It’s more than a new year at American Electric Power, it’s a new era.
Julie Sloat became American Electric Power’s 11th president in 2022, and today she is the 116-plus year old company’s seventh chief executive officer. CEO is a fairly new position to AEP (and its predecessor, American Gas & Electric), with Donald Cook the first to carry the title in 1961. Sloat is the first woman to lead AEP.
After AGE was incorporated on Dec. 20, 1906, several people shared leadership of the new company. Millard Humstone was elected president and Brigham Curtis was named chairman of the board. They held their respective positions on an interim basis for 25 days, then resigned. Permanent officers were elected Jan. 15, 1907.
From 1907 to 1910, AGE was led by the triumvirate of Henry Doherty, Sidney Mitchell and Richard Breed. Mitchell was in charge of financing, Doherty handled engineering and operations, and Breed was responsible for the company’s franchising.
Breed was president from 1910 to 1923, and chairman from 1923 to 1926.
In 1923, George Tidd took over as president until his tenure ended in 1947; he was chairman from 1947 to 1949.
Philip Sporn succeeded Tidd as president from 1947 to 1961.
Cook became president and chief executive officer of the company in 1961, retaining the position of president until 1972 (he was president and chairman from 1971 to 1972, and chairman only until 1976). George Patterson was president from 1972 to 1977.
W.S. “Pete” White Jr. served as chairman and CEO from 1976 to 1991; he continued as chairman until 1992. Richard Disbrow was elected president of the company in 1979; he was named president and CEO in 1991, and was named chairman and CEO in 1992.
Dr. Linn Draper, Jr., became president in 1992, and succeeded Disbrow as chairman and CEO in 1993, serving in all three positions until 2003. Michael Morris became chairman, president, and CEO on Jan. 1, 2004.
On Jan. 1, 2011, Nicholas Akins was elected president; he became chief executive officer on Nov. 12, 2011. He remains executive chairman of the board of directors.
Sources: And There Was Light: The Story of American Electric Power, Its First 85 Years — 1906-1991, by William W. Corbitt, 1991; American Electric Power: A Century of Firsts, by Luke Feck, 2006; AEP Now: [AEP History].
Photo caption: AEP’s top leadership over the years (top row, left to right): Richard Breed, George Tidd, Philip Sporn, Donald Cook; (second row, left to right): Pete White, Richard Disbrow, Linn Draper, Mike Morris; (bottom row, left to right): Nick Akins, Julie Sloat.
American Electric Power has been named to the JUST 100 2023 list, which recognizes America’s best corporate citizens, and received the top ranking in the utilities category.
The JUST 100 identifies companies that set the standard in commitment to their stakeholders. JUST Capital, in partnership with CNBC, assessed 951 of the nation’s largest publicly traded companies across 20 stakeholder-focused issues identified through public opinion research. Companies were evaluated on their performance in job creation; diversity, equity and inclusion; worker health and safety; environmental sustainability and other metrics.
“Whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint, building an engaged, inclusive workforce or enabling economic development opportunities, AEP is focused on delivering energy solutions that empower our customers and communities,” said Julie Sloat, president and chief executive officer of AEP. “We’re proud to be recognized as an industry leader for corporate accountability practices and remain committed to innovating as we work to meet the changing expectations of our customers, communities and investors.”
Learn more about AEP’s corporate accountability strategy.
Nick Akins is retiring as AEP’s Chief Executive Officer at the end of the year. On December 31 he officially passes the baton to Julie Sloat.
For his retirement, we’d like to give him a specially-printed book full of memories and congratulations from employees and members of the community, and we’d like your help.
If you’ve got a memory of Nick or a message for him that you’d like to share, please add it to this form. Best wishes are also welcome.
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| Friends and co-workers of Wayne Martin stand behind the bench built in his honor. Pictured are Todd Patterson, from left, Bruce Taylor, Todd “TK” Kesling, Dalton Christian and Vasil Sindonov. Martin passed away in 2021 from leukemia. |
Wayne Martin loved comedy.
As an instructor at the A Ray King Transmission Training Center in Pataskala, Ohio, Martin would try out new jokes on students and co-workers.
In his spare time, he performed at open mic nights at stand-up comedy clubs.
“Humor was a big part of him,” said Todd “TK” Kesling, a friend and co-worker. “He was always laughing and wasn’t afraid to poke fun at himself.”
During his five years working at the training center, Martin’s wit and spirit impacted a lot of people.
After he passed away from leukemia in 2021, his co-workers wanted to honor his memory.
“We talked about it as a group, what could we do?” Kesling said. “We wanted to do something nice for him and his family.”
Using his knowledge from high school shop class, Kesling started building a bench, which would be placed at the training center.
“We have a pond there and a lot of the students and instructions fish in the pond on their breaks,” Kesling said. “But there’s nowhere to sit. We thought that would be a great place”
With help from co-workers Chris Morrison, Dalton Christian, Vasil Sindonov and Bruce Taylor, among others, the project came to fruition.
A native of North Carolina, Martin came to AEP after years of working out in the western part of the U.S. He taught classes to transmission line crews and became a much beloved member of the staff.
“Wayne was great, everybody loved him,” Kesling said. “He has this southern drawl and was a very approachable person. It was easy for students to talk to Wayne.”
After a routine physical, Martin was diagnosed with leukemia. He spent some time at the Cleveland Clinic. His co-workers and friends tried to visit, when possible, but the COVID pandemic made things difficult.
“We didn’t want to carry anything in there that could harm his recovery,” Kesling added.
Martin has three children, who are older and live out of state. With the bench, the group could honor his memory and continue his legacy at AEP.
Once the bench was built and placed at the pond, the staff held a memorial service. They talked, shared stories of Martin and remembered a man they’ll never forget.
“He impacted all of our lives,” Kesling said.
Arkansas
Kenneth Lepp, 77, Flint Creek Plant, Gentry, AR, died, 7/18/2022
Indiana
Paul Fisher, 72, Rockport Plant, Rockport, IN, died, 7/26/2022
James Mendenhall, 68, Muncie Srv Ctr, Muncie, IN, died, 7/16/2022
William Imm, 74, Ft Wayne One Summit Square, Ft. Wayne, IN, died, 9/10/2022
James Swanson, 84, South Bend Svc Ctr, South Bend, IN, died, 7/31/2022
Kenneth Ort, 89, Avilla Svc Ctr, Avilla, IN, died, 7/27/2022
Donald Scott, 89, Spy Run Bldg. #3, Ft. Wayne, IN, died, 8/1/2022
Kentucky
Elizabeth Riddle, 95, Pikeville Office, Pikeville, KY, died, 7/20/2022
Louisiana
John Turley, 95, Shreveport General Office, Shreveport, LA, died, 9/21/2022
Walen Wright, 90, Shreveport General Office, Shreveport, LA, died, 7/17/2022
WJ Googe, 80, Shreveport General Office, Shreveport, LA, died, 9/22/2022
Henry Harris, 83, Shreveport General Office, Shreveport, LA, died, 8/21/2022
Granvil Hill, 87, Shreveport General Office, Shreveport, LA, died, 9/4/2022
Joyce Efurd, 92, Shreveport General Office, Shreveport, LA, died, 7/2/2022
Michigan
Douglas Till, 72, Cook Nuclear Plant, Bridgman, MI, died, 7/25/2022
David Welcher, 85, Cook Nuclear Plant, Bridgman, MI, died, 9/9/2022
Donald Karstens, 85, St Joe Ofc & Svc Ctr, Benton Harbor, MI, died, 7/14/2022
Ohio
Ralph Batey, 71, Cardinal Plant, Brilliant, OH, died, 7/23/2022
Charles Adkins, 79, John E. Dolan Lab, Groveport, OH, died, 9/6/2022
Van Smailes, 55, Canton Estrn Reg Ofc, Canton, OH, died, 9/17/2022
Randy Hardesty, 66, AEP Headquarters, Columbus, OH, died, 9/11/2022
William Bair, 69, Mound St Svc Ctr, Columbus, OH, died, 8/9/2022
Dennis Wilcox, 71, Conesville Plant, Conesville, OH, died, 7/30/2022
Eugene Gloss, 62, AEP Headquarters, Columbus, OH, died, 8/7/2022
James Cable, 65, AEP Headquarters, Columbus, OH, died, 8/20/2022
Clifford Clark, 74, Conesville Plant, Conesville, OH, died, 8/19/2022
Wilbur Butler, 70, Columbus Nw Svc Ctr, Dublin, OH, died, 8/26/2022
James Maderia, 76, Cardinal Plant, Brilliant, OH, died, 9/3/2022
Florene Ridley, 76, 850 Tech Center Bldg, Gahanna, OH, died, 9/15/2022
Donald Keatley, 78, Gavin, Cheshire, OH, died, 8/22/2022
John Colling, 79, Zanesville Svc Ctr, Zanesville, OH, died, 8/30/2022
Barry Rederstorff, 69, AEP Headquarters, Columbus, OH, died, 8/8/2022
George Eichenberger, 85, AEP Headquarters, Columbus, OH, died, 8/4/2022
James Crawley, 84, Lancaster Office Bldg, Lancaster, OH, died, 7/21/2022
William Finissi, 91, 850 Tech Center Bldg, Gahanna, OH, died, 8/21/2022
Walter Tomblin, 88, Socco-Meigs Mine, Albany, OH, died, 9/10/2022
Anna Hall, 78, Athens Ofc & Svc Center, Athens, OH, died, 7/15/2022
Clarence Skinner, 78, Muskingum River, Waterford, OH, died, 9/5/2022
David Miller, 90, Chillicothe Office, Chillicothe, OH, died, 8/1/2022
Douglas Meldrum, 92, Canton Estrn Reg Ofc, Canton, OH, died, 7/23/2022
Richard Cooper, 89, Muskingum River, Waterford, OH, died, 8/23/2022
John Hay, 78, Cols Underground Line, Columbus, OH, died, 9/16/2022
David French, 87, Conesville Plant, Conesville, OH, died, 7/12/2022
David Smith, 84, Canton Estrn Reg Ofc, Canton, OH, died, 8/2/2022
Dolores Dasco, 80, Canton Estrn Reg Ofc, Canton, OH, died, 7/17/2022
Joyce Fout, 91, West.Ohio Reg.Acct.Mtc.Office, Findlay, OH, died, 7/23/2022
Nona Wallick, 87, AEP Headquarters, Columbus, OH, died, 8/23/2022
James Coleman, 78, Muskingum River, Waterford, OH, died, 8/16/2022
John Hinton, 88, Canton Estrn Reg Ofc, Canton, OH, died, 9/13/2022
Joseph Veach, 83, AEPOH 700 Bldg Gahanna, Gahanna, OH, died, 8/10/2022
Ben Larson, 96, AEP Headquarters, Columbus, OH, died, 8/1/2022
Corey Davis, 41, 825 Tech Center Bldg, Gahanna, OH, died, 9/1/2022
Oklahoma
Barbara Bailey, 82, Tulsa General Office, Tulsa, OK, died, 8/1/2022
Patricia Mills, 79, Tulsa General Office, Tulsa, OK, died, 9/7/2022
Mable Osborne, 88, Tulsa General Office, Tulsa, OK, died, 8/27/2022
Calvin Riggs, 84, Tulsa General Office, Tulsa, OK, died, 8/22/2022
Gary Semke, 70, Mid Metro, Tulsa, OK, died, 8/6/2022
John Spring, 82, Tulsa General Office, Tulsa, OK, died, 8/18/2022
Norman Vandalsem, 84, Tulsa General Office, Tulsa, OK, died, 9/18/2022
Patti Walker, 70, Lawton Opn Center, Lawton, OK, died, 8/11/2022
Judith Edmonson, 81, Tulsa General Office, Tulsa, OK, died, 7/1/2022
Texas
Jackson Emory, 77, Csw Center, Dallas, TX, died, 7/11/2022
James Cruser, 61, Home Office-CC, Corpus Christi, TX, died, 7/22/2022
Mary David, 81, Home Office-CC, Corpus Christi, TX, died, 8/5/2022
Lucio Herrera, 78, Hebbronville Area Off, Hebbronville, TX, died, 8/19/2022
James Mayfield, 91, Home Office-CC, Corpus Christi, TX, died, 7/3/2022
N Merriweather, 86, Home Office-CC, Corpus Christi, TX, died, 8/5/2022
F Niesner, 89, Home Office-CC, Corpus Christi, TX, died, 7/19/2022
T Raab, 94, Home Office-CC, Corpus Christi, TX, died, 7/30/2022
Billie Smith, 94, Home Office-CC, Corpus Christi, TX, died, 7/5/2022
Ronald Combs, 87, General Office, Abilene, TX, died, 7/13/2022
Jimmie Jennings, 81, San Angelo SC, San Angelo, TX, died, 7/5/2022
Virginia
David Crouch, 69, Roanoke Service Bldg., Roanoke, VA, died, 8/24/2022
Thomas Martin, 79, John W. Vaughan Ctr Mtr/Str, Roanoke, VA, died, 7/2/2022
Billy Smith, 92, Roanoke Main Office, Roanoke, VA, died, 7/30/2022
James Wood, 93, Stuart Office, Stuart, VA, died, 7/22/2022
Mackie Mullins, 79, Glen Lyn Plant, Glen Lyn, VA, died, 7/2/2022
Marvis Overstreet, 90, Roanoke Main Office, Roanoke, VA, died, 8/21/2022
Robert Mutter, 84, Clinch River Plant, Cleveland, VA, died, 8/7/2022
John Wright, 89, Roanoke Main Office, Roanoke, VA, died, 7/23/2022
West Virginia
Terri Smiley, 63, River Trans Division, West Columbia, WV, died, 9/15/2022
Norman Pastorius, 65, Mitchell Plant, Cresap, WV, died, 7/31/2022
Michael Gheorghiu, 72, River Trans Division, West Columbia, WV, died, 9/15/2022
Oliver Herdman, 64, River Trans Division, West Columbia, WV, died, 7/17/2022
Roger Harrison, 70, N Charleston Svc Ctr, Charleston, WV, died, 9/4/2022
Emmett Rawson, 63, Mountaineer Plant, New Haven, WV, died, 9/13/2022
Mark Copley, 61, Kanawha River Plant, Glasgow, WV, died, 8/20/2022
Ardis Anderson, 90, Bluefield Wv Srv Ctr, Bluefield, WV, died, 8/15/2022
Raymon Bannon, 96, Mitchell Plant, Cresap, WV, died, 8/4/2022
Michelle Barrett, 55, Logan Service Center, Logan, WV, died, 9/8/2022
Clyde Shook, 87, UNKNOWN LOCATION, died, 7/15/2022
AEP’s 2023 Health & Welfare Benefits Guides for retirees are now available at the links below or on the ‘Benefits’ tab. We have some exciting changes to announce for the new year including a new pharmacy provider, Optum Rx. You’ll want to make sure to thoroughly review the information provided in the annual enrollment guide and continue to watch your mailbox and e-mail for more information in the coming months, including a new ID card(s).
2023 Annual Enrollment Guide for Retirees & Survivors Age 65 or Older
2023 Annual Enrollment Guide for Retirees & Survivors Under Age 65
Information was mailed out on October 12, 2022 to those retirees who are over the age of 65 and don’t have an email address on file. If an email address is on file, information was sent via email on October 18th.
As a reminder, retirees under age 65 no longer receive a printed guide and will need to access aepbenefits.com for annual enrollment information if they don’t have an email address on file. For those with an email address on file, information was emailed on October 18. You will still receive a personalized enrollment worksheet which includes your monthly premium information as well as highlights of the 2023 changes.
The 2023 annual enrollment period starts today, October 18th, and will continue through November 3rd. For additional information log onto aepbenefits.com. As a reminder, you must create a new user name and password, if you haven’t done so already.
If you prefer to speak to a representative, have any questions or need assistance with logging in or making any changes to your 2023 benefits, please contact the AEP Benefits Center at 1-888-237-2363, option 1.
Charles Patton served for 27 years at AEP. His retirement in July 2022 brought memories of his tenure and leadership into focus, as his time as a leader at AEP and two operating companies was widely celebrated. But Patton’s legacy goes far beyond his work and career achievements at AEP.
His legacy is also one of service to others.
During his tenure, Patton often emphasized the importance of service. And despite a full schedule, Patton himself sat on many boards and he currently serves on the YMCA of Central Ohio board. His service remains an example of AEP’s commitment to the communities we serve.
In light of Patton’s service, AEP has chosen to honor his legacy with the Charles Patton Volunteer of the Year award.
“Charles Patton was an integral part of the AEP community and a true partner to leaders, employees and community members across the company’s footprint,” said Nick Akins, chair and chief executive officer. “This award is a fitting tribute to the contributions Charles made during his 27 years at AEP.”
All employees and teams are eligible for the award. Employees are free to nominate any fellow employee or team. Nominations must be submitted by November 4.
Nominations will be reviewed, and a winner will be announced in December.
The winner(s) will receive a $2,500 donation to their organization of choice.
“What better way to honor Charles than to recognize those at AEP who are giving back to others,” said Janelle Coleman, vice president, Community Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion. “Many of our colleagues are dedicated to serving others while on and off the clock. That’s Charles’s legacy, and we’re proud to honor that and employees who are doing exemplary work in our communities.”
American Electric Power is making several executive leadership changes to better support the company’s strategic priorities. As part of these changes, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) position is being eliminated, and business units that are part of this organization are being reassigned.
Peggy Simmons has been named executive vice president, Utilities, effective immediately. Simmons will report to Julie Sloat, president and chief financial officer. Reporting to Simmons will be:
- Steve Baker, president and COO of Indiana Michigan Power
- Stacey Gabbard, vice president, Customer Support
- Brett Mattison, president and COO of Kentucky Power
- Marc Reitter, president and COO of AEP Ohio
- Malcolm Smoak, president and COO of Southwestern Electric Power Company
- Leigh Anne Strahler, who is being promoted to president and COO of Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO)
- Judith Talavera, president and COO of AEP Texas
- Aaron Walker, who is being promoted to president and COO of Appalachian Power Company (APCO)
“Aligning the customer support organization with the operating companies will help ensure that our centralized customer service functions are evolving with the changing needs of our business to support new services and options for our customers,” Sloat said.
“Under Peggy’s leadership, the PSO team achieved the highest customer satisfaction scores in PSO history in 2021 for both residential and commercial customers. They also obtained regulatory approval for PSO’s share of the transformational 1,484 megawatt North Central Energy Facilities wind projects. Peggy’s collaborative leadership style and deep industry knowledge will contribute to our ongoing success as we focus on providing more reliable, cleaner energy and innovative technology solutions to benefit our customers.”
Simmons has been president and COO of PSO since 2018. Previously, she was managing director of transmission asset strategy for AEP, manager of regulatory commodity sourcing for AEP Ohio, and manager of renewable energy in AEP’s competitive business. She joined AEP in 1999 as an energy trading scheduler in commercial operations.
Strahler has been vice president of Regulatory and Finance for AEP Texas since 2018. Previously, she was director of Business Operations Support for APCO. She joined AEP in 2006 as a senior cost control analyst in Generation Engineering Projects & Field Services and has served in a variety of roles including manager of Business Planning & Support Services and project manager/change agent for AEP’s Operations and Performance Transformation group.
Walker has been vice president of Distribution Operations for APCO since 2020. He previously served as plant manager of AEP’s Rockport Plant in Indiana. Walker joined AEP in 2005 as a process engineer and has served in a variety of roles including project & field engineering, project management, generation performance improvement and generation energy production superintendent.
Chris Beam has been named executive vice president, Energy Services, effective immediately. He will report to Sloat. Reporting to Beam will be:
- Paul Chodak, executive vice president, Generation
- Mike Granata, vice president, Safety & Health
- Shane Lies, senior vice president and Chief Nuclear Officer
- Craig Rhoades, vice president, Supply Chain, Procurement & Fleet Operations
- Toby Thomas, senior vice president, Energy Delivery
“Chris has extensive experience and proven success transforming organizations for the benefit of our customers. Under his leadership, the Appalachian Power team brought sustainable energy resources to West Virginia and Virginia to support economic development and bring new jobs, including the Nucor steel mill. They also spearheaded legislation to help deliver critical high-speed internet service to rural areas in both states,” Sloat said. “His commitment and success in helping our teams generate and deliver power as safely, efficiently and effectively as possible will benefit our customers as we continue to transform our generation fleet and modernize our transmission and distribution infrastructure.”
Beam has been president and COO of APCO since 2017. Previously, he served as vice president of Projects, Controls & Construction for Generation. He was managing director – Projects & Construction, from November 2010 to January 2013.
Greg Hall has been named executive vice president and chief commercial officer, effective immediately. Hall will continue reporting to Nick Akins, chair and chief executive officer, until Jan. 1, 2023, when he will report to Sloat. Reporting to Hall will be:
- Joel Jansen, senior vice president, Regulated Commercial Operations
- Tom Myers, senior vice president, Competitive Commercial Operations
- Scott Slisher, senior vice president, Competitive Customer Solutions
- Antonio Smyth, senior vice president, Grid Solutions
- Open position, Energy Assets
“Greg and his team have been delivering custom energy solutions in the competitive space, including renewable and distributed generation, while our grid solutions team has focused on developing critical infrastructure innovations and clean energy projects to benefit customers served by our regulated operating companies. Aligning these organizations under Greg will help us better leverage the experience and expertise across the company to advance new customer solutions and expand our energy offerings in all the states where we operate,” Sloat said.
Operations and Performance Transformation, led by Ashley Weaver, and Business Operations Performance Assurance, led by Dan Groff, will now report to Therace Risch, executive vice president and chief information & technology officer.
“Realigning these organizations under Therace’s leadership will put AEP’s organizational effectiveness initiatives within one organization to enhance efficiency and facilitate sharing of best practices, process improvements and effectiveness across the organization,” Sloat said.
The executive vice president and COO position is being eliminated. Lisa Barton will remain at AEP with transitional responsibilities, reporting to Nick Akins, until Nov. 1.
“On behalf of the Board and myself, I want to thank Lisa for her important contributions and leadership during her time at AEP. She brought a high level of energy and engagement to help transform strategic areas of our company, including our transmission business and renewable energy investments, and demonstrated a deep commitment to improving our culture and to serving our customers. Lisa’s efforts have enhanced our ability to provide safe, reliable and clean energy to power communities and build value for shareholders. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” Akins said.
Dirk Pauley is 53 years old and a grandfather. He’s worked for AEP since 1987. He has bad knees and while he played some sports in his youth, he says he’s an average athlete at best, and was “not a runner.”
So, of course, on Sept. 30 Pauley leaves for Hawaii to participate in the 2022 Ironman World Championship where he will swim 2.4 miles in the open ocean, bike 112 miles, then run a full marathon: 26.2 miles.
At some point in the past decade or so Pauley, a constructability lead for Energy Delivery in Ft. Wayne, Ind., transformed himself from a suburban dad who huffed and puffed just carrying laundry upstairs into one of the best triathletes in his age range thanks to unflagging tenacity and a well of grit deep enough to let him push through miles of pain.
“I’m blessed with something I don’t understand,” Pauley said, “but I never thought I would qualify for the Ironman World Championship.”
Pauley doesn’t expect to win in Hawaii, that’s not even really what he’s aiming for, but he admits that he’s very competitive by nature.
“I’m going to finish,” he said. “That’s goal number one.”
Pauley’s other goal is to raise awareness of and money for Pinky Swear, a foundation that supports families with children being treated for cancer. Pinky Swear helps families across the country by paying bills, buying groceries, and other means of financial support for families in need. He’s dedicated his race in Hawaii to two kids battling cancer, Autumn and Max.
Pauley credits his association with Pinky Swear for getting his results to the next level. There is a point in every Ironman competition, Pauley said, when quitting is the sane, rational thing to do.
“After a while on the bike (112 miles) you start questioning your life decisions and all you want to do is get off that bike,” Pauley said. “And when you do, all you have to do is then run a marathon. That’s when the mental game really starts. Once you hit that wall, you have to figure out how to finish.
“Those kids (the ones Pinky Swear supports) don’t get to quit, so I don’t quit. I can’t leave it undone.”
The Ironman World Championship is Oct. 6 and Oct. 8 in Kona, Hawaii, the western coast of the big island – AEP owns a wind farm on Maui, the next island to the northwest.
Pauley participates in the event on Oct. 6 in the men’s age 50-54 bracket. It will be the first time he will swim in the open ocean, which isn’t something he can simulate at home.
“The race is easy,” Pauley said, noting that the training leading up to the race is the real grind. “By the time you get to race day it is about executing a plan.”
AEP employees are known for making a difference in their communities in many ways, a tradition that continues through the AEP Making a Difference Grant program. AEP encourages active and/or retired employees to lead local projects benefitting their communities.
Special AEP mini grants of up to $300 are available to groups of active and/or retired employees who wish to organize projects in their communities to be conducted October through December. There must be at least five AEP active and/or retired employees directly involved in the proposed project to qualify for funding. Grant applications are due October 7, 2022.
As AEP strives to meet the 25% goal of AEP Employees volunteering within the community; the project must be listed as a volunteer opportunity, and individual and team volunteer hours need to be logged at the [AEP Caring Together] volunteer site.
AEP Making a Difference mini-grants are intended for projects that serve — or are in partnership with — a community group, a nonprofit organization, or a school. Projects meet local needs, and may be in the areas of education, hunger and housing, social and racial justice, the environment, health and safety, youth, or other basic community needs.
AEP-funded projects will be selected on the basis of:
- Geographic diversity of projects
- Alignment with the company’s giving focus on K-12 education with an emphasis on STEM education, social and racial justice, or basic human needs including food and shelter.
- Greatest number of people served or greatest need served
- Level of planning that indicates likelihood of success
- Partnership with others and leveraging other resources
Final determination of eligibility is reserved for American Electric Power.
How to apply:
Complete the on-line application form. Also, to comply with the AEP nondiscrimination policy below, the recipient organization must complete and return this nondiscrimination certification statement before the grant is issued.
Nondiscrimination Guideline
American Electric Power Company, Inc., its affiliates and the American Electric Power Foundation provide donations or grants only to organizations that do not, either through constitution or any written policy, discriminate against others on the basis of political affiliation, religious belief, age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, national origin, race or sexual orientation. Each organization applying for support must affirm in its funding request or the AEP or AEP Foundation on-line grant application that it does not discriminate in this manner.
AEP Retirees & Alumni 