Robert Fernandez, effective October 2018, was appointed by the Board as Interim President & CEO. Previously, Mr. Fernandez served as the NYISO’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer overseeing the company’s legal, regulatory, and compliance strategy. Mr. Fernandez continues to advise the NYISO’s Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team on federal, state, and local legal issues affecting the company while monitoring the NYISO’s Corporate Compliance Program. Mr. Fernandez has over 30 years’ experience in the energy sector. Prior to joining the NYISO in 2000, Mr. Fernandez served as Vice President and Chief Regulatory Counsel for Sithe Energies, Inc., a NYC-based independent power producer. He also served as Senior Specialist Attorney at Long Island Lighting Company, and was associated with the NYC law firm of Cullen and Dykman. Mr. Fernandez began his legal career as a trial attorney with the Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Fernandez holds a B.A. from Stony Brook University, a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, and an LL.M. in taxation from New York University School of Law.

Doug Chapman leads the Information Technology group, delivering reliable, innovative products and services to our evolving wholesale electricity markets. Mr. Chapman is also responsible for ensuring system compliance with the NYISO’s federal tariff governance and oversight of communications, facilities and enterprise security. Mr. Chapman joined the NYISO in 2015 and has over three decades of experience in the electric utility industry. He has held key leadership roles with the Mid-Continent Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO), National Grid, and Niagara Mohawk. He earned a M.S. in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Buffalo.

Rich Dewey leads the System Planning, Information Technology and Market Structures organizations of the NYISO in proactively addressing the evolving challenges of the industry. Mr. Dewey joined the NYISO in 2000 and has held several pivotal executive roll in Product and Project Management, Strategic Software Development and Quality Assurance. Previously, he spent several years in IT and Network Services for Husky Injection Molding Systems and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation. He earned a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Clarkson University, a M.S. in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University, and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s General Management Program.

Rick Gonzales leads the NYISO's efforts in ensuring reliable, efficient Electricity Market Operations and Grid Reliability Operations. Mr. Gonzales has been with the NYISO since its inception in 1999, and the New York Power Pool which preceded it from 1987. His three plus decades of experience in the electric industry, primarily in power control center and energy market operations encompass a considerable understanding of the energy industry overall. He earned a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program. Mr. Gonzales also serves as a board member for the Northeast Power Coordinating Council.

Cheryl Hussey leads the NYISO’s accounting and financial reporting functions, budget development and oversight, treasury management, procurement and contract administration, corporate credit management and customer settlements. In addition, she is responsible for the design and administration of NYISO’s corporate compensation and benefits programs, performance management process and talent acquisition. Ms. Hussey joined the NYISO in 2008 and spent over 10 years before that, in key leadership roles at Albany Medical Center. She is a Certified Public Accountant and earned a B.S. in Accounting from the State University of New York at Geneseo.

Kevin Lanahan leads the NYISO’s Government, Stakeholder and Member Services; Regulatory Affairs; Media Relations; and Corporate Communications departments. Mr. Lanahan has 20 years of experience in the energy industry and has provided strategic vision and leadership in his previous positions working for Con Edison, JPMorgan Chase & Co., National Grid, and for the Majority Leader of the NYS Assembly. He earned B.A. in English and Political Science from SUNY Oneonta and an M.B.A. from Norwich University. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School and Con Edison’s Executive Management programs.

Rana Mukerji is responsible for the Market Design, Product and Project Management, Strategic and Business Planning, Research and Development, and Market Training teams. Mr. Mukerji joined the NYISO in 2006. Previously, he spent several years as a global leader for ABB’s Utility T&D Services, Asset Management and Consulting businesses in North Carolina and Zurich. He also played a key role as General Manager for GE’s Power Systems Energy Consulting firm. He earned a B.S in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, a M.S. in Electric Power Engineering and a M.B.A. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Mr. Mukerji is also a NY registered Professional Engineer.

Emilie Nelson leads the Market Operations team with responsibility for the administration of the wholesale electricity markets. Ms. Nelson oversees the capacity market, energy market and demand response areas that serve a critical role in the reliability of NY’s electrical grid. Ms. Nelson joined the NYISO in 2004. She has over fifteen years of experience in the power industry and worked for several years in power generation. She earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and an M.B.A. from Pace University.

Zach Smith is responsible for the oversight and implementation of system planning and strategic initiatives for the New York State Transmission System. These include ensuring a reliable electric grid for the future, identifying economic opportunities for transmission investment beneficial to ratepayers, and implementation of system upgrades to enable public policies. Mr. Smith also oversees the interconnection process through which renewable resources and other new generation technologies reliably connect to the New York State electric grid. Since joining the NYISO in 2004, Mr. Smith has spearheaded numerous renewable integration and transmission planning initiatives through key positions of increasing responsibility, and he actively represents the NYISO on Interregional Coordination Committees. He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Wes Yeomans leads the Grid Reliability and Operations team, which is responsible for ensuring the bulk power grid and wholesale energy markets reliably and efficiently respond to the needs of New Yorkers, every minute of every day. Mr. Yeomans joined the NYISO in 2009 and has over 30 years of experience working in the bulk power industry. He previously worked for National Grid and Niagara Mohawk Power, serving in operations and business development. He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University and an M.B.A. from Syracuse University.

Diane Egan has been with the NYISO since its inception in 1999 and held key positions at the New York Power Pool that preceded it. She brings over 40 years of energy industry and experience to her role which includes Executive Assistant to the NYISO CEOs and as Secretary to the Board.

Karen Gach is the Acting General Counsel for the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). She serves as the NYISO’S Chief Compliance Officer and oversees the company’s legal, regulatory, and compliance strategy. She advises the NYISO’s Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team on federal, state, and local legal issues affecting the company and administers the NYISO’s Corporate Compliance Program. Karen Gach previously served as Deputy General Counsel from 2010 through October 2018 and served as Senior Attorney at the NYISO from July 2004. Prior to joining the NYISO, Ms. Gach was an associate with the law firm of Nixon Peabody LLP, representing clients on a variety of energy and utility matters. Previously, Ms. Gach was also an associate in the Washington, DC office of the law firm of Cullen and Dykman. Ms. Gach received her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Albany Law School of Union University where she was the Editor-in-Chief of the Albany Law Journal of Science and Technology. She received a B.A. from the University of Rochester.

Ave Bie of Madison, Wisconsin is a former Chair of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and current partner in the law firm of Quarles & Brady. She began serving as a member of NYISO’s Board of Directors in April 2009. Ms. Bie was a member of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission from 1998 to 2004, where she was a strong advocate for the state’s consumers. She chaired the Commission from 1999 to 2003.

In 25 years of Wisconsin state service, Ms. Bie served in a number of positions including Deputy Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Regulation and Licensing. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Green Bay Packers, Inc. 

Ms. Bie earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. 

Robert Hiney joined the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) Board of Directors in April 2006 and served as Chairman from April 2011 to April 2014. He had previously served as Vice Chair of the Board.

Mr. Hiney has a distinguished career in the electric industry, which includes 35 years with the New York Power Authority (NYPA). He is the former Executive Vice President for Power Generation for NYPA. Mr. Hiney began his NYPA service in 1970 as an assistant hydraulic engineer at the Power Authority’s Production Control Center, which was then located at the Niagara Power Project near Niagara Falls. Throughout his tenure, he assumed increasing responsibility and worked in the areas of power system operations, power supply planning, marketing, electric rates, research and development, and energy efficiency.

As Executive Vice President for Power Generation, Mr. Hiney oversaw all aspects of NYPA’s generating operations, including operation and maintenance, engineering, plant construction, fuel procurement, and the NYPA’s wholesale transactions with the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). He formerly served as Vice Chairman of the Northeast Power Coordinating Council and as a trustee of the North American Electric Reliability Council. A native of Belmont, Massachusetts, Mr. Hiney received his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Tufts University and a Master of Science in civil engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Mr. Hiney lives in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Michael Bemis of Madison, Mississippi, has more than three decades of experience as an executive in the electric utility industry. He began serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) in April 2009. He became Board Chair in April 2014, after previously serving as Vice Chair. He served Exelon Corporation as President of Exelon Power and President of Energy Delivery, responsible for the company’s transmission, distribution, and customer service functions. Exelon distributes electricity and gas to approximately 5.4 million customers in Illinois and Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining Exelon, Mr. Bemis worked nearly two decades with Entergy Corporation in a number of executive positions including Executive Vice-President of International Operations and as Chief Executive Officer of London Electricity, with responsibility for Entergy’s International businesses in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Argentina. He also served as Entergy’s Executive Vice-President of Customer and Retail Service; as President and Chief Operating Officer for Mississippi Power & Light, Louisiana Power & Light, and New Orleans Public Service; and as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer for Arkansas Power & Light. Before entering the energy industry, Mr. Bemis was a partner with Deloitte, Haskin and Sells, where he was a designated firm specialist in the electric utility industry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi and attended a number of executive development programs, including Harvard’s Advanced Management Program.

Daniel Hill is the former Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Exelon Corporation. He began serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) in April 2013.

As Exelon CIO, he managed all aspects of the corporation’s information technology (IT) and telecommunications functions. He spearheaded the centralization of the company’s IT organization and oversaw implementation of multiple technology initiatives across all Exelon operating companies including the development of Advanced Metering Infrastructure and related smart grid technology.

In 2007, he was named one of Computerworld’s Premier 100 IT Leaders. Mr. Hill was involved in Exelon since its inception in 2000. He was named Vice President and CIO in May 2003 and served as Senior Vice President and CIO from November 2004 until his retirement in March 2012. He previously worked in various technology and management positions at Commonwealth Edison Company, a predecessor to Exelon, from 1983 to 2000. Mr. Hill earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Illinois’ Lewis University.

James Mahoney is President and CEO of Energy Market Solutions, Inc., a Florida-based energy advisory company. He was elected to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) Board of Directors in December 2007.

Mr. Mahoney has more than 30 years of experience in the energy industry. He is a past President and CEO of DPL, Inc., a regional electric energy and utility company whose principal subsidiaries include The Dayton Power and Light Company; DPL Energy, LLC; and DPL Energy Resources, Inc. Mr. Mahoney is also a past President and CEO of EarthFirst Technologies, Inc., an environmental technology company.

Mr. Mahoney has held an array of senior management positions with such companies as PG&E Corporation, the New England Electric System, and USX Corporation. His educational credentials include a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Allegheny College.

Thomas Ryan, Jr. is a former President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Stock Exchange (NYSE). He joined the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) Board of Directors in 1999.

Mr. Ryan was Vice President of Business Development for the Boston Stock Exchange from 1966 to 1968. He then joined Kidder-Peabody and held various positions within the company, including being elected to the Board of Directors in 1983 and to the Management and Executive Committees in 1988.

Mr. Ryan culminated his 27-year career at Kidder-Peabody as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ryan was a member of the Market Performance Committee of the NYSE and Chairman of the Traders Advisory Committee. He served as a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission Intermarket Trading Committee in 1982 and as Co-Chairman of the NYSE Market Regulation Review Committee from 1986 to 1988. A trustee of Boston College and Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Mr. Ryan also served on the Board of Directors for the Securities Industry Automation Corporation (SIAC) and the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC). Mr. Ryan has a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science from Boston College and is a graduate of the Boston Latin School.

Mr. Kelley has over 40 years of experience in the electric generation and transmission business. From 2007 to 2008, Mr. Kelley served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Power Authority, the largest state public power organization in the U.S. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Peregrine Midstream Partners, LLC, a midstream gas storage entity in Houston, TX. From 2010 to 2013 Mr. Kelley was President and CEO of Midland Cogeneration Venture, a large co-generation project in Midland, MI.

From 2013 to 2014 Mr. Kelley was President and CEO of Fortistar Renewables, based in White Plains, NY, a developer and operator of renewable energy projects. Mr. Kelley, who graduated with honors and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University, has significant experience in all areas of power generation, including nuclear, natural gas, coal, hydro, solar and landfill, as well as experience with electric transmission issues. He has served as a chief advisor on power issues to two of New York's governors, and as the chief technical member on the board of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Mr. Kelley has been employed by New York State Electric and Gas Corporation, Maine Public Service Company, Empire Energy Corporation, and LS Power Corporation. Mr. Kelley also served as a member of the Lt. Governor's Renewable Energy Task Force, which was responsible for the development and implementation of New York State's renewable energy portfolio. Mr. Kelley is a licensed professional engineer in New York State.

Mark Lynch joined the Board of Directors in April 2018. He brings a wealth of executive and engineering experience from a very successful 41-year career in the energy industry, including serving as President and CEO of the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) from 2005-2008.

Most recently, Mr. Lynch served as President and CEO of New York State Electric and Gas Corporation and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation — both subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc. — from 2009 to 2017. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors for both regulated electricity and natural gas utility companies. From 2001-2004, he served as President of Mirant, New York, an independent power generation company that operated in competitive wholesale electricity markets in New York and New England.

Mr. Lynch’s experience also includes executive positions with Mississippi Power Company and Southern Energy, Inc. While with Southern Energy, he served as Executive President and Chairman of Empresa Electrica del Norte Grande, South America, and held positions in project development and management in Indonesia and North America. Mr. Lynch earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Villanova University.