PJM Interconnection Announces Appointment of Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Michael Coyle Brings 20 Years of DEI Experience

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Aug 02, 2021, 09:34 ET

VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Aug. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PJM Interconnection today announced the appointment of Michael Coyle as its chief diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) officer. In conjunction with PJM's Executive Team, Human Resources and the organization's DEI Council, Coyle will oversee the development, recommendation and promotion of comprehensive inclusive corporate policies and programs. He began the role on July 21.

Michael Coyle, chief diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) officer

"Michael has an impressive record of championing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives with creativity and passion," said President and CEO Manu Asthana. "We are excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to his leadership."

As PJM's chief DEI officer, Coyle will lead, develop, organize and direct all aspects of the function, with direct responsibility for ensuring responsiveness to PJM's business objectives, core values and the organization's DEI strategic plan. He will also collaborate with the PJM community to drive training in cultural competency, listening and storytelling to increase awareness of and support for DEI.

Coyle reports to Nora Swimm, Senior Vice President – Corporate Client Services.

"I am thrilled to welcome Michael to PJM," said Swimm. "His broad experience, knowledge and drive will further advance and enhance our DEI initiatives."

Coyle has more than 20 years of diversity, equity and inclusion experience, most recently as principal program manager of DEI at Pacific Gas & Electric Company, where he was responsible for building accountability and implementing change management initiatives across the talent life cycle as well as the "Leading Conversations on Race & Equity" leadership development program.

He has led partnerships with numerous philanthropic organizations, including Lighthouse for the Blind, the Transgender Law Center and The Arc San Francisco (for individuals with disabilities). Coyle, who was raised in Binghamton, NY, holds a Bachelor of Science in international business from Ithaca College and a Master of Science in international employment relations and human resource management from The London School of Economics.

He will relocate to the Philadelphia area with his husband, Jasper Lin.

PJM Interconnection, founded in 1927, ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 65 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 over 85,103 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. PJM's regional grid and market operations produce annual savings of $3.2 billion to $4 billion. For the latest news about PJM, visit PJM Inside Lines at insidelines.pjm.com.