Southwest Power Pool board of directors announces new leadership
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — The Board of Directors for Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a regional power grid operator that ensures access to reliable and affordable electricity, announced John Cupparo will assume the role of board chair effective February 7, 2024.
Cupparo is filling the chair role formerly held by Susan Certoma. Certoma, who has served on the SPP board since 2019, announced she would be stepping down as chair but will continue to serve on the Board of Directors and SPP’s Finance Committee and Human Resources Committee. "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,” said Certoma. She previously chaired the Finance Committee, and served on the Corporate Governance Committee and Strategic Planning Committee.
A former senior executive at Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Cupparo was elected to the SPP board in 2022. Since then, he has served on the Finance Committee, Human Resources Committee and most recently as Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. "Southwest Power Pool is a special organization with a strong culture,” said Cupparo. “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 significant transmission investment program in the western United States. Additionally, he was an active board member of the Western Electricity Coordinating Council focusing on regional planning, finance and the reliability coordination task force.
Elizabeth Moore, who was recently elected to serve another term on the board, will remain as its vice chair and serve alongside Cupparo. Moore has more than 30 years of experience in the regulatory and energy industry. She previously served as senior vice president and general counsel for Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Ed), one of the largest investor-owned utilities in the nation. Moore was first elected to the board in 2020.