AEP makes several leadership changes
American Electric Power (AEP) announced several leadership and organizational changes effective at the end of last month.
AEP is launching a search for a president to lead the utility’s transmission business and will consider both internal and external candidates.
AEP is also eliminating the executive vice president of Regulatory and chief administrative officer role. As a result, Peggy Simmons is leaving the company.
Chris Beam, executive vice president of AEP’s Energy Services, will retire in February 2025 and serve as executive vice president and senior advisor until then.
Shane Lies, AEP executive vice president and chief nuclear officer, will transition to a new role as executive vice president of projects and services, overseeing generation shared services, environmental services, project solutions, distribution planning and performance, and strategic supplier management. Kelly Ferneau, site vice president at AEP’s Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, succeeds Lies and has been promoted to executive vice president and chief nuclear officer, reporting to President and CEO Bill Fehrman.
Finally, Scott Dailey, AEP’s managing director of renewable generation and former Cook Nuclear Plant manager, will succeed Ferneau as site vice president. Power plant managers across AEP will now report directly to the operating company presidents, and the economic development function will also transition to the operating companies.
FirstEnergy names new senior vice president and chief human resources officer
Karen McClendon has been named senior vice president and chief human resources officer at FirstEnergy, effective Nov. 11.
McClendon will report to Brian Tierney, FirstEnergy president and CEO. In her new role, McClendon will lead efforts to advance the company’s human capital strategy. She will oversee key human resources functions, including talent management, benefits and compensation, and labor and employee relations.
Oglethorpe Power announces new president and CEO
The Oglethorpe Power Board of Directors announced the selection of Annalisa M. Bloodworth as the company’s president and CEO, effective February 1, 2025.
Bloodworth will follow current President and CEO Mike Smith, who will retire from Oglethorpe Power in January 2025 after 40 years in the energy industry and more than a decade leading the company. Bloodworth will transition from the role of senior vice president and general counsel, which she has held since 2017.
