Judith E. Talavera, AEP Texas president and COO, has named Jeff Stracener vice president Distribution Region Operations effective June 13.  He will be responsible for the electric distribution system and all construction, maintenance and operations activities for the company.  He will replace Tom Coad who will retire in July.

Stracener brings over 36 years of experience in various disciplines ranging from operations, customer services and marketing and project management. Currently, he serves as Director of Distribution Risk & Project Management where he is responsible for identifying and evaluating the financial, operational and strategic risk implications of targeted areas of the company’s business operations. 

“Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this key position,” said Talavera. “He is a proven and respected leader both within our company and the AEP system and will help us continue moving forward with our efforts to be a leader in safety, culture and modernizing the grid.”

Stracener led the installation of over one million smart meters throughout the AEP Texas service territory.  Prior to that activity, he held management positions in Competitive Retail Relations, Customer Services and Account Management.   Talavera added that Stracener also brings experience in the regulatory arena and the state’s electricity market processes.

A native of Goliad, Texas, Stracener earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Texas A&M University in College Station and he is a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas.

Stracener is married to his wife, Rita, and they have two grown sons.