FirstEnergy Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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 through its expansive electric distribution network.

Leadership Roles at FirstEnergy

  • President, Chief Executive Officer & 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 & Chair of the Board

    Brian Tierney, the President, Chief Executive Officer & Chair of the Board at FirstEnergy, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire organization. Managing the complex intersection of regulatory compliance and investor relations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the company maintains its status as a premier investor-owned electric system. Brian Tierney oversees the long-term capital allocation strategies necessary to support 24,000 miles of transmission infrastructure. By aligning the Board of Directors with operational goals, the Chair of the Board fosters a culture of safety and integrity across all service territories. This leadership role involves constant engagement with stakeholders to drive sustainable growth and reliability. Through rigorous oversight of the executive team, the Chief Executive Officer guarantees that the company meets the evolving energy demands of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions while upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and operational excellence.
    Brian Tierney

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

    Christian Beam, the President, Operations (West Virginia/Maryland) at FirstEnergy, directs the regional execution of electric distribution and grid reliability initiatives. Managing the specific operational challenges within West Virginia and Maryland, the President, Operations (West Virginia/Maryland) ensures that local infrastructure meets the rigorous safety and performance standards required by the company. Christian Beam oversees the maintenance and expansion of transmission lines that connect these critical markets to the broader regional grid. By coordinating with local utility teams, the President, Operations (West Virginia/Maryland) optimizes service delivery and response times during grid disruptions. This leadership role involves balancing regional regulatory requirements with the company's overarching commitment to operational excellence. Through the direct management of regional assets, Beam secures the stability of the power supply for thousands of customers, ensuring that the local distribution network remains a robust component of the larger investor-owned electric system.

    Wade Smith - President FirstEnergy Utilities

    Wade Smith, the President FirstEnergy Utilities at FirstEnergy, architects the operational strategy for the company's vast electric distribution network. Overseeing the performance of the utility subsidiaries, the President FirstEnergy Utilities ensures that the delivery of power remains consistent and reliable for over 6 million customers. Wade Smith drives the modernization of grid infrastructure, focusing on efficiency and the integration of advanced technologies across the service territory. By managing the operational budget and resource allocation for the utility division, the President FirstEnergy Utilities supports the company's broader mission of operational excellence. This leadership role involves close collaboration with regional presidents to standardize safety protocols and maintenance procedures. Through the oversight of large-scale distribution projects, Smith guarantees that the utility system remains resilient against environmental and technical challenges, ultimately reinforcing the company's market position as a leader in the energy sector across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
    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 acquisition and workforce development strategies essential for maintaining a high-performing utility organization. Overseeing the human capital needs of a massive workforce, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that all personnel align with the core values of safety and operational excellence. Karen McClendon drives initiatives focused on employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational culture across the entire footprint. By implementing robust training programs, the Senior Vice President supports the technical expertise required to manage complex electric distribution systems. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite executives to foster an inclusive environment that attracts top-tier talent in the energy sector. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human infrastructure necessary to support the company's mission of providing reliable power to millions of customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
    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 & 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 & 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 & Chair of the Board, President, Operations (West Virginia/Maryland), President FirstEnergy Utilities, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.