American Electric Power appoints Darren A. Shepard vice president, Utilities.
Shepard will be responsible for collaborating with AEP’s operating companies on the strategic direction and operational excellence of the distribution business unit. Shepard will report to Daniel E. Groff, vice president, Performance Management. Groff’s team supports AEP’s transmission and distribution organizations under Lisa M. Barton, executive vice president, AEP Utilities.
“I am confident that Darren’s experience and leadership will help us become more strategic and efficient across our operating companies as we enhance our ability to better serve our customers through new and innovative distribution technologies,” Barton said.
“Darren has a solid understanding of our business and has demonstrated leadership in AEP’s critical work to modernize the grid, including the implementation of smart meter systems,” Groff said.
Shepard, 53, has served as director, Distribution Asset Management for AEP since 2018 and was director, Distribution Services from 2015 to 2018. Previously, he served as director, Meter Repair and Special Billing from 2010 to 2014; director, Consumer Technology and Programs from 2008 to 2010; and director, Customer Services and Marketing from 2004 to 2008. Shepard also has held management roles in business development and analysis. He joined AEP in 1992 as an energy services and key accounts engineer with Indiana Michigan Power.
Shepard earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s degree in business administration from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He serves as a board member for the Salvation Army in Central Ohio. Shepard is a licensed professional engineer.
