American Electric Power has named Adrian Rodriguez as president and chief operating officer of AEP Texas to align with the company's strategy to capitalize on long-term priorities, further strengthen operational performance and enhance relationships with key stakeholders in the state. Rodriguez will join the company March 30, 2026 and will report to Bill Fehrman, AEP chairman, president and chief executive officer. Rodriguez will succeed Judith Talavera, who has left the organization.
Alex Ramirez, vice president, Distribution Operations, AEP Texas, will serve as interim president and chief operating officer until Rodriguez joins the company to ensure a smooth transition. Rodriguez currently serves as president of Southwestern Public Service Company, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy serving customers in New Mexico and Texas, where he directed significant regulatory initiatives, secured the largest capital project in the company's history and led the company through wildfire recovery efforts. Prior to joining Southwestern Public Service Company in 2022, Rodriguez served as senior vice president, Regulatory & Strategy, for Puget Sound Energy.
Prior to Puget Sound, he held roles of increasing responsibility with El Paso Electric Company, including senior vice president, General Counsel, and interim chief executive officer and board director. Rodriguez has held various roles in private law practice, the federal court system, public policy and in the Texas legislature. Rodriguez received a bachelor's degree in economics and government from the University of Texas, a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and a Juris Doctor from Columbia University.
