San Diego Community Power CEO Karin Burns Leaves Role After Leave
Karin Burns has concluded her tenure as chief executive officer of San Diego Community Power, leaving the half-million-dollar-a-year post after a three-month leave of absence without a definitive reason provided by either the agency or Burns herself.
Leadership Transition at San Diego Community Power
San Diego Community Power announced Friday that Karin Burns is no longer serving as chief executive officer of the community choice energy program. The agency, which manages energy accounts for more than 972,000 customers across the county, stated that Burns will remain as an executive adviser through Jan. 15, 2027. This arrangement aims to support a smooth leadership transition and ensure institutional continuity.
Burns took the helm in April 2022 under a three-year agreement, which was later renewed last year. Her annual salary reached $505,270.
“After more than four years of significant growth and transformation at San Diego Community Power, the organization and I have agreed that this is the appropriate time to transition leadership,” Burns said in a written statement.
Board chair Terra Lawson-Remer praised Burns for transforming a newly established agency into a leading community choice energy provider. Lawson-Remer, who also chairs the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, thanked Burns for her service but did not offer details regarding the catalyst for her departure.
Former board chair Joe LaCava similarly lauded Burns for turning the board’s vision into a high-performing organization marked by discipline and determination.
Board Actions and Executive Pay Adjustments
Behind closed doors, the governance of the agency saw significant activity while executive changes unfolded. On Aug. 27, the board convened in a closed session lasting more than two hours. The agenda cited a conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation.
Upon returning to open session, the board unanimously voted to approve a 10% pay raise for acting CEO Jack Clark, retroactive to the date he assumed operational control. Public meetings since that time have yielded no further public discussion regarding Burns’ employment status.
By Monday, Burns had been removed from the agency’s executive leadership webpage. Her departure marks the second major management shakeup for the organization within the year. In January, Eric Washington left his role as chief financial officer and deputy chief executive officer after nearly five years with the program, with Jannies Burlingame stepping in to fill the post.
Customer Assurance and Internal Climate
Community Power representatives have consistently emphasized institutional resilience in the wake of the leadership shift.
“Together, we have created a strong institution that is designed to carry on beyond the tenure of any individual,” Lebron stated via email. “Our talented, experienced team will continue to meet our renewable energy targets, expand program offerings and obtain long-term value for our customers. That mission does not change.”
Public inquiries regarding whether the exit stemmed from the board’s request or Burns’ own decision went unanswered by agency spokespersons. A prior report published in July by Voice of San Diego noted that employee surveys conducted prior to Burns’ June leave indicated lukewarm staff sentiment regarding her management style. Agency representatives did not comment on whether internal feedback influenced the leadership transition.
Established in 2021, San Diego Community Power delivers energy services across the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, La Mesa, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, National City, and unincorporated areas of San Diego County. As the agency moves forward under interim leadership, stakeholders and regional partners watch closely to see how administrative stability is maintained across municipal energy programs.