#United States #Akron #FirstEnergy #James Myers #utility leadership

FirstEnergy Appoints James H. Myers III as President of West Virginia and Maryland Operations

In a significant leadership move, FirstEnergy Corp. has announced the appointment of James H. Myers III as the new President overseeing its operations in West Virginia and Maryland. This change, effective from December 15, 2024, marks a pivotal step in FirstEnergy's strategy to streamline operations and strengthen its commitment to local communities. Myers, who has been with the company since 1985, will report directly to Wade Smith, President of FirstEnergy Utilities, as he takes on the crucial responsibilities of operational excellence, financial performance, and regulatory strategy in his new role.

Myers’ previous tenure as Vice President of West Virginia and Maryland operations has equipped him with valuable insights into the complexities of the electric utility sector. In his new position, he will be tasked with ensuring the efficiency and reliability of the Mon Power and Potomac Edison electric companies, along with their regulated generation facilities.

Wade Smith expressed confidence in Myers, highlighting his extensive experience and continuous improvement mindset as fundamental assets for enhancing customer satisfaction and executing strategic initiatives required for growth. “Jim's knowledge and vision will drive our company's performance, helping us meet the expectations of our valued customers in these states,” said Smith.

This leadership shift is part of FirstEnergy's new operational structure which aims to decentralize decision-making processes, enhancing responsiveness to customer needs and local market dynamics. By promoting key figures like Myers, the company hopes to foster deeper connections within the communities it serves, ultimately aiming to enhance customer service and satisfaction levels.

In conjunction with Myers' appointment, FirstEnergy has also announced the promotion of Sally Thomas as Vice President of Distribution Engineering and Planning, effective January 12, 2025, and Joe Storsin to Vice President of Transmission Finance starting December 15, 2024.

Thomas will play a pivotal role in directing engineering standards and practices while managing strategic planning for the distribution sector, ensuring engineering excellence. Storsin will oversee financial planning for the transmission business, aligning resources to meet organizational goals.

Profiles of Key Executives

James H. Myers III

James H. Myers III's career with FirstEnergy has seen a steady progression through engineering and leadership roles since he joined Allegheny Energy in 1985. His journey includes serving as a director in various capacities, including Distribution Engineering and Operations Support, and culminated in his recent designation as President of West Virginia Operations in 2020. Myers holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and is a licensed professional engineer, substantiating his technical expertise.

Sally Thomas

Sally Thomas has been with FirstEnergy since 2003, climbing the ranks from an assistant engineer to her current role, having developed vital skills in project management and operations. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Grove City College and is also a licensed professional engineer, marking her capability in driving engineering innovations within the company.

Joe Storsin

Joe Storsin, who joined FirstEnergy in 2006, has built a robust career trajectory within the company’s financial landscape. With a Bachelor's degree and an MBA from Kent State University, he brings a wealth of knowledge in business performance and financial planning, as well as serving on the board of the FirstEnergy Family Credit Union.

FirstEnergy remains committed to ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient energy services to its extensive customer base—over 6 million customers across several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. The recent strategic appointments are expected to bolster the company’s capacity to meet industry challenges and initiate community-focused advancements as it reflects on its mission of operational excellence and customer satisfaction. For more information about FirstEnergy, visit firstenergycorp.com or follow them on social media at X: @FirstEnergyCorp.