Accomplished engineer from Caguas to replace Saca as LUMA CEO.

Janisse Quiñones, an engineer from Caguas, has been appointed as the new CEO of LUMA Energy.

By THE STAR STAFF

LUMA Energy, the private operator of the island’s electric power transmission and distribution system, announced Wednesday the appointment of Puerto Rican engineer Janisse Quiñones as the company’s chief executive officer, a position she will assume on March 30.

“Returning to Puerto Rico to serve at this pivotal moment is both a professional honor and a deeply personal commitment,” Quiñones said in a written statement. “Strengthening and modernizing the island’s electrical system is essential for economic growth, public safety, and quality of life.”

The company indicated that, as part of the leadership transition, current LUMA CEO Juan Saca will serve as an adviser to Quiñones and the board of directors to facilitate the change process.

Quiñones, a native of Caguas and a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, is a mechanical engineer with experience in the electrical sector and emergency management. She has held leadership positions at electric and gas utility companies in the United States, including Pacific Gas & Electric and National Grid.

She most recently served as CEO and chief engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the largest public water and power utility in the United States.

Quiñones also served in the U.S. Coast Guard for more than two decades, retiring with the rank of commander specializing in emergency and disaster management.

“It has been a privilege to lead LUMA as president and chief executive officer for nearly three years,” Saca said. “I am convinced that LUMA’s future is bright under the leadership of such an outstanding executive as Janisse.”