Our EAC Spotlight series continues! Learn more about EAC members Richard Mroz of Resolute Strategies LLC and Jim Yacone of the SANS Institute
December 21, 2020
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This summer, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the new and returning members of the Electricity Advisory Committee (EAC), which advises DOE on electricity resilience, reliability, security, interdependency, and policy issues. In a new series of posts, we hear from the members of the EAC to learn more about their backgrounds, their predictions for the future of the electric grid, and their advice for young professionals in the energy space.
This week we are highlighting EAC members Richard Mroz and Jim Yacone.
Richard Mroz, Resolute Strategies LLC
Q: Why did you join the EAC? What made you want to become a committee member?
My interests are in the policy issues that are part of the Office of Electricity portfolio, particularly the focus on smart grid, cybersecurity, and resilience efforts. Also, as a former state regulator and policymaker I was hopeful that my perspective would help bridge any gaps between federal and state decisionmakers.
Q: Can you tell us about your professional journey that led you to the EAC?
I have always been attracted to public service and feel I have certain qualities to lead and engage in public policy initiatives. My work as a state energy regulator allowed me to see the important work at the Department of Energy and the Office of Electricity with the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC). This work also allowed me to become involved in exploring new technologies. It is a fascinating industry that is evolving and holds great promise for the future.
Q: The EAC is an important part of DOE's outreach. What benefits do you see from DOE's efforts to work with outside groups?
As part of the EAC, I can convey to business and public policy leaders the importance of work the Department of Energy is doing, including in nuclear energy, carbon capture, hydrogen, energy storage, and smart grid technologies. I can also identify and facilitate collaborations that will benefit all parties.
Jim Yacone, SANS Institute
Q: Why did you join the EAC? What made you want to become a committee member?
I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to give back to the government and serve our citizens.
Q: What have you worked on during your time in the EAC? Or, if you are new to the EAC, what do you look forward to working on?
I really look forward to working on issues and challenges relating to cybersecurity and technology innovation.
Q: What advice do you have for a young person considering a career in the electricity industry?
Seek out the tough technical and operational roles early in your career.
Q: What is something surprising people do not know about you?
My grandfather gained his citizenship by immigrating through Ellis Island, New York and enlisting in the military during World War I as a messenger on the front lines. Because he could not read or write in English, he was the perfect courier for classified messages. My father enlisted as a Marine Corps officer during the Korean War, and my three children are serving in the Army, Air Force, and U.S. Coast Guard now.
Watch this space for more profiles of the members of the Electricity Advisory Committee
Each profile above represents the member’s own thoughts and does not reflect the position of DOE.