Next Generation
Since April 2014, Sue Kelly has been president and CEO of the American Public Power Association - the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. Earlier, she was the senior vice president, policy analysis and general counsel. Under Kelly's leadership, the association has advocated on wholesale electric market issues, worked to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and resources for utilities and raised the profile of public power in Washington, D.C.
Throughout my career, I've tried to share my passion for energy issues with family and friends, not always successfully! When I was seven months pregnant, as a mid-career energy lawyer, I tried a month-long natural gas pipeline rate case. This was back when it was all the rage to play classical music, preferably Mozart, to your child in utero. Instead, my child got a full month of cross-examination about rates of return and minimum bills.
Once she emerged, my daughter heard lots more about rate cases and navigating FERC practice and procedures. So, you might have thought my daughter was poised for a career in energy. But the moment of truth came when her middle school had Career Day. I offered to go and talk about my job. Annie refused because my job was "too boring." That was soul-crushing, but I survived.
Today, Annie has a successful career in broadcast journalism - with a STEM connection. She co-hosts and co-produces the brand-new podcast "Undiscovered" for NPR's Science Friday, telling the stories of the "left turns and false starts that make science happen." And I am still trying to convince younger people how cool an energy career can be!