Ex-CU official hired as executive director of California
Public Utilities Commission (Feb. 2003).
A former senior policy analyst with CU's West Coast
Regional Office has been chosen to lead one of the most
important state agencies in California.
The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has
hired Bill Ahern as Executive Director, effective February
10, 2003. Mr. Ahern worked with Consumers Union from
1996-1997 and from 2001-2002. During his time at Consumers
Union, he was appointed by the Electricity Oversight
Board to represent residential electricity customers
on the board of the California Independent System Operator
(ISO).
"It is my pleasure to welcome Bill to the Commission,"
said PUC President Michael R. Peevey. "Bill has
significant knowledge of the utility industry, including
various positions at the Commission. His proven track
record in policy analysis and management will benefit
the Commission and consumers."
Mr. Ahern was previously employed by the PUC from 1981-1983
as Director of the Utilities Division; from 1984-1989
as the first Director of the Office of Ratepayer Advocates;
and from 1989-1991 as Director of Strategic Planning.
"The Commission's work was awfully complicated
during the 1980s when I was a manager at the PUC,"
said Mr. Ahern. "With all the utility industry
deregulation in the 1990s, I'm looking forward to helping
the Commissioners and talented staff navigate to smoother
waters."
Mr. Ahern has had a distinguished career in State government,
working for five agencies and the Legislature, including:
-
Officer to the Board of the California State Coastal
Conservancy from 1998-2001;
-
Deputy Commissioner for Rate Regulation at the
California Department of Insurance from 1993-1995;
-
Chief of the Energy and Ocean Resources Division
at the California Coastal Commission from 1977-1981;
-
Manager of the Biennial Report Office at the California
Energy Commission from 1975-1976.
Mr. Ahern holds a Doctorate in Public Policy from the
Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
The Executive Director reports to the President of
the Commission and manages the divisional staff.
Mr. Ahern replaces Wes Franklin, who on Jan. 21, 2003,
announced his resignation from the position after seven
years of service, but will remain at the Commission
and join the President's staff. 
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