GCPA Announces 2026 Pat Wood Power Star Award Recipient: Kevin Gresham

Austin, TEXAS, March 2, 2026 - The Gulf Coast Power Association (GCPA) Board of Directors proudly announces Kevin Gresham as the recipient of the prestigious Pat Wood Power Star Award for 2026. The GCPA established this award to annually recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the electric energy sector. Named in honor of its inaugural recipient, Pat Wood III, a distinguished former chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), this award celebrates those who have pushed boundaries and fostered positive change in the industry. The award will be presented during GCPA's 39th Annual Spring Conference on April 6-8, 2026, at the Hilton Americas in Houston, Texas.

Kevin Gresham has worked through some of the most transformative decades in the electric energy industry—opening competitive markets, evolving ownership models, and witnessing clean energy move from the margins to the mainstream. Over more than 20 years, he has been a steady, collaborative force in shaping the competitive electricity landscape. Most recently, Kevin directed RWE’s interactions with federal and state legislative and regulatory bodies. RWE is one of the nation's leading renewable energy companies with more than 10 GW of wind, solar, and battery energy storage generation capacity in North America.

Upon his retirement from RWE at the end of 2025, Kevin reflected that what he will remember most is the people. He expressed deep gratitude to the incredible team at RWE and to the many industry mentors, colleagues, and friends who challenged him, supported him, and helped shape the leader he became.

Kevin's career has been distinguished by hardworking dedication, inclusive leadership, and a remarkable lack of ego. As Regulatory Affairs Director for Reliant Energy, he was integral to the formulation of market rules for the ERCOT competitive market transition. He served as Chair of the ERCOT Protocol Revision Subcommittee for nearly a decade during some of the biggest market changes in the history of ERCOT, bringing stakeholders together to navigate complex transformations with patience and fairness. His collaborative approach and ability to build consensus across diverse interests became hallmarks of his leadership style. Kevin went on to represent the Generator Segment on the ERCOT Board until 2021.

Gresham's commitment to advancing the industry extended beyond ERCOT; he served as Chair for the Boards of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), the North American Generator Forum, and the Advanced Power Alliance. He has been an influential member of the American Clean Power Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association. His experience also includes involvement with PJM, MISO, California, and the West. Gresham was appointed to and served on the U.S. Department of Commerce's Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (2014-2016).

Throughout all these roles, Kevin exemplified the power of servant leadership—putting the work and the industry ahead of personal recognition, elevating others, and fostering an environment where diverse voices could be heard and valued.

GCPA Board President, Brian Lloyd, commented, "Kevin's exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing competitive energy markets exemplify the spirit of this award. His collaborative nature, willingness to listen, and ability to bring people together during times of significant change have made him a trusted and respected voice in our industry. Kevin's humility and focus on the collective good, rather than personal recognition, set a powerful example for all of us. We are proud to honor Kevin with this well-deserved recognition."

Barbara Clemenhagen, GCPA Executive Director, added, “Kevin represents the very best of what the Pat Wood Power Star Award stands for. His deep expertise, inclusive leadership, and ego-free approach have shaped markets across the country. I'm proud to call Kevin my friend—he's often my first call for help or advice. He puts people at the center and consistently demonstrates that true leadership is about service, collaboration, and lifting others up. We look forward to celebrating his remarkable career in Houston.”

Pat Wood III, Executive Chairman, Hunt Energy Network, and former PUCT and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman, stated, “Kevin is exactly the kind of leader this award was created to honor. He never sought the spotlight, but his fingerprints are on some of the most important market developments of the last two decades. I've watched Kevin bring people together in rooms where that seemed nearly impossible, and do it with grace every single time. I'm proud to have my name associated with his recognition.”

 Since its inception in 2006, the GCPA Board has selected recipients who exemplify pioneering spirit and influential leadership. These awardees are recognized as catalysts for advancing the electric energy sector through groundbreaking projects, collaborative initiatives, and innovative ideas that demonstrate a commitment to driving meaningful change. The Pat Wood Power Star Award not only honors exceptional achievements but also inspires future leaders to emulate the innovative spirit showcased by Pat Wood III and subsequent honorees. It highlights the importance of vision, action, and collaboration in shaping the future of energy markets, contributing to a vibrant and competitive landscape.

 Join us in celebrating Kevin Gresham's remarkable achievements and contributions to the power industry at the upcoming GCPA 39th Annual Spring Conference & Exhibition. To learn more about past recipients of the Pat Wood Power Star Award, visit emPOWERing Industry Leaders.