By Tom Kleckner

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas on Monday approved the choice of John Paul Urban as its executive director during a special open meeting.

PUC Chair DeAnn Walker said Urban will oversee “something of a reorganization” once he comes on board.

Urban brings a strong political background with him. He worked in a number of legislative positions since graduating from the University of Texas in 2000 and was the PUC’s director of government relations for three and a half years before joining NRG Energy in a managerial position.

“Based on his past tenure at the PUC, John Paul has an excellent grasp of the agency’s mission and a sterling reputation in both the capitol and our regulated industries,” Walker said in a statement. “We are confident in his ability to lead the agency as it fulfills its oversight role.”

Urban replaces Brian Lloyd, who announced his resignation from the commission in January. (See Texas PUC Executive Director to Resign.)

Walker also announced new titles for two long-time staffers as part of the strategic alignment that Urban’s hiring will complete. Thomas Gleeson, who has been at the commission for 10 years, will become the PUC’s chief operating officer, while Stephen Journeay will become commission counselor in the Office of Policy and Docket Management.

Journeay, who sits in front of the PUC during open meetings and coordinates the work on dockets, will now report directly to the commissioners, instead of the executive director. He is a licensed attorney and professional engineer and has been with the PUC since 1996.

“When I found out he was reporting to the executive director, it didn’t make much sense,” Walker said. “He really reports to us.”

Walker also announced Andrew Barlow has been hired as the PUC’s communications director. Barlow previously served in communications roles for former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.