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THE GULF COAST POWER ASSOCIATION BRAD JONES MENTORSHIP NETWORK LAUNCHES LATE Q1 2026! 

Empowering the Next Generation of Energy Leaders

In Honor of 2023 GCPA Pat Wood Power Star Award Recipient Brad Jones, the Gulf Coast Power Association Brad Jones Mentorship Network is an exclusive member benefit connecting energy professionals across the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast. Through meaningful one-on-one relationships, group learning circles, and ad-hoc mentoring opportunities, we're building the collaborative, supportive community that Brad championed throughout his distinguished career. 

What You Can Expect
As a MentorRe

Share your hard-won expertise with the next generation of energy professionals. Whether you have decades of experience or unique specialized knowledge, your insights matter.

You'll be able to:

  • Share career experiences and industry wisdom across company boundaries
  • Connect with future leaders shaping the energy landscape
  • Give back to the community Brad passionately supported
  • Expand your professional network beyond your workplace
  • Refine your own leadership skills through teaching others
  • Choose your commitment level: structured cohort or flexible ad-hoc mentoring
Eligibility:
  • Must be a GCPA member throughout your participation
  • 10+ years of experience in the energy industry or unique specialized knowledge/skills 
  • Must be employed in or deeply knowledgeable about energy-related fields including: power generation, transmission, distribution, markets, trading, regulatory affairs, law, finance, engineering, operations, policy, or related disciplines
  • Complete your profile on the mentorship platform

For Structured Cohort Mentors:

  • Commit to the full cohort period (6-12 months)
  • Meet with your mentee at least once monthly (virtual or in-person—your choice) 
  • Provide guidance, resources, and honest feedback
  • Help mentee develop and work toward career goals 
  • Keep all communications confidential
  • Communicate with program coordinators if issues arise
  • Attend at least one networking event during the program year

For Ad-Hoc Mentors:

  • Complete your profile indicating areas where you're willing to provide guidance
  • Respond to mentee requests in a timely manner
  • Commit to at least one meaningful conversation when you accept a match
  • Keep communications confidential

As a Mentee

Learn from seasoned professionals who've navigated the challenges you're facing now. Get honest guidance, industry insights, and career strategies you won't find in textbooks.

You'll receive:

  • Personalized career development guidance from experienced professionals
  • Industry-specific knowledge and navigation strategies
  • Access to expanded networks across companies and sectors
  • Goal-setting support and accountability
  • Choice of structured cohort program or ad-hoc mentoring sessions
  • Virtual or in-person meeting flexibility based on your schedule

Eligibility:

  • Must be a GCPA member
  • Complete your profile on the mentorship platform

For Structured Cohort Participants:

  • Commit to participating in the mentor/mentee relationship for the full cohort period (6-12 months)
  • Meet with your mentor at least once monthly (virtual or in-person—your choice)
  • Develop short- and long-term professional goals to guide your sessions
  • Come prepared to meetings with specific questions or topics
  • Attend at least one networking event during the program year
  • Keep all communications within your mentor/mentee relationship confidential
  • Provide feedback to program coordinators at mid-point and program conclusion

For Ad-Hoc Participants:

  • Clearly communicate your specific needs or questions when reaching out
  • Respect your mentor's time and availability
  • Follow through on scheduled conversations
  • Keep communications confidential

All career stages welcome.
Whether you're a recent graduate, mid-career professional, or senior leader exploring new directions, there's value in seeking guidance.

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Why Not Both?

None of us are fully evolved. All of us have a story and skills to share.

You can participate as both a mentor AND mentee in the program. Offer to mentor on the skills you know you're great at—whether that's regulatory strategy, market analysis, stakeholder management, or technical expertise. Then reach out for help as a mentee in areas where you're building confidence—perhaps leadership development, work-life balance, or navigating career transitions.

This reflects how Brad approached professional development: always learning, always teaching, always connecting.

Get Started Today

Program Timeline

Now - March 2026 Platform Access & Self-Matching - Members can create profiles and begin connecting
Late Q1 2026 First Official Cohort Launch - Structured mentoring relationships begin
Q2 2026 Active Mentorship Period - Monthly meetings for cohort participants
Mid-2026 Networking Mixer & Check-In Event - Connect with the broader network
Q3-Q4 2026 Continued Mentorship - Cohort relationships continue; ad-hoc mentoring ongoing
Year-Round Ad-Hoc Mentoring Available - Connect for single-session guidance anytime
Q4 2026 Year-End Celebration & Recognition - Celebrate successes and plan for 2027

Note: Ad-hoc mentoring is available throughout the program—not everyone needs a year-long commitment. Sometimes you just need one conversation with the right person.

Program Features

  • Intelligent Matching - Advanced MatchIQ® technology pairs mentors and mentees based on expertise, career goals, and shared interests for optimal professional development.
  • Two-Track Approach - Traditional one-on-one mentoring relationships alongside group mentoring circles led by senior industry experts.
  • Enhanced Networking - Industry-themed social events, interest-based groups, and cross-company collaboration opportunities that extend beyond the workplace.
  • Mobile Platform - Comprehensive digital platform with video calling, resource sharing, progress tracking, and 24/5 technical support.
  • Professional Development - Access to specialized courses including "Mentoring Across Differences" and integration with GCPA's educational offerings.
  • Structured Guidance - Pre-built conversation agendas, goal-setting templates, and industry-specific resource library to maximize mentoring effectiveness.

Honoring Power Star Brad Jones

In March 2023, just months before his passing in November 2023, Brad was recognized with GCPA's most prestigious honor—the 2023 Pat Wood Power Star Award—in recognition of his significant contributions toward the advancement of competitive energy markets in Texas.

"I've known Brad Jones since he was just a newbie in the electric industry. The story of Brad's career path is the story of our industry's evolution from regulation to competition to resiliency... And he did it with a smile and a good word to all!"

— Mark Dreyfus, GCPA Past President

Brad was integrally engaged in the transformation of the electric industry throughout his career. He served as President and CEO of the New York Independent System Operator and held several leadership positions at Luminant. Most notably, when Texas needed him most following Winter Storm Uri, Brad left retirement to become the Interim CEO of ERCOT, leading the implementation of legislative changes and 60 new initiatives designed to make the Texas grid more reliable.

"I have long been a Brad Jones fanboy. He is genuine. He is smart. He is decisive. His passion and optimism are matched only by his competence and leadership. What a gift he has been to Texas and to our industry."

— Pat Wood III, Former Public Utility Commission of Texas and FERC Chairman

Throughout his career, Brad was consciously committed to helping individuals grow their careers while advocating for competitive outcomes in electricity markets. He served on numerous professional, industry, and volunteer boards, demonstrating his exceptional ability to build bridges across diverse organizations. This mentorship network honors his legacy of connecting, developing, and inspiring energy professionals.

Join the Network

Be part of Brad's legacy. Connect, collaborate, and grow with energy professionals across the Gulf Coast.