William (Bill) Jefferson serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating and Safety Officer for NiSource, Inc. He oversees all company and subsidiary natural gas and electric operations, as well as engineering and asset management, major projects, contractor support, environmental health and safety, work management, training, field operations support, and emergency response. Jefferson is also responsible for driving operational excellence and safety at NiSource and its operating companies.

Previously, Jefferson was Site Vice President for the South Texas Project (STP) Nuclear Operating Company near Bay City, Texas. He also served as Plant General Manager and Operations Director for STP.

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
Jefferson has more than 35 years of experience in the utility industry. Earlier in his career, he served as Vice President, Transmission Maintenance and Construction at Duke Energy. He also served as Vice President of the Harris Nuclear Plant for Progress Energy and Vice President of the Turkey Point and St. Lucie nuclear plants for Florida Power and Light.

In addition to the above roles, Jefferson served in positions of increasing responsibility for Exelon Generation Company / PECO Energy Company, including Plant Manager at Susquehanna Electric Company, Senior Manager of Plant Engineering at Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, and Manager of Reactor Services at PECO Nuclear.

BOARD AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
Jefferson is a committed member of the community and is currently an active board member of the Columbus Urban League, an organization that empowers African Americans and disenfranchised groups through economic, educational, and social programs. He previously served on the Texas A&M Galveston Academic Advisory Board.

EDUCATION
Jefferson has a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Purdue University and attended the Advanced Management Program at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

COMMUNITY/FAMILY
Jefferson lives in Columbus, Ohio.