ComEd executive vice president to retire
John T. Hooker, ComEd's executive vice president of legislative and external affairs, will retire from the company effective Feb. 24, the utility announced today.
Hooker is responsible for managing all state legislative initiatives for the company, as well as developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key state stakeholders and large customers. His retirement will cap a 44-year career that started in ComEd's mailroom in 1967, followed by key management positions in a number of business units within the company, including industrial relations, marketing, regulatory affairs and governmental affairs.
“Building bridges between ComEd and the community it serves has been my life's work and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” Hooker said. “ComEd is such an important part of the fabric of Chicago's history, economy and way of life. I am proud to have played a part in making it a stronger, more responsive company.”
Frank M. Clark, chairman and CEO, ComEd, praised Hooker as “a colleague, professional partner and very good friend,
“The company is immeasurably better connected to its customers and its community because of his dedicated service. All ComEd employees and shareholders owe John a debt of gratitude for what he has done to positively influence the trajectory of this company,” Clark said
Hooker's career with ComEd was driven by an outgoing personal style, eagerness to learn and dedication to hard work. In 1976, he was promoted to a marketing director position. In 1992, he was named area manager for operations in Bolingbrook. In 1995, he was named director of governmental affairs and helped garner legislative support of the Illinois Consumer Choice Law of 1997. He became an officer of the company in 2000 and in 2003 was promoted to senior vice president of real estate and property management and external affairs.
Hooker led efforts to educate legislators and other stakeholders concerning the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly last fall. The law reforms the regulatory process and authorizes a 10-year capital investment to strengthen the existing power grid and add new, digital smart grid and smart meter technology that will transform the delivery of electricity to homes and businesses.
“John was tenacious in his efforts to demonstrate to our stakeholders that grid modernization was an important step for Illinois to take,” said Anne Pramaggiore, president and chief operating officer, ComEd. “His leadership was the key element in the modernization initiative earning the necessary support to become law.”
Hooker serves on a number of boards including the Chicago State University Foundation; the Peoples Consumer Cooperative, which provides low-cost housing for the elderly; the Safer Foundation, a nonprofit organization helping former offenders build productive lives; Junior Achievement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring young people; and The African American Legacy Initiative, a nonprofit organization that works to improves the quality of life of the residents of Chicago communities.
Hooker, who grew up in Chicago's Lawndale community on Chicago's West Side, graduated from Chicago State University with a degree in marketing.
“John Hooker goes the extra mile: for the company, for his family, and for any one who needs help,” said John W. Rowe, chairman and CEO of Exelon, the parent of ComEd. “He is a champion of accountability, quality and diversity. He is a very special part of ComEd's heart.”