Meet Our Team The core of SEPA’s clean energy operations Sheri Givens President & Chief Executive Officer Sheri Givens joined Smart Electric Power Alliance as president and CEO in November 2022, leading SEPA’s work to address the most pressing issues encountered in the transformation to a carbon-free electricity sector. Her professional experience includes nearly twenty years in legal, regulatory, legislative, and external affairs in both the public and private sectors. Beth Eagle Vice President, Operations Read Beth's Bio Beth Eagle joined SEPA in September of 2013 with a background in association operations, human resources, project management and fundraising. Previously, she worked for various non-profit organizations in the operations department throughout Washington, DC. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland and her Master of Arts from George Washington University. She lives in Maryland, with her husband, son and 2 dogs. Phone: 202.559.2029 Email: [email protected] Carole Bernard Vice President, Marketing and Communications Read Carole's Bio Carole joined SEPA in March 2024. In her role, she will lead the marketing and communications department and be responsible for elevating SEPA’s brand through storytelling, developing topline messaging, increasing awareness about SEPA’s mission-impact, and engaging key stakeholders to participate in SEPA’s critical work. Carole brings to SEPA more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience in executive management, strategic communications, community and public relations, and advocacy. She most recently served as the Vice President of Communications for GRID Alternatives, an international nonprofit that builds community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy in underserved communities. She also has served as the CEO of the Amara Legal Center, the Director of Communications for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, and the Director of Communications for the National Minority AIDS Council and Paralyzed Veterans of America. She received her Master’s Degree in Journalism from Boston University and her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Framingham State College. Phone: 771.218.2771 Email: [email protected] Courtney Galatioto Vice President, Membership Read Courtney's Bio Courtney Galatioto is the Vice President of Membership at the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), a prominent educational nonprofit with 1,100+ members nationwide. With over a decade of experience in the energy sector, Courtney plays a pivotal role in steering SEPA’s strategic initiatives, shaping the membership program to drive engagement, retention, and growth aligned with SEPA’s mission. She collaborates closely with members, ensuring tailored solutions and delivering value through research and programs. Courtney previously held key roles in business development and member relations at the Alliance to Save Energy and served as a policy fellow in North Carolina. She holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in energy and climate change and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Phone: 202.559.2032 Email: [email protected] Ukiah Busch Vice President, Development Read Ukiah's Bio Ukiah joined SEPA in 2023. He oversees SEPA’s efforts to build and strengthen partnerships with foundations, state governments, and federal agencies to generate resources in support of SEPA’s mission. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with over 12 years of experience in partnership building, fundraising, nonprofit management, and program implementation. Prior to joining SEPA, Ukiah developed and secured multi-million-dollar funding partnerships for a major international climate action initiative and spent 6+ years building funding partnerships with numerous public and private sector donors in support of President Obama’s 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Solar Energy Association from 2021-23. Ukiah holds bachelor’s degrees in Italian, French and Spanish from the University of Georgia and a Master’s of International Relations from American University. Phone: 771.212.8350 Email: [email protected] Engagement Charisse Raysor Director, Member Services x Charisse Raysor Charisse joined SEPA in 2013. As manager of member services, she leads all administrative components of membership. She’s accountable for developing and implementing procedures to ensure accuracy of membership records including member engagement, trends, and overall integrity. Prior to SEPA, Charisse served as Membership & Sponsorship Account Manager for the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA). She also held the position of Membership Specialist for the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). Charisse brings more than 15 years of membership services experience to SEPA. Phone: 202.559.2024 Email: [email protected] Cynthia Hunt Jaehne Senior Director, Programs & Events x Cynthia Hunt Jaehne Cynthia Hunt Jaehne is the Senior Director of Programs and Events and oversees SEPA’s conferences, RE+ events, executive programs, working group communities, and online learning. Cynthia’s experience includes strategic planning, project management, education program development, and member engagement. She understands the technologies, approaches, and deployment of clean energy assets to reach a carbon-free future and the power of collaboration of key stakeholders to achieve the energy transition. Prior to joining SEPA, Cynthia was a Project Manager for Morse Associates, Inc. a consultancy in Washington, DC where Cynthia gained more than 10 years of experience managing utility-scale solar PV and CSP studies and initiatives for a number of clients both in the U.S. and internationally. Outside of her professional work and interests, Cynthia’s family and dogs keep her busy. She is a comedy-loving movie nerd, a voracious reader, and a classically trained pianist who should practice more. Phone: 202.595.1148 Email: [email protected] Sarah LeBarron Manager, SEPA Programs x Sarah LeBarron Sarah joined SEPA in January 2022, and provides administrative support to SEPA members while also working to maintain strong relationships with them. She endeavors to supply them with all the tools and help needed to participate in the Working Groups. Prior to joining SEPA, Sarah served as an international arbitration and litigation paralegal at Foley Hoag LLP, where she gained exposure to investor-state renewable energy disputes. In 2020, Sarah received her Master’s in Social and Cultural Anthropology from Vrije University in Amsterdam, with a thesis project focused on renewable energy communities. In her free time, Sarah enjoys rock climbing, hiking, traveling, and exploring new coffee shops. Follow LinkedIn Load More No results found based on your filter selections. Back to Top Interested in joining the SEPA team? View Careers SEPA Research Our members and distributed energy stakeholders routinely look to us for unbiased and trusted research. View Our Publications About SEPA We're dedicated to helping the electric industry make a seamless transition to a smart energy ecosystem that will define their clean energy future. 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