PJM CEO Terry Boston Elected To National Academy Of Engineering

Cited for accomplishments as head of power grid

News provided by

Feb 07, 2014, 01:14 ET

VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Feb. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- PJM Interconnection President and CEO Terry Boston has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his leadership in the development and operation of large electric grids and markets for wholesale electricity.

Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions for engineers. It is earned through a nomination process and review by present academy members of outstanding engineers with demonstrated contributions to the profession.

"On behalf of the PJM board, I congratulate Terry on this well-earned honor," said Board Chair Howard Schneider. "Behind his vision and leadership is an innovative mind, grounded in a theoretical and practical engineering foundation. At PJM, he has increased the number of customers served, forged important national and international industry relationships, championed new technologies and promoted advanced education for employees all while demanding and attaining a high performance workforce. He has positioned PJM well for the future."

Boston, a Tennessee native, holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Tennessee Technological University and a Master of Science in engineering administration from the University of Tennessee. He worked as an engineer in his early career at the Tennessee Valley Authority before rising to the executive ranks there. He joined PJM in 2008 as CEO and president.

Members of the National Academy of Engineering include experts in all engineering fields who've had identifiable contributions or accomplishments in:

Engineering research, practice, or education,
Pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.

The National Academies include the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine and National Research Council. They are private, nonprofit institutions that provide advice on challenging issues in the country and world. Research and analysis by the National Academies are used to shape public policies, inform public opinion and advance the pursuit of science, engineering, and medicine.

Among Boston's other recognitions and honors, he is president of the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies and immediate past president of GO 15, the association of the world's largest power grid operators. He also served as a U.S. vice president of the International Council of Large Electric Systems.

Boston is past chair of the North American Transmission Forum and was one of the eight industry experts selected to direct the North American Electric Reliability Corporation investigation of the August 2003 Northeast/Midwest blackout.

PJM Interconnection, founded in 1927, ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 61 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. PJM coordinates and directs the operation of the region's transmission grid, which includes 62,556 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. Visit PJM at www.pjm.com.