In honor of Black History Month, the Colorado Chamber is recognizing Black business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and job creators who have grown their businesses from the ground up and are core to our local Colorado communities.
Today’s feature is Robert Kenney with Xcel Energy
Robert Kenney is president of Xcel Energy’s Colorado Operating Company, the organization’s largest operating division. Xcel Energy is a Fortune 500 energy provider serving millions of customers nationwide, with its Colorado operations delivering electricity to approximately 1.6 million customers and natural gas service to 1.5 million customers across the state.
Robert is responsible for the company’s overall strategic direction and operations, including safety, profit and loss, operational excellence, customer experience, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory and legislative outcomes. He leads more than 4,000 Colorado employees focused on delivering safe, reliable and affordable energy.
Xcel Energy was the first major U.S. energy provider to set a goal of producing carbon-free electricity by 2050. Under Robert’s leadership, the Colorado team is working to turn that vision into reality, supporting Colorado’s transition to clean energy while maintaining a strong focus on reliability and keeping customer costs low.
Robert brings more than 30 years of experience in regulatory, legal, governmental and public affairs. He works closely with policymakers, regulators and community stakeholders to advance strategic plans and customer programs that position both Colorado and Xcel Energy as national leaders in clean energy innovation, including transportation electrification.
Prior to joining Xcel Energy, Robert served as senior vice president of regulatory and external affairs at Pacific Gas & Electric, where he led state and federal regulatory affairs, local government relations, community engagement and charitable giving. His career also includes serving as chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission, chief of staff to the Missouri attorney general, and a shareholder at the Polsinelli law firm, where he practiced commercial and business litigation.
Robert is a nationally recognized leader in public utility law, regulation and public policy. He has served on the board of directors of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and as president of the Organization of MISO States.
He serves on the boards of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hampton University and a law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law.
Learn more about Xcel Energy by visiting their website here.
Know of a Black-owned business you think should be featured by the Colorado Chamber? Nominate one here!
The Colorado Chamber is committed to promoting an inclusive state economy and diverse workforce, fostering economic opportunity for all. We appreciate our partnership with minority-owned businesses across Colorado and will continue to work with these job creators on state and federal policies that impact minority employers and their employees.
Resources:
Small Business Association: Minority Owned Business Resources
Colorado Office of Economic Development and Trade: Minority Owned Business Directory
Minority Business Office of Colorado: Programs and Funding
Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Chamber: 21 Resources for Black-Owned Businesses
Minority Business Development Agency
Google for Small Business: How can I let customers know my business is Black-owned?