September 15-16, 2025 | Washington, DC
Meeting the Demand: Innovating to Address the Challenges of an Evolving Energy Landscape
Julia English, McGuireWoods, and
Cristie Neller, BHE GT&S, LLC
Andre T. Porter, MISO
Thank you to the speakers, panel coordinators, and the EBA’s Professional Education Council for making the 2025 Energy Forum a conference to remember!
In Case You Missed It
The Forum began on Monday, September 15 with the annual Women in Energy Lunch presented by founding sponsor McGuireWoods. We were thrilled to welcome Cristie Neller (Vice President, Administrative Services, BHE GT&S, LLC) as our featured Women in Energy Lunch speaker alongside EBA Past President Julia English (Partner, McGuireWoods). Cristie shared stories from her career path to leadership and how a mindset of “preparation meets opportunity” can help you step into your next role.
Providing a first day welcome and opening keynote, Andre T. Porter (Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel, MISO) spoke about the landscape of the energy space and the importance of the work being done to promote electric grid reliability and efficiency during a dynamic evolution driven by clean energy goals. His forward-looking, engaging commentary provided an excellent jump start to the Forum.
- View Andre Porter’s Keynote Presentation here.
On Tuesday afternoon, FERC Chairman David Rosner was joined onstage in a conversation with Former FERC Chairman Norman C. Bay (Partner, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP). Chairman Rosner expressed his support of the EBA and his long history of attending EBA conferences and events due to its ability to “bring people in the professional energy community together.” The Chairman shared how his time as FERC staff member helps in his current role offering him an understanding of the cadence of the Commission and the life cycle of orders and key decision points.
- View Chairman Rosner’s Conversation with Norman Bay here.
He stated “FERC is a gem of an agency, in large part due to the staff, who are essential, highly credentialed and doing amazing work.” Chairman Rosner also shared some of his day-to-day priorities of continued collaboration with states, making continued informed progress toward interconnection, and ensuring compliance that is consistent with statutes.
General and concurrent educational sessions covered a varied list of top-of-mind topics in the energy landscape, including grid reliability, natural gas and infrastructure challenges, offshore wind, biofuel expansion, interregional transmission, recent executive orders, and more! Stay tuned on EBA’s LinkedIn page for photos and recaps of each session.
The Forum concluded with a Closing Reception sponsored by Southern Company Gas. Thank you to our attendees, EBA Board of Directors members, committee and council leaders, and staff for making this event another one not to miss!
Outgoing Chapter Leaders Recognized
During the month of September, many EBA chapters elect new board members. During lunch on Tuesday, EBA President Floyd Self recognized two outgoing chapter presidents. Damien Lyster of the Texas Chapter and Nick Cicale from the Northeast Chapter joined Floyd on stage to accept a small token of gratitude for their outstanding leadership.
Congratulations to the 2025 EBA Award Winners!
During lunch on the second day of the Energy Forum, EBA President Floyd Self recognized three EBA members for their contributions to the EBA and the energy community. Read more about each of the fall award winners below:
Paul E. Nordstrom Service Award: Honors exemplary long-term service or a particularly significant example of public service by a current or past member to the community through participation in the EBA, CFEBA, or the FELJ
- 2025 Recipient: Robert A. (Bob) Weishaar (Member, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC)
Rising Star in Energy Award: Given to one or more person(s) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the EBA, CFEBA, and/or FELJ within the first 10 years of their practice as an attorney/energy professional.
- 2025 Recipient: Karen Bruni (Partner, Steptoe LLP).
Rising Star in Energy Award: State/Provincial Regulatory Practitioner Award: Created to recognize the impact of EBA members who represent clients before U.S., or Canadian provincial, regulatory agencies.
- 2025 Recipient: Brandon F. Marzo (Partner, Troutman Pepper Locke)
2025 Administrative Law Judges Reception
Monday, September 15 | Baker Botts DC Office
The reception honors the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Administrative Law Judges and is sponsored by the Foundation of the Energy Law Journal (FELJ). This annual reception is the FELJ’s primary fundraiser for the year and also provides attendees an opportunity to network with other Energy Forum attendees and ALJs in a casual environment after a full day of programs.
FELJ President David Martin Connelly (McGuireWoods LLP) provided welcome remarks, thanked sponsors and attendees, and announced that $50,000 had been raised to support the publication of the Energy Law Journal. Chief Administrative Law Judge Andrew Satten introduced guest of honor Martha Altamar, sharing kind words and memories of Martha’s storied career in the OALJ Front Office working directly with Judge Wagner, and noting her many positive professional relationships with past and present Administrative Law Judges.
Thank you to Baker Botts for hosting this year’s Honorable Chief Judge Curtis L. Wagner, Jr. ALJ Reception!
