#United States #FirstEnergy Corp #Akron #Leadership Changes #Business Transformation

FirstEnergy's Strategic Leadership Appointments

On June 18, 2026, FirstEnergy Corp. revealed a series of key leadership appointments designed to enhance its operational effectiveness, commitment to integrity, and information security. These moves reflect FirstEnergy’s dedication to transformative growth, as well as the promotion of ethical practices within the organization.

Key Leadership Changes

Antonio Fernández Appointed Vice President of Business Transformation

Antonio Fernández has been promoted to Vice President of Business Transformation, effective June 28. In his new position, he will oversee a dedicated team focused on improving performance, streamlining processes, boosting efficiency, and supporting the execution of FirstEnergy's strategic priorities.

Brian X. Tierney, the Board Chairman and CEO of FirstEnergy, expressed confidence in Fernández’s capabilities, citing his experience and success in driving results. Fernández previously served as the Vice President and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, where he made significant enhancements to the company’s ethics and compliance operations, fostering a culture of accountability and integrity.

Having worked with reputable organizations like GE Power and Pacific Gas and Electric, Fernández brings a wealth of expertise. His journey began at the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where he gained foundational insights into compliance and legal protocols.

Deandra Williams-Lewis as New Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer

With Fernández moving into his new role, Deandra Williams-Lewis has been appointed as the Vice President and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer. She will also commence her duties on June 28 and report directly to Hyun Park, the Chief Legal Officer.

Williams-Lewis is expected to refine FirstEnergy's ethics and compliance framework, conducting oversight of related risks and ensuring the implementation of necessary policies and controls. Prior to this new role, she served as the Director of Ethics & Compliance and Chief Privacy Officer at FirstEnergy, making significant strides in pushing forward the company's ethics and compliance initiatives.

Her previous experiences span across various high-profile firms, including GE Lighting and KPMG, equipping her with a comprehensive background in corporate governance and operational risk management.

Brian Harrell Takes on Chief Privacy Officer Role

Another substantial change within the FirstEnergy leadership tapestry is Brian Harrell’s expanded responsibilities. Currently the Vice President and Chief Security Officer, Harrell will now also serve as the Chief Privacy Officer. His role will revolve around overseeing the privacy program and ensuring stringent protection of sensitive information pertaining to both employees and customers.

Harrell's extensive background includes security leadership roles at organizations like Duke Energy and Avangrid Energy, where he honed his skills in regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection. His dual role reflects the increasingly important intersection of security and privacy within corporate governance today.

Commitment to Long-term Excellence

These strategic appointments underscore FirstEnergy's commitment to fostering an environment dedicated to transformation, ethical practices, and data protection. Tierney highlighted the internal talent pool as a cornerstone of their strategy, stating confidence in the impact these leaders will have in driving the company toward sustained success in the competitive energy landscape.

As one of the largest investor-owned electrical systems in the nation, FirstEnergy's operational excellence is critical to serving over 6 million customers across several states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania. The company takes its commitment to integrity seriously, as it continues to evolve in an ever-changing industry.

By aligning its leadership with the demands of today's business environment, FirstEnergy is not just preparing for the future; it is ensuring that it leads the way in operational integrity and excellence as it navigates complex energy solutions and stakeholder expectations.