Puget Sound Energy Names Mary E. Kipp as President
July 03, 2019
As part of its ongoing succession planning efforts, the board of directors of Puget Sound Energy has named Mary E. Kipp, currently president & CEO of El Paso Electric, as president of the state’s largest utility company, reporting to CEO Kimberly Harris. It is anticipated that Kipp will assume the additional role of CEO upon Harris’ retirement in January 2020.
“In Mary, we have found a uniquely qualified leader who brings deep industry experience and shares our commitments to customers, to clean energy, and to being a key part of the community,” said Scott Armstrong, PSE board member and chair of the board’s search process.
“For almost 150 years, PSE has served communities across Western Washington,” said Steve Hooper, PSE chairman of the board. “As we look to the future, we are thrilled to have Mary join PSE and build on all of the transformative work over the past decade by Kimberly and the team at PSE.”
“It’s been such a tremendous honor to lead the team of 3,200 employees at PSE,” said Harris, who has been at the helm for nearly 10 years. “I’ve loved each and every moment. And I’m so excited to welcome Mary to the region and the team. She embodies our vision and values and will be an incredible asset to the team and to the customers and communities we serve.”
“PSE is at the center of one of the most dynamic regions in the world,” said Kipp. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to join the team and lead their efforts to serve such an amazing area, to be part of their transition to a clean energy future, and to ensure PSE is our customers’ trusted energy partner. I look forward to continuing the wonderful work done by Kimberly and her team.”
Kipp has been CEO of El Paso Electric (EPE) since 2015, and president since 2014. She led EPE—also a 100-plus-year-old company with a deeply-rooted community history—as they’ve changed to serve a diverse customer base spread across a mountain west region and growing border communities. Today, EPE is 100% coal free, with a focus on growing renewable resources in balance with their customers’ ongoing needs for affordability, safety and reliability.
Kipp has been with EPE since 2007, holding roles throughout the company including regulatory and rates, risk management, human resources, external affairs, customer care, environmental and safety. Prior to that, she was a prosecuting attorney for FERC for four years, investigating and prosecuting violations of federal energy laws. Kipp also worked as a lawyer at El Paso Natural Gas Company and at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Kipp holds a number of leadership roles outside of EPE. She is chair of SEPA (Smart Power Electric Alliance), the deputy chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, chair of the Borderplex Alliance, and on the executive committee of the Texas Business Leadership Council. Kipp received her Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude from Williams College in Massachusetts, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law, and is an alumnus of Exeter College, Oxford University.
“In Mary, we have found a uniquely qualified leader who brings deep industry experience and shares our commitments to customers, to clean energy, and to being a key part of the community,” said Scott Armstrong, PSE board member and chair of the board’s search process.
“For almost 150 years, PSE has served communities across Western Washington,” said Steve Hooper, PSE chairman of the board. “As we look to the future, we are thrilled to have Mary join PSE and build on all of the transformative work over the past decade by Kimberly and the team at PSE.”
“It’s been such a tremendous honor to lead the team of 3,200 employees at PSE,” said Harris, who has been at the helm for nearly 10 years. “I’ve loved each and every moment. And I’m so excited to welcome Mary to the region and the team. She embodies our vision and values and will be an incredible asset to the team and to the customers and communities we serve.”
“PSE is at the center of one of the most dynamic regions in the world,” said Kipp. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to join the team and lead their efforts to serve such an amazing area, to be part of their transition to a clean energy future, and to ensure PSE is our customers’ trusted energy partner. I look forward to continuing the wonderful work done by Kimberly and her team.”
Kipp has been CEO of El Paso Electric (EPE) since 2015, and president since 2014. She led EPE—also a 100-plus-year-old company with a deeply-rooted community history—as they’ve changed to serve a diverse customer base spread across a mountain west region and growing border communities. Today, EPE is 100% coal free, with a focus on growing renewable resources in balance with their customers’ ongoing needs for affordability, safety and reliability.
Kipp has been with EPE since 2007, holding roles throughout the company including regulatory and rates, risk management, human resources, external affairs, customer care, environmental and safety. Prior to that, she was a prosecuting attorney for FERC for four years, investigating and prosecuting violations of federal energy laws. Kipp also worked as a lawyer at El Paso Natural Gas Company and at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Kipp holds a number of leadership roles outside of EPE. She is chair of SEPA (Smart Power Electric Alliance), the deputy chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, chair of the Borderplex Alliance, and on the executive committee of the Texas Business Leadership Council. Kipp received her Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude from Williams College in Massachusetts, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law, and is an alumnus of Exeter College, Oxford University.
