Local tech leader to chair Puget Sound Energy Board of Directors

BELLEVUE, Wash. (3/9/2017) Puget Sound Energy named local technology investor and wireless industry pioneer Steven W. Hooper as chairperson of its board of directors on March 2. Hooper will also be board chair of PSE’s parent company, Puget Energy.

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Hooper is a co-founder and partner of Ignition Partners, a Bellevue-based venture capital firm focused on enterprise software and technology. Prior to that, Hooper was co-CEO of Teledesic (1998-2000), CEO of Nextlink (1997-1998), and CEO of AT&T Wireless (1994-1997). Hooper replaces the late Melanie Dressel of Columbia Bank.

“Steve has been at the forefront when it comes to change driven by technology and customer demand. With his leadership and experience, PSE is uniquely positioned to play a role in the transforming energy industry based on customer choice and service,” said Kimberly Harris, president and CEO of Puget Sound Energy.

“Steve carries on the tradition of PSE benefitting from a local leader who reflects the qualities of our region,” Harris added. “He follows in the footsteps of Bill Ayer, who defined new standards for customer service at Alaska Airlines, and the late Melanie Dressel, who exemplified community spirit and commitment at Columbia Bank.”

In addition to PSE, Hooper serves on the board of directors of Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) and Blucora, Inc. He is a graduate of Seattle University and the Wharton School of Business.

PSE’s board of directors also named David E. Mills as senior vice president of Energy Operations. Mills joined PSE in 2002 and, since 2015, has been vice president of Energy Operations. He has more than 25 years of experience in energy operations, transmission and energy trading.