WAPA’s Media Line: 720-962-7411
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 17, 2023
CONTACT: Stephen J. Collier, mediarelations@wapa.gov, 720-962-7411
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Christopher Lawrence has been named Western Area Power Administration’s new Chief of Staff.
Lawrence officially assumed the position July 16. Lawrence has served as the acting chief of staff for WAPA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Tracey A. LeBeau since early 2023.
“Since January, Chris has served in an acting chief of staff capacity and quickly proved himself well-suited for the permanent position,” LeBeau remarked. “Over the past seven months, he has shown his passion for the mission as well as his expertise in addressing priorities and coordination for the Office of the Administrator. Chris will continue to serve as an advisor and support me, and provide executive advice to the Senior Leadership Team and our WAPA team members to help guide our organization’s strategic direction as we continue to deliver reliable, cost-effective hydropower to our customers. Chris is a subject matter expert in transmission policy and is a valuable member of the senior team.”
As Chief of Staff, Lawrence will advise and manage the Office of the Administrator, and liaise with customers, employees and partners. His work will serve a pivotal role in synchronizing WAPA-wide and high priority matters involving other Department of Energy offices and federal agencies, ensuring WAPA priorities and activities are understood at the highest levels of government.
“I’m extremely humbled to have been selected to serve as Chief of Staff permanently. I appreciate Administrator LeBeau and the entire leadership team for their support and confidence since I took on this role in an acting capacity,” said Lawrence. “I look forward to continue to support WAPA’s customers and employees as we accomplish our important mission.”
Before being selected for the Chief of Staff position, Lawrence served as a legislative liaison in WAPA’s Washington Liaison Office where he provided valuable briefings and information on the organization’s activities to Congressional staff and representatives. Prior to joining WAPA, Lawrence has held leadership positions in the DOE Office of Electricity, including supporting DOE’s Electricity Advisory Committee as well as DOE’s international transmission permitting program. Lawrence has a Master of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School.
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About WAPA: Western Area Power Administration annually markets and transmits more than 28,000 gigawatt-hours of clean, renewable power from 57 federal hydroelectric powerplants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and International Boundary and Water Commission in 15 western and central states. It is part of the Department of Energy. Follow us on Twitter @WesternAreaPowr or visit the website at www.wapa.gov.
Last modified on November 2nd, 2023