Bonneville Power Administration Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Bonneville Power Administration has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial management, environmental compliance, operational strategy, and energy efficiency.

Committed to sustainable energy distribution, Bonneville Power Administration delivers reliable power from the Bonneville Dam while maintaining rigorous environmental standards across the Pacific Northwest region.

Leadership Roles at Bonneville Power Administration

  • Chief Financial Officer - Michelle Manary
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Veronica Wittig
  • Manager, Pollution Prevention and Abatement, Environment, Fish and Wildlife, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville P - Joseph Sharpe
  • Executive Associate Officer To Joel Cook, Chief Operating Officer - Kristi Tindall
  • Acting Vice President, Energy Efficiency, Power Services, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville Power Administration - Jamae Hilliard
  • Chief Information Officer - Rita Guzman
  • Transmission Chief of Staff - Shana Kuhn
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Christopher Wilk
  • Chief of Staff, Information - Nicole Rutherford
  • Chief Operations Officer - Steven Hickok
  • Michelle Manary - Chief Financial Officer

    Michelle Manary, the Chief Financial Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for this federal power marketing entity. Manary oversees long-term financial planning, rate setting, and revenue management derived from the sale of power generated at the Bonneville Dam. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with federal budgetary requirements while balancing the need for infrastructure investment with competitive pricing for regional utility customers. Michelle Manary directs the financial reporting processes, providing the Board and executive leadership with actionable insights into market performance and cost-recovery mechanisms. By optimizing capital structures and managing debt portfolios, the Chief Financial Officer supports the organization's mission to provide reliable, low-cost energy. This role involves rigorous oversight of financial risk, ensuring the long-term economic sustainability of power operations across the diverse energy landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
    Michelle Manary

    Veronica Wittig - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Veronica Wittig, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, supports the financial strategy and operational budgeting processes for the organization. Wittig oversees the daily execution of financial controls, ensuring that departmental spending aligns with the broader fiscal objectives established by the Chief Financial Officer. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer manages internal audits and financial reporting, maintaining transparency and accountability across all power marketing activities. Veronica Wittig coordinates with various business units to optimize resource allocation, identifying cost-saving opportunities that enhance the overall efficiency of the organization. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends and financial data to support informed decision-making regarding capital investments and operational expenditures. By providing rigorous financial oversight and supporting the development of robust fiscal policies, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains the economic stability required to deliver reliable power to the region.

    Joseph Sharpe - Manager, Pollution Prevention and Abatement, Environment, Fish and Wildlife, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville P

    Joseph Sharpe, the Manager, Pollution Prevention and Abatement, Environment, Fish and Wildlife, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville P at Bonneville Power Administration, directs environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives. Sharpe oversees the mitigation of ecological impacts resulting from dam operations, focusing specifically on fish and wildlife protection programs. The Manager, Pollution Prevention and Abatement, Environment, Fish and Wildlife, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville P coordinates with federal agencies to ensure adherence to environmental regulations while maintaining power generation capacity. Joseph Sharpe develops strategies to reduce industrial pollutants and enhance habitat restoration efforts throughout the Columbia River Basin. This leadership role involves integrating environmental stewardship into daily operational workflows, ensuring that power marketing activities remain consistent with ecological preservation goals. By balancing energy production with environmental responsibility, the Manager, Pollution Prevention and Abatement, Environment, Fish and Wildlife, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville P supports the organization's commitment to sustainable resource management.

    Kristi Tindall - Executive Associate Officer To Joel Cook, Chief Operating Officer

    Kristi Tindall, the Executive Associate Officer To Joel Cook, Chief Operating Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, facilitates strategic alignment across the operational divisions of the organization. Tindall oversees the execution of high-priority projects, ensuring that the Chief Operating Officer receives accurate, timely information for critical decision-making. The Executive Associate Officer To Joel Cook, Chief Operating Officer manages complex workflows between departments, streamlining communication to enhance organizational agility. Kristi Tindall coordinates with senior leadership to implement operational improvements that support the efficient delivery of power across the regional grid. This role involves monitoring performance metrics and identifying opportunities for process optimization within the Office of the Chief Operating Officer. By managing administrative and strategic initiatives, the Executive Associate Officer To Joel Cook, Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization maintains focus on its core mission of reliable energy distribution and effective resource management.

    Jamae Hilliard - Acting Vice President, Energy Efficiency, Power Services, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville Power Administration

    Jamae Hilliard, the Acting Vice President, Energy Efficiency, Power Services, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville Power Administration at Bonneville Power Administration, directs programs focused on reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable usage. Hilliard oversees the implementation of energy efficiency initiatives that help utility customers lower demand and optimize resource utilization. The Acting Vice President, Energy Efficiency, Power Services, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville Power Administration manages the development of incentive programs and technical support services that drive regional energy conservation. Jamae Hilliard coordinates with internal teams to ensure that energy efficiency goals are integrated into the broader power services strategy. This leadership role involves analyzing energy usage patterns and identifying opportunities for technological improvements that support the organization's commitment to sustainable power management. By fostering collaboration with regional partners, the Acting Vice President, Energy Efficiency, Power Services, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville Power Administration ensures that energy efficiency remains a cornerstone of the organization's operational strategy.

    Rita Guzman - Chief Information Officer

    Rita Guzman, the Chief Information Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks essential for regional power distribution. Guzman oversees the modernization of grid management systems, ensuring data integrity across all federal power marketing operations. By implementing advanced analytics, the Chief Information Officer optimizes network reliability and supports the seamless integration of renewable energy sources into the existing power grid. Rita Guzman maintains alignment with federal regulatory standards, safeguarding critical infrastructure against evolving digital threats. This leadership role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams to enhance operational transparency and efficiency. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives technological innovation, enabling the organization to meet the growing energy demands of the Pacific Northwest while maintaining robust, secure, and high-performing information systems for all stakeholders.

    Shana Kuhn - Transmission Chief of Staff

    Shana Kuhn, the Transmission Chief of Staff at Bonneville Power Administration, directs the administrative and strategic operations of the transmission division. Kuhn oversees the coordination of grid maintenance schedules, ensuring that transmission assets remain operational and reliable for regional power delivery. The Transmission Chief of Staff manages internal communications and project tracking, providing the leadership team with the necessary oversight to execute large-scale infrastructure upgrades. Shana Kuhn aligns departmental goals with the broader organizational mission, facilitating collaboration between engineering, maintenance, and planning teams. This leadership role involves managing complex logistical challenges associated with maintaining an extensive high-voltage transmission network. By streamlining operational processes and fostering cross-departmental synergy, the Transmission Chief of Staff ensures that the organization effectively manages the flow of electricity across the Pacific Northwest, supporting long-term grid stability and operational excellence.

    Christopher Wilk - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Christopher Wilk, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, directs the enterprise-wide technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Wilk oversees the integration of advanced grid-monitoring software and data management systems that support the reliable distribution of power. The Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer manages the organization's technology roadmap, ensuring that digital infrastructure remains resilient against cyber threats and operational disruptions. Christopher Wilk collaborates with other executive leaders to align technological capabilities with the long-term energy goals of the organization. This leadership role involves overseeing large-scale IT projects that enhance the efficiency of power marketing and transmission operations. By driving innovation in data analytics and system automation, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that the organization maintains a competitive edge in the energy sector while providing secure and reliable services to regional customers.
    Christopher Wilk

    Nicole Rutherford - Chief of Staff, Information

    Nicole Rutherford, the Chief of Staff, Information at Bonneville Power Administration, directs the administrative operations and strategic communication flow within the information technology division. Rutherford oversees the coordination of IT projects, ensuring that departmental objectives align with the broader organizational mission of reliable power delivery. The Chief of Staff, Information manages internal reporting and stakeholder engagement, facilitating clear communication between the IT leadership and other business units. Nicole Rutherford monitors the progress of critical technology initiatives, identifying potential bottlenecks and implementing solutions to maintain operational momentum. This leadership role involves managing the administrative functions that support the Chief Information Officer, ensuring that the IT division operates with maximum efficiency. By streamlining processes and fostering cross-functional collaboration, the Chief of Staff, Information ensures that the organization's technological infrastructure remains robust, secure, and capable of supporting the complex demands of the regional energy market.

    Steven Hickok - Chief Operations Officer

    Steven Hickok, the Chief Operations Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, directs the overall operational strategy for power marketing and transmission services. Hickok oversees the management of the federal power grid, ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity from the Bonneville Dam to regional customers. The Chief Operations Officer coordinates the activities of various departments, including transmission, power services, and environmental compliance, to maintain seamless operational performance. Steven Hickok develops and executes long-term plans for infrastructure maintenance and grid modernization, addressing the evolving energy needs of the Pacific Northwest. This leadership role involves managing complex operational risks and ensuring that all activities comply with federal regulations and safety standards. By driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the organization remains a reliable and efficient provider of power, supporting the economic and energy stability of the entire region.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Electricity, Oil & Gas

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bonneville Power Administration Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Bonneville Power Administration?
    Bonneville Power Administration is led by Michelle Manary (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Veronica Wittig (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and Joseph Sharpe (Manager, Pollution Prevention and Abatement, Environment, Fish and Wildlife, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville P).
    Who is part of Bonneville Power Administration’s executive team?
    The executive team of Bonneville Power Administration includes leaders such as Michelle Manary (Chief Financial Officer), Veronica Wittig (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Joseph Sharpe (Manager, Pollution Prevention and Abatement, Environment, Fish and Wildlife, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville P) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Bonneville Power Administration have?
    Bonneville Power Administration has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Bonneville Power Administration’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Bonneville Power Administration includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Manager, Pollution Prevention and Abatement, Environment, Fish and Wildlife, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville P, Executive Associate Officer To Joel Cook, Chief Operating Officer, Acting Vice President, Energy Efficiency, Power Services, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville Power Administration.