Electric utilities
10 CenterPoint Energy IT leaders
These ten current and former CenterPoint Energy IT leaders, including a former chief information officer and the current chief technology officer, have held vice president and director roles in information technology, infrastructure and enterprise systems at CenterPoint Energy. A reader can learn how IT executives lead technology organizations at CenterPoint Energy.
Professionals to explore
01—10Brad Krol
LinkedInExperience: Vice President, Chief Technology Officer · CenterPoint Energy
Vice President, Chief Technology Officer at CenterPoint Energy since November 2025, a C-level role in the Engineering and Technical department. Former Chief Information Officer at JEA (2021–2025), Global Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Expro (2019–2021), Director Of Information Technology (CIO) at BJ Energy Solutions (2017–2019) and Director of IT Infrastructure and Operations at C&J Energy Services (2016–2017).
Cecil Schirtzinger
LinkedInExperience: Director of Infrastructure, Control Center Monitoring, and IT Services · CenterPoint Energy
Director of Infrastructure, Control Center Monitoring, and IT Services at CenterPoint Energy since November 2022, based in Evansville, Indiana. Former Director of IT Control Center Monitoring, IT Service and Administration (2021–2022), Director of Solutions (Enterprise Architecture) and Employee Experience (2019–2021) and Director of Data Center and Infrastructure Operations (2016–2019) at CenterPoint Energy.
Chuck Hackney
LinkedInExperience: Director, Information Technology Infrastructure Operations · CenterPoint Energy
Former Director, Information Technology Infrastructure Operations at CenterPoint Energy (2000–2003). Other former CenterPoint Energy roles include Director, Technology Control Center Operations (2019–2021), Director, Technology Systems Management (2014–2019) and Director, Telecommunications Services & Smart Grid Communications (2004–2014); the profile says the person retired after 41+ years with CenterPoint Energy.
Darrance Tezino
LinkedInExperience: Director Of Technology Services · CenterPoint Energy
Director Of Technology Services at CenterPoint Energy since March 2021; the profile says the role is responsible for creating and supporting Executive / C-Suite technical teams and for providing technical and administrative leadership, direction and long-range planning. Former Director of Managed Services & DAS Divisions at MCA Communications, Inc. (2020–2021).
Kenneth Coleman
LinkedInExperience: Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer · CenterPoint Energy
Former Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at CenterPoint Energy (2020–2025) in Houston, a C-level role in General Management. Former President And Chief Executive Officer at Birmingham Business Alliance (2020), and President & CEO at BlueOak Strategic Advisors, LLC since October 2025.
Rachelle O'Connor
LinkedInExperience: Director of Technology Systems Infrastructure and Operations · CenterPoint Energy
Former Director of Technology Systems Infrastructure and Operations at CenterPoint Energy (2014–2023), and Transport and Smart Grid Communications Director there since December 2022, based in Houston. The profile also lists IT Manager at CenterPoint Energy since 2000.
Ronald Bahr
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Information Technology · CenterPoint Energy
Vice President Information Technology at CenterPoint Energy since January 2017, a role the profile places in the Engineering and Technical department at President/Vice President level, based in the Greater Houston area. Former Senior Vice President at Atmos Energy (2001–2016).
Shachella James, PMP
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Information Technology Infrastructure · CenterPoint Energy
Former Vice President Information Technology Infrastructure at CenterPoint Energy (2022–2024), and Chief Enterprise Systems Officer there since December 2025. Other CenterPoint Energy roles include Vice President Enterprise Systems and Platform Solutions (2024–2025), Vice President Technology Operations (2017–2022) and Director of Business Technology Support Services (2016–2017).
Syed Zaidi
LinkedInExperience: Senior Director AESO (Enterprise Architecture & Emerging Solution Office) · CenterPoint Energy
Senior Director AESO (Enterprise Architecture & Emerging Solution Office) at CenterPoint Energy since September 2024, a director-level role. Former Head of IT Strategy Enterprise Architecture & Program Manager for GenAI Digital Transformation at QatarEnergy (2022–2024) and Lead Enterprise Architect Cloud Architect at Oxy (2018–2022).
Vinoth Ravindra Rayappan
LinkedInExperience: Director, Cloud Services and Infrastructure Modernization · CenterPoint Energy
Director, Cloud Services and Infrastructure Modernization at CenterPoint Energy since April 2026; the profile headline describes the role as Director of Cloud and Infrastructure Platforms. Former Executive Director at JPMorganChase (2022–2026) and Program Manager - Oil & Gas and Automotive Sector at Infosys (2012–2022).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's IT area to your question, since infrastructure and data centers, enterprise systems and architecture, and technology operations and control centers are run by different leaders. Check whether the relevant CenterPoint Energy role is current or former before asking about how IT works there today.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How does a utility split responsibility between enterprise IT and the technology that supports grid and gas operations?
- 02How are infrastructure modernization and cloud moves planned and governed at a regulated utility?
- 03What does a technology vendor need to show to be selected for a CenterPoint Energy IT program?
Reaching CenterPoint Energy IT leaders
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About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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