Tasha Ward-J.D., Ccep Email & Phone Number

As the Director of Enforcement and External Affairs, I was recruited to manage the noncompliance enforcement process, supervising the enforcement staff to identify violations under the CMEP consistent with the regional delegation agreement, rules of procedures, and applicable law. I was also responsible for reviewing and approving documentation for NERC and FERC filings, presenting to the Board of Directors, and creating and managing the department budget. Guiding the strategic vision for the enforcement and external affairs functions, I build impactful partnerships with government agencies, professional associations, and industry professionals. + Collaborated across regions, entrusted to sign settlement agreements up to $1M+ Developed and expanded the external affairs department from a simple annual outreach with regulators+ Elected to serve as the vice-chair of the enforcement collaboration groupRepresented the company at meetings with state, federal, and provincial regulators + Supported relationships with FERC staff and commissioners and the state Public Utilities Commissions+ Drove internal culture change by guiding meeting efficiency, restructuring a spot bonus program, and orchestrating the Diamond Award program

Following many years of strategic leadership at Southwest Power Pool’s Regional Entity, I was invited to serve in a newly created role to provide direction to the compliance department staff, specifically for CMEP-related initiatives. I leveraged my regulator expertise to develop self-reports, mitigation plans, evidence citations, and responses to requests for information involving NERC reliability standards.+ Enhanced the development and ongoing practice of internal compliance program initiatives+ Served as a compliance liaison with SPP departments responsible for NERC compliance and enforcement+ Mentored compliance staff members on regulatory responsibilities, processes, and relationship management+ Cultivated a safe culture where team members were comfortable self-reporting compliance issues+ Supported NERC Modifications to CIP Standards drafting team, creating whitepapers and future CIP standards+ Successfully completed and graduated from the SPP Leadership Academy+ Led the company's “Good Catch” compliance process, assisting SMEs in conducting investigations of potential compliance risk and violations

Little Rock, Arkansas Area

Invited to return in 2017 at a higher level with independent reviews and decision-making processes. I was responsible for supporting FERC approved NERC reliability standards as a core member of the Enforcement team. I led a multi-disciplinary team of attorneys, SMEs, mitigation staff, and electric utilities companies through NERC CMEP Processes.+ Led the Enforcement team in meeting and exceeding internal violation processing metrics+ Successfully negotiated Settlement Agreements with electric utility companies+ Fostered cooperation and communication between SPP RE, electric utility companies, and NERC+ Reviewed auditor findings to verify possible violations in Cyber Security and Transmissions operations + Represented SPP RE on the NERC Enforcement Functional Group+ Drafted SPP RE Compliance Enforcement documents, including pleadings and settlement agreements+ Led company through its dissolution, transitioning SPP RE registered entities to MRO and SERC Reliability Corporation. Presentations:+ NERC Compliance and Enforcement, Arkansas Electric Co-op Legal Education Seminar (2015)+ NERC Enforcement, Mitigation Plans, Panel Discussion, SPP RE Compliance Workshops (2010-2015)

Charlotte, North Carolina Area

As a contracted Compliance Enforcement Attorney with SERC Reliability Corporation, I advised on mandatory FERC approved NERC reliability standards. I directly supported the Managing Attorney of Enforcement, which included reviewing and approving Attorneys’ NERC Compliance Enforcement documents.

Little Rock, Arkansas Area

Beginning my career at Southwest Power Pool Regional Entity in 2009 as a Compliance Enforcement Attorney, I was responsible for supporting FERC approved NERC reliability standards as a core member of the Enforcement team. I led a multi-disciplinary team of attorneys, SMEs, mitigation staff, and electric utilities companies through NERC CMEP Processes.+ Led the Enforcement team in meeting and exceeding internal violation processing metrics+ Successfully negotiated Settlement Agreements with electric utility companies+ Fostered cooperation and communication between SPP RE, electric utility companies, and NERC+ Reviewed auditor findings to verify possible violations in Cyber Security and Transmissions operations + Represented SPP RE on the NERC Enforcement Functional Group+ Drafted SPP RE Compliance Enforcement documents, including pleadings and settlement agreements+ Oversaw initial development, drafting, and revisions of the SPP RE Policies and ProceduresPresentations:+ NERC Compliance and Enforcement, Arkansas Electric Co-op Legal Education Seminar (2015)+ NERC Enforcement, Mitigation Plans, Panel Discussion, SPP RE Compliance Workshops (2010-2015)

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Serving as an Adjunct Instructor and Academic Advisor, I facilitated in-person and online lessons for Legal Research and Writing, Torts, Civil Litigation, and Legal Terminology courses. I also advised students on classes and explained the process for continued course selection.

Little Rock, Arkansas Area

As an Associate Executive Director at the Arkansas Bar Association, which provides Arkansas attorneys with continuing legal education, networking, and legislative support, I managed a 10-person staff.I was responsible for developing the Association’s budget for the fiscal year, coordinated and developed three tracks of Continuing Legal Education seminars for the Association’s Annual Meeting, and implemented marketing strategies that resulted in record attendance to the Annual Meeting.

Little Rock, Arkansas Area

In partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Commission, I provided employees, employers, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys with information about Arkansas Workers’ Compensation law.

Little Rock, Arkansas Area

Gaining early career experience with the State of Arkansas Supreme Court, I researched and drafted bench memoranda, orders, and opinions on various issues of law for Associate Justice Jim Gunter. I also supported various administrative duties of the chambers.

Little Rock, Arkansas Area

While attending law school part-time, I worked as a Circulation Manager at the UALR/Pulaski County Law Library. I performed scheduling, payroll, interviewing, and training of the circulation desk staff of up to 10 students. I also assisted teachers and students with legal research.

Juris Doctorate, Law

Activities and Societies: Student Bar Association Grievance Committee-Chair, Student Bar Association-Member-at-LargeAttended law school.

B.S. Cum Laude, Health Science

Activities and Societies: Presidential Scholar, Dean's List, Gamma Beta Phi Honors Society, Student Orientation Staff, UCA Homecoming.