Sila Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Helena Schwarz as Director of Government Affairs
Sila, a pioneer in next-generation battery materials, has announced the appointment of Helena Schwarz as its new Director of Government Affairs. This strategic hire comes at a critical time for the company, as it continues to scale production of its groundbreaking Titan Silicon™ anode technology and seeks to deepen its engagement with policymakers shaping the future of clean energy, national security, and domestic manufacturing.
Schwarz, an accomplished government affairs professional with over a decade of experience in public policy, joins Sila from Novonix Limited, a U.S.-based synthetic graphite producer. At Novonix, she built and led the company’s government relations practice from the ground up, successfully advancing policy initiatives that supported the growth of domestic battery supply chains and manufacturing capacity. Her transition to Sila marks a significant step in aligning the company’s ambitious technological mission with evolving legislative and regulatory landscapes at both the federal and state levels.
Driving Policy to Support U.S. Energy Leadership
As Director of Government Affairs, Schwarz will be responsible for leading Sila’s engagement with legislative and executive bodies across the United States. Her work will focus on advancing the company’s policy objectives in areas such as critical minerals, clean energy deployment, electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and the development of resilient, secure U.S.-based battery supply chains. A key emphasis will be placed on ensuring the United States maintains technological and strategic leadership in energy storage solutions, particularly as competition with China intensifies over battery materials sourcing and production.
One of the cornerstones of Sila’s approach is the belief that U.S. energy dominance can be strengthened by transitioning away from foreign-controlled graphite supplies and toward innovative, domestically produced materials—such as the company’s silicon-based anode technology. Sila’s Titan Silicon™ has the potential to replace conventional graphite anodes, which are currently sourced largely from China. By reducing U.S. dependence on Chinese imports and increasing domestic production, Sila’s technology offers both performance enhancements and strategic advantages.
“Helena’s deep experience in the battery industry and navigating complex tax and trade policy will be instrumental in driving constructive dialogue on critical issues,” said Gene Berdichevsky, Co-founder and CEO of Sila. “Her expertise will help secure Sila’s leadership in unleashing American energy innovation and strengthen our domestic manufacturing base. We are excited to welcome her to the team during this pivotal period of growth.”
Proven Experience in Bipartisan Engagement and Trade Advocacy
Schwarz’s resume is a testament to her deep knowledge of the inner workings of Washington, D.C., and her ability to influence outcomes in an increasingly polarized policy environment. She has worked extensively on Capitol Hill and in the private sector, building strong bipartisan relationships and delivering results on issues ranging from trade and energy to industrial policy and innovation incentives.
At Novonix, Schwarz played a central role in organizing and executing a landmark anti-dumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) case targeting Chinese graphite anode exporters. The case, filed before both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission, alleged that Chinese companies were engaging in unfair trade practices and dumping graphite materials into the U.S. market at artificially low prices—some with dumping margins as high as 920%. The investigation was a major development in efforts to level the playing field for American battery material producers and represented a critical step in protecting domestic industry from foreign manipulation.
Her work also included building coalitions across the energy and manufacturing sectors, educating policymakers on emerging technologies, and ensuring that companies like Novonix—and now Sila—have a seat at the table in shaping the future of American energy policy.
Championing Domestic Innovation in Battery Technology
In joining Sila, Schwarz sees an opportunity to help elevate a truly transformative technology platform—one with the potential to redefine the performance and sustainability of batteries used in both consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Titan Silicon™, the company’s signature product, can dramatically increase energy density, leading to longer range, faster charging, and lighter battery packs for EVs. Importantly, it can be produced at scale within the U.S., which supports both environmental and strategic goals.
“Sila’s innovative Titan Silicon™ anode material significantly enhances battery performance and has the potential to revolutionize industries,” said Schwarz. “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.”
She emphasized the broader implications of Sila’s work, noting that the company’s vast portfolio of patents and technologies represents a rare and timely opportunity for U.S. leadership in an industry that is increasingly seen as a linchpin of both economic competitiveness and national security.
“The company’s diverse and paradigm-shifting technological solutions can redefine global supply chains and secure American leadership in a market otherwise dominated by Chinese influence,” she added. “I am proud and excited to serve such a dynamic company at this pivotal time.”
About Sila: Powering the Energy Transition
Founded in 2011 by former Tesla engineer Gene Berdichevsky and a team of scientists and entrepreneurs, Sila is on a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to clean energy. The company achieved a major milestone in 2021 when it shipped the world’s first commercially available silicon anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Today, its materials are already being used in next-generation consumer electronics devices and are poised to enter the automotive market.
Sila’s long-term strategy includes scaling production at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Moses Lake, Washington, which is expected to be one of the largest silicon anode production plants in the world. This facility will help meet rising demand for high-performance batteries while contributing to domestic job creation and regional economic development.
The company’s financial backers include some of the most prominent names in venture capital and institutional investing, such as 8VC, Bessemer Venture Partners, Coatue, Matrix Partners, Sutter Hill Ventures, In-Q-Tel, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, as well as funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
As global industries—from transportation and defense to consumer electronics and grid storage—continue to seek better, cleaner, and more secure energy solutions, Sila’s vision of reshaping the battery materials landscape with advanced silicon technology is quickly becoming a reality. With Helena Schwarz now onboard to guide and amplify the company’s government affairs strategy, Sila is better positioned than ever to play a defining role in the future of American energy policy and manufacturing.
