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(Image courtesy of the New York Power Authority)
(Image courtesy of the New York Power Authority)

Gil C. Quiniones resigns as president and CEO of New York Power Authority

Submitted

Thu, Oct 14th 2021 08:35 pm

NYPA General Counsel Justin E. Driscoll appointed interim president & CEO

√ NYPA says it remains steadfast in its mission to build a carbon-free, economically vibrant New York

The New York Power Authority announced Thursday that President and CEO Gil C. Quiniones has resigned after 10 years in the role to accept a position as CEO at Commonwealth Edison Co. (ComEd).

Justin E. Driscoll, NYPA executive vice president and general counsel, will become the interim president and CEO. Quiniones will remain at NYPA until Nov. 5, and will work closely with Driscoll to support the transition.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “Under Gil’s leadership, NYPA has advanced the state’s transition to a clean energy economy and helped deliver a stronger and more sustainable future for New Yorkers. It is with sadness that I accept his resignation, but I understand his desire to pursue an opportunity in the private sector, and thank him for his decade of service to New Yorkers. He leaves the Power Authority and the state in a strong position to create a clean energy infrastructure that is reliable, resilient, and cost-effective for decades to come, and New Yorkers, including myself, are grateful for his contributions to our state.”

John R. Koelmel, chair of NYPA’s board of trustees, said, “We are very grateful to Gil for his visionary leadership and unwavering stewardship of NYPA, and more recently, Canals. He leaves NYPA a much stronger, more resilient organization. We will certainly miss his leadership and friendship. NYPA and Canals are, in fact, in an exciting position. The trustees and I have the utmost faith and confidence in Justin and his leadership. He has been an influential member of NYPA’s executive team and an important adviser to all of us. His wisdom and experience have been essential in developing NYPA’s ‘VISION2030’ strategy. With Justin as the interim president and CEO, NYPA will continue to lead our state toward a carbon-free, economically vibrant future.”

Quiniones’ 10-year tenure makes him the longest-serving president and CEO in the history of NYPA, the nation’s largest state public power organization. Overall, he has been at the Power Authority for 14 years, serving previously as executive vice president, energy marketing and corporate affairs and as chief operating officer.

Under Quiniones’ leadership, NYPA has carried out or planned a number of major initiatives to upgrade and modernize its power generation and transmission assets and has played a central role in New York’s nation-leading efforts to fight climate change. The largest of those undertakings are “Next Generation Niagara,” a 15-year, $1.1 billion modernization of NYPA’s Niagara hydroelectric project that is well underway, and the $11 billion Clean Path NY, a transmission and generation project that was recently selected by New York state in a request for proposals to deliver clean energy from upstate to New York City.

A press release noted, “Quiniones prioritized operational and financial excellence, innovation, resilience, strategic vision and social and environmental justice. Most recently, he ushered in NYPA’s 10-year strategic plan, ‘Vision2030,’ created to advance the authority’s mission to lead the transition to a carbon-free, economically vibrant New York through customer partnerships, innovative energy solutions and the responsible supply of affordable, clean and reliable electricity.

“During his tenure, NYPA has aggressively promoted the growth of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency and electric transportation, and much more, including efforts to soon become one of the nation’s first ‘end-to-end’ digital utilities. In 2017, he led NYPA in integrating the New York State Canal Corp. into its operations and has launched the ‘Reimagine the Canals’ program, an effort focused on realizing the canals’ potential for tourism, recreation and environmental protection.

“ ‘VISION2030’ points the way to a clean energy future for New York and, with a reimagined canal system, ensures that NYPA continues to build upon its rich history and create a bright, reliable, resilient and cost-effective energy future for all New Yorkers.”

Quiniones said, “After considerable thought, I have decided that taking on this new challenge is the right move for me and my family. While I look forward to this opportunity with excitement and anticipation, these feelings are mixed with the sadness of knowing I will miss amazing colleagues and the great sense of pride I have in all that we have accomplished together.”

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