During a March 19, 2018 open meeting, the Public Utility Commission of Texas announced the hiring of John Paul Urban as Executive Director to replace Brian Lloyd, who recently resigned.
Urban previously served as the PUC’s Director of Government Relations from 2011-2014. He also previously served as Chief of Staff for Rep. Wayne Smith. Most recently, he served as a director for NRG Energy. Urban is a native of Baytown, Texas, and a graduate of the University of Texas.
In announcing the Commission’s selection of Urban, PUC Chair DeAnn Walker said, “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. We are confident in his ability to lead the agency as it fulfills its oversight role.”
Additional staff changes
In addition to Urban’s hiring, the Commission also announced new titles for Thomas Gleeson (Chief Operating Officer) and Stephen Journeay (Commission Counselor, Office of Policy and Docket Management.) As part of the realignment, Journeay will now report directly to the commissioners instead of the executive director. Gleeson has served the commission since 2008 in roles of increasing responsibility. He is a graduate of Southwestern University and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Journeay, a licensed attorney and professional engineer with experience in a variety of state agencies and public companies, has been with the PUC since 1996.
Rounding out the new executive team, Walker introduced communications director, Andrew Barlow. Barlow previously served in the communications offices of Texas Governor Rick Perry and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst. The Navy veteran is a Notre Dame graduate.
Headquartered in Austin, the Public Utility Commission of Texas is charged with protecting utility customers, fostering market competition, and promoting high-quality telephone, water and electric utility infrastructure.