PJM Interconnection Welcomes New Leadership with Three Board Members Elected

PJM Interconnection Welcomes Newly Elected Board Members

PJM Interconnection has made significant strides in its leadership by electing two new members, Larry Bekkedahl and Charles Berardesco, while also reelection of Margaret Loebl for an additional three-year term. These elections were announced on May 11, 2026, and mark a pivotal moment for the organization as it navigates the complexities of the electricity sector amidst evolving challenges.

New Faces on the Board

Larry Bekkedahl brings a wealth of experience with a remarkable 45-year career in the energy sector. Before his election, Bekkedahl served as the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advanced Delivery at Portland General Electric in Oregon. His extensive background includes tenures with various prominent companies such as Bonneville Power Administration, PacifiCorp, and Montana Power. His contributions to the Western Transmission Consortium and advisory roles in the U.S. Department of Energy bolster his expertise further. Bekkedahl holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Montana State University, equipping him with the technical know-how to make informed decisions in the electric power sector.

Charles “Charlie” Berardesco adds a legal perspective to the board with his 36 years of experience in law. Berardesco, who recently retired as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), has a robust portfolio managing legal, compliance, and governance issues. His educational credentials include a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School. His previous roles, including a leadership position at Constellation Energy, allow him to provide nuanced insight into regulatory matters affecting PJM's operations.

Reelecting an Experienced Leader

Margaret Loebl, now continuing her service on the board, joined PJM in 2020 and has played a pivotal role overseeing the Risk & Audit Committee. Her resume boasts over three decades of financial acumen, particularly in Fortune 500 corporations where she spearheaded initiatives related to risk management and financial strategy. Loebl's impressive educational background, including an MBA from the University of Chicago, along with her certifications from the National Association of Corporate Directors, establish her as a leader equipped to navigate intricate financial landscapes in the power sector.

PJM President and CEO, David E. Mills, expressed confidence in the new appointments, stating, "Larry and Charlie come to the Board with both regional and national perspectives in the electricity sector, with the experience and expertise to help PJM confront the significant challenges facing the industry." This sentiment underscores the importance of diverse expertise in leadership to adapt to the rapidly changing energy environment.

PJM Interconnection: A Vital Entity

Founded in 1927, PJM Interconnection plays a crucial role in the effective operation of the high-voltage electricity infrastructure serving approximately 67 million people across several states in the U.S. The organization is responsible for overseeing a vast network comprising over 88,000 miles of transmission lines. PJM ensures reliability through market operations and regional planning that yield significant savings for consumers.

Through the recent appointments, PJM positions itself to address upcoming challenges head-on, capitalizing on the impressive backgrounds of its new board members. As the electricity landscape continues to evolve, the strategic insights from these leaders will be instrumental in shaping a reliable and efficient future for PJM and the regions it serves.

To stay updated on PJM's latest initiatives, you can explore their communications at PJM Inside Lines.