SPP has promoted Felek Abbas to senior vice president and chief technology and security officer, combining his current duties as CSO with responsibility for information technology and corporate facilities. 

Abbas joined SPP in January 2024 as vice president and CSO, overseeing SPP’s cyber and physical security, emergency management and business continuity. He takes over the IT responsibilities of Sam Ellis, who retired in February. 

“Given the rapidly increasing changes and risks confronting our industry, it’s essential we have the very best leading our pursuit of transformative technology,” said incoming SPP CEO Lanny Nickell.  

Abbas has more than 30 years of electric industry experience in cybersecurity, engineering, consulting, risk management, audit and compliance. Previously, he was senior manager of cybersecurity for power and utilities at Ernst & Young. Abbas also has served as a NERC critical infrastructure protection compliance adviser and auditor.