Top 10 Utilities CIOs - 2024

Alberto Ruocco is a digital technology expert focused on sustainable development. Experienced in global companies, he drives efficient digital transformations, helping executives leverage technology for growth. Former CIO and CISO, he champions stakeholder capitalism and collaborative leadership. He works as a senior VP and CIO at Allient Energy.

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Harnessing Technology in the Utility Sector

By: Alberto Ruocco, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Alliant Energy

"We engage in continuous learning, drawing insights on a variety of sources within the utility and technology sectors. This approach helps us understand the evolving dynamics of our industry and leverage technology to drive advancements."

Sheila Mendez, a seasoned IT executive, brings 35 years in technology and 25 in utilities to her role as VP and CIO at TXNM Energy (formerly PNM Resources), overseeing cybersecurity, compliance, and crisis management. Certified in Lean Six Sigma and ITIL, she fosters secure, sustainable solutions and mentors future leaders.

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Combining Technical Expertise with Strategic Vision for Effective CIO Leadership

By: Sheila Mendez, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, TXNM Energy, Inc.

"The role of CIO is evolving rapidly in response to technological advancements and requires us to integrate new capabilities swiftly while maintaining a focus on security and operational excellence."

Raied Stanley is a senior IT executive, currently serving as VP and CIO at Southwest Gas Corporation. Having over 35 years of experience, he leads enterprise systems innovation, strategic planning, cybersecurity, and compliance, driving digital transformation and aligning technology with business objectives.

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Aligning Technology with Business Goals for Improved Efficiency

By: Raied Stanley, Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Southwest Gas Corporation

"Individuals should develop skills and connections by focusing on clear and persuasive communication with different audiences. This will help them build a strong professional network and connect with mentors, peers, and industry leaders to share ideas."

Wayne Manuel, MBA, FACHE, CHCIO, serves as CIO and CSO at Avista. Highly experienced in healthcare and utilities, he leads IT and security transformation efforts, focusing on digital innovation, cybersecurity, and business continuity to drive organizational success and improve operational efficiencies.

Erik Keller is the Sr. VP and CIO at Black Hills Energy. An IT executive with global IT transformation experience across diverse industries, he has led large-scale technology initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency, driving digital transformation, and managing teams and budgets exceeding $50M.

Matthew Green is the SVP, chief information & digital officer at PPL Corporation, overseeing the company’s digital transformation and IT strategy. He leads efforts to enhance grid resilience, drive innovation, and improve efficiency across PPL’s utilities, empowering employees and delivering customer value.

Nicholas Santillo Jr. is the Senior VP and CIO at American Water, overseeing IT programs, cybersecurity, and physical security. With over 24 years at the company, he’s held roles in risk management, compliance, and internal auditing. He also chairs industry councils and serves on multiple security committees.

Tom Arruda is the VP & CIO at Dominion Energy, with over 26 years of experience at the company. He has held various leadership roles, including Vice President of IT and Director of the Customer Information Platform.

Martin Davis has over 30 years of experience leading technology organizations in highly regulated industries. He drives innovation with a team of 2,000 professionals as CIO of Southern Company. He previously led major tech integrations at Wells Fargo and Wachovia.

Jim Beechey is the VP, IT and Security, and Chief Information Officer at Consumers Energy, with over 13 years of experience. He oversees cybersecurity strategy, creates multi-year roadmaps, establishes a Security Operations Center, and frequently speaks at industry events such as the SANS SCADA Summit.