Clover Sellden, who has worked at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for a decade, oversees the Consumer Affairs Branch (CAB). She manages operations in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. The CAB provides assistance with consumer complaints, runs the TEAM and CHANGES programs, analyzes consumer data to improve services, and advises CPUC decision-makers on issues related to consumer protection. Sellden’s responsibilities include supervising multiple managers and staff members as well as handling HR, IT, budget, and fiscal activities.
Sellden described her motivation for working 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.”
She highlighted her work on developing the CAB Improvement Plan as one of her proudest achievements. “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.
In discussing her contribution to the agency’s mission Sellden stated: “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 much of her time with her two sons Lucas (7) and Linus (5), participating in their school activities and sports events. She noted that parenting is both fun and challenging: “Most of my free time is spent with my two young boys…It’s fun, a bit exhausting, and always humbling. I’m trying my best to be a good mom; it’s harder than my day job.”
Sellden also enjoys playing tennis on two doubles teams. She appreciates how tennis encourages personal growth: “What I love most about the sport is how it challenges the body and mind by requiring technique, stamina, strategy…Tennis also encourages deep self-reflection that leads to continual growth…”
The interview was conducted by Andrea Marvin from CPUC’s Public Information Office.
