Electric Power Engineers Transitions Leadership in Strategic Growth Era
Electric Power Engineers (EPE), renowned for its expertise in power systems engineering, has made a significant leadership change as it aims to navigate a period of explosive growth driven by rising electricity demands. Effective immediately, Stephanie Badr has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, a role she steps into after previously serving as EPE’s Chief Operating Officer. This transition comes as Hala Ballouz, the company’s co-founder and long-serving CEO, shifts to the position of Chief Vision Officer and Chair of the Board.
A Leader with Deep Industry Roots
Badr's career spans over twenty years, during which she has been an instrumental figure within EPE since its inception. Having joined EPE as one of its first ten employees in 2007, she has played a key role in the strategic planning and operations of the company for several years. Her extensive experience comes with robust educational credentials including an Executive MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master's in electrical engineering from Lebanese University.
“Working at the forefront of complex power systems problem-solving is our mission,” said Badr. Her words reflect her commitment to ensuring that EPE remains a trusted partner for clients facing crucial challenges in an evolving energy landscape.
Ballouz expressed confidence in Badr’s leadership capabilities, stating, “Her talent as a global business leader and her profound understanding of stakeholder dynamics make her an exceptional choice.” The transition is described as an exciting new chapter for EPE, emphasizing continuity in the company’s core values and culture during this pivotal moment.
A Record of Growth and Expansion
Under Ballouz's leadership, EPE has burgeoned from a three-person consultancy in 2007 into a more than 400-employee firm by 2025, serving a diverse range of clients across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Middle East. Ballouz has been the driving force behind the company’s expansion into new markets, as well as the development of EPE’s proprietary SaaS technology platform, which offers real-time interconnection data and power market insights tailored for renewable energy developers and utilities.
“Passing the CEO torch to Stephanie feels like coming full circle,” commented Ballouz, highlighting Badr’s integral role in EPE’s culture and business during its formative years. “She is precisely the right leader to meet the rapid growth demands of our industry.”
Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future
As part of its strategy for future growth, EPE plans to augment its presence in Latin America and establish new offices in Toronto and Waterloo, Canada. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the firm maintains a robust international presence with additional locations in Champaign, Illinois, Panama City, Panama, and Beirut, Lebanon.
“With the ever-increasing demand for electricity, our industry is in hyper-growth mode,” Badr stated. “Through our alliance with Berkshire Partners, we are poised to grow strategically, ensuring we maintain a talented workforce, a broad geographic footprint, and comprehensive services for our clients.”
Moving forward, Badr will spearhead the execution of EPE's 2030 Vision, a progressive plan aimed at advancing the power sector amidst a new era of grid design and energy delivery transformations. Meanwhile, Ballouz will focus on industry-wide initiatives that address the complexities of energy transitions and obstacles hindering AI-related infrastructural advancements.
Together, they are determined to enhance EPE's impact, ensuring the organization continues its vital mission to provide reliable, resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions globally.
About Electric Power Engineers
Electric Power Engineers is a leader in the realm of grid reliability and resilience. The firm prides itself on delivering top-tier consulting, engineering services, and software innovations that are pivotal for shaping the grid of the future. By leveraging world-class expertise and cutting-edge technologies, EPE is devoted to facilitating a successful energy transition while empowering their clients to meet ongoing engineering and grid modeling challenges.
As an organization with a global outlook, EPE’s operations span North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa, serving a myriad of national and international clients. For more information on EPE, visit
www.epeconsulting.com.