Omaha Public Power District President and CEO Javier Fernandez will step down at the end of the year.
OPPD confirmed Wednesday that Fernandez informed the utility’s board of directors of his decision, which the utility said follows “a unique opportunity for his family.” Fernandez told employees earlier this week.
OPPD said details about his next role are not yet public.
The board’s governance committee is finalizing the appointment of an interim CEO, according to the utility, which said it would share updates as they become available.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing thanked Fernandez for his leadership, calling him “an excellent partner for the city” in emergency response after major storms and in economic development. Ewing said the city looks forward to working with OPPD through the leadership change.
The Greater Omaha Chamber, whose board Fernandez sits on, praised his tenure. Chamber President and CEO Heath Mello called Fernandez “a transformational leader” and said “OPPD’s next steps will be consequential.” Mello said the utility’s next leader should embrace an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy to meet rapidly growing demand.
Fernandez joined OPPD in 2017 as vice president and chief financial officer after five years at the Bonneville Power Administration, a federal power marketing agency in Portland, Oregon. OPPD’s elected board unanimously chose him in 2021 to succeed retiring CEO Tim Burke. He took over that July.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Fernandez became OPPD’s first CEO of color.
During his tenure, the utility dealt with severe storms and surging demand for electricity. OPPD has set a new summer peak every year since 2021, including a record 3,285 megawatts this July.
OPPD also faced a lawsuit last year from Attorney General Mike Hilgers over its plan to convert its North Omaha Station from coal to natural gas. Hilgers dropped the suit in December after OPPD’s board voted to again delay the conversion.
Fernandez also serves as president of the Nebraska Power Association board and vice chair of the Large Public Power Council.
OPPD has not said when the board will name a permanent successor or whether the search will include public input, as it did in 2021.