Richard M. Kessel

Richard M. Kessel took office as president and chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority, the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, on October 14, 2008. 

Mr. Kessel, an expert on New York energy issues, served as chairman and chief executive officer of the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) from 1997 to 2006, and as chief executive officer in 2007. Prior to this, he served as LIPA chairman from 1989 to 1997. Mr. Kessel was responsible for several notable achievements during his tenure at LIPA. 

Mr. Kessel helped negotiate LIPA’s acquisition of Long Island Lighting Company, which contributed to an immediate reduction in utility rates on Long Island. Mr. Kessel led the decommissioning of the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, the first closing of a commercial nuclear facility in the United States. Mr. Kessel received regional and national recognition for LIPA’s commitment to the next generation of clean energy technologies such as fuel cells and wind power.  

Mr. Kessel began his career in public service as Executive Director of the New York State Consumer Protection Board from 1983 to 1995, where he successfully negotiated rate freeze agreements with Consolidated Edison, Niagara Mohawk, and Orange and Rockland Utilities. Mr. Kessel was a Professor of Consumer Studies at Five Towns College from 1995 to 1997.  He also taught at Brooklyn College from 1975-1983. 

He served on the Board of Trustees for Nassau County Community College from 1981 to 2000, and was appointed to serve on the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority from 2000 until 2007. 

Mr. Kessel attended Colgate University and then received a bachelor's degree from New York University and his master's degree from Columbia University.