Southwest Power Pool names new board chairman
by February 6, 2024 11:26 am 379 views
Little Rock-based regional transmission organization Southwest Power Pool announced Tuesday (Feb. 6) that Susan Certoma has stepped down as chair of the SPP board of directors. John Cupparo will become the chairman on Wednesday (Feb. 7).
Certoma has served on the board since 2019 and will remain a member. She will also continue to serve on SPP’s Finance and Human Resources committees.
“While it has been an honor and privilege to serve as board chair, I believe it is best to transition the chair responsibility at this time so I can focus my efforts on other important issues,” Certoma said. She previously was chair of the Finance Committee and served on the Corporate Governance and Strategic Planning committees.
Cupparo was elected to the SPP board in 2022 and is a former senior executive at Berkshire Hathaway Energy. He’s been on SPP’s Finance and Human Resources committees and, most recently as chair of the Strategic Planning Committee.
“Southwest Power Pool is a special organization with a strong culture,” Cupparo said. “I very much appreciate the opportunity to serve as board chair and collaborate with the SPP community to achieve its mission. A special thanks to Susan for past and continued contributions to SPP, and I look forward to our ongoing work together.”
While at Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Cupparo led a transmission investment program in the western United States. Also, he was a board member of the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, focusing on regional planning, finance and the reliability coordination task force.
Elizabeth Moore, who was recently reelected to the SPP board, will remain its vice chair and work alongside Cupparo. Moore has more than 30 years of experience in the regulatory and energy industry. She previously was senior vice president and general counsel for Consolidated Edison Inc., one of the largest investor-owned utilities in the United States. Moore was elected to the SPP board in 2020.
SPP ensures the reliable supply of power, adequate transmission infrastructure and competitive wholesale electricity prices on behalf of its members in 14 states.