Cheryl LaFleur
Carnot Prize Recipient
2019
Cheryl LaFleur is a nationally-recognized energy leader and the 2019 Carnot Prize recipient for distinguished contributions to energy policy. Effective October 1, 2019, LaFleur was named to the Board of Directors of the Independent System Operator of New England (ISO-NE), the independent, not-for-profit organization that plans and operates the power system and administers wholesale electricity markets for the New England region.
Previously, LaFleur was one of the longest-serving commissioners on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), nominated by President Obama in 2010 and 2014 serving until August 2019. She served as Chairman was 2014-15 and as Acting Chairman from 2013-14 and during 2017. At FERC, she helped lead the adaptation of energy markets and infrastructure to transformative changes in the nation’s resource mix, energy technologies, and climate and environmental goals. She also played a leading role in FERC’s efforts to assure the reliability and security of the energy grid in response to emerging security threats.
Earlier in her career, LaFleur had more than 20 years’ experience as a leader in the electric and natural gas industry. She served as executive vice president and acting CEO of National Grid USA, responsible for the delivery of electricity to 3.4 million customers in the Northeast. She led major efforts to improve reliability and employee safety, and led award-winning conservation and demand response programs for customers.
LaFleur has been a nonprofit board member and executive and is a frequent speaker on energy and leadership issues. She began her career as an attorney at Ropes and Gray in Boston. She has a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and an A.B. from Princeton University. She is married to William A. Kuncik, a retired attorney, and has two adult children and one grandchild. In her spare time, she is an avid fan of Boston sports, especially the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox.