Southwest Power Pool elects two to board of directors

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 420 views 

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) elected Darcy Ortiz of Phoenix, Arizona, and Susan Certoma of New York City to the company’s board of directors at its recent quarterly meeting.

They will replace former board chairman Jim Eckelberger and former vice chairman Harry Skilton, who will transition to emeritus roles and continue to advise the board. The appointments are effective Jan. 1, 2019.

“On behalf of our board, I am very pleased to welcome Susan and Darcy,” said Nick Brown, SPP president and CEO. “Much of our continued success now hinges on effective management of data and technology infrastructure and our approach to cybersecurity. Our newest board members’ leadership and expertise will be invaluable in helping us address these matters, and they’ll bring fresh perspectives and valuable knowledge as SPP continues to grow its membership and services.”

Little Rock-based Southwest Power Pool is a regional power grid operator that ensures access to reliable and affordable electricity.

After a successful 30-year career in finance, Certoma is president of Enterprise Engineering, a financial technology firm that provides software solutions and consulting to top-tier financial firms. Certoma is responsible for the company’s services and software businesses. Previously, she was president of wealth and markets solutions at Broadridge Financial, chief information officer (CIO) at Wachovia Bank’s corporate and investment bank, technology vice president at Goldman Sachs, technology director at Merrill Lynch and technology vice president at Lehman Brothers.

Ortiz is a technology leader who has focused on strategy and operations throughout her career. As Intel Corporation’s vice president and general manager of corporate services, she is responsible for the company’s facilities worldwide, including construction, building services, environmental health and safety, security and real estate strategy.

Before assuming her current role, she was information technology vice president and manufacturing IT general manager, where she led the global team responsible for IT operations and services for Intel’s factories worldwide. She previously served Intel as general manager of the CIO strategy office, chief of staff to the chief operating officer, IT director and IT infrastructure manager.