Rich Wallen Appointed as EVP and COO of Oglethorpe Power Corporation

Rich Wallen Appointed as EVP and COO of Oglethorpe Power

Oglethorpe Power Corporation recently announced the appointment of Rich Wallen as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. This significant move comes as Wallen brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the energy sector to the forefront of the organization. His official start date is set for March 31, 2025, and he will be reporting directly to Annalisa Bloodworth, the President and CEO of Oglethorpe Power.

Wallen’s expertise notably encompasses various areas of energy production, including natural gas, hydro, coal, and nuclear energy generation, even extending to small nuclear reactors. His background speaks volumes of his capabilities and leadership acumen, having previously served in significant roles at several utility companies, including Oglethorpe Power itself between 2014 and 2017.

In welcoming him back to the company, Bloodworth expressed her excitement, stating, "I am delighted to welcome Rich back to Oglethorpe Power as our EVP and Chief Operating Officer. Rich is a dynamic, results-driven and innovative leader, and his broad experience uniquely complements Oglethorpe Power's diverse and growing generation portfolio. Rich's strong leadership will enhance our operations teams' efforts to fulfill our core purpose of providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy for our members."

Prior to this new appointment, Wallen served as Chief Operating Officer and then CEO and General Manager at Grant County Public Utility District in Washington. During his time there, he effectively managed operations amounting to $2.6 billion in generation assets and was proactive in establishing an operational excellence program, as well as an enterprise project management office. His leadership was pivotal in driving long-term strategies towards achieving clean energy targets.

Wallen’s involvement in various industry boards and organizations, such as the Public Power Council and Northwest River Partners, further illustrates his commitment to not only Oglethorpe Power but also to advancements in the broader energy sector. He also played a significant role in steering committees aimed at promoting advanced nuclear development.

His previous stints at Oglethorpe Power saw significant contributions as the Plant Manager of the Thomas A. Smith Energy Facility and as the Combustion Turbine Fleet Manager, showcasing his adeptness in managing critical operations effectively.

Wallen began his career in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) from 1988 to 1999, which most likely contributed to the discipline and leadership characteristics he embodies today.

Regarding his return, Wallen stated, "It is a privilege to return to Oglethorpe Power and serve Georgia's electric membership cooperatives with the reliable and cost-effective energy millions of Georgians rely on. I'm looking forward to guiding the talented and driven operations teams as we tackle the challenges and opportunities of today's evolving energy industry."

About Oglethorpe Power Corporation

Oglethorpe Power stands as one of the largest power supply cooperatives in the nation, with substantial assets exceeding $16 billion. It operates a diversified portfolio providing safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy to 38 electric membership cooperatives that serve around 4.5 million Georgia residents. By investing in a mix of nuclear, natural gas, hydro, and coal resources, Oglethorpe Power boasts a generation capacity exceeding 9,300 megawatts, cementing its role as a key player in the regional energy landscape. For more information, visit www.opc.com.