Javier Fernandez, president and CEO of Omaha Public Power District, plans to leave the public utility at the end of the year, OPPD said Wednesday.
Fernandez informed employees of his decision earlier this week. OPPD said the departure follows a family opportunity. The district’s governance committee is working on the appointment of an interim CEO while the board addresses the leadership transition.
OPPD is Nebraska’s largest public power district and supplies electricity in the Omaha area. The utility’s leadership affects decisions involving generation, transmission, reliability and long-term energy planning for its customers and the communities it serves.
“Public power is a treasure in our community and state. We look forward to working with OPPD through their leadership change.” — Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr.
Fernandez’s tenure
Fernandez became OPPD’s president and CEO in 2021, succeeding Tim Burke. He joined the district in 2017 as vice president and chief financial officer before moving into the top job.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. credited Fernandez with being a partner to the city during emergency responses after major storms and in economic development work. Ewing also cited OPPD’s involvement with the city’s “We Make Omaha” comprehensive plan and its Urban Core strategic plan.
Heath Mello, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, said Fernandez’s work included planning around energy decisions and their connection to the region’s ability to compete for jobs and investment. Mello also serves on the OPPD board, according to the statement provided by the chamber.
OPPD’s board approved a $72,000 increase to Fernandez’s annual salary in 2024, bringing it to $856,000. The district has not identified the interim CEO in the announcement.
- Fernandez joined OPPD in 2017 as its vice president and chief financial officer.
- He became president and CEO in 2021.
- He is scheduled to leave the district at the end of 2026, with an interim appointment under consideration.
The board’s governance committee is handling the interim appointment as Fernandez prepares to depart. The utility’s next permanent leadership decision will follow the transition process established by the district’s board.
