Santee Cooper Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Santee Cooper has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, strategy, financial management, and nuclear energy production.

Committed to reliable utility services, Santee Cooper powers South Carolina through sustainable energy infrastructure and water resource management while maintaining a focus on long-term regional economic development and public service excellence.

Leadership Roles at Santee Cooper

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer - Michael Finissi
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jimmy Staton
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Jeffrey Armfield
  • Senior VP, Nuclear Energy - Michael Crosby
  • Michael Finissi - Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Finissi, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer at Santee Cooper, directs all daily utility operations and infrastructure maintenance. Overseeing the generation and transmission assets, the Chief Operating Officer ensures grid reliability across the South Carolina service territory. This leadership role involves managing complex power plant logistics and coordinating with regional energy partners to maintain consistent service delivery. By optimizing operational workflows, Michael Finissi directly impacts the efficiency of the state-owned utility. Finissi manages the integration of new energy technologies into the existing grid, ensuring that the infrastructure meets modern demand requirements. Through rigorous oversight of maintenance schedules and safety protocols, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that the utility remains a stable provider for residential and commercial customers. This focus on operational excellence supports the broader mission of providing affordable and reliable power to the entire state.

    Jimmy Staton - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jimmy Staton, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Santee Cooper, architects the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the utility. Driving organizational growth, the President & Chief Executive Officer aligns internal resources with the mission of providing sustainable energy and water services. This leadership role involves frequent engagement with the Board and state stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and financial health. By setting the strategic direction, Jimmy Staton directly impacts the utility's ability to modernize its energy portfolio. Staton manages the transition toward diverse power sources, balancing traditional hydro-electric assets with emerging energy solutions. Through consistent communication with executive leadership, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of accountability and public service. This strategic oversight ensures that the organization remains a cornerstone of South Carolina's infrastructure, effectively navigating the complexities of the modern energy market while maintaining a commitment to public works.

    Jeffrey Armfield - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Jeffrey Armfield, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Santee Cooper, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the utility. Overseeing financial planning, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains the necessary liquidity to fund large-scale infrastructure projects and power plant upgrades. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of market trends and debt management to support the utility's long-term stability. By optimizing the financial structure, Jeffrey Armfield directly impacts the affordability of energy services for the public. Armfield coordinates with the executive team to align budget priorities with the strategic goals of the organization. Through precise financial reporting and risk assessment, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the capital required for ongoing operations. This fiscal discipline supports the utility's ability to invest in critical energy assets while maintaining competitive rates for customers across the region.

    Michael Crosby - Senior VP, Nuclear Energy

    Michael Crosby, the Senior VP, Nuclear Energy at Santee Cooper, directs the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power assets within the utility's energy portfolio. Overseeing technical compliance and plant performance, the Senior VP, Nuclear Energy ensures that all nuclear operations meet stringent safety standards and regulatory requirements. This leadership role involves managing specialized engineering teams and coordinating with external nuclear partners to maintain high availability of carbon-free power. By optimizing nuclear generation processes, Michael Crosby directly impacts the utility's ability to meet clean energy targets. Crosby manages the lifecycle of nuclear infrastructure, ensuring that maintenance and fuel management align with broader corporate objectives. Through constant monitoring of plant metrics, the Senior VP, Nuclear Energy guarantees that these critical assets contribute reliably to the state's energy mix. This focus on nuclear excellence supports the organization's commitment to providing stable, sustainable power to the South Carolina market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Santee Cooper Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Santee Cooper?
    Santee Cooper is led by Michael Finissi (Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Jimmy Staton (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Jeffrey Armfield (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Santee Cooper’s executive team?
    The executive team of Santee Cooper includes leaders such as Michael Finissi (Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer), Jimmy Staton (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jeffrey Armfield (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Santee Cooper have?
    Santee Cooper has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Santee Cooper’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Santee Cooper includes roles such as Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Senior VP, Nuclear Energy.