ComEd executive named AABE vice chairman

CHICAGO — ComEd senior vice president of Strategy and Administration Kevin Brookins was recently elected to serve as first vice chairman of the board of directors of the American Association of Blacks in Energy.

AABE is a national association that focuses on ensuring African Americans and other minorities have input into the discussions and development of energy policy, regulations and environmental issues. Brookins is a longtime member of the AABE's board of directors.

As AABE's vice chairman, Brookins will serve as the national liaison to its 42 state and local chapters during his two-year term.

With 33 years in the electric energy business, Brookins has held roles as vice president for a number of ComEd's key business areas including Operational Strategy and Business Intelligence, Distribution System Operations, Work Management and New Business and Customer Field Operations for ComEd and PECO.

“Kevin is an exceptional leader with a deep background in the energy industry. His expertise and strategic vision has helped ComEd drive improvements in several key business areas including operations, customer service, communications and diversity and inclusion. We are delighted about his AABE appointment and proud to call him one of our own,” said Anne Pramaggiore, President and CEO of ComEd.

Brookins was elected this spring, along with six additional board members, during its 39th Annual AABE National Conference held in Chicago. More than 600 members and guests were in attendance for the four-day conference.

“I am honored to serve in this role and look forward to putting my passion for the energy industry into furthering the AABE's cause. During my term I plan to focus on strengthening national awareness of AABE and increasing membership in the local chapters,” Brookins said.

Brookins has received numerous accolades over the years including being named as Chicago Defender's 2016 Men of Excellence, Chicago United's 2011 Business Leaders of Color, 100 Most Important Blacks in Technology in 2008 and 2010 from U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine and one of the Top 100 Executives under 50 in 2008 by Diversity MBA magazine.

Brookins earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and a master's degree in business administration from Governors State University in University Park, Ill. He lives in Olympia Fields, with his wife, Melonese, and is the father of two grown children, Courtney and Kyle.