President and CEO Stephen Whitley to Retire in 2016

Rensselaer>> The New York Independent System Operator’s (NYISO) Board of Directors announced the extension of President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Whitley’s contract through mid-2016 when he will retire, capping a remarkable 46-year career in the energy industry, including eight years as President and CEO of the NYISO. The Board also announced the promotion of two key leaders.

The NYISO is restructuring its leadership team to drive internal efficiencies, expand the scope of its key leaders and best position the company to meet the emerging challenges in the industry.  The new structure will ensure the proper focus and leadership on key strategic initiatives and enhance the organization’s ability to proactively address the significant challenges facing the energy industry, including the growing dependence on natural gas, increased penetration of renewable and distributed energy resources and the impact of new environmental regulations on the operations of existing generating units. 

As part of the restructuring, Richard Dewey has been promoted from Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer to Executive Vice President, with responsibility for operations, information technology and market structures. In addition, Thomas Rumsey has been promoted to Senior Vice President of External Affairs with responsibility for external affairs, media relations, corporate communications, government and regulatory affairs, stakeholder services and strategic planning.

Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Gonzales has been assigned the additional responsibilities of preparing the NYISO for the growing dependence on natural gas as well as the increasing penetration of renewable and distributed energy resources. Senior Vice President of Market Structures Rana Mukerji will be responsible for market design, demand response and system planning. 

The NYISO Board of Directors will conduct a nationwide search for the CEO position and consider both internal and external candidates.