FirstEnergy Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

FirstEnergy has 4 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, human capital management, regional utility operations, and utility infrastructure oversight.

Focused on delivering reliable power across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, FirstEnergy maintains a commitment to operational excellence and safety for over 6 million customers.

Leadership Roles at FirstEnergy

  • President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board - Brian Tierney
  • President, Operations (West Virginia/Maryland) - Christian Beam
  • President FirstEnergy Utilities - Wade Smith
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Karen McClendon
  • Brian Tierney - President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board

    Brian Tierney, the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board at FirstEnergy, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire electric distribution system. By overseeing the integration of transmission and distribution assets, Tierney ensures the company maintains high standards of reliability across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to drive long-term value for shareholders while prioritizing safety and operational integrity. Brian Tierney manages the executive team to align corporate goals with the evolving needs of 6 million customers. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and regulatory engagement, the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board secures the financial health of the organization. By fostering a culture of excellence, Tierney positions the company to navigate complex energy market transitions effectively while maintaining a robust, resilient grid infrastructure for all service territories.

    Christian Beam - President, Operations (West Virginia/Maryland)

    Christian Beam, the President, Operations (West Virginia/Maryland) at FirstEnergy, directs the daily utility functions and grid reliability initiatives within these critical service territories. Overseeing regional distribution networks, Beam ensures the seamless delivery of electricity to diverse customer bases across West Virginia and Maryland. This leadership role involves managing local infrastructure projects and responding to operational challenges to maintain the high standards of service expected of the company. By coordinating with internal teams and external stakeholders, Christian Beam optimizes grid performance and enhances system resilience. The President, Operations (West Virginia/Maryland) drives efficiency in maintenance and emergency response protocols, directly impacting the reliability of the broader electric system. Through focused regional management, Beam supports the company's commitment to operational excellence, ensuring that the transmission and distribution assets within these specific states function at peak capacity to meet the energy needs of the local population.

    Wade Smith - President FirstEnergy Utilities

    Wade Smith, the President FirstEnergy Utilities at FirstEnergy, oversees the comprehensive management of the company's electric distribution subsidiaries. By directing the operational strategy for the entire utility portfolio, Smith ensures that the infrastructure serving 6 million customers remains safe, reliable, and efficient. This leadership role involves coordinating large-scale capital investments and grid modernization efforts that span multiple states. Wade Smith collaborates with regional leadership to standardize best practices and improve service delivery across the entire footprint. The President FirstEnergy Utilities drives the execution of long-term reliability goals, ensuring that the transmission and distribution systems meet the evolving demands of the energy market. By focusing on operational excellence and customer-centric solutions, Smith strengthens the company's position as a leader in the utility sector. Through rigorous oversight of utility performance, the President FirstEnergy Utilities maintains the integrity of the grid while supporting the company's broader mission of providing consistent, high-quality energy services.
    Wade Smith

    Karen McClendon - Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Karen McClendon, the Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at FirstEnergy, architects the talent strategy necessary to support a massive investor-owned electric system. Overseeing workforce development, McClendon ensures the organization attracts and retains the specialized technical expertise required to maintain 24,000 miles of transmission lines. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive programs that promote safety, diversity, and operational excellence across all regional operations. By aligning human capital initiatives with the broader corporate mission, Karen McClendon drives organizational performance and employee engagement. The Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to cultivate a high-performance culture capable of meeting the rigorous demands of the energy sector. Through strategic talent planning, McClendon supports the company's ability to deliver reliable power to millions of customers while navigating the complexities of a modern, evolving utility workforce.
    Karen McClendon

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding FirstEnergy Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads FirstEnergy?
    FirstEnergy is led by Brian Tierney (President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board), along with executives such as Christian Beam (President, Operations (West Virginia/Maryland)) and Wade Smith (President FirstEnergy Utilities).
    Who is part of FirstEnergy’s executive team?
    The executive team of FirstEnergy includes leaders such as Brian Tierney (President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board), Christian Beam (President, Operations (West Virginia/Maryland)), Wade Smith (President FirstEnergy Utilities) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does FirstEnergy have?
    FirstEnergy has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in FirstEnergy’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of FirstEnergy includes roles such as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board, President, Operations (West Virginia/Maryland), President FirstEnergy Utilities, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.