CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – American Electric Power has announced the appointment of Brian Abraham as president and chief operating officer of Appalachian Power (APCo), a move the company says is aimed at strengthening relationships with key stakeholders across its service territory.
Abraham will officially join the company on April 13 and will report to Bill Fehrman, chairman, president and chief executive officer of AEP.
“Our focus in West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee is to partner with legislators, regulators and community leaders to develop state-focused solutions that balance their energy priorities with reliability and affordability,” Fehrman said.
“Brian’s legal and public policy expertise, deep commitment to Appalachia and established partnerships within the region will bring a fresh perspective. We are confident Brian is the right choice to lead the nearly 2,900 employees in APCo’s territory and to collaborate with our valued stakeholders.”
Abraham will replace Aaron Walker, who is transitioning to a new role as vice president of Engineering and Quality for Nuclear Development. In that position, Walker will report to Alicia Knapp, president of Nuclear Development.
Walker brings more than 20 years of industry experience and has held several leadership roles within AEP, including vice president of Distribution Operations for APCo and plant manager at the Rockport Plant.
“Aaron is a respected leader with strong operational expertise in generation and project management. His skills will be an asset to our Nuclear Development organization and their work to develop advanced nuclear solutions to benefit our customers. We are grateful to have him as part of our Nuclear Development organization’s leadership team where he will help shape the future of this important part of our business,” Fehrman said.
Abraham currently serves as chief of staff to West Virginia Senator Jim Justice.
He was first appointed to the role during Justice’s second term as governor and continued in the position after Justice was elected to the U.S. Senate. Prior to that, Abraham served as general counsel for the Justice Administration.
“As a West Virginia native, I understand both the region and the responsibility that comes with serving our communities,” Abraham said.
“I look forward to working with the APCo team to listen to and work with our stakeholders to create affordable energy solutions that best fit the needs of our communities in Appalachia and generate opportunity for our customers.”
Abraham’s background includes extensive litigation experience representing businesses, individuals and government agencies.
He previously served as the elected prosecuting attorney for Logan County from 1999 to 2009 and also worked as a special assistant United States attorney for Kentucky and Tennessee.
In addition to his legal career, Abraham is a United States Army veteran who recently retired as a brigadier general after 22 years of service.
His military experience includes active duty in Iraq with the XVIII Airborne Corps as an operational law officer and prosecutor of insurgents, as well as serving as trial counsel for the 101st Airborne Division. He most recently served as special assistant adjutant general with the West Virginia National Guard.
Abraham holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fairmont State University, a master’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College and a Juris Doctor from West Virginia University.
