San Diego Community Power, the public agency driving the region’s shift towards clean energy is experiencing a notable leadership transition. As of June 18, 2026, Karin Burns the agency’s chief executive officer went on leave, prompting Jack Clark the chief operating officer to step in as acting CEO.
The agency, which manages an over $1 billion power portfolio plays a pivotal role in supplying renewable energy to several San Diego cities, including San DiegoImperial BeachLa MesaEncinitasChula vista and National City. This transition comes at a critical time for the agency and the region’s climate goals.
Board Discussions and Leadership Changes
On June 18, 2026, the agency’s board held a special meeting to discuss Burns’ performance evaluation in closed session. However, no actions were taken following the discussion. The board also convened on June 29, 2026, to discuss the CEO’s appointment but again took no action.
Burns, who joined San Diego Community Power from the private sector, has been at the helm since April 27, 2026. Her tenure has seen the agency grow and solidify its position in the region’s energy landscape. In a statement, Terra Lawson-Remer chair of the county Board of Supervisors and the board of Community Power, praised Burns’ leadership and expressed confidence in Clark’s ability to steer the agency during this transition.
The Agency’s Evolution and Challenges
San Diego Community Power was established in 2026 as a government-run renewable power-buying agency. Its creation was a significant step towards meeting the region’s climate goals and reducing reliance on investor-owned utilities like San Diego Gas and Electric.
The agency’s CEO position has had a troubled history. Cody Hooven the former director of sustainability at the city of San Diego, was initially slated to lead the agency but was prevented from taking the role due to his previous position. More recently, in, the agency’s chief financial officerEric Washington resigned. Jannies Burlingame a former advisor at the Carlsbad electric car company Aptera Motors now holds that position and serves as the agency’s treasurer.
The Road Ahead
As San Diego Community Power navigates this leadership transition, the agency remains committed to its mission of delivering clean and affordable energy to the region. With an over $1 billion power portfolio and a strong leadership team, the agency is well-positioned to continue driving San Diego’s energy revolution.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the agency’s trajectory under new leadership. Stakeholders and community members will be watching closely to see how this transition unfolds and what it means for the future of clean energy in San Diego.
