SEPA Appoints New Chief People and Culture Officer

WASHINGTON, D.C. — SEPA Appoints Courtney Peterson as New Chief People and Culture Officer

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Courtney Peterson as its new Chief People and Culture Officer, effective December 2, 2024. In this critical role, Peterson will report directly to Sheri Givens, President and CEO of SEPA, and will lead efforts to shape the future of SEPA’s highly accomplished and geographically dispersed workforce.

Peterson brings extensive experience in leading people and culture initiatives, fostering inclusion, engagement, and excellence. Prior to joining SEPA, she served as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), where she led EEI’s internal human resources, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies, and oversaw facility operations for its DC-based team. In addition, Peterson spearheaded EEI’s industry-wide DEI initiatives and played a pivotal role in launching the Diverse and Emerging Leaders Program to enhance the pipeline of diverse talent across the energy sector. She also served as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD).

“We are thrilled to welcome Courtney to SEPA as our Chief People and Culture Officer,” said Sheri Givens, SEPA’s President and CEO. “Her visionary leadership, combined with her passion for building inclusive, people-centered cultures, makes her the perfect fit for this role. Her experience driving culture transformation and aligning workforce development with organizational goals will be invaluable as SEPA continues its work to advance the clean energy transition. I know that Courtney’s expertise will help further foster a more inclusive, dynamic, and innovative culture at SEPA.”

“I am excited and honored to join SEPA at such a pivotal moment,” said Peterson. “The opportunity to collaborate with such a talented team to build on SEPA’s culture of inclusion, innovation, and impact is incredibly inspiring. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to create an environment where individuals can thrive, contribute, and be empowered to drive the clean energy transition.”

With over 20 years of experience in human resources, senior leadership, and DEI, Peterson is a seasoned executive with a strong commitment to developing people and driving organizational change. In addition to her nonprofit and corporate leadership experience, she serves on the faculty at Georgetown University and is a certified leadership and executive coach. She also serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) in Montgomery County, Maryland and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Peterson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s degree from Robert Morris University, and an executive certificate in leadership coaching from Georgetown University.

Recognized for her dedication to fostering inclusion and psychological safety, Peterson has received numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2024, she was named to DiversityGlobal Magazine’s Top 15 Chief Diversity Officers list and was recognized as one of Washington, D.C.’s Top Women Leaders by Women We Admire.

About SEPA
The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is your trusted guide to a carbon-free energy future. As an educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit with over 1,000 members spanning utilities, regulators, policymakers, technology providers, and other stakeholders, SEPA drives collaboration and delivers actionable solutions across six focus areas: resilience, transportation, energy storage, emerging technology, policy, and energy equity. Through cutting-edge research, tailored resources, and educational initiatives, SEPA empowers energy leaders to address today’s challenges and accelerate the transition to a safe, reliable, and equitable carbon-free energy system. For more information, visit www.sepapower.org.