Board of Directors

Chair

Ms. Jackson leads the System Strategy and Planning organization for Xcel Energy. This is a new organization that focuses on integrated system planning, including strategically planning generation, transmission and distribution of Xcel’s electric and natural gas systems. Since joining Xcel Energy in 2011, Alice has held various positions of increasing responsibility. Directly prior to her role as Senior Vice President, Ms. Jackson led the Operating Company team for Public Service Company of Colorado as President. In this role she was responsible for the community, legislative, regulatory activities and held responsibility for delivering on corporate financial outcomes and objectives for Xcel Energy – Colorado. Prior to her executive leadership roles within Xcel Energy, Alice held various regulatory positions with Southwestern Public Service Company in Texas and with Public Service Company of Colorado.

Before her time with Xcel Energy, Alice spent nearly 10 years with Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Oxy) managing the nationwide energy needs of this large industrial consumer. In Alice’s early roles with Oxy, she utilized her information technology background and technical acumen to provide software development and systems support to various trading activities as well as electric market deregulation. Through her involvement in the federal and state electric markets, multiple rate cases, and interaction with customers, large and small, Alice developed a unique perspective for utilities and their contributions to society.

As if having a full-time career, being married to her high school sweetheart and having four sons is not enough of an adventure in life, in 2017 Alice completed the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard University. Alice earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems from Texas A&M University.

Commissioner Andrew McAllister was first appointed to the Economist seat at the California Energy Commission in 2012, and in 2022 was reappointed to a third term by Governor Gavin Newsom. Commissioner McAllister’s priorities include: decarbonization of buildings and industry; energy efficiency; load flexibility as a tool for grid optimization; improved access to data and analytical tools that enable innovation at the grid edge; ensuring alignment of energy policy; programs with the state’s housing needs; and extending California’s national leadership on critical state-level energy policy matters.

Commissioner McAllister has worked in both the efficiency and renewables spaces for more than three decades. Prior to the CEC his professional trajectory traversed multiple sectors: managing director of the non-profit California Center for Sustainable Energy; efficiency and renewables specialist at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association International, Ltd.; utility energy efficiency program consultant; and a researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He has worked across the world to deploy clean, cost-effective energy solutions partnering with counterparts ranging from tiny remote communities to the largest of utilities. Commissioner McAllister holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Energy and Resources Group at the University of California, Berkeley, and dual B.A.s from Dartmouth College. He is a returned U.S. Peace Corps volunteer.

Bryan Hannegan is President and CEO of Holy Cross Energy, a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative utility providing electricity and energy products and services to more than 42,000 customers in Western Colorado. Prior to joining Holy Cross in July 2017, Bryan was an Associate Laboratory Director at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where he co-founded the US Department of Energy’s Grid Modernization Initiative and started up the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF), a unique “distribution grid in a box” enabling utilities, entrepreneurs and consumers to work together on cleaner, more affordable and more reliable energy systems. Earlier in his career, Bryan held senior leadership roles at the Electric Power Research Institute, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Caroline Choi is senior vice president of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy at Southern California Edison and its parent company, Edison International. Choi oversees Corporate Communications, Corporate Philanthropy, Government Relations and Public Affairs at the national, state and local levels.

Previously, Choi served as senior vice president of Regulatory Affairs at SCE and was responsible for the company’s regulatory engagement, policy and strategy.

Choi also served as SCE vice president of Energy and Environmental Policy and oversaw the analysis and development of energy and environmental policies and strategies, as well as engagement at energy and environmental regulatory agencies.

Before joining SCE in 2012, Choi was executive director of Environmental Services & Strategy at Progress Energy (now Duke Energy), where she led environmental permitting, compliance and policy.

Choi is active in national policy and community engagement. She serves on the board of Smart Electric Power Alliance, a nationwide organization that supports the implementation and deployment of clean energy and distributed resources. She also chairs the board of Veloz, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the shift to electric transportation through public-private collaboration and public engagement. In addition, she is a member of the Electric Transportation Community Development Corporation, National Forest Foundation and Public Policy Institute of California’s Statewide Leadership Council.

Choi holds a bachelor’s degree in government from Dartmouth College.

Chris leads strategy and execution of Amazon’s commitment to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2025 and net zero carbon throughout the company’s real estate portfolio by 2040. This commitment is part of The Climate Pledge, a commitment by Amazon to meet the Paris Agreement 10 years early. Prior to Amazon, Chris led energy, water, and sustainable building initiatives within Boeing’s real estate operations, and has 15 years’ experience driving initiatives in corporate energy and sustainability. Chris has a Master’s degree in Engineering from Cambridge University, a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington, and is also on the board of the Smart Building Center in Seattle.

Darryl Willis leads a global team, driving digital transformation across the energy sector through the power of Microsoft’s cloud and AI technology. With a deep knowledge of the global energy sector, Willis leads this cross-functional team in building strategic partnerships and helping enable the energy transition, reduce carbon emissions, and fulfill growing global energy demand with low- and no-carbon sources. He is an advocate for startups and diverse talent, supporting and fostering innovation in the field to develop next generation leaders and solutions.

Willis is passionate about empowering customers, partners and communities on the journey to a more secure, reliable, equitable and sustainable energy future for all. Prior to joining Microsoft, Willis held leadership positions at Google Cloud and bp. He is a member of several councils and boards including American Bureau of Shipping, INROADS Inc. National Board of Directors and University of Houston Energy Transition Institute. Willis holds an M.S. in Business from Stanford University, an M.S. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of New Orleans, and a B.S. in Chemistry and Literature from Northwestern State University of Louisiana.

Marion Gold is a Senior Advisor with the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and also serves as a Senior Advisor with the Ad Hoc Group, an advisory firm which helps climate tech start-ups navigate and shape policy. She is the President of the Board of the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP).

A former regulatory commissioner, Marion was appointed to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission by Governor Gina Raimondo in 2016. She served a five-year term with a focus on clean energy and power sector transformation.

Previously, Marion was the Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources. She also served on the Executive Board of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and was a managing director of the New England State Committee on Electricity (NESCOE).

Prior to serving as State Energy Commissioner, Marion was the Director of the Mallon Center at the University of Rhode Island, where she established the URI Partnership for Energy, initiated efficiency programs for public sector buildings, and launched the Energy Fellows Program, which has placed over 100 students in energy-related employment with the private and public sector.

Marion holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Rhode Island. She received her BS and MS from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, respectively.

Elaina Ball leads strategic planning for CPS Energy. In this role, she is responsible for the oversight and execution of CPS Energy’s Vision 2027. Elaina has over 17 years of experience working with both investor-owned and public power utility companies. She has provided effective leadership in power generation, transmission & distribution, market operations, technology, and business development functions.

She has previously served as CEO for Fayetteville PWC in Fayetteville, NC, as Chief Operating Officer for El Paso Electric and Austin Energy, as Senior Vice President of Power Delivery at Entergy, and is a CPS Energy alumnus serving as Vice President of Technical Services & Energy Solutions in 2012. She also has extensive leadership experience with the South Texas Project (STP), having served on their Board of Directors, Owners’ Committee, and Benefits Committee.

Elaina has been actively engaged with multiple utility organizations, including the Rocky Mountain Electrical League and the Association of Women in Energy, in addition to community non-profits such as the Austin Science Education Foundation, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, and Fayetteville Tech Community College.

Elaina holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a graduate of the University of Idaho Utility Energy Executive program and a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

Hannah serves as the Chief Market Innovation Officer at Uplight, where she leads policy, market development, and partnerships to enable residential electrification and a more flexible and resilient grid.

Previously, Hannah was the Head of Energy Partnerships at Google Nest. She joined Nest in 2014, growing the energy business from the ground up – delivering energy savings, demand response, and customer engagement that set the foundation for the future of the grid. After Nest’s integration with Google, Hannah focused on product and service partnerships for Nest Renew, setting the stage for new offerings across the energy ecosystem, including with third-party OEMs.

Prior to joining Nest, Hannah spent time at PG&E, consulting, and in the nonprofit space. She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, and a BA with Honors from Brown University.

Jeff Guldner leads Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its primary subsidiary, Arizona Public Service Company (APS). The companies are headquartered in Phoenix. Guldner was promoted to his current position in November 2019 from his dual roles as president of APS and executive vice president, public policy of Pinnacle West. Since joining APS in 2004, Guldner has held a number of leadership positions responsible for areas including legal, rates and regulation, government affairs and customer service. He is also on the Board of Directors for Nuclear Energy Institute, Edison Electric Institute, and Institute of Nuclear Operations.

B.S. Chemistry, Southern Utah University
M.S. and Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, Washington State University

Dr. Joe Hoagland is vice president of Innovation and Research for the Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporate agency of the United States government and the largest public power provider in the country. With 30 years of experience shaping the direction of the power sector, Dr. Hoagland is an industry thought leader with extensive experience in strategy, research and development, implementation, and the evolving energy marketplace.

He currently leads and guides a team of technology professionals who conduct transformational research and manage innovation projects for TVA’s Power System of the Future – an effort that helps diverse power systems to meet shifting consumer and business power demands without compromising reliability, resiliency, or customer experience. At the same time, Dr. Hoagland and his team are exploring cost-effective carbon reductions with new forms of generation and the electrification of the broader economy that includes advances in electric transportation, solar power/battery storage, and advanced nuclear generation technologies.

Dr. Hoagland has extensive experience with strategic utility planning and stakeholder engagement, leading from inception to publication of TVA’s three recent Integrated Resources Plans – a comprehensive study that provides direction on how TVA can best meet future electricity demand over the next 20 years. Previous leadership roles include development of environmental policies, research and development strategies, retail regulation and utility policies, directing energy efficiency and demand response programs, and building effective stakeholder and customer relations.

Dr. Hoagland is a Fellow for Energy Policy at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy; Chair for the state of Tennessee’s Energy Policy Council; and a member of the board of directors of the Smart Electric Power Association. He recently was Chair of the Electric Power Research Institute‘s Executive Resource Advisory Committee.

Dr. Hoagland also has served on boards and committees for various industry and related organizations that include the Edison Electric Institute, Electricity Storage Association, and the Department of Energy.

Executive Committee

Linda is the Chief Customer Officer for the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), the 14th largest public power utility in the United States. As a member of OUC’s Executive Team, Linda is focused on achieving OUC’s goal of being the “Best Utility in the Nation” and Orlando’s recognition as the “Greenest City in the Southeast” through envisioning and delivering excellence in customer experience for today and tomorrow, balanced with weaving sustainability into everything OUC does, and delivering innovative products and services that benefit our customers and community. In this role, Linda leads the Customer Service, enterprise-wide Strategy, Sustainability & Conservation, Emerging Technologies, Marketing, Communication, & Community Relations organizations.

Linda previously served as President and Commissioner on the Orlando Utilities Commission board. Ferrone was Vice President and Market Leader for the Florida offices of The North Highland Company, a global, employee-owned consulting firm that delivers strategic business solutions to Fortune 1000 clients, government agencies and non-profits. Before that, she served in leadership positions with Ernst & Young, Pepsico, and Radiant Systems.

Linda is an active speaker on sustainability, innovation, leadership, and women in business topics and a recognized business leader with more than 25 years of experience working with utilities, entertainment, hospitality, and consumer products companies. Linda has been recognized with numerous national and local awards. She is passionate about serving her community and has extensive board leadership experience with organizations including the Orlando Science Center, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the Mennello Museum of American Art, United Arts of Central Florida, and YMCA. Ferrone earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from The Ohio State University.

Mari McClure is President and CEO of Green Mountain Power (GMP), an industry-leading clean energy company based in Colchester, Vermont that leverages pioneering innovation programs to reduce costs and carbon emissions while delivering cost-effective, reliable power to Vermonters. Mari stepped into her current role at the start of 2020 after ten years with GMP leading transformational work across the company by building strong teams, balancing skills, and motivating employees to serve customers.

Secretary

Washington joined Exelon in 2003 and has held several roles of increasing responsibility for Exelon
and ComEd throughout her tenure with the company. She most recently served as Senior Vice
President of Governmental and External Affairs at ComEd, where she led legislative affairs, external
affairs, large customer services and economic and workforce development and managed ComEd’s
relationships with civic and charitable organizations. Prior to that role, Washington served in various
leadership posts, including as Vice President of Regulatory Policy and Strategy for ComEd, where
she managed the company’s engagement with regulatory bodies, including the Illinois Commerce
Commission.

From 2014 to 2016, she played a leading role in the successful merger between Exelon and Pepco
Holdings while serving as the Vice President of Corporate Affairs in Washington, D.C.
Before joining ComEd’s regulatory team, she was the Director of Investor Relations for Exelon. In
that role, she was responsible for communicating Exelon’s value proposition, financial results and
performance drivers to the financial community

Washington is a board member of the Metropolitan Planning Council, the Civic Consulting Alliance,
and the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. She is a board member and fellow of Leadership
Greater Chicago and board member and secretary of the Smart Electric Power Alliance. She is an
active member of various industry and professional groups, including the American Association of
Blacks in Energy, the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies, and the Northern Illinois
University Presidential Advisory Council, and The Chicago Network. In addition, she is the executive
sponsor of Developing Young Professionals Chicagoland, an Exelon employee resource group.

Washington earned her MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts
degree in finance from Lewis University.

Committee Chair

Paul Lau, who previously served as SMUD’s Chief Grid Strategy & Operations Officer, was named Chief Executive Officer & General Manager in October 2020. He reports to the SMUD Board of Directors. As CEO, he leads the sixth largest community-owned electric utility in the nation, serving a population of 1.5 million residents and managing a $1.7 billion budget.

As Chief Grid Strategy & Operations Officer, Lau was responsible for the operations of SMUD’s power markets, transmission, and distribution grids, including the Balancing Authority of Northern California, the development of a holistic smart grid strategy, and SMUD’s research and development programs. In this role, he served as executive sponsor for SMUD’s deployment of advanced metering infrastructure and smart grid initiatives.

A 38-year SMUD veteran, Lau has held several other executive leadership positions, including Assistant General Manager of Power Supply & Grid Operations and as the Assistant General Manager of Customer, Distribution & Technology.

Lau serves on the boards of the Large Public Power Council, the California Municipal Utilities Association, the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, the Smart Electric Power Alliance, and the Electric Transportation Community Development Corporation and as a Commissioner of the Balancing Authority of Northern California. He serves on the boards of a number of Sacramento-area community organizations, including the University Foundation at Sacramento State, where he also serves as Treasurer and Los Rios Colleges Foundation. He serves as Director-at-Large and is Past Chair of the Sacramento Asian Chamber of Commerce.

Active in international energy issues, Lau serves as a delegate with the United States Energy Association, where he has helped with electrification, operations, and demand-side management in countries such as Bangladesh, India, and Jordan.

A registered professional electrical engineer in the state of California, Lau received his bachelor’s degree in electrical power engineering from California State University, Sacramento. He also is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum.

Chair Elect

Dr. Peter Muhoro is the Chief Strategy, Technology & Innovation Officer for REC and the Vice President
and General Manager of RE Communications, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cooperative. Peter is
responsible for developing and monitoring long-term strategies related to the Cooperative’s technology
systems, new service offerings to the membership and business planning. Strategies developed under
his leadership will include a technology strategy that addresses not only the Cooperative’s needs of
today, but more importantly, the information, distributed generation, clean energy, emerging
technologies and advanced electrification needs of tomorrow.

Peter is an accomplished electric utility executive with over 15 years of experience in the energy
industry. In his most recent role as Vice President of Strategic Industry Research and Analysis at National
Rural Utilities Finance Corporation (CFC), Peter led research activities, provided strategic leadership, and
consulted with electric cooperative leadership and board members on trends, technologies and the
future of electric cooperatives.

Over the course of his career, Peter held several positions working for, and with electric cooperatives.
He served as the Chief Strategy Officer at Pedernales Electric Cooperative, the largest distribution
electric cooperative in the U.S. Prior to that he was an Advisor at the Cooperative Research Network, the
technology research arm of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. He has previously
launched several small businesses focused on energy analysis, bottom of the pyramid issues and poverty
reduction through efficient electrification. He serves on the board of the Smart Electric Power Alliance,
as well as other advisory committees. He is a sought-after speaker both nationally and internationally.
Peter holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from Hampton University, a Master of
Science and Ph.D. in Applied Physics from the University of Michigan.

REC provides electric service to over 170,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its
general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 17,000 miles of
power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of
the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Treasurer

Seth Frader-Thompson co-founded EnergyHub in 2007 and continues to serve as its President. Under his leadership, the company has become a leading provider of both utility-installed and Bring Your Own Thermostat demand response services. EnergyHub offers utilities end-to-end demand response program management, including program design, installation, marketing and customer support services, as well as EnergyHub’s Mercury software platform for device control, with the goal of enabling both utilities and consumers to benefit from participation in DR and DER programs. Simultaneously, EnergyHub works with the leading device manufacturers and home services companies to bring their customers into utility programs.

Seth is a frequent speaker on demand response and connected home issues and is a board member of the Association for Demand Response & Smart Grid. Prior to founding EnergyHub, Seth served in several managerial and technical roles at Honeybee Robotics. During his tenure at Honeybee Robotics, he worked on robotics projects for NASA and developed bomb-disposal robots for the military. He was the principal investigator for a DARPA research effort to build a miniature laser vision system for search and rescue robots.
Seth has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado, where his research focused on Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) for Ultracold Atom Optics.