Former SWEPCO executive earns Arkansas Women in Power award

Venita McCellon-Allen, former president and chief operating officer of Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), earned a prestigious award this week from Arkansas Women in Power (AWIP).

McCellon-Allen, who just retired from SWEPCO after a long and distinguished career with the company, won the Arkansas energy industry Trail Blazer award from AWIP.

“Venita’s accomplishments and the level of respect she achieved in the energy industry are exceptional,” Lori Burrows, AWIP founder, said. “She continues to inspire women to pursue positions in the energy industry.”

McCellon-Allen spent more than 30 years in a variety of roles at SWEPCO and its parent company American Electric Power (AEP). In addition to her role as president and COO at SWEPCO, she also served as executive vice president – AEP Utilities West as well as senior vice president – shared services at AEP. McCellon-Allen also worked as senior vice president for Human Resources for Baylor Health Care System in Dallas. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas A&M University.

“Venita is known for many successes throughout her career, including construction of one of our nation’s cleanest, most efficient coal plants, which was built in Hempstead County, Ark.,” Malcolm Smoak, SWEPCO president and chief operating officer, said. “Throughout her career, she was among the first female executives. She’s also well regarded by colleagues for her dedication to formally and informally mentoring women and men wishing to expand their contributions to SWEPCO and AEP. On behalf of SWEPCO, congratulations on being named an AWIP Trail Blazer.”