New Leadership Move Inside SPP
The Southwest Power Pool said it has created a new position, one to direct the grid’s enterprise risk management program and tariff compliance measures.
However, market observers often view leadership structure shifts inside SPP as strategic alignment signals because governance scaffolding shapes long-term reliability, cost, and regulatory posture across the footprint. Additionally, organizational clarity ensures sustained rule compliance at scale.
Erin Cullum Marcussen was named director of governance, risk and compliance and the appointment was effective November 3.
Meanwhile, talent elevation from within often reflects domain depth and continuity, providing institutional knowledge advantages for multi-year rule evolution cycles relevant to Oklahoma Energy markets as well.
Executive Support and Leadership Messaging
“Erin brings a deep knowledge of our core functions and a strong work ethic focused on achieving successful results,” said Mike Riley, SPP vice president for corporate services and chief compliance officer.
Additionally, executive affirmation signals alignment with strategic governance objectives and reinforces market stability perception across Southwest Power Pool members.
Role Strategy and Risk Mandate for SPP
In her new position, Marcussen will focus on proactive tariff compliance and ensuring that SPP is effectively identifying, managing, and communicating enterprise risks.
However, proactive tariff compliance becomes more valuable during emerging pricing pressures, evolving market design, and regulatory timetables affecting reliability and cost.
She will provide independent analysis and assurance of risk and compliance matters to SPP’s officers, board of directors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
Additionally, that position supports an auditable oversight loop for enterprise risk management, which is critical across regional ISO/RTO systems.
“I am honored and excited to assume this role,” Marcussen said. “I look forward to further strengthening SPP’s risk and compliance program to support operational excellence and deliver value to our members.”
Also, risk discipline becomes a measurable performance factor because enterprise resiliency directly influences market confidence and operational excellence in grid operations frameworks.
Regulatory Expertise and Experience Base
Marcussen joined SPP in 2010 and has served as senior manager for compliance since 2016, helping SPP meet standards for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.
However, NERC alignment and demonstrated successful audits allow markets and policymakers to trust the consistency of compliance interpretation across regional rule frameworks.
She is a past chair of the Independent System Operator/Regional Transmission Organization Council Compliance Working Group.
Additionally, committee leadership history across industry alliances strengthens credibility and reinforces system-wide confidence in her new enterprise role.
She received her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Arkansas.
Finally, legal literacy and enterprise risk fluency form a strong skill pairing inside Southwest Power Pool regulatory constructs especially as frameworks evolve alongside new resource portfolios.