Gil Quiniones, Cuomo’s energy chief, receives Alex Radin leadership award
Gil C. Quiniones, president & CEO of the New York Power Authority, received the Alex Radin Distinguished Service Award at the American Public Power Association 2017 national conference on June 20. The award is the highest distinction granted by the American Public Power Association (APPA), recognizing exceptional leadership and dedication to public power.
Quiniones, the highest ranking Filipino American in the administration of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, has spent the last 14 years deeply involved in a wide range of cutting-edge public power issues. He has served as a senior executive since 2007 at the New York Power Authority, where he has carried out his role as president and CEO for more than five years.
“At NYPA, he has led the nation’s largest state electric utility on a new journey of discovery, inspiring the entire organization and playing a pivotal role in the transformation of electric generation and transmission in New York State,” according to a press statement.
He also serves as a member of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s cabinet, advising on state energy policy.
Prior to NYPA, Quiniones was the lead energy official in New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration from 2003 to 2007. He is a member of the Large Public Power Council’s Steering Committee, recently served as chair of the Electric Power Research Institute, and in December, was named chair of the Alliance to Save Energy’s board of directors.
“For the past decade, Gil Quiniones has consistently been at the forefront of energy advances in New York State. Under his leadership, the New York Power Authority is fulfilling its commitment to be the most innovative utility in the country. Most recently, that includes working to become the first all-digital utility, as well as playing a leading role in developing and implementing New York State’s innovative and pace-setting energy policy. Gil’s role in setting the tone and direction for NYPA, as well as his active engagement within the industry, including his recent selection as chairman of the Alliance to Save Energy and as a former chairman of the Electric Power Research Institute, speak to his status as a true energy leader. Accordingly, on behalf of NYPA’s Board of Trustees, I am very pleased and proud to congratulate Gil on his worthy selection as this year’s winner of the American Public Power Association’s Alex Radin Distinguished Service Award,” said John R. Koelmel, chair, NYPA Board of Trustees.
Born in Iowa, Quiniones is the only U.S.-born among four siblings. The family lived in the Hawkeye State while their parents were scholars at the Iowa State University. When he was 4, his family returned to the Philippines because his parents were accepted into research fellowships at UP Los Banos. It was in the Philippines where Quiniones received his education from elementary to college.
After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from De La Salle University, Quiniones returned to the U.S. in late 1980s. In the U.S., he completed graduate courses in engineering management and technology management at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, and attended executive education programs at the Columbia University Business School.
He worked for a small energy consulting firm after college, before joining public utility company Consolidated Edison where he worked for 16 years as an engineer.
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.
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