Exelon Corporation (Exelon) has promoted Thomas S. O'Neill, vice president of Exelon Nuclear's new plant development program, to senior vice president, generation development for Exelon Generation, effective March, 2008. In his new role, O'Neill will be responsible for identification and development of new renewable and merchant generation and new enterprises, providing oversight for projects across the company.
A significant portion of O’Neill’s responsibility will involve renewable energy and other development work necessary to meet carbon reduction goals established under Exelon 2020: A Low Carbon Roadmap. His group will support the work of corporate strategy, corporate development, power team and other organizations as they establish priorities for business and generation development.
We’re entering an era of new energy development that requires us to expand our thinking across the traditional fossil and nuclear organizational lines into a broader, more unified approach, Chris Crane, Exelon’s president and chief operating officer said. This will require an integrated, disciplined project management approach that makes the most efficient use of our resources. Tom has demonstrated that he can consistently and successfully navigate complex, multifaceted projects with nimbleness and efficiency. I am delighted that he will be leading this new approach to our development work.
Under US president Obama’s administration, Exelon anticipates to see a broad range of obligations and opportunities arising from energy, environmental and economic mandates, Crane said. Coupled with Exelon 2020 carbon reduction commitments, the new demands will require a new approach to Exelon’s business development.
O’Neill joined the company in 2001 after 12 years in private law practice. O’Neill was a partner with the Chicago office of the national law firm Jenner & Block, practicing civil and criminal litigation with a wide range of corporate and individual clients. He joined Exelon as lead counsel to Exelon Nuclear and was promoted to vice president responsible for regulatory, legal and environmental affairs before taking on his most recent project development role.
O’Neill earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Illinois-Urbana (Honors with High Distinction) and his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School.