Bonneville Power Administration Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Bonneville Power Administration has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, finance, and communications.

Driven by a commitment to reliable energy delivery, Bonneville Power Administration powers communities across the Pacific Northwest, ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future through efficient resource management and strategic market engagement.

Leadership Roles at Bonneville Power Administration

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Hairston
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Trenton Black
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Veronica Wittig
  • Acting Vice President, Energy Efficiency, Power Services, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville Power Administration - Jamae Hilliard
  • Executive Associate Officer To Joel Cook, Chief Operating Officer - Kristi Tindall
  • Chief Information Officer - Rita Guzman
  • Transmission Chief of Staff - Shana Kuhn
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Christopher Wilk
  • Chief Operations Officer - Steven Hickok
  • Chief Communications Officer - Joel Scruggs
  • John Hairston - Chief Executive Officer

    John Hairston, the Chief Executive Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, directs the overall strategic vision and operational framework for the organization. Hairston guides the administration's mission to deliver reliable and affordable hydroelectric power from federal dams across the Pacific Northwest. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including federal agencies, tribal nations, and regional utilities, to ensure alignment with national energy goals. Overseeing all major initiatives, John Hairston drives the organization's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable energy practices. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to financial oversight and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, solidifying Bonneville Power Administration's position as a critical energy provider.
    John Hairston

    Trenton Black - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Trenton Black, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, supports the financial strategy and fiscal management of the organization. Black assists in overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure the administration's economic stability and operational effectiveness. This role involves analyzing financial data, developing forecasts, and implementing financial controls to maintain fiscal integrity. Trenton Black contributes to the financial health of Bonneville Power Administration by ensuring compliance with financial regulations and optimizing resource utilization. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's work is integral to supporting the administration's mission of delivering reliable power while maintaining financial accountability.

    Veronica Wittig - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Veronica Wittig, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, collaborates on financial planning and fiscal oversight to support the administration's operational mandates. Wittig contributes to the development of financial strategies, budget management, and the analysis of financial performance to ensure economic sustainability. This role involves implementing financial policies and procedures that uphold the integrity of Bonneville Power Administration's fiscal operations. Veronica Wittig plays a key part in managing financial risks and optimizing resource allocation across various departments. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's expertise is essential for maintaining the financial health and operational capacity of the organization.

    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 at Bonneville Power Administration, spearheads initiatives focused on optimizing energy consumption and enhancing power services. Hilliard directs programs designed to promote energy efficiency among customers and partners, contributing to sustainable energy practices across the region. This leadership role involves managing power services to ensure reliable and effective energy delivery, aligning with the Chief Operating Officer's broader objectives. Jamae Hilliard drives the development and implementation of strategies that maximize the value of Bonneville Power Administration's energy resources. The Acting Vice President's efforts are crucial for advancing the administration's commitment to environmental responsibility and efficient power 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, provides essential executive support and project management for operational strategies. Tindall facilitates the coordination of key operational activities, ensuring alignment with the Chief Operating Officer's directives for power delivery and grid management. This position involves managing critical communications, organizing executive-level meetings, and tracking progress on significant operational projects. Kristi Tindall enhances the efficiency of the Chief Operating Officer's office, enabling effective decision-making and execution of the administration's core functions. The Executive Associate Officer's role is vital for maintaining operational momentum and supporting the seamless delivery of energy services.

    Rita Guzman - Chief Information Officer

    Rita Guzman, the Chief Information Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, architects the technology strategy and digital infrastructure supporting the administration's critical operations. Guzman oversees the implementation and maintenance of robust IT systems essential for power marketing, transmission management, and customer service delivery. This leadership position involves safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring the reliability of all technological platforms that underpin the organization's energy distribution network. Rita Guzman drives innovation in cybersecurity and digital transformation initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and resilience. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT budgets, leading technology teams, and ensuring that all digital solutions align with Bonneville Power Administration's mission of providing dependable energy.

    Shana Kuhn - Transmission Chief of Staff

    Shana Kuhn, the Transmission Chief of Staff at Bonneville Power Administration, provides critical strategic support and operational coordination for the transmission division. Kuhn ensures seamless execution of initiatives related to the administration's extensive power transmission grid, a vital component of energy delivery across the Pacific Northwest. This role involves facilitating communication between various departments, managing key projects, and optimizing operational workflows to enhance grid reliability and efficiency. Shana Kuhn drives strategic planning efforts and supports the Chief Operating Officer in overseeing the complex infrastructure that transmits electricity from federal dams. The Transmission Chief of Staff's focus remains on operational excellence and ensuring the integrity of the transmission system.

    Christopher Wilk - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Christopher Wilk, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, leads the comprehensive technology strategy and digital infrastructure development. Wilk directs the modernization of IT systems, ensuring the secure and efficient delivery of power marketing and transmission services. This executive role involves driving digital transformation initiatives, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and optimizing technological resources to support the administration's operational goals. Christopher Wilk champions innovation in information technology, ensuring that Bonneville Power Administration remains at the forefront of technological advancement in the energy sector. The Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer's leadership is critical for maintaining system integrity and supporting the organization's mission.
    Christopher Wilk

    Steven Hickok - Chief Operations Officer

    Steven Hickok, the Chief Operations Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, directs the day-to-day operational activities critical to the reliable delivery of hydroelectric power. Hickok oversees the management of the administration's extensive infrastructure, including dams and transmission lines, ensuring peak performance and system integrity. This leadership position involves coordinating complex logistical operations, optimizing resource deployment, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Steven Hickok drives operational excellence across all facets of power generation and distribution, supporting Bonneville Power Administration's mission to serve the Pacific Northwest. The Chief Operations Officer's strategic oversight is fundamental to the consistent and dependable supply of energy.

    Joel Scruggs - Chief Communications Officer

    Joel Scruggs, the Chief Communications Officer at Bonneville Power Administration, leads the strategic development and execution of all internal and external communication initiatives. Scruggs manages the dissemination of information regarding the administration's operations, policies, and achievements to stakeholders, the public, and employees. This role involves crafting compelling narratives that highlight Bonneville Power Administration's commitment to reliable energy delivery and environmental stewardship. Joel Scruggs ensures consistent messaging and brand integrity across all communication channels, fostering transparency and public trust. The Chief Communications Officer's efforts are vital for building strong relationships and effectively conveying the organization's mission and impact.

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

    Who leads Bonneville Power Administration?
    Bonneville Power Administration is led by John Hairston (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Trenton Black (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and Veronica Wittig (Deputy Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Bonneville Power Administration’s executive team?
    The executive team of Bonneville Power Administration includes leaders such as John Hairston (Chief Executive Officer), Trenton Black (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Veronica Wittig (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) 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 Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Acting Vice President, Energy Efficiency, Power Services, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Bonneville Power Administration, Executive Associate Officer To Joel Cook, Chief Operating Officer.