Sila Appoints Helena Schwarz as Director of Government Affairs

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sila, a next-generation battery materials company, today announced the appointment of Helena Schwarz as Director of Government Affairs. Joining Sila from Novonix Limited, a U.S. synthetic graphite producer, Schwarz will lead Sila's governmental advocacy efforts. Her role will focus on advancing the company's policy priorities across state and federal legislative bodies, the executive branch, and industry coalitions, with a particular emphasis on boosting U.S. manufacturing and national security through energy dominance, given the ability of silicon anode technology to displace graphite, which is predominantly imported from China.

Schwarz brings extensive experience in legislative and regulatory analysis, stakeholder engagement, and political strategy in both the public and private sectors. With over a decade working on and around Capitol Hill and most recently building a successful government affairs practice at Novonix, Schwarz has a proven track record of building relationships across party lines and advancing policy initiatives that support domestic manufacturing and supply chain resiliency. She helped spearhead a landmark anti-dumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) case against Chinese graphite anode exporters before the U.S. Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission, alleging Chinese market manipulation and dumping margins as high as 920%.

“Helena’s deep experience in the battery industry and navigating tax and trade policy will be instrumental in driving constructive dialogue on critical issues. Her expertise will help secure Sila’s leadership in unleashing American energy innovation and strengthen our domestic manufacturing base,” said Gene Berdichevsky, Co-founder and CEO of Sila. Schwarz will play a key role in helping Sila advocate for its policy priorities, ensuring the company's voice is heard in discussions surrounding critical minerals, energy independence, and U.S. manufacturing.

"Sila's innovative Titan Silicon™ anode material significantly enhances battery performance and has the potential to revolutionize industries. The company's commitment to scaling its technology in the U.S. will ensure our nation remains at the forefront of energy innovation and independence, both now and in the future,” commented Schwarz. “The company’s portfolio of diverse, paradigm-changing technologies and patents represents a rare opportunity for U.S. leadership in an industry otherwise dominated by China. I am proud and excited to serve such a dynamic company at this pivotal time.”

About Sila

Founded in 2011, Sila is a next-generation battery materials company with the mission to power the world’s transition to clean energy. Sila shipped the world’s first commercially available silicon anode for lithium-ion batteries in 2021. Sila’s materials drive battery performance enhancements in consumer electronics devices and will also power electric vehicles. Committed to American leadership in clean energy production, Sila is scaling its technology at its manufacturing facility in Moses Lake, Washington. Major financial investors include 8VC, Bessemer Venture Partners, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Coatue, In-Q-Tel, Matrix Partners, Sutter Hill Ventures, and funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.