Clover Sellden, who has spent a decade at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), currently leads the statewide operations of the Consumer Affairs Branch (CAB). Based in San Francisco, Sellden oversees offices in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. Her role involves managing multiple teams and handling human resources, IT, budgeting, and fiscal activities for CAB.
Sellden describes her main responsibilities as 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. “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,” she said.
One project Sellden highlights is the development and implementation of 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 explained.
Sellden says her contributions to CPUC’s mission include leading initiatives that strengthen operational efficiency, improve service quality, and enhance consumer protection. She notes recent improvements such as better data accuracy, assisting more consumers each month, closing more cases monthly, and reducing average resolution times. “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,” she said.
Outside of work hours, Sellden spends most of her time with her two young children participating in sports or school activities. She also enjoys playing tennis on two doubles teams: “I’m an avid tennis player and a devoted fan of professional tennis. 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. I currently play on two doubles teams, keeping me active, competitive, and connected with a great community of multi-generational women.”
The interview was conducted by Andrea Marvin.
