ISO-NE COO named NECA Vanguard Award winner

The Northeast Energy and Commerce Association (NECA) has named ISO New England’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Vamsi Chadalavada as the group’s 2020 Vanguard Award winner.

In announcing Chadalavada’s selection, NECA cited his ability to be the “calm in the eye of the storm” during challenging events throughout his career, most recently the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is humbling to accept this on behalf of the ISO and the broader industry including transmission, generation, and demand entities that were all instrumental in maintaining bulk system reliability in New England,” said Chadalavada. “Words cannot adequately express my appreciation to all the people in this industry for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. They are the driving force behind maintaining reliability.”

Chadalavada will receive his award during NECA’s seventh annual Market Movers Awards Night, to be held virtually on Oct. 21, 2020. The event will also see FirstLight Power’s Chief Executive Officer Alicia Barton receive NECA’s Innovation Award, and feature a special recognition of the energy industry’s essential workers, who have remained at their posts throughout the pandemic.