Department of Energy - Western Area Power Administration Executive and Leadership Team

Kevin Howard, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Department of Energy - Western Area Power Administration, directs the daily operations of the vast transmission network. Overseeing the integration of power from 57 federal hydroelectric plants, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures consistent delivery of renewable energy to diverse markets. Kevin Howard manages the technical and logistical challenges inherent in operating across 15 states, focusing on grid reliability and infrastructure maintenance. By coordinating with the Bureau of Reclamation and the Army Corps of Engineers, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer optimizes power distribution efficiency. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of regional energy flows to prevent service disruptions. Through strategic planning, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer enhances the operational resilience of the agency. Howard secures long-term stability by modernizing transmission assets and implementing advanced grid management protocols to support the evolving needs of the western energy landscape.

Erin Green, the Chief of Staff at Department of Energy - Western Area Power Administration, coordinates high-level strategic initiatives across the organization. Managing internal communications and executive workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between leadership objectives and operational execution. Erin Green facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to optimize the transmission of over 25,000 gigawatt-hours of renewable power. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of delivering clean energy throughout western and central states. This role involves constant interaction with the executive team to refine policy implementation and resource allocation. Through rigorous oversight of administrative priorities, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational focus on federal hydroelectric power plant integration. The Chief of Staff drives efficiency by removing operational bottlenecks, ultimately strengthening the capacity of the agency to meet regional energy demands while upholding strict regulatory standards across the entire western power grid.

Eric Ziegler, the Chief Information Officer, Financial Systems & Manager at Department of Energy - Western Area Power Administration, architects the digital infrastructure supporting complex financial and operational data. Managing the integration of financial systems with power transmission metrics, the Chief Information Officer, Financial Systems & Manager ensures accurate reporting and fiscal transparency. Eric Ziegler oversees the cybersecurity protocols protecting critical energy infrastructure from digital threats. By implementing robust data analytics, the Chief Information Officer, Financial Systems & Manager provides actionable insights for optimizing the marketing of clean, renewable power. This role involves close collaboration with the executive team to align technological investments with long-term agency goals. Through the modernization of financial software, the Chief Information Officer, Financial Systems & Manager improves operational efficiency across the 15-state service area. Ziegler drives digital transformation, ensuring that all systems remain resilient, scalable, and capable of supporting the massive volume of energy transactions processed annually by the agency.

Jennifer Rodgers, the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Department of Energy - Western Area Power Administration, directs human capital management and organizational development. Overseeing the administrative framework that supports the workforce, the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer ensures compliance with federal regulations and internal policies. Jennifer Rodgers manages the recruitment, training, and retention of personnel essential for maintaining the complex hydroelectric power transmission network. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer aligns staff capabilities with the mission of delivering renewable energy. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite members to allocate resources effectively across regional operations. Through the implementation of comprehensive administrative strategies, the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer strengthens the institutional capacity of the agency. Rodgers drives organizational growth by optimizing internal processes, ensuring that the workforce remains prepared to address the evolving challenges of the western energy sector.