Smart Electric Power Alliance Names Sheri Givens As New President & CEO

Industry veteran to lead SEPA’s efforts to accelerate the transition to a carbon-free power sector

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) today announced that it has named Sheri Givens as the organization’s next president and chief executive officer. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, SEPA is dedicated to helping electric power stakeholders address the most pressing issues they encounter as they pursue carbon-free electricity by serving as a trusted partner providing education, research, standards and collaboration.

The organization recently refreshed its strategic plan, emphasizing the desire to accelerate its impact over the next five years in recognition of the increasing urgency to combat climate change.

“Sheri’s combination of experiences make her uniquely qualified to lead the acceleration of the power sector’s transformation to carbon-free electricity,” said Alice Jackson, SEPA board chair and SVP, system strategy, and chief planning officer for Xcel Energy. “She is a collaborator by nature and understands the perspectives, opportunities, and challenges faced by all of SEPA’s stakeholders.”

Sheri currently serves as vice president of US policy and regulatory strategy at National Grid, a clean energy company serving the electric and heating needs of more than 20 million customers in Massachusetts and New York. Her professional experience includes over twenty years in legal, regulatory, legislative, and external affairs. Prior to joining National Grid, she consulted on utility consumer education and regulatory policy issues in energy markets nationwide. She is a former Governor-appointed Texas utility consumer advocate and served on the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates’ Executive Committee. She has also served on the boards of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Texas Reliability Entity, Northeast Clean Energy Council, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, and Association of Women in Energy. Earlier in her career she was an attorney for the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Texas Workforce Commission, and Texas Legislature.

“Having worked with SEPA in my various roles over the years, I am excited and proud to lead such an influential and prominent organization focused on leading the transformation to a carbon-free future,” shared Sheri Givens, incoming SEPA president and CEO. “Like SEPA and our industry, I am personally grateful to Julia for her many years of service and thought leadership in this space, and I feel fortunate to have her by my side these first few months. I look forward to working in partnership with the team, the Board, and our thousand-plus member community in the years to come collaborating on tackling climate change, accelerating the carbon-free transition, and guiding how we will collectively and equitably get the job done.”

Sheri will take the helm on November 7th, working through the transition in partnership with outgoing president and CEO, Julia Hamm.

“I can think of no one I would feel more comfortable handing over the reins to,” said Julia Hamm, SEPA’s leader for almost twenty years. “I’ve worked with Sheri in many capacities over the years and found her to be knowledgeable about the issues relevant to SEPA and its members, and also passionate about addressing climate change, a fierce advocate for putting the customer first, and an empathetic and caring leader.”