SEPA Announces New Board Member and Leadership Positions

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) Board of Directors recently held elections for a new board member and appointment of two of its officer positions. Melissa Washington, Senior Vice President, Customer Operations & Chief Customer Officer at Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), a unit of the Chicago-based Exelon Company, was elected as a new Board Member and incoming Board Secretary. Peter Muhoro, Chief Strategy, Technology, & Innovation Officer, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, who previously served as SEPA’s Secretary, has been elected as the Board Chair-Elect. Both will join SEPA’s Executive Committee. 

“I sincerely value Peter’s service to the SEPA Board for the past six years, his warm welcome and support of me personally over the past ten months, and his stepping into this board leadership role. Likewise, given her many diverse utility roles and years of service on boards, I am delighted to welcome Melissa as an industry colleague and advisor,” said Sheri Givens, SEPA President and CEO. “These two accomplished energy executives represent unique approaches being taken by utilities leading the equitable clean energy transition with both Virginia and Illinois aiming to be carbon-free by 2045.”

The SEPA Board of Directors consists of 20 members representing a broad spectrum of the energy industry, including investor-owned, public power, and member-owned utilities along with corporations and non-profit, strategic partners advancing carbon free solutions. The Board provides strategic advice and guidance to the organization. 

The insight of these two leaders, along with the greater Board, will help build SEPA’s new 5x25 initiative, a coordinated effort to focus on five important areas to align utilities, industry, regulators, legislators, customers, and other energy stakeholders toward a carbon-free energy future. The SEPA Board brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will further strengthen SEPA’s mission and drive the organization forward.

Chair-Elect Peter Muhoro | Chief Strategy, Technology, & Innovation Officer, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Peter Muhoro, Chief Strategy, Technology, and Innovation Officer at Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) has been elected as SEPA’s Chair-Elect. Muhoro’s extensive background in technology and innovation will be invaluable in driving SEPA’s efforts to foster the adoption of carbon free technologies and the critical accompanying grid infrastructure. 

"I am honored to be chosen as the Chair-Elect for the SEPA board. This role is an extension of the commitment within SEPA to education, innovation, and collaboration among all stakeholders that advances clean energy, emerging technologies, and the electrification needs for the future." 

As Chair-Elect, Muhoro is next in line for SEPA’s top leadership role as Chair leading the Board and shaping SEPA's future strategy. He will also remain a member of the SEPA Executive Committee. 

Secretary and New Board Member Melissa Washington| Senior Vice President, Customer Operations & Chief Customer Officer at ComEd 

Melissa Washington, Senior Vice President, Customer Operations & Chief Customer Officer at ComEd, has been elected as SEPA’s Secretary and Board Member. Washington’s long-term experience in customer operations, including energy efficiency technology programs, financial operations and marketing will provide significant insight into helping advance SEPA’s clean energy solutions. As Board Secretary, Washington will join the Executive Committee and oversee critical administrative functions contributing to SEPA’s overall governance.

“For over 30 years, the Smart Electric Power Alliance has led the charge on creating a roadmap for US utilities to navigate the clean energy transition,” said Melissa Washington, SVP of Customer Operations and Chief Customer Officer for ComEd. “ComEd shares SEPA’s vision for a cleaner and more equitable future, and as the largest utility in the Midwest with over 9 million Illinoisans served, we are laser-focused on expanding programs that help customers lower energy usage and costs, while enhancing air quality across the region. I’m honored to join the SEPA Board and look forward to working with energy stakeholders from across the country on ways we can advance innovative solutions and achieve our climate action goals.”

SEPA | www.sepapower.org