Lesley Jantarasami is the Vice President of Research & Industry Strategy at the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), a national nonprofit accelerating a clean, affordable, and resilient energy future for all. Lesley joined SEPA in March 2025 and leads their research and industry engagement intiatives to identify and share solutions to the biggest challenges facing utilities, technology companies, regulators, and policymakers. Lesley brings over 15 years’ experience in state and federal climate and energy policy at both nonprofits and government agencies. She previously held key roles at the Bipartisan Policy Center, Oregon Department of Energy, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, leading research and policy efforts on clean power, natural gas, carbon markets, carbon pricing, and nature-based climate solutions. Her research and insights have been published in national and international climate assessments, academic journals, and popular media platforms. Lesley has Master of Science and Master of Public Administration degrees from the University of Washington, and her bachelor’s degree from Duke University.