Spotlight on Sarah Jane Maxted of Deloitte
With an extensive background in both public and private sectors, Sarah has dedicated her career to driving impactful energy solutions.
Navigating the evolving landscape of climate technology and policy can be challenging, but leaders like Sarah Jane Maxted are paving the way. With a rich background in both public and private sectors, Sarah has dedicated her career to driving impactful energy solutions. Currently leading Deloitte’s energy transition work in the western United States, she brings a wealth of experience and insight into the climate tech ecosystem. As a Colorado native, Sarah is dedicated to supporting the clean energy work in Colorado and across the Western US.
Interview conducted by Hannah Davis and has been edited for length and clarity.
Interview with Sarah Jane Maxted
Can you tell me about your role at Deloitte?
Sarah Jane Maxted: I lead our energy transition work in the western United States, primarily focusing on the public sector. My role involves working with states, municipalities, non-profits, and public-private partnerships to help them achieve net zero and energy neutrality. Examples of this include projects such as developing energy strategies, building climate action plans, conducting hydrogen studies, and equitably implementing zero-electric infrastructure.
I am also the US market lead for GreenSpace Tech at Deloitte. I work with public and private sector clients to help them access climate technologies that support their energy transition goals. This ranges from reducing carbon footprints through procurement strategies to implementing resilience measures. It covers any technology that can help them reduce their carbon footprint and improve their climate adaptation and resilience strategies.
How did you get here? What's your background?
Sarah Jane Maxted: I grew up in Durango, Colorado, in a politically active family with a strong connection to the outdoors. My early memories of protesting the Animas La Plata River damming with my family influenced my interest in energy, climate, and policy. I ended up studying public policy and cultural anthropology at Duke University, which helped me understand the intersection of society, policy, and business.
I was lucky to start my career with an internship for Senator John Kerry, where I became deeply interested in climate policy. We were at the forefront of pushing climate and health-related legislation, which made me see how complicated the policy angle was. That’s why I transitioned into energy consulting, so I could advise people on what needed to happen without getting involved with politics.
But I couldn’t stay away that long because after Obama won, there was too much great work happening that I wanted to be a part of. I got an amazing job at the US Department of Energy. While there, I went deep into the energy technology transfer commercialization space.
After that, I worked in various capacities, including with venture capital, foundations, and academia.
How does your background influence your work today?
Sarah Jane Maxted: These diverse experiences have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of successful climate innovation ecosystems. For example, working with National Grid allowed me to delve into the operational aspects of energy systems. At MIT and Harvard, I gained insights into how universities function as innovation hubs.
I focused on advanced, tough tech, and breakthrough technology in venture capital, particularly during my tenure at ADL Ventures and The Engine. I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with organizations like Breakthrough Energy, which emphasizes high-impact solutions for the climate crisis.
Working with incubators and accelerators such as Greentown Labs and the LA Cleantech Incubator has highlighted these entities' critical role in fostering early-stage innovation. These experiences collectively contribute to my holistic view of what it takes to build and sustain thriving climate innovation ecosystems.
My time at Deloitte has been invaluable in understanding the consulting perspective and working with large companies on their climate strategies.
My cultural anthropology background and interest in seeing things from different perspectives have influenced my work, leading me to wear many hats in the public and private sectors over the years.
What climate solutions are you excited about right now?
Sarah Jane Maxted: First, policy as a climate solution is critical. Policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Bill in the US, and the big equitable transition policies happening in Europe are groundbreaking. They will massively impact us for decades to come.
Outside of policy, I'm excited about Commonwealth Fusion Systems, a climate technology solution I worked alongside when I was at MIT. If something like this were to work, it would transform the path to net zero. A lot of money is being thrown into those solutions, and there is momentum and interest in these high-return and high-impact sectors. It’s a fascinating space right now.
How has being based in Colorado impacted your work?
Sarah Jane Maxted: Being in Colorado, I aim to contribute to the local climate ecosystem. The state has a wealth of good energy and driven individuals, but we need help in connectivity and support for later-stage companies. There’s a growing leadership in organizations like Innosphere and the Colorado Clean Tech Industries Association, which are stepping up to address these gaps. Personally and professionally, I’m committed to advancing the energy ecosystem here, as it aligns with my work at Deloitte and my mission-driven approach to climate leadership.
Is there a climate or sustainability-related passion you have outside of work?
Sarah Jane Maxted: My work and passion for climate solutions are deeply intertwined. My role as a climate leader extends beyond my day job, and I dedicate extra time to supporting initiatives that drive meaningful change. This mission-driven approach motivates me to contribute to the broader climate community in every way possible.
Sarah Jane Maxted’s journey is a testament to the impact dedicated, mission-driven individuals can have on the climate tech ecosystem. Her work at Deloitte and beyond highlights the importance of innovative solutions and collaborative efforts in achieving a sustainable future. You can learn more about Sarah here.
Stay tuned for more insights from leaders like Sarah, who are making a difference in the fight against climate change.