SEPA CEO Sheri Givens Appoints New Member to RE+ Events Board

Alice Jackson, Xcel Energy Executive, Joins the Board

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sheri Givens, president and CEO of the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), announces the appointment of electric industry leader Alice Jackson, senior vice president, system strategy, and chief planning officer of Xcel Energy, to the RE+ Events Board of Directors in the leadup to the twentieth anniversary of the annual event being held in Anaheim in September. RE+ Events, in collaboration with SEPA and the Solar Energy Industries Association, facilitates unmatched opportunities for stakeholders to connect with clean energy experts and learn about the innovative technologies and solutions that can accelerate the transformation to a carbon-free electricity sector.

“Today, I am incredibly excited to announce the appointment of Alice to the RE+ Board of Directors,” said Givens. “Having had the privilege of knowing and working with Alice for over a decade, I can personally attest to her exceptional leadership and strategic acumen. Throughout her distinguished career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, particularly through her work aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Her extensive experience, coupled with her proven ability to develop and execute forward-thinking strategies, will be instrumental as we continue to advance the RE+ Events portfolio during this pivotal moment in time. I am confident that her presence on our board will drive us towards new heights of success.”

Jackson leads Xcel Energy’s Integrated System Planning, which is focused on developing and executing integrated plans for generation, transmission, and distribution on the electric and natural gas systems to meet the company’s vision to deliver net-zero energy by 2050 while preserving reliability and affordability for customers. Since joining Xcel Energy in 2011, Jackson has held various positions of increasing responsibility. Prior to her current role, Jackson served as president of Xcel Energy-Colorado from 2018 to 2022. In this position, she was responsible for all aspects of the Colorado operating company, including state and local regulatory and government affairs, along with customer and community relations and charitable giving efforts in the state.

Previously, Jackson was area vice president of strategic revenue initiatives, leading the company’s growth strategy. From 2013 to 2016, she was regional vice president, rates and regulatory affairs, at Xcel Energy-Colorado. Jackson joined Xcel Energy in 2011 as regional vice president, rates and regulatory affairs, at Xcel Energy – Texas and New Mexico. Over her two-decade career in the energy industry, she has gained a wealth of experience in managing government and stakeholder relations, as well as developing innovative products and services for customers. She received a bachelor of science in Management Information Systems from Texas A&M University and completed the Harvard Business School Program for Leadership Development. Since 2019, she has served on the SEPA Board of Directors, first as its chair and now on its Executive Committee. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Mile High United Way and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Since 2019, she has served on the SEPA Board of Directors; she formerly served as chair for two years, and she currently serves on its Executive Committee.

“Energy industry leaders across the United States and around the world are rising to the challenge before them — to build out a clean energy future while keeping their systems safe, affordable and reliable for their customers and communities,” said Jackson. “In joining the RE+ Events Board, it is my pleasure to help these energy companies equip themselves with the insights and vendor relationships they need to accelerate this momentous transition.”

Jackson succeeds Julia Hamm, who is stepping down from the RE+ Events Board. From 2004 to 2022, Hamm served as the SEPA president and CEO. She created Solar Power International (SPI) in 2004, which grew into the present-day RE+ annual clean energy trade show that attracts more than 40,000 people today. For 25 years, Hamm has been at the center of the net-zero energy system transformation. She has spent her career advising and collaborating on business models, grid modernization and digitization, resilience and risk mitigation, and electrification and clean energy strategies, and programs. Currently, Hamm serves on the boards of Puget Sound Energy, Voltera and is a partner at The Ad Hoc Group.

“Creating, nurturing, and strategically guiding RE+ to the point where it has become the largest energy trade show in North America is one of the highlights and greatest accomplishments of my career,” said Hamm. “As I step off the board to turn my full attention to my own next phase of growth, I know that the clean energy industry will continue to be well served by the talented leaders on the RE+ Events board and team.”

“I am sincerely grateful to Julia for her tremendous dedication to the clean energy industry, steadfast prior leadership in growing SEPA, and most recently, her engagement and support on the RE+ Board. As the founder of SPI, now RE+ Events, and a board co-chair/member since its inception, it was her vision, creativity, and innovation that laid the foundation in supporting the events’ twenty-year track record of success,” said Givens. “I personally want to thank her for her tireless efforts and commitment to advancing a carbon-free future.”

About SEPA:
The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), a 501(c)(3) organization with over 1,000 members, is dedicated to accelerating the transformation to a carbon-free electricity system. Focused on six critical focus areas including Resilience, Transportation, Energy Storage, Emerging Technology, Policy, and Energy Equity, SEPA brings together a diverse community of electric power stakeholders committed to driving positive change. By actively shaping the future of the industry, SEPA delivers exceptional value to its extensive membership through comprehensive research, educational initiatives, engaging events, and collaborative projects. SEPA plays a vital role in contributing to the collective efforts towards a carbon-free energy landscape. For more information, please visit www.sepapower.org.