Smart Electric Power Alliance appoints National Grid veteran Sheri Givens as newest president, CEO

With a new strategic plan in place and its leader of nearly 20 years set to retire this November, the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) announced this week that Sheri Givens, currently a vice president at National Grid, will soon take over as president and CEO.

Givens will replace long-time SEPA president and CEO Julia Hamm as the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary. She will also enter the picture at a time when SEPA has sped up its five-year push to transition the power sector to a carbon-free environment and counteract the worst effects of climate change.

“I can think of no one I would feel more comfortable handing over the reins to,” Hamm said. “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.”

In her current capacity with National Grid, Givens oversees U.S. policy and regulatory strategy. Across a career of more than 20 years, she has also worked as a consultant on utility consumer education and regulatory policy issues, as a Texas utility consumer advocate, and on numerous energy boards. She began her working life as an attorney for the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the 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,” Givens said. “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.”