Bonneville Power Administration
11/19/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/19/2024 13:18
BPA selects Chris Wilk as chief information officer
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BPA selects Chris Wilk as chief information officer
November 19, 2024
BPA has named Chris Wilk as its chief information officer and executive vice president of Information Technology.
The Bonneville Power Administration has named Chris Wilk as its chief information officer and executive vice president of Information Technology.
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Chris brings to BPA a depth of experience in civil service, industry and the military that gives him a uniquely well-rounded perspective and the ability to create connections, collaborate and build coalitions across diverse groups at all levels.
Chief Administrative Officer Robin FurrerThe Bonneville Power Administration has named Chris Wilk as its chief information officer and executive vice president of Information Technology. Wilk will take over the role on Dec. 1. Acting CIO Nita Zimmerman will return to her position of record as BPA's chief business transformation officer.
Wilk comes to BPA from the Southeastern Power Administration, where he served as CIO for three years. He also served as BPA's acting CIO during the first half of 2024."Chris brings to BPA a depth of experience in civil service, industry and the military that gives him a uniquely well-rounded perspective and the ability to create connections, collaborate and build coalitions across diverse groups at all levels," said Chief Administrative Officer Robin Furrer. "He combines his leadership and people skills with technical competencies to leverage technology, enabling organizations to achieve their strategic objectives. I am so pleased he is officially joining BPA in this critically important role."
The CIO and executive vice president of Information Technology is responsible for developing and supporting BPA-wide technology systems and providing governance and planning to meet BPA's mission and objectives. In this position, Wilk will have overall responsibility, oversight, direction and accountability for BPA information and operational technology-related programs. This includes establishing strategies, objectives, policy and planning; ensuring adherence to industry and federal regulations and mandates; and keeping performance standards aligned with financial targets and agency direction.
As a core member of BPA's senior leadership team, Wilk will also be responsible for serving as the principal adviser to the administrator and other senior executives regarding the use of technology and effective solutions and services to improve business processes and meet agency mission requirements.
"In his short time with BPA, Chris has already demonstrated skilled decision-making and expertise that has positioned BPA to meet strategic objectives and industry-leading goals," said BPA Administrator and CEO John Hairston. "These efforts will result in BPA establishing the most robust technology organization in the Department of Energy. I have full faith in Chris as he continues championing advancements that enhance our operational resilience."
After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado, Wilk was commissioned through the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. While on active duty, he served with the storied 10th Mountain Division as part of Operation Enduring Freedom as well as with the 15th Signal Brigade and United States Army Cyber Center of Excellence. Wilk rose to become commanding officer of an IT organization and also served in a variety of other leadership positions, such as director of operations where he oversaw Human Resources, Security, Logistics, Operations and IT for one of the Army's largest Signal Battalions. He is the recipient of a variety of awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.
Following two years in the private sector, Wilk returned to the Cyber Center of Excellence in 2019 as a civilian where he served as the chief of IT Programs for Transformation and Modernization, overseeing a $400 million program budget supporting several groundbreaking initiatives.
In 2021, Wilk joined the Southeastern Power Administration as its chief information officer. As a member of SEPA's senior leadership team, Wilk was responsible for leading all aspects of the agency's IT, Cybersecurity, Operational Technology and Federal Records programs.
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as BPA's chief information officer," said Wilk. "Technology is a key partner and enabler, supporting nearly all aspects of our agency's mission. I look forward to working with BPA's diverse and talented workforce as we help move the agency forward during a time of critical transformation."
Following two years in the private sector, Wilk returned to the Cyber Center of Excellence in 2019 as a civilian where he served as the chief of IT Programs for Transformation and Modernization, overseeing a $400 million program budget supporting several groundbreaking initiatives.
In 2021, Wilk joined the Southeastern Power Administration as its chief information officer. As a member of SEPA's senior leadership team, Wilk was responsible for leading all aspects of the agency's IT, Cybersecurity, Operational Technology and Federal Records programs.
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as BPA's chief information officer," said Wilk. "Technology is a key partner and enabler, supporting nearly all aspects of our agency's mission. I look forward to working with BPA's diverse and talented workforce as we help move the agency forward during a time of critical transformation."
Wilk has a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Colorado, a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University and a Master of Science from Western Governors University. He also has a Project Management Professional certification and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
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