EEA Secretary Beaton Names DPU Commissioner, Chair, and Assistant Secretary Along with Crucial Executive Office Leadership

From the Commonwealth’s website:

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Matthew Beaton announced Rob Hayden as the DPU Commissioner, Angela O’Connor as the DPU Chair, Ron Gerwatowski as the EEA Assistant Secretary, along with other leadership positions crucial to the environmental and energy demands of MA.

Robert Hayden: “I’m excited to work on behalf of the Charlie Baker and Karyn Polito Administration to ensure gas pipeline safety, electric reliability and adequate supplies of energy resources to mitigate market price volatility in the Commonwealth.”

Bob has worked for the DPU since 2001 as a Hearing Officer in the Legal Division and specialized with enforcement in the Pipeline Safety Division.  Before the DPU, Bob was a prosecutor with the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted nearly two hundred trials for the Commonwealth.

Angela O’Connor: “I am eager to bring all of my energy expertise to the Department of Public Utilities and become part of Governor Baker and Secretary Beaton’s team to tackle the energy challenges facing Massachusetts.   I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners, and other state agencies in implementing policies that will further the goals of the Commonwealth and provide the most value to customers.”

Angela has been the Executive Director for New England operations for TechNet from February 2011 until November 2014.  O’Connor joined TechNet from the New England Power Generators Association (NEPGA) – the largest regional trade association for electric power generators.  O’Connor, NEPGA’s founding president, provided key leadership and worked as chief spokesperson for the owners and operators of the electric generating infrastructure in New England.  She was also AIM’s former V.P. of Energy Policy.

Ronald Gerwatowski: “There are so many important energy policy issues facing the Commonwealth that need to be addressed.  I am delighted to be joining Secretary Beaton’s team to advance Governor Baker’s vision of implementing a thoughtful and balanced plan that maintains the Commonwealth’s commitment to a clean and reliable energy future at reasonable cost to consumers.”

Ron is the former Senior V.P. for U.S. Regulation and Pricing for NGRID, where he had executive responsibility for rates and related energy policy matters for NGRID’s U.S. businesses.  Ron has broad experience across all dimensions of energy policy, including energy markets, utility rates, renewable energy, and the regulation of electric and natural gas utilities.  He has been directly involved with the development and implementation of New England’s clean energy policy initiatives, such as the Green Communities Act in Massachusetts.

Thanks,

MassMEC Team