Southwest Power Pool Executive and Leadership Team

Lanny Nickell, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Power Pool, directs the overarching strategic vision for the regional transmission organization. Overseeing the nonprofit corporation, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission mandates while maintaining reliable power supplies across the footprint. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to optimize transmission infrastructure and wholesale electricity pricing. By aligning operational goals with long-term energy security, Lanny Nickell drives the organization toward sustainable growth and grid resilience. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages complex stakeholder relationships to foster competitive market environments. Through rigorous oversight of regional energy initiatives, the executive secures the stability of the power grid. Ultimately, Nickell maintains the integrity of the organization by balancing technical requirements with economic efficiency, ensuring that the regional transmission organization meets the evolving demands of the energy sector.

Antoine Lucas, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Power Pool, manages the daily technical operations of the regional transmission organization. Overseeing grid reliability and transmission infrastructure, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that power flows efficiently across the entire service area. This role involves directing complex engineering teams to maintain the stability of the wholesale electricity market. By implementing advanced grid management protocols, Antoine Lucas mitigates operational risks and enhances system performance. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with regional stakeholders to address infrastructure needs and capacity requirements. Through the optimization of transmission assets, Lucas supports the nonprofit mission of providing affordable energy. This leadership function requires constant monitoring of grid conditions and rapid response to technical challenges. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer secures the operational foundation of the organization, ensuring that the power grid remains robust and responsive to market demands.

Butch Reeves, the President at Southwest Power Pool, leads specific regional initiatives to expand the influence and operational reach of the organization. Overseeing the execution of localized transmission projects, the President ensures that regional infrastructure meets the standards set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This role involves coordinating with regional stakeholders to facilitate the integration of new energy resources into the wholesale market. By driving regional collaboration, Butch Reeves enhances the reliability of the power supply across the footprint. The President manages the implementation of strategic policies that support competitive pricing and grid stability. Through active engagement with regional partners, Reeves addresses unique transmission challenges and capacity constraints. This leadership function requires balancing local needs with the broader objectives of the nonprofit corporation. Ultimately, the President strengthens the regional presence of the organization, ensuring that transmission infrastructure remains adequate and efficient to support the evolving energy landscape.

Emily Pennel, the Chief of Staff at Southwest Power Pool, coordinates executive operations and facilitates cross-departmental alignment. Managing the flow of information between the leadership team and the Board, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive consistent focus. This role involves streamlining internal processes to support the nonprofit mission of maintaining reliable transmission infrastructure. By synchronizing administrative functions, Emily Pennel enables the organization to respond effectively to regulatory shifts and market changes. The Chief of Staff monitors the execution of corporate objectives, ensuring that every department contributes to the broader goal of competitive wholesale electricity pricing. Through proactive communication and project management, Pennel optimizes the efficiency of the executive office. This position requires deep integration with operational teams to translate high-level strategy into actionable tasks. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff strengthens the organizational framework, allowing the regional transmission organization to function with precision and clarity.

Kelly Carney, the Vice President, Human Capital & Chief People Officer at Southwest Power Pool, architects the talent strategy necessary to support a complex regional transmission organization. Overseeing workforce development and organizational culture, the Vice President, Human Capital & Chief People Officer ensures that the nonprofit attracts and retains the specialized expertise required for grid management. This role involves designing performance frameworks that align employee contributions with the mission of reliable energy delivery. By fostering an environment of professional excellence, Kelly Carney drives the internal capabilities of the organization. The Vice President, Human Capital & Chief People Officer manages compensation, benefits, and leadership development programs to maintain high levels of engagement. Through strategic talent planning, Carney supports the operational goals of the executive team. This position requires a deep understanding of the energy industry to cultivate a workforce capable of navigating regulatory and technical complexities. Ultimately, the Vice President, Human Capital & Chief People Officer builds the human infrastructure that sustains the organization.