Tara Walling
Tara Walling is a seasoned energy professional with over 26 years of experience in the energy industry, including 20 years in various trading roles. Currently serving as Manager of Energy Trading at Central Coast Community Energy, she leads the company’s procurement of energy, renewable energy credits (RECs), resource adequacy (RA), long-term energy storage, and mid-term reliability products. Tara also participates in origination efforts and oversees asset management and resource planning across the portfolio, ensuring that organizational strategy aligns with California’s energy portfolio requirements while supporting sustainable energy solutions for the community.
Tara’s career in energy trading began in a nontraditional way after 9/11, when she transitioned from a fiber optic company to an executive admin role at Pacificorp. Determined to break into trading, she immersed herself in the company’s operations, earning an analyst position and eventually negotiating her way onto the trading desk. Throughout her career, she has often been one of the first or only women on trading desks, reflecting her persistence, resilience, and dedication to continuous learning in a highly dynamic industry.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tara is committed to giving back and supporting causes she values, including animal welfare, civil rights, disaster relief, science and technology, and veteran support. She emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, mentorship, and operational excellence within her teams, fostering growth while navigating complex energy markets. Tara’s leadership philosophy blends technical expertise with strategic vision, ensuring that her work not only drives organizational success but also contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
• WRISE
• Women in Energy
• Rebuilding Together
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence and a refusal to be limited by others’ doubts. When underestimated, I focus on learning, executing, and making an impact when it counts. I’m drawn to trading because it’s dynamic—no two days are the same—and even after years in the industry, I’m still learning. Moving between sectors has shown me there’s always more to master, and my passion lies in embracing continuous growth and the opportunity to keep learning in this ever-evolving field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from another female trader who helped me reframe how I think about emotions in trading. She reminded me that anger, frustration, and intensity are still emotions—and that being “emotional” doesn’t mean weak or irrational. In trading, you have to process your feelings, let go of grudges, and move forward. You’ll make good trades and bad trades, but the key is to deal with them, learn, and get on to the next—never dwelling, always executing.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering trading is to develop a thick skin while recognizing that emotions go both ways—anger and intensity are emotions, too, and no one should use them to dismiss yours. Traders are transactional: address issues, get them resolved, and move on. Holding grudges will only hold you back. The trading desk teaches you to process wins and losses alike, move forward quickly, and prepares you for the persistent effort required to advance and break through ceilings in responsibility.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the perceived ceiling for women—as responsibilities increase, advancement often requires actively advocating for opportunities. At the same time, the industry’s many niches and the ability to move between markets, such as utility and CCA, create constant opportunities for growth for those who remain curious and committed to continuous learning.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are family and continuous growth. Spending time with my children, seeing their accomplishments, and sharing in their lives is incredibly meaningful—my daughter following her own unconventional path and my son seeing me as a role model are moments I cherish deeply. Professionally, I value curiosity and lifelong learning; even after 26 years in trading, I’m still discovering new nuances and opportunities every day, and that drive to keep learning continues to fuel my passion.