Meet VA Stephens
Nuclear Energy Expert | Policy Strategist | Legislative and Public Affairs Leader
Virginia “VA” Stephens is a trusted advisor to decision-makers at the highest levels of government and industry. Her background spans critical roles in the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Most recently, she served as Director of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group and as Chief of Staff to Public Utility Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty.
Her breadth of experience allows her to translate complex policy landscapes into actionable, lasting outcomes—especially in the fields of energy, environment, water, infrastructure, small business, and local government.
Career Story & Philosophy
Most recently and relevant to Texas’ needs, through her work at the PUC, she can provide expertise on all aspects of utilities (energy and water). Including, but not limited to, all dispatchable and renewable energy issues, all interconnection issues, energy efficiency transmission and distribution. She has a thorough understanding of the ERCOT market and the non-ERCOT portions of Texas and the related issues as well.
VA is a graduate of UT Austin’s Plan II Honors Program and has spent over a decade running a successful consulting practice focused on regulatory and legislative affairs.
Expertise That Delivers
Strategic planning & public policy development
Decades of hands-on involvement with legislative, regulatory, and executive branches.
Stakeholder engagement & coalition-building
A history of guiding teams and initiatives at the highest levels of government and industry.
Regulatory compliance & reform navigation
Known for fostering bipartisan relationships that enable progress in polarized environments.
National and state-level energy and environmental policy
Skilled at bringing stakeholders together through clear, persuasive communication and shared vision.