BC Hydro has announced that Jessica McDonald has been appointed as the company’s new President and CEO, taking over from Charles Reid who announced plans to retire in February.
McDonald’s appointment comes after an extensive and thorough three-month search process. She officially takes up her position on 14 July 14 2014.
"I’m very pleased to have Jessica join the BC Hydro team. She brings a wealth of experience as a senior leader in the corporate and public sectors and has served in the most senior public service position in the provincial government," said Stephen Bellringer, Chair, BC Hydro board. "I also want to thank Charles for his strong and steady leadership over the past several years."
McDonald held a number of posts under various administrations in the British Columbia government beginning in 1991.
From 2005 to 2009, she served in the most senior public service position in government as deputy minister to the Premier, cabinet secretary and head of the public service, responsible for oversight of all government operations, including 36,000 employees and a $40 billion budget. In this position, she led landmark discussions on the New Relationship between government and First Nations and achieved a ten point increase in employee engagement that saw the BC Public Service recognized, for the first time, as one of the province’s Top 50 Employers.
Most recently, McDonald has served as an independent consultant specializing in management and organizational performance, and commercial mediation and negotiation. In April, she finished a review of the Industry Training Authority. Her final report set out 29 recommendations to enhance and strengthen B.C.’s trades training system.
"I’m very excited about this opportunity," commented McDonald. "BC Hydro has an important role to play in growing British Columbia’s economy and I look forward to leading a dedicated, skilled workforce and a strong capital investment program so that our customers can continue to benefit from an affordable, reliable and safe electricity system."
