Hochul Taps Rye Guy To Head Up New York Power Authority

NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul looked to the Sound Shore to fill the top leadership post in one of the state's most challenging and rapidly changing sectors.

Hochul on Thursday recommended Justin Driscoll to serve as President and CEO of the New York Power Authority (NYPA). Upon appointment by the NYPA Board of Trustees and subject to confirmation by the Senate, Driscoll will continue to lead the nation's largest state-owned electric utility.

"At a time when New York is leading the fight against climate change and rapidly transitioning to clean energy, NYPA needs strong visionary leadership at the highest level," Hochul said. "Justin Driscoll brings that expertise to lead the nation's largest state-owned utility and harness New York's energy resources to support our climate goals and promote economic development. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Justin to set New York on this extraordinary path forward."

Driscoll was appointed by NYPA's Board of Trustees to serve as Interim President and CEO in October and has since led NYPA's continuing transition to a carbon-free electric utility in support of New York's nation leading climate goals. Gov. Hochul's recommendation comes after a national search and recognizes the work Driscoll has accomplished at the organization in the previous year.

"I am honored to have the full confidence of Governor Hochul to lead the New York Power Authority as we advance the state's nation leading transition to a clean energy economy," Driscoll said. "With the extraordinary team of dedicated staff at NYPA and under the leadership of the Governor, New York is poised, now more than ever, to create a resilient, reliable and clean energy infrastructure for years to come."

He previously served as the chief legal officer of NYPA. Before joining NYPA, Driscoll was engaged in the private practice of law and represented clients that included Fortune 500 companies, governmental entities and energy companies, in complex commercial litigation and regulatory matters.

Driscoll also serves on several boards, including The Alliance to Save Energy, New York City's Urban Green Council, the Large Public Power Council and the World Resources Institute's Global Energy Advisory Board.