Jared Leader is the Senior Director, Research & Industry Strategy at the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), where he leads research, industry engagement, and strategic initiatives focused on strengthening grid resilience, integrating distributed energy resources, and advancing clean energy innovation across the electric power sector. His work also supports SEPA’s international engagement efforts, helping connect U.S. utilities with global best practices and emerging innovations that can accelerate progress toward a more flexible, reliable, and affordable energy system.

In this role, Jared works closely with utilities, regulators, developers, technology providers, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders to translate complex technical, policy, and market developments into practical insights that inform utility planning and implementation. Through research, industry convenings, and collaborative initiatives, he helps the industry navigate emerging challenges while enabling new technologies and approaches that support evolving customer needs.

Prior to joining SEPA, Jared worked as a consultant advising utilities, municipalities, and federal agencies in the energy and water sectors on project design, construction and operations.

He holds a Master of Science in Energy Policy and Climate from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Virginia. In 2021, he was recognized by Public Utilities Fortnightly’s Fortnightly Under Forty, honoring emerging leaders shaping the future of the energy and utility industry.