AEP Texas names new vice president of Distribution Region Operations

American Electric Power (AEP) Texas officials said Jeff Stracener has been named vice president of Distribution Region Operations, responsible for the electric distribution system and construction, maintenance, and operations activities.

Stracener will assume the new duties on June 13, replacing Tom Coad, who will retire in July.

“Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this key position,” AEP Texas President and COO Judith E. Talavera said. “He is a proven and respected leader both within our company and the AEP system and will help us continue moving forward with our efforts to be a leader in safety, culture, and modernizing the grid.”

Stracener possesses more than 36 years of experience in disciplines ranging from operations, customer services, and marketing and project management, currently serving as Director of Distribution Risk & Project Management. In that role, he is responsible for identifying and evaluating the financial, operational, and strategic risk implications of targeted areas of the company’s business operations.

AEP Texas said Stracener spearheaded the installation of over 1 million smart meters throughout the AEP Texas service territory, noting he has also held management positions in Competitive Retail Relations, Customer Services, and Account Management.

Talavera said Stracener also brings experience in the regulatory arena and the state’s electricity market processes.