Former top lobbyist returns to group to succeed outgoing CEO Sue Kelly

Ditto

The American Public Power Association has chosen its former top lobbyist Joy Ditto as its next CEO, effective Jan. 13.

Ditto will join the $25 million-revenue APPA from the Utilities Technology Council, which she had led as CEO since 2016. She previously worked at APPA for 15 years, rising to the position of senior vice president for legislative and political affairs before moving to UTC. The association is based in Arlington, Va.

"The board chose Joy Ditto to continue the legacy of outstanding leadership at the American Public Power Association because she recognizes the value of public power, understands the energy industry, and is poised to make us a stronger voice than ever in Washington D.C.," Decosta Jenkins, chair of APPA's board of directors, said in a statement.

Ditto will succeed Sue Kelly, who is retiring after having led APPA for five years. Kelly received $730,094 in take-home pay in 2017, according to tax records. Ditto made $295,000 during the same time period at UTC.

Prior to first joining APPA, Ditto spent seven years on Capitol Hill as legislative assistant to two former Republican representatives from Pennsylvania, Joe McDade and Don Sherwood, and former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.). She also was a staff assistant to former Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

Recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates assisted in the search.