SEPA Seeks New Leader to Further Accelerate the U.S. Energy Transition as Longtime CEO Announces Plans to Step Down

SEPA Seeks New Leader to Further Accelerate the U.S. Energy Transition as Longtime CEO Announces Plans to Step Down

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) has launched the search for its next visionary, inspirational leader with the announcement that Julia Hamm plans to step down as President and CEO after 19 years in the role.

Hamm led SEPA’s growth into one of the most trusted and influential non-profits impacting how utilities, technology companies, governments and customers can accelerate the transformation to a carbon-free electricity sector.

“I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished at SEPA over the past two decades,” said Hamm. “Having taken the reins in 2004 as SEPA’s first full-time employee, I feel like the organization is my child who has grown into an adult and is now ready to have an even greater impact on the world. This is the right time for a new leader to enter the picture and drive further acceleration of the transformation to a carbon-free electricity sector through actionable solutions and catalytic collaboration.”

Hamm will stay on at SEPA until the board of directors appoints a replacement and a smooth transition of leadership is achieved. Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading executive search firm in the energy, sustainability and association sectors, has been retained to conduct the search.

“Julia’s collaborative nature, progressive yet practical thinking, and gravitas within the electricity sector have been invaluable to SEPA and she will be greatly missed,” said Alice Jackson, chair of SEPA’s board and SVP, System Strategy & Chief Planning Officer at Xcel Energy. “The next leader is well-positioned for success with a high-caliber board and leadership team in place and a bold strategic plan that seeks to double the organization’s impact by 2025. We are excited for this next chapter in SEPA’s story at this critical juncture when its mission and work on regulatory and business innovation, electrification and grid integration have never been more critical and timely.”

Under Hamm’s leadership, SEPA achieved unparalleled growth to more than 1,100 member organizations, including over 600 electric utilities, three-quarters of state public utility commissions, and hundreds of technology and solution providers. The organization re-envisioned its mission and rebranded from the Solar Electric Power Association to the Smart Electric Power Alliance in 2015, and merged with the Association for Demand Response and Smart Grid in 2015 and Smart Grid Interoperability Panel in 2017. Early in her tenure, Hamm led the creation of what is now North America’s largest energy trade show, RE+ (formerly Solar Power International and Energy Storage International), which is co-owned by SEPA.

About SEPA

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is dedicated to helping electric power stakeholders address the most pressing issues they encounter as they pursue carbon-free electricity. We are a trusted partner providing education, research, standards, and collaboration to help utilities, electric customers, and other industry players across three pathways: Regulatory and Business Innovation, Grid Integration, Electrification. Through educational activities, working groups, peer-to-peer engagements and custom projects, SEPA convenes interested parties to facilitate information exchange and knowledge transfer to offer the highest value for our members and partner organizations. For more information, visit www.sepapower.org

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Media contact: Greg Merritt [email protected]; 202-379-1637