Rory M. Christian
Chair and CEO
On September 30, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul designated Commissioner Rory M. Christian as the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Public Service Commission (Commission). On June 10, 2021, Mr. Christian was appointed Commissioner, and his term runs through February 1, 2027.
Mr. Christian began his career in the energy industry with KeySpan Energy where he first served as a civil engineer before transitioning to a role engaging government agencies operating in Long Island and New York City. In this role, he was responsible for coordinating activities between KeySpan and government organizations, negotiating contracts, developing contingency plans and streamlining operations to satisfy both organizations’ operational needs. Mr. Christian then transitioned to Exelon Energy, where he developed new products targeting public sector clientele and helped facilitate the creation of multiple partnerships and alliances.
Mr. Christian then served as the Director of Energy Finance and Sustainability for the New York City Housing Authority, where he oversaw the Authority’s then $500M+ utility portfolio with the aim of reducing annual energy expenditures while achieving city, state and federally mandated greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements. More recently, he was the Director of New York Clean Energy at Environmental Defense Fund where he provided strategy management, programming, business development and stakeholder collaboration for the Clean Energy program in NY. He oversaw a multidisciplinary team (economists, lawyers, and engineers) to design, implement, and manage legislative and policy campaigns to lower the environmental impact of energy use.
He enjoys teaching and has taught energy efficiency courses at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies. He also volunteers time with workforce development organizations such as Green City Force and is a longtime supporter and former Chair of WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s (WE ACT) Board of Directors
Mr. Christian graduated from the City College of New York’s, Grove School of Engineering with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA in Finance from the Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business.
Mr. Christian immigrated from Jamaica as child, and grew up in New York City.
James S. Alesi
Commissioner
On June 21, 2017, James S. Alesi was appointed Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission (Commission). He was reappointed to a second term on June 10, 2021, and the new term runs through February 1, 2027.
Prior to starting with the Commission, Mr. Alesi served in elective office for 23 years, starting as a Monroe County Legislator, then a State Assembly member, and ultimately as Senator. In the Senate, he was Chairperson of the Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee. In addition, he held highly influential positions on several additional Senate committees including Energy and Telecommunications, Finance, Rules, and Labor. During his tenure, he also served as Chair of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee. He was appointed to the NYS Small Business Advisory Board and the NYS Workforce Investment Board by former Governor Pataki. He was reappointed by former Governor Paterson. His efforts focused on the need for job creation and retention in a work environment that treated workers fairly. As a former union member and small business owner, he has a unique understanding of the mutual needs of business and labor. He retired undefeated from the Senate in 2012, having served with five Governors. Prior to his appointment to the Commission, then Governor Andrew M. Cuomo had appointed him as a member of the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board in 2013.
Mr. Alesi graduated from St. John Fisher College. For many years, he owned a statewide commercial laundry business with operations in the Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany regions. He has served on several not-for-profit boards and has received nearly 300 awards from various community organizations.
David J. Valesky
Commissioner
On June 10, 2021, David J. Valesky was appointed Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission (Commission). Mr. Valesky’s term runs through February 2027.
Mr. Valesky began his career in public service as a legislative assistant in the New York State Assembly. Following that, he served in a number of capacities including Vice President of Communications at WCNY, the public television and radio stations in Central New York. He was first elected to the New York State Senate in 2004, where he represented parts of Onondaga, Madison, Oneida and Cayuga counties for 14 years.
Mr. Valesky most recently served as deputy commissioner at the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, overseeing the agency’s compliance in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation. Mr. Valesky also serves as a member of the Committee on Water and the Committee on Infrastructure for the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from SUNY Potsdam and a master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut.
John B. Maggiore
Commissioner
On June 10, 2021, John B. Maggiore was appointed Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission (Commission). Mr. Maggiore’s term runs through February 2027.
Mr. Maggiore has served in various roles in the Executive Chamber since 2011, most recently as senior advisor to then Governor Andrew Cuomo. Prior to that, he served as then Governor Cuomo's Director of Policy, Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Robert Duffy, and the Governor’s Director of Regional Affairs. During Mr. Maggiore’s time as Policy Director, the Cuomo administration first articulated the Clean Energy Standard, launched the electric vehicle rebate program, implemented the NY Sun program, promulgated the offshore wind master plan, announced several large-scale renewable projects among other nation-leading clean energy policy initiatives. Earlier in his career, Mr. Maggiore served as Chief of Staff for a leading member of the Assembly Energy Committee for eight years.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government from Connecticut College, a master’s degree in Political Science and Government from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.
Uchenna S. Bright
Commissioner
On February 16, 2024, Uchenna Bright was appointed Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission. Ms. Bright’s term runs through February 2030.
Ms. Bright is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ (NARUC) serving on the Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment as well as the Committee on International Relations.
Ms. Bright most recently served as E2’s Eastern States Advocate where she led E2’s clean energy and environmental strategy across multiple chapters and policy priorities at the state and federal level, with a focus on making the business case for climate action. Prior to E2, Ms. Bright served at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) for more than 13 years where she worked with the China program and the Climate & Clean Energy program on green buildings and clean vehicles and fuels.
In addition, Ms. Bright co-founded a web-based, green building company that produced a directory in support of individuals and organizations interested in building green. The company bridged the gap between consumers and the green building alternatives they sought by providing free user access to an extensive database of green building materials, professionals and retailers.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy from Rutgers University.
Denise M. Sheehan
Commissioner
On February 16, 2024, Denise M. Sheehan was appointed Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission (Commission). Ms. Sheehan’s term runs through February 2030.
Ms. Sheehan is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ (NARUC) serving on several committees including the Committee on Electricity and the Committee on International Relations.
Prior to joining the Commission, Ms. Sheehan served as Executive Vice President of Capitol Hill Management Services, a management consulting firm specializing in nonprofit and association management. She also serves as Sr. Advisor to the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST).
Ms. Sheehan has more than 30 years of experience in government and non-profit sectors. She previously served for 10 years at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, including two years as Commissioner where she led efforts to address climate change, protect open space, improve air and water quality and revitalize brownfields. Denise previously served as the Executive Director of The Climate Registry, an international non-profit membership organization. She also served for 10 years at the NYS Division of the Budget, handling primarily environment and energy issues.
Sheehan holds a master’s degree in public administration from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the State University of New York.
Radina R. Valova
Commissioner
On May 24, 2024, Radina Valova was appointed Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission. Ms. Valova’s term runs through February 2030.
Ms. Valova is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ (NARUC) serving on the Task Force on Natural Gas Resource Planning.
Ms. Valova most recently served as Vice President of the Regulatory Program at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), a national non-profit organization that builds the foundation for clean energy and energy efficiency. At IREC, Ms. Valova provided strategic direction and oversight of IREC’s regulatory team, with a focus on clean energy grid integration, utility transformation, and a just transition to a decarbonized economy for underserved and disadvantaged communities.
Prior to joining IREC, Ms. Valova served as Senior Staff Attorney and Regulatory Affairs Manager for the Pace Energy and Climate Center in White Plains, where she led the Center’s engagement in New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision, developed policy solutions for decarbonizing the buildings sector, and pushed for clean and affordable energy for low- and moderate-income communities.
Ms. Valova is a graduate of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, with JD Certificates in Environmental and International Law, and an LL.M. in Land Use and Sustainable Development. She previously taught Energy Law at Pace and has a strong commitment to training the next generation of energy and climate advocates.