Staffing Advisors is proud to have partnered with Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) in the selection of its Chief Experience Officer, Angela Strickland. SEPA is an $18MM nonprofit organization with more than 1,000 members, including utilities that serve the majority of American households. SEPA is a nonpartisan convener bringing diverse energy stakeholders together to solve the sector’s most pressing challenges. The organization operates with approximately 66 staff. Read the SEPA’s full announcement here.

“Angela’s career demonstrates both depth of expertise and a clear vision for the future of the energy sector. Her ability to connect technical insight with real-world outcomes will help SEPA not only strengthen the value we deliver to members today, but also guide our role in shaping solutions for tomorrow’s energy challenges.”

— Sheri Givens, SEPA President and CEO

About the Search for SEPA’s Next Chief Experience Officer

After a deep discovery process to identify the organization’s most critical business issues and strategic priorities, Staffing Advisors sought an executive with a combination of technical expertise, marketing insight, and business development acumen to lead the strategic direction and integration of SEPA’s programs, events, research, membership, and fundraising efforts—ensuring they deliver measurable impact, reflect member priorities, and anticipate future industry needs.

The search was led by Staffing Advisors Vice President of Executive Search Aileen Hedden, with strategy consulting from Founder & President Bob Corlett and support from the entire Staffing Advisors team.

Working closely with SEPA’s leadership, Staffing Advisors surfaced several key competency areas for the role. A summary of each is listed below:

  • Programs & Events. Position SEPA’s events as must-attend gatherings that attract top executives from utilities, technology companies, and regulatory agencies. Feature compelling content, influential speakers, and unique networking opportunities.
  • Membership. Strengthen SEPA’s membership community in the U.S. and internationally with increased engagement from large investor-owned utilities (alongside electric cooperatives and public power utilities), technology companies, and policymakers.
  • Research & Industry Strategy. Establish SEPA as the leading resource for research and insights, producing actionable content that anticipates trends 5–10 years ahead.
  • Development. Lead SEPA’s fundraising strategy, overseeing efforts to secure federal and state grants, foundation support, and corporate partnerships, shape compelling cases for support, and build strategic relationships in the energy and climate sectors.

Our team was honored to support SEPA in this important leadership transition. Since 2016, we have partnered with SEPA on several key roles, including a Chief Communications Officer, a Vice President of Development, and a Vice President of Research and Industry Strategy.