A New Era for America's Grid: WIRES Unveils 2026 Leadership

In a move that signals a proactive step towards securing America's energy future, WIRES, the influential organization championing a resilient and affordable electric grid, has just pulled back the curtain on its eagerly anticipated 2026 lineup of officers and its dynamic Board of Directors. This isn't just a list of names; it’s a robust collection of industry stalwarts and fresh perspectives, all uniting to steer the nation's high-voltage transmission infrastructure through an era of unprecedented change and innovation.

Leading the charge as the incoming President for 2026 is Brian Harrell, a familiar and respected voice from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). He’ll be joined by a formidable team: Nicole Hurley of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) stepping in as Vice President, Paulina Jaramillo from American Electric Power (AEP) taking on the vital role of Secretary, and Greg Lander of TransCapacity continuing his meticulous work as Treasurer. It’s a group with deep expertise, ready to hit the ground running and tackle the complexities that lie ahead for our power systems.

Of course, such transitions always offer a moment for reflection and gratitude. WIRES extended a heartfelt thank you to outgoing President Mark McCullough of American Electric Power. His dedication and steady hand have been invaluable, and the organization is clearly built on the strong foundations he helped lay. As we look forward, the baton is passed with a shared commitment to WIRES's core mission.

The Board of Directors for 2026 is truly a testament to WIRES's commitment to broad industry representation. Alongside the officers, a host of seasoned professionals will contribute their insights. We’re seeing exciting new additions like Mike Absher from NextEra Energy Resources, Andy Cao of GridLiance, Matt Crozat representing the Nuclear Energy Institute, and Jeff Genzer from the prominent law firm Duncan, Weinberg, Genzer & Kasten. Their presence ensures a rich tapestry of viewpoints from diverse energy sectors.

The expertise doesn't stop there. We also welcome Andrew Hoffman from the American Wind Energy Association, Michael Hunsuck of Exelon, Mark Kresge from the Sierra Club (a vital voice for environmental considerations), Todd Snitchler representing the American Petroleum Institute, and Adam Wilson from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative. These fresh faces will be working alongside valued returning board members from powerhouses such as PJM Interconnection, Southern Company, American Transmission Co., Invenergy, Xcel Energy, Entergy, ITC Holdings Corp., and National Grid. It's a truly collaborative spirit at play, bringing together various parts of the energy puzzle.

Brian Harrell, the incoming President, didn’t mince words when speaking about the road ahead. He underscored the monumental task facing WIRES: ensuring our nation's transmission grid is not just reliable and affordable, but also robust enough to accommodate the ongoing energy transition. "The work of WIRES is critical," Harrell emphasized, "as the country continues to modernize its grid to meet ever-growing demands, integrate new technologies, and ensure a resilient power supply for everyone." It’s about building infrastructure that can withstand the tests of time and change.

Ultimately, the core mission of WIRES remains crystal clear and more important than ever: to champion policies and practices that foster a high-voltage transmission grid that is truly robust, unfailingly reliable, and, crucially, affordable for every single American. With this new leadership team in place, comprising such a broad spectrum of experience and perspective, the organization is exceptionally well-positioned to tackle these grand challenges and help shape a secure, sustainable energy future for us all. It’s an exciting time, indeed, for the future of our power.