Puget Sound Energy (PSE) said Wednesday its board named Executive Vice President Kimberly Harris, 46, as the utility’s new president.

“Kimberly has the experience and the vision to lead PSE going forward. She is well qualified to build on the success achieved by Steve and the leadership team to ensure that PSE remains one of the premier utilities in the country,” said PSE Chairman Bill Ayer.

Harris joined PSE in 1999 and has held several leadership positions during the past 11 years — most recently serving as executive vice president and chief resource officer, responsible for all of PSE’s energy resources, including project development and contract management, energy efficiency services and federal government relations. Prior to that she was a senior vice president for regulatory policy and energy efficiency.

Harris also has been PSE’s vice president of regulatory and government affairs, associate general counsel and director of load resource strategies.

“Kimberly has deep industry experience, understands our regulatory environment and has been active in the community,” Reynolds said. “She has earned respect both inside and outside of the company by demonstrating her commitment to our customers and the region.”

Outside of the company, Harris serves on the state of Washington Clean Energy Leadership Council as well as the Energy Strategy Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the board of directors of the American Red Cross of King and Kitsap counties.

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