Clover Sellden has been with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for a decade and currently oversees the statewide operations and management of the Consumer Affairs Branch (CAB). Based in San Francisco, Sellden manages offices in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. Her responsibilities include overseeing human resources, IT, budget, and fiscal activities for her team.
The CAB provides complaint assistance to consumers, manages the TEAM and CHANGES programs, analyzes consumer data to improve processes, and advises decision-makers on consumer protection issues. Sellden leads a team that includes multiple managers and staff members.
Reflecting on her role at CPUC, Sellden said: “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.”
Sellden highlighted her work developing and implementing the CAB Improvement Plan as a significant achievement. She stated: “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.”
Discussing her contribution to CPUC’s mission, Sellden said: “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. She shared: “Most of my free time is spent with my two young boys, Lucas (7) and Linus (5). Their sports, school activities, and busy social calendars keep me on my toes. 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 both recreationally and competitively. She explained: “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.”
