DP&L names new president & CEO

Tom Raga, a former state legislator from Warren County, has been named president and CEO of the Dayton Power and Light Co., company officials announced Friday.

Raga replaces Derek Porter, who until Thursday served as president and CEO of DP&L and its corporate entity, DPL Inc., since July 2013. Porter chose to leave the company, a spokeswoman said.

Most recently serving as the regional energy company’s vice president of public affairs, Raga joined DP&L in 2010. He also is the executive director of the DP&L Foundation.

Company officials said Raga will lead the local senior management team through the ongoing transition of the electric distribution business.

Raga is a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives and was the running mate for Republican governor candidate Ken Blackwell in 2006. Previously, he served as vice president of advancement at Sinclair Community College in Dayton.

Officials said the leadership change reflects parent company AES Corp.’s commitment to growing key markets across the U.S., including Ohio.

Raga said in a statement DP&L is “challenged to provide a first-rate customer experience, develop new products and offer options to our customers taking advantage of developing technologies and energy alternatives.”

The company remains focused on “providing safe and reliable power while continuing our long-standing commitment and involvement in the community,” he said.

AES U.S. President Ken Zagzebski said Raga brings business experience and proven leadership skills with a clear strategic vision to the role of president and chief executive.

“At DP&L, he has successfully managed a diverse portfolio of responsibilities and delivered results in our legislative and regulatory strategy, all while being an essential partner with the customers and communities we serve,” Zagzebski said in a statement.

AES Corp. acquired DPL Inc., the parent company of DP&L, in November 2011 in a transaction valued at $4.7 billion.

DP&L supplies power to 515,000 customers in 24 counties throughout west central Ohio.

In 2012, DPL Inc. generated profits of $87.4 million on revenues of $1.7 billion, according to company documents. The company employs more than 1,200 area workers.

Porter’s departure could potentially impact the boards of two regional business associations.

In January, Porter was named 2015 chairman of the Dayton Development Coalition’s board of trustees.

“This announcement is fresh news, and we’ve not had the appropriate time to discuss what it may mean for our board of trustees, but Derek has been a great friend and champion of growing our region’s economy since he first arrived and we’re deeply appreciative of his servant leadership,” said Jeff Hoagland, the coalition’s president and chief executive.

“Furthermore, DP&L has been a leader in the region for over 100 years, and we will continue to work with them as they are a critical partner in the region’s success,” Hoagland said.

Porter also was named 2015 chair-elect of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce board of trustees, and is slated to become board chair in 2016.

“We feel confident that DP&L’s community support will continue. That should not waiver just because they change leaders,” said Phil Parker, chamber president and chief executive.

Parker was uncertain how Friday’s announcement would impact the chamber’s board.

In April 2014, Porter was presented with the development coalition’s annual Dave Hobson Dayton Region Advocate Award in recognition of his advocacy efforts and commitment to the region’s growth and prosperity.

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