Clover Sellden has been with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for ten years and currently oversees the statewide operations and management of the Consumer Affairs Branch (CAB). The CAB manages offices in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. Its work includes providing complaint assistance to consumers, overseeing the TEAM and CHANGES programs, analyzing consumer data and trends to improve processes, and advising decision-makers on consumer protection issues. Sellden’s responsibilities also cover human resources, IT, budget, and fiscal activities for her team.
Sellden said her background as a low-income immigrant who benefited from support programs shapes her perspective at the CPUC. “Growing up as a low-income immigrant and benefiting from many programs designed to support vulnerable Californians, I take great pride in giving back through my work at the CPUC. The most rewarding aspect is knowing policies, programs, and services we oversee have a real, positive impact on individuals and communities who often need help the most.”
One of Sellden’s significant accomplishments is developing and implementing the CAB Improvement Plan. “I’m especially proud of developing and implementing the CAB Improvement Plan, which created pathways for professional growth and upward mobility within CAB. It enhances training, mentorship, and development opportunities for staff advancement. Since its implementation in 2023, 55 percent of CAB employees have earned at least one promotion, and approximately 16 percent have been promoted more than once,” she said.
Regarding her contribution to the agency’s mission, Sellden noted improvements in efficiency: “I contribute to the CPUC’s mission by leading initiatives within CAB that strengthen operational efficiency, improve service quality, and enhance consumer protection. Recently we have improved data accuracy, assisted more consumers, closed more cases each month, and reduced the average resolution time.”
Outside of work hours Sellden spends time with her two sons participating in their activities. She also enjoys playing tennis on two doubles teams: “What I love most about the sport is how it challenges the body and mind by requiring technique, stamina, strategy, and strong communication with your doubles partner. Tennis also encourages deep self-reflection that leads to continual growth; lessons that I find directly applicable to leadership and my work.”
The interview was conducted by Andrea Marvin.
