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FirstEnergy Names Brian Harrell to Lead Enterprise Security
As U.S. utilities confront an increasingly complex landscape of cyber and physical security threats, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has appointed Brian Harrell, a former senior U.S. homeland security official, as Vice President and Chief Security Officer.
About this update from Firstenergy Corp.
Vice President and Chief Security Officer brings national security and utility experience to role AKRON, Ohio, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As U.S. utilities confront an increasingly complex landscape of cyber and physical security threats, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has appointed Brian Harrell, a former senior U.S. homeland security official, as Vice President and Chief Security Officer. In his role, Harrell will enhance the company's enterprise security posture by strengthening defenses, expanding intelligence‑driven detection and response capabilities and embedding security more deeply into business and operational planning. His work will emphasize training, readiness and coordination across both corporate and field teams. Harrell's responsibilities span corporate and field security, 24/7 security operations, enterprisewide cybersecurity, threat intelligence, risk and compliance and security architecture and engineering. He will report to Chief Operating Officer Toby Thomas. Harrell previously served in senior roles within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, including at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), where he frequently testified before Congress on countering domestic terrorism and protecting critical infrastructure. Toby Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, FirstEnergy: "Brian has led security programs that connect intelligence to action in complex, highly regulated environments. That experience will be critical as we strengthen protections across our system and ensure our teams in the field have the tools, training and clarity they need to respond to evolving risks." Brian Harrell, Vice President and Chief Security Officer, FirstEnergy: "Security only works when it's understood and practiced at every level of the organization. That foundation is essential to a resilient grid, which underpins the strength of our communities, the economy and national security. Sophisticated threats aren't slowing, so we will continue to invest in cybersecurity and risk reduction measures to maintain a reliable and secure system, while strengthening training and readiness for our teams in the field." Most recently, Harrell served as Vice President and Chief Security Officer at Avangrid Energy, where he oversaw cybersecurity, physical security, intelligence, privacy and resilience programs across a m...