossil Energy’s programs and leadership, including strategic planning, program direction, and evaluation.