ESIG Names Dr. Debra Lew Executive Director

Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG) announced that Dr. Debra Lew has been appointed as Executive Director. Lew assumes the role after serving as the organization’s Associate Director for almost four years. 

Charlie Smith, who has served as the organization’s Executive Director since its creation in 1989, will continue to serve ESIG half-time as a Principal Consultant. He will lead ESIG’s involvement in the Global Power System Transformation Consortium and play a key role in strengthening international relations for ESIG. 

“Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and strong leadership to ESIG,” said Mark Ahlstrom, President of the ESIG Board. “She is trusted by our membership, and is especially well positioned to lead ESIG as we continue to support the transformation of energy systems in ways that are technically sound, reliable, economic and sustainable. Charlie’s passion for ESIG’s work is contagious among our staff and members, and Debbie is the ideal successor to perpetuate his legacy.”

Lew has spent her impressive career working with organizations that lead the conversation on renewable energy and power system integration. She has over 30 years of experience including at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and GE Energy Consulting where she managed power system studies on wind, solar, storage and distributed energy resources integration. 

She holds a PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

“I am both delighted and humbled to be named ESIG’s Executive Director,” said Lew. “ESIG plays a critical role in the world’s evolving electricity and integrated energy systems landscape, and it is a true honor to lead our outstanding staff and membership base in their efforts to contribute meaningful solutions toward a clean energy future.”

“It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the board, the staff, and all of the great members of ESIG over the past 35 years,” said Smith. “The relationships and friendships I have built over that time will continue for the rest of my life.  I am very excited and pleased to pass the torch to Debbie, who I know will continue to do an outstanding job in leading ESIG and serving the membership.  I simply can’t think of a better person for the job!”

The report and executive summary can be downloaded at https://www.esig.energy/interregional-transmission-for-resilience/.

ESIG | https://www.esig.energy/