The Organization of MISO States has named Tricia DeBleeckere, current MISO director of state policy and strategy, as its next executive director. 

Before her two years at MISO, DeBleeckere spent nearly 14 years at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, serving as a commission adviser and analyst and planning director focused on transmission and distributed energy resources integration. While with the commission, she was active in OMS. 

“We are very excited to have Tricia return to the OMS team; she brings a wealth of industry expertise to OMS’ work and is already a known asset for many MISO states. Her previous experience working for a state commission, existing relationships with OMS, and her most recent experience at MISO will be an incredible resource for our members,” OMS President and Iowa Utilities Board Member Joshua Byrnes said in an April 19 news release. “Tricia brings a deep understanding of how to navigate complex regulatory and stakeholder processes, and her experience, knowledge and thoughtfulness will serve OMS and state commissions well.” 

DeBleeckere holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota and is finishing a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas Permian Basin. Her new role becomes effective May 8. 

“I am truly excited to be working with the OMS team again to ensure we are proceeding through the energy transition in the most cost-effective, reliable and efficient way possible. There are many challenges currently before OMS, state commissions and MISO — with many more to come in the years ahead,” DeBleeckere said in a statement.  

DeBleeckere, who is based in Minneapolis, will lead the Madison, Wis.-based OMS remotely.  

At an April 11 OMS board meeting, Byrnes reported that OMS leadership interviewed four candidates in early April. Michigan Public Service Commission Chair Dan Scripps said OMS was faced with a difficult choice among excellent candidates.  

Previous OMS Executive Director Marcus Hawkins left OMS this month to become a commissioner with the Wisconsin PSC. (See MISO Members Send off OMS Leader Hawkins to Wisconsin PSC.)  

In March, MISO CEO John Bear said Hawkins was leaving a “hole” in OMS leadership but said he was cheered that MISO still can work with him as a Wisconsin Public Service commissioner.  

Bear also thanked Minnesota Public Service Commissioner Joseph Sullivan and Byrnes for stepping up to share former OMS President and Wisconsin Public Service Commissioner Tyler Huebner’s duties after he was abruptly fired by the state’s GOP-controlled Senate. (See Wisconsin Senate Votes to Fire Commissioner Huebner 4 Years into Job.)  

“It’s a critical, critical partnership with OMS,” Bear said.  

Byrnes said Huebner’s exit was “unfortunate” and that he was grateful to learn from him while he had the chance.