Sparby retired in 2014 from his position as SVP, revenue group, at Xcel Energy Inc. and president and CEO of its subsidiary, Northern States Power-Minnesota. He held various positions, including CFO, during his tenure with Excel Energy, after joining the company in 1980. He currently serves on the boards for the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul and the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.