We are pleased to announce the appointment of Vanessa B. Pierce as WECC’s new vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary effective August 3, 2026.

In this role, Vanessa will lead WECC’s legal affairs, providing strategic counsel to the executive team and board of directors. She will oversee corporate governance, enterprise risk, enterprise security, and international relations while advancing our mission through thoughtful legal guidance and sound business judgment. 

Vanessa brings a track record of progressive leadership with various organizations and offers a deep understanding of corporate governance. In her most recent position at New U Life Corporation, Vanessa served as its first general counsel and corporate secretary, overseeing domestic and international corporate governance, legal affairs, and regulatory compliance for the health and wellness company. Her role also required ongoing engagement with a large and diverse stakeholder group.

Read the full announcement.

The WECC board of directors has scheduled a special closed HRCC and board of directors meeting to discuss personnel matters. The closed session will be held June 30, 2026, from 8 to 9 a.m. MDT. Pursuant to section 6.5.2 of the WECC Bylaws, members must be informed when a special meeting is scheduled. If you have questions, please contact WECC legal counsel.

Following a collaborative review among WREGIS users, our team at WECC, and our development partner Atomic Object, we are announcing an updated launch date for the new WREGIS software: February 17, 2027. 

This date reflects the shared priorities and feedback collected through the recent user survey regarding year-end compliance deadlines and scheduling needs and our joint assessment with Atomic Object of the development timeline to support a successful rollout of the software’s Phase 1 features and required system functionality. 

We value the partnership and input that has helped guide this decision and will continue to keep you informed as we develop and prepare for a new WREGIS software platform.

WECC will host a Risk Management Town Hall on Wednesday, July 8, 10 a.m.–noon MDT.

Risks affect all who are responsible for maintaining the reliability and security of the Western Interconnection’s BPS. The town hall will include discussions about risk tolerability and appetite, which will help determine which risks should have a treatment plan. Participants are encouraged to submit new data for consideration to the existing data-driven process.

Those engaged in addressing risks to the BPS, including generation, transmission, or operations are encouraged to attend. 

If you missed our June Reliability in the West Discussion Series, which included an introduction to our Risk Management Program, watch it now. It serves as a prelude to the July town hall discussion.

Learn more about our Risk Management Program.

Attend the Risk Management Town Hall.