VALLEY FORGE, PA — PJM Interconnection recently appointed David E. Mills as its president and chief executive officer, effective May 1, the grid operator’s Board of Managers announced.
Mills becomes the fifth permanent president and CEO in the organization’s history. He had served as interim president and CEO since January and has been a member of the board since 2021. He also served as chair of the board beginning in May 2025.
Matt Nelson, chair of the board’s Human Resources Committee and head of the CEO search committee, said the board selected Mills to lead the organization as it addresses reliability and energy market challenges.
“The Board has asked David to take on this role based on his demonstrated leadership and expertise, particularly as PJM works to enhance our engagement with members and policymakers in this rapidly changing landscape,” Nelson said.
PJM Interconnection coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity across 13 states and the District of Columbia.
Mills previously served as senior vice president of policy and energy supply and chief strategy officer at Puget Sound Energy. He also worked for the Bonneville Power Administration and served in the United States Navy as a helicopter aircrewman and rescue swimmer from 1975 to 1979.
“I truly appreciate the trust the Board and PJM staff have put in me to lead this organization as we navigate the unprecedented supply and demand challenges our region and country face,” Mills said. “Reliability remains our absolute north star.”
Mills holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Portland State University and is certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors.
As part of the transition, Mills resigned his voting seat on the board and stepped down as board chair effective April 30, though he will continue serving on the board as a non-voting member by virtue of his new role.
Board member Paula Conboy was elected chair-elect on April 29 and will serve as chair until the board’s annual meeting on May 15, according to PJM Interconnection.
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