Jobs and People

Mary Powell stepping down as president and CEO of Green Mountain Power

Green Mountain Power (GMP) announced Mary Powell, president and CEO for 12 years, will leave the company at the end of the year after more than two decades of leadership in energy and innovation. GMP also announced Senior Vice President Mari McClure will become the next president and CEO of GMP. McClure is a 10-year veteran of GMP.

GMP said that Powell leaves the company in an incredibly strong position. The utility was named the Deane C. Davis Business of the Year and one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine this year. GMP earned a spot on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in the World list three years in a row, and J.D. Power’s latest rankings put GMP among the top utilities for customer satisfaction.

Together, Powell and McClure led the work to get GMP certified as a B Corp in 2014, the first utility in the world to achieve the distinction. GMP was recertified in 2017, meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability, and transparency standards, and committed to use business as a force for good.

In addition, Powell was named the POWERGEN International Woman of the Year in 2014 and offered sage advice to women in the power industry during her keynote at POWERGEN.

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve in this role, and work alongside so many dedicated employees, who care so deeply about this state, the planet, and the customers we serve,” Powell said.  “After 12 years as president and CEO, and over 20 years at GMP, it is time to turn over the reins to a new leader. For my part, I plan to continue the fight against climate change in Vermont and across the country.”

Elizabeth Bankowski, a longtime member of the Green Mountain Power Board of Directors and head of the Wyndham Foundation, praised Powell and McClure.  “The board is very appreciative of Mary Powell’s many contributions, and we could not be more thrilled with the selection of Mari McClure as the next generation leader of Green Mountain Power,” she said. “Mari’s commitment to Vermont and to the company, and her amazing track record of leadership, has us excited about this next chapter.”

 McClure joined GMP in 2010 and has served in leading roles in nearly every aspect of GMP operations, including information technology, regulatory, legal, fleet, facilities, workforce development, and cultural transformation. During McClure’s tenure, she led organizational developments, helping GMP become a national leader in operational effectiveness and innovation while delivering superior customer service. She also leads labor relations, creating a culture of strong, honest communications with employees, always with a focus on safety.

 “This is an incredible time in the energy world, and I’m thrilled to lead GMP as we work to meet our goals, including being 100% renewable by 2030, and leveraging fiscal discipline and energy innovations to deliver results for customers, with a continued focus on reducing carbon,” McClure said.

POWERGEN International along with sponsor UL will be awarding 5 women with Excellence in Character Awards at the Lunch for Better Balance on November 20, 2019 in New Orleans. The Excellence in Character Award was formerly the Woman of the Year Award. Register for the event and the lunch here and stay tuned for the reveal of the 5 women with excellent character.