Puesh M. Kumar serves as Vice President of National Security and Resilience at American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utility companies in the U.S. with customers in 11 states. In this role, he leads AEP’s engagement with federal agencies, state, local, territorial, and tribal (SLTT) communities, and industry partners on national security, cybersecurity, and grid resilience issues facing the electric sector.

Prior to joining AEP, Kumar headed the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER). There, he led efforts to enhance the security and resilience of the nation’s energy infrastructure against cyber, physical, and natural threats and hazards. His responsibilities included managing the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, coordinating emergency responses to significant energy disruptions, and representing the energy sector on White House National Security Council policy committees focused on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure resilience. He also collaborated with international partners on energy resilience and cybersecurity through bilateral and multilateral engagements.

Kumar brings over 20 years of experience in the energy sector, including roles at Southern California Edison, American Public Power Association, and Memphis Light, Gas, and Water. His expertise spans grid modernization, reliability, cybersecurity, resource adequacy, artificial intelligence, and supply chain security. He holds a degree in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems.

In recognition of his contributions to energy security, Kumar received the U.S. Secretary of Energy’s Exceptional Service Award in 2020.