Kara Brighton Fornstrom
Pine Bluffs,WY
Summary
Dedicated and detail oriented energy industry professional with a proven track record for strategic thinking, collaborative engagement, and problem-solving.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Center for Energy Regulation and Policy Analysis
2022.12 - Current
- Direct and conduct interdisciplinary energy regulation and policies analyses for the economic benefit of Wyoming.
- CERPA supports policymakers, decision-makers and scientists by: creating a conduit for UW research to provide interdisciplinary information and knowledge to contribute more directly to Wyoming’s citizenry and economy; providing effective policy development and assessment; and facilitating partnerships with public, private and non-governmental entities outside of the UW community to support these efforts.
Director
State Regulatory Policy
2021.01 - 2022.10
- Focused regulatory outreach efforts on SPP’s strategic initiative to expand its electricity market services, including real-time, day-ahead and RTO options, in the the Western Interconnection
- Member of the Markets+ project team developing the service offering for potential participants, including the governance structure, resource adequacy provisions, and seams management.
Chairman
Wyoming Public Service Commission
2019.01 - 2021.01
- Served as director of the agency with statutory responsibility for personnel and budget while carrying out the duties of an appointed Commissioner.
- Heavily engaged in regional and national organizations focusing efforts on resource adequacy, electricity market evolution, and transmission planning.
Commissioner
Wyoming Public Service Commisison
2013.03 - 2019.01
- Regulated the public utilities that provide services to consumers in the state, including electricity, natural gas and telephone.
- The PSC’s responsibility is to ensure the public utilities operating in Wyoming provide safe and reliable service to customers and just and reasonable rates.
Founding Partner
Hageman & Brighton, P.C
2000.08 - 2013.03
- Focused legal practice on water and natural resource issues, including representation of irrigation districts, ranchers, and municipalities.
Staff Attorney
Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Water Division
1996.05 - 2000.07
- Represented Wyoming’s interests on the Nebraska v Wyoming litigation over the North Platte River and provided advice to the State Engineer’s Office and Water Development Commission.
Education
J.D. -
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Law
Lincoln, NE05.1996
B.S. in Small Business Management -
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY05.1993
Skills
- Strategic Thinker
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Rules and regulations analysis
- Charismatic Team Leader
- Forming Partnerships and Alliances
- Government relations
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Project Coordination
- Budget Management
- Development of Team Members
Timeline
Director
Center for Energy Regulation and Policy Analysis
2022.12 - Current
Director
State Regulatory Policy
2021.01 - 2022.10
Chairman
Wyoming Public Service Commission
2019.01 - 2021.01
Commissioner
Wyoming Public Service Commisison
2013.03 - 2019.01
Founding Partner
Hageman & Brighton, P.C
2000.08 - 2013.03
Staff Attorney
Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Water Division
1996.05 - 2000.07
J.D. -
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Law
B.S. in Small Business Management -
University of Wyoming
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