BPA refines organizational structure

BPA is refining its organizational structure to better align key functions, meet customer needs and achieve its strategic priorities.

This restructuring builds on previous changes made by Administrator and CEO John Hairston. This process is internally driven and is not connected to broader reforms in the federal government.

BPA's Chief Workforce and Strategy Office was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen the agency's workforce functions. The restructuring sunsets the CWSO and redistributes its functions to the Chief Operating Office and Chief Administrative Office to better reflect the current energy landscape and support BPA's top priorities.

Alongside the redistribution of CWSO functions, several executive positions have been changed and solidified.

BPA is expanding the chief operating officer role to that of deputy administrator and chief operating officer. By merging the deputy administrator and COO roles, a single executive will have oversight and responsibility for day-to-day operations and agencywide strategic implementation. Suzanne Cooper, who has been acting chief operating officer since May, has officially been named the deputy administrator and COO.

The SES position allocated to the Chief Workforce and Strategy Office is being reallocated to lead the newly expanded Strategy, Business Transformation and Customer Services organization, formerly the Business Management and Development Office. Jamae Hilliard Creecy, former vice president of energy efficiency, will lead this organization as the executive vice president of business management and development. Dan James, former chief workforce and strategy officer, has been named vice president of energy efficiency.

“Jamae's executive leadership within this new role will be vital to BPA's integration of strategic planning and business transformation functions," said Hairston. “I also want to thank Dan James for his leadership of BPA's Chief Workforce and Strategy Office. Over the last five years, he guided several  priorities and initiatives that strengthened our organizational culture and advanced our strategic capabilities. He will continue to offer vital leadership and support in his new role as the vice president of energy efficiency."

Under the Strategy, Business Transformation and Customer Services organization, the combining of strategic planning and business transformation functions reinforces a seamless execution of BPA, Department of Energy and presidential administration priorities.

Information Technology, now designated the Chief Information Office, has moved from the CAO to the COO. The name change reflects the broader responsibilities inherent to a CIO. Furthermore, Technology Innovation is transitioning from CWSO to CIO oversight.

Finally, Communications and the Human Resources will move to the CAO to better align BPA's key administration-oriented support functions.

“This strategic restructuring ensures BPA keeps up with an ever-shifting energy landscape, while being able to support our workforce and continuing our agency's mission of delivering reliable and affordable power to the Northwest," Hairston said.