<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="prntac"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xm...

<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="prntac"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Experienced leaders will help improve reliability, accountability and customer experience</i></b></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">AKRON, Ohio</span>, <span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">June 17, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FE">FE</a>) recently named three senior leaders to strengthen operational performance, advance its safety culture and accelerate enterprise-wide technology transformation: Chris Beam as President, West Virginia/Maryland Operations; Hanneke Counts as Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety; and Daniel Puscas as Chief Information Officer.</p>
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="prni_dvprnejpgc4celeft" dir="ltr" style="width: 100%; text-align: left;"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="prnejpgc4celeft" title="FirstEnergy_Logo" src="http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/543843/FirstEnergy_Logo.jpg" alt="FirstEnergy_Logo" align="middle" data-name="url$http%3A%2F%2Fmma.prnewswire.com%2Fmedia%2F543843%2FFirstEnergy_Logo.jpg"></img></div><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Together, these leaders complement FirstEnergy&#39;s business strategy by reinforcing key priorities: operating the system safely and reliably, executing investments with discipline and modernizing the tools and processes that support the business. Their combined experience will help the company strengthen performance while creating a better experience for customers, employees and stakeholders.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Beam will lead FirstEnergy&#39;s West Virginia and Maryland business unit, including Mon Power and Potomac Edison, along with the company&#39;s regulated generation business. He will oversee safe, reliable and efficient operations, financial performance and the regulatory and legislative strategy that supports the company&#39;s investment plans, reporting to Wade Smith, President, FirstEnergy Utilities.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">In her role overseeing the company&#39;s enterprise safety organization, Counts will drive a more consistent, risk-based approach to preventing serious injuries and strengthening field execution. She will focus on standardizing safety practices across the company, expanding field coaching and observation programs and reinforcing a culture where employees take ownership of safe work. Counts reports to Chief Operating Officer Toby Thomas.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Reporting to FirstEnergy Board Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer Brian X. Tierney, Puscas will take charge of FirstEnergy&#39;s enterprise technology, digital and cybersecurity strategy. He will oversee IT operations, digital platforms, cybersecurity and innovation efforts, with a focus on improving system reliability, enabling data-driven decision-making and supporting the company&#39;s transition to a more modern, efficient operating model.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Christian T. Beam Biography<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br></b>Beam joined FirstEnergy in 2025 as Vice President, Generation Project Development, leading strategy and regulatory engagement for new generation assets in West Virginia, including Mon Power&#39;s integrated resource plan, and working closely with regulators and stakeholders to advance investments supporting reliable service. Prior to FirstEnergy, he spent more than three decades at American Electric Power, including executive leadership roles overseeing generation, transmission and safety and serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Appalachian Power. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Hanneke Counts Biography<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br></b>Counts joins FirstEnergy with extensive experience leading global environmental, health and safety organizations. She most recently served as Senior Director of Global Environment, Health and Safety at Westinghouse Electric Company, where she transformed safety programs, strengthened risk identification and improved performance. Previously, she was Vice President of Global Health, Safety, Environment and Security at Eastman Chemical Company, leading a global team of more than 350 employees across 50+ sites and driving measurable improvements in safety performance and operational efficiency. She holds a Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and is a Certified Safety Professional.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Daniel Puscas Biography<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br></b>Puscas joins FirstEnergy with more than 20 years of experience leading technology and operations transformations. He most recently served as a partner at Fortium Partners, advising companies on technology strategy, operational improvements and restructuring initiatives. Previously, he was a Director at AlixPartners, where he served in multiple chief information officer and chief operating officer roles, leading transformations, post-merger integrations and cost optimization efforts and modernizing IT systems and enterprise resource planning platforms. Earlier, he held senior leadership roles at Comerica, leading large-scale technology operations and supporting multiple acquisitions. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="prntac"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Professional photos of Beam, Counts and Puscas are available for download on </i></b><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4714303-1&amp;h=2329972524&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fflic.kr%2Fs%2FaHsjE3t2up&amp;a=Flickr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Flickr</i></b></a><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">.</i></b></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About FirstEnergy <br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br></b>FirstEnergy Corp. is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. It&#39;s electric distribution companies form one of the nation&#39;s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than 6 million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company&#39;s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4714303-1&amp;h=3038892598&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D4271990-1%26h%3D2427636352%26u%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.firstenergycorp.com%252F%26a%3Dfirstenergycorp.com&amp;a=firstenergycorp.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">firstenergycorp.com</a> and on X <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4714303-1&amp;h=1468620040&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D4271990-1%26h%3D2394511167%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fx.com%252Ffirstenergycorp%26a%3D%2540FirstEnergyCorp&amp;a=%40FirstEnergyCorp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">@FirstEnergyCorp</a>.</p>



<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PURL"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" title="Cision" width="12" height="12" alt="Cision" src="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/img/favicon.png?sn=CL86623&amp;sd=2026-06-17"></img> View original content:<a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PRNURL" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/firstenergy-names-three-senior-leaders-to-drive-operational-safety-and-technology-performance-302803572.html" target="_blank">https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/firstenergy-names-three-senior-leaders-to-drive-operational-safety-and-technology-performance-302803572.html</a></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.</p>

FirstEnergy Names Three Senior Leaders to Drive Operational, Safety and Technology Performance

FirstEnergy appoints three senior leaders to boost reliability and technology transformation.

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
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  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>FirstEnergy named Chris Beam as President of West Virginia and Maryland Operations, Hanneke Counts as VP of Environmental Health and Safety, and Daniel Puscas as Chief Information Officer. The leadership trio is designed to enhance operating reliability, safety culture, and enterprise technology, supporting disciplined investments and data-driven decision-making. If these changes translate into improved execution over the next 6–12 months, FE could see steadier performance and better customer experience.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>FE names three senior leaders to boost reliability, safety, and tech modernization.</li><li>Beam leads WV/MD ops. Counts leads safety; Puscas CIO.</li><li>Appointments target safer execution, disciplined capex, and digital modernization.</li><li>FE expects improved customer, employee, and stakeholder experience.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>FirstEnergy Corp. (FE)</strong>: Subject of leadership appointments to bolster reliability, safety, and IT modernization.</li><li><strong>American Electric Power (AEP)</strong>: Beam previously spent 30+ years at AEP, implying familiarity with regulated utilities.</li><li><strong>Eastman Chemical Company (EMN)</strong>: Counts previously VP of Global Health, Safety, Environment and Security.</li><li><strong>Comerica Incorporated (CMA)</strong>: Puscas held leadership roles at Comerica; exposure to financial operations.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>Category: Corporate Developments. Leadership changes signal focus on safety, reliability, and digital modernization, with potential downstream effects on CAPEX execution and regulatory engagement.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Leadership appointments could unlock faster project execution and capex delivery.</li><li>Safety and reliability improvements may reduce risk and regulatory headwinds.</li><li>Technology and cybersecurity leadership could improve data-driven decisions and grid modernization.</li><li>Market reaction will hinge on observable progress; no material earnings impact expected immediately.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Date: June 17, 2026.</li><li>Beam named President, West Virginia/Maryland Operations (including Mon Power and Potomac Edison).</li><li>Counts named Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety.</li><li>Puscas named Chief Information Officer.</li><li>FE serves more than 6 million customers across OH, PA, NJ, WV, MD and NY; transmission lines ~24,000 miles.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Positive, with a 6–12 month horizon for operational, safety, and IT improvements to potentially support earnings stability.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<article>
  <p><strong><em>Experienced leaders will help improve reliability, accountability and customer experience</em></strong></p>
  <p>AKRON, Ohio, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) recently named three senior leaders to strengthen operational performance, advance its safety culture and accelerate enterprise-wide technology transformation: Chris Beam as President, West Virginia/Maryland Operations; Hanneke Counts as Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety; and Daniel Puscas as Chief Information Officer.</p>

  <section>
    <p>Together, these leaders complement FirstEnergy's business strategy by reinforcing key priorities: operating the system safely and reliably, executing investments with discipline and modernizing the tools and processes that support the business. Their combined experience will help the company strengthen performance while creating a better experience for customers, employees and stakeholders.</p>
    <ul>
      <li><strong>Chris Beam</strong> — President, West Virginia/Maryland Operations; lead FirstEnergy's West Virginia and Maryland business unit, including Mon Power and Potomac Edison, along with the company's regulated generation business. He will oversee safe, reliable and efficient operations, financial performance and the regulatory and legislative strategy that supports the company's investment plans, reporting to Wade Smith, President, FirstEnergy Utilities.</li>
      <li><strong>Hanneke Counts</strong> — Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety; in her role overseeing the company's enterprise safety organization, Counts will drive a more consistent, risk-based approach to preventing serious injuries and strengthening field execution. She will focus on standardizing safety practices across the company, expanding field coaching and observation programs and reinforcing a culture where employees take ownership of safe work. Counts reports to Chief Operating Officer Toby Thomas.</li>
      <li><strong>Daniel Puscas</strong> — Chief Information Officer; reporting to FirstEnergy Board Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer Brian X. Tierney, Puscas will take charge of FirstEnergy's enterprise technology, digital and cybersecurity strategy. He will oversee IT operations, digital platforms, cybersecurity and innovation efforts, with a focus on improving system reliability, enabling data-driven decision-making and supporting the company's transition to a more modern, efficient operating model.</li>
    </ul>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>Leadership biographies</h2>

    <h3>Christian T. Beam Biography</h3>
    <p>Beam joined FirstEnergy in 2025 as Vice President, Generation Project Development, leading strategy and regulatory engagement for new generation assets in West Virginia, including Mon Power's integrated resource plan, and working closely with regulators and stakeholders to advance investments supporting reliable service. Prior to FirstEnergy, he spent more than three decades at American Electric Power, including executive leadership roles overseeing generation, transmission and safety and serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Appalachian Power. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University.</p>

    <h3>Hanneke Counts Biography</h3>
    <p>Counts joins FirstEnergy with extensive experience leading global environmental, health and safety organizations. She most recently served as Senior Director of Global Environment, Health and Safety at Westinghouse Electric Company, where she transformed safety programs, strengthened risk identification and improved performance. Previously, she was Vice President of Global Health, Safety, Environment and Security at Eastman Chemical Company, leading a global team of more than 350 employees across 50+ sites and driving measurable improvements in safety performance and operational efficiency. She holds a Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and is a Certified Safety Professional.</p>

    <h3>Daniel Puscas Biography</h3>
    <p>Puscas joins FirstEnergy with more than 20 years of experience leading technology and operations transformations. He most recently served as a partner at Fortium Partners, advising companies on technology strategy, operational improvements and restructuring initiatives. Previously, he was a Director at AlixPartners, where he served in multiple chief information officer and chief operating officer roles, leading transformations, post-merger integrations and cost optimization efforts and modernizing IT systems and enterprise resource planning platforms. Earlier, he held senior leadership roles at Comerica, leading large-scale technology operations and supporting multiple acquisitions. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <p><em>Professional photos of Beam, Counts and Puscas are available for download on Flickr.</em></p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>About FirstEnergy</h2>
    <p>FirstEnergy Corp. is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. It's electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than <strong>6 million</strong> customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately <strong>24,000</strong> miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at firstenergycorp.com and on X <em>@FirstEnergyCorp</em>.</p>
  </section>
</article>

FirstEnergy named Chris Beam as President of West Virginia and Maryland Operations, Hanneke Counts as VP of Environmental Health and Safety, and Daniel Puscas as Chief Information Officer. The leadership trio is designed to enhance operating reliability, safety culture, and enterprise technology, supporting disciplined investments and data-driven decision-making. If these changes translate into improved execution over the next 6–12 months, FE could see steadier performance and better customer experience.

FirstEnergy Names Three Senior Leaders to Drive Operational, Safety and Technology Performance

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

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