CPS Vitality named an interim CEO and began its official seek for a brand new chief.
In a brief announcement at its Thursday afternoon board assembly, CPS Vitality Board Chair Francine Romero thanked outgoing CEO Rudy Garza and named Frank Almaraz as the general public utility’s interim head.
Garza introduced his retirement from CPS Vitality on Monday. He’ll lead the Decrease Colorado River Authority, a state-created water and energy company based mostly in Austin.
Almaraz has no plans for drastic modifications, he mentioned in a CPS Vitality press launch.
“Our crew is dedicated to persevering with on the strategic path laid out by the board over the previous a number of years,” he mentioned.
Almaraz has served as chief working officer for 5 months when he was employed on from the non-public sector. He’s nonetheless a well-recognized face, although. It’s his second time working at CPS Vitality, in response to the utility’s web site.
Between 2011 and 2021, he served in quite a lot of management roles, specializing in monetary and enterprise planning and pure gasoline and energy trades. He left the place of chief energy, sustainability and enterprise growth officer on the finish of 2021.
Almaraz was CEO of Braya Renewable Fuels, an organization targeted on producing diesel from corn and soy oil at its refinery in Canada, till 2025. He then served as interim CEO for Younger Brothers, LLC, an inter-island freight firm in Hawaii between January 2025 and February 2026, earlier than returning to CPS Vitality.
“The Personnel Committee has confidence that his background and expertise make him the suitable chief to serve on this interim position. We consider Mr. Almaraz will efficiently proceed advancing our strategic priorities,” Romero mentioned.
Romero mentioned CPS Vitality’s board had activated its CEO Search Committee, part of its Personnel Committee which can head its management search. Romero and fellow board member Erika Gonzalez will lead that effort.
“We may have a sturdy course of that selects the correct candidate to proceed shifting CPS Vitality into the longer term,” Romero mentioned.
Romero praised Garza’s service to the utility, noting his work constructing CPS Vitality’s government crew and crafting strategic plans that look as far out as 2050.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones additionally praised Garza earlier this week, particularly his position in stabilizing CPS Vitality after Winter Storm Uri.
“I’m grateful for Rudy’s steadfast management that noticed CPS emerge from Winter Storm Uri well-positioned to grab on strategic investments that secured resilient, clear and inexpensive vitality for our group. His management and compassion for our group will likely be missed, and I want him the perfect in his subsequent steps,” Jones mentioned in an announcement Tuesday.
Jones serves on CPS Vitality’s board of trustees.
CPS Vitality was contemplating its funds and a attainable price improve earlier than Garza stepped apart. Utility officers have been cautioned by San Antonio Metropolis Council in regards to the timing and decision-making course of for its price modifications earlier this yr as officers additionally grapple with potential water price and property tax changes.
