FirstEnergy Achieves Compliance Leader Verification for Ethical Excellence and Leadership Recognition

FirstEnergy Earns Prestigious Compliance Leader Verification

FirstEnergy Corp., a major player in the electric utility sector, has demonstrated remarkable commitment to ethics and integrity by receiving the Compliance Leader Verification for 2025-2026 from Ethisphere, a respected authority in ethical business practices. This remarkable verification reflects FirstEnergy's steadfast adherence to high standards in its corporate ethics and compliance program.

Antonio Fernández, the company's Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, has also been honored with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA) Beacon Award. This accolade recognizes individual leaders who significantly contribute to ethical practices within their organizations. The acknowledgment of both the company and Fernández showcases FirstEnergy’s dedication to nurturing a culture of ethics within the business landscape.

Brian X. Tierney, the Board Chair and CEO of FirstEnergy, emphasizes the vital role of ethics in the company's operations. He states, "Under Antonio's leadership, we have rebuilt our ethics and compliance program focusing on doing what's right for our customers and stakeholders. Our commitment to integrity is not merely theoretical, but a core aspect of our operational philosophy."

Ethisphere's assessment process for achieving Compliance Leader Verification is rigorous. It involves evaluating various components of FirstEnergy's ethics and compliance framework, including resource allocation, written standards, training programs, risk assessment mechanisms, and the enforcement of compliance measures. The evaluation also examines perceptions of the corporate ethical culture, ensuring that the company not only has policies in place but actively lives by them.

FirstEnergy's corporate ethics program centers around essential principles such as transparency, accountability, and fairness. The company has prioritized ethical behavior, not just from a compliance standpoint but as a fundamental driver for innovation and excellence in service delivery to its customers. The ethical imperative is seen as a means to enhance performance and foster trust with consumers and communities alike.

Jodie Fredericksen from Ethisphere remarks, "FirstEnergy has invested considerable effort in developing and fortifying its ethics and compliance program, consistently impressing us with their unwavering dedication. Antonio exemplifies exceptional leadership in ethics, inspiring others in the community during a time when integrity is paramount."

In addition to these recognitions, Tierney and Fernández discuss FirstEnergy's ethical journey on a recent episode of the Ethicast Podcast, shedding light on their experiences and insights into fostering an ethic-driven culture in business.

FirstEnergy operates extensive electric utility services across several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The company's mission is to provide reliable electricity while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service, safety, and ethical business practices.

This recognition by Ethisphere not only affirms FirstEnergy's practices but also sets a significant benchmark for other companies aspiring to achieve excellence in ethical leadership and compliance. For more information about Ethisphere and the Compliance Leader Verification program, visit Ethisphere.com.

The elevation of ethical standards within organizations like FirstEnergy contributes positively to the business ecosystem, promoting a culture where doing right is rewarded and encouraged—benefiting customers, employees, and communities alike.