SPP has bolstered its external affairs group in the face of massive industry changes by plucking Emily Shuart from Oklahoma Gas & Electric, where she compiled more than 20 years of experience in federal and state regulatory and legislative affairs, energy policy and stakeholder relations.

Shuart will take over as the RTO’s senior director of external affairs and stakeholder relations, effective Sept. 2. She is expected to work closely with Mike Ross, senior vice president of external affairs, in leading SPP’s engagement with government officials, legislators, industry organizations and stakeholders.

“Emily brings an outstanding track record of leadership in energy policy and stakeholder engagement,” Chief Strategy Officer Kevin Bryant said in a July 17 press release. “Her expertise will be instrumental in helping SPP foster productive dialogue with our partners and communicate the value we bring to the region.”

Shuart, who will report directly to Bryant, most recently served as director of federal, RTO and environmental affairs for OG&E and represented the company on SPP’s Members Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma.

The grid operator also promoted Carrie Dixon as technical director, market policy and operations. She will help align the coordination and development of market policies with SPP’s goals, tariff and other governing documents amid the evolving national regulatory and industry landscape. The move is effective Aug. 4.

Dixon joined SPP in 2024 and currently serves as market policy principal in support of Markets+. She has more than 15 years of electric utility experience, holding leadership positions at NextEra Energy and Xcel Energy. She represented both companies in various SPP stakeholder groups.