Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of embarking on a truly unique and varied professional journey. Unlike many of my peers, I have navigated the energy sector across the full value chain, excelling in utility and industrial energy procurement, regulatory compliance, and strategic advocacy. From leading national trade association advocacy through transformative initiatives to pioneering regulatory policies for emerging industries like commercial drones, my experience stands out as a testament to my adaptability and ability to thrive in ever-evolving landscapes.
Describe your industry experience:
With comprehensive expertise across the energy sector’s full value chain, including utility and industrial energy procurement strategies and portfolio development, I excelled in advising management leadership and boards on energy market price and regulatory risk, government compliance, and procurement strategies. My focus was on managing corporate exposure to energy and environmental policy uncertainty to create commercial advantage and reduce risk.
Describe your functional experience:
I provided strategic guidance to corporate leaders on emerging policy and regulatory trends in energy, finance, and environmental public policy. By developing and implementing long-term advocacy strategies, I drove commercial advantage. Noteworthy functional achievements included:
- Led a national U.S. trade association’s twelve-member board of directors through a strategic planning initiative, restructuring the association’s mission with a $3 million investment.
- Advised corporate financial reporting on regulatory risk disclosures.
- Managed legislative and regulatory advocacy for a three-year Dodd-Frank financial reform initiative.
- Developed compliance programs and represented utilities in establishing federal regulatory standards.
- Led a federal and state advocacy team for a natural gas utility with $1.2 billion in revenue and one million customers.
- Represented utilities at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on critical pipeline supplier contract issues.
Regulatory Policy Consulting: Pioneering Policy Integration of Commercial Drones
In addition to my industry and functional expertise, I successfully led a groundbreaking regulatory policy consulting project focused on the seamless integration of commercial drones. This transformative engagement entailed extensive analysis and strategic recommendations to navigate the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. Leveraging my profound understanding of policy development, risk assessment, and compliance planning, I provided invaluable insights to clients in this emerging industry. Notably, my exemplary trustworthiness and credibility in working with government agencies were further reinforced by my acquisition of a U.S. Government Public Trust Clearance for this pivotal initiative.
Describe your key business transactional experience:
In my business transactional expertise, I developed investor reports, evaluated fuel economics, recommended supply strategies, and negotiated supplier contracts. Notable achievements included:
- Supported a $250 million bond through investor reports and conference calls for a natural gas production forward-sale.
- Presented the rationale for an $11 million investment in fuel oil generation capability at an urban power facility.
- Evaluated fuel economics for a proposed 2,000 MW natural gas-fired power generation project in the Southeast.
- Advised a southeastern U.S. energy utility on a $25 million natural gas procurement plan and led negotiations for infrastructure improvements.
- Restructured $54 million in utility energy supply transportation agreements.
- Led negotiations to reduce utility capital abandonment costs by 75%, saving consumers $300,000 and fully mitigating corporate regulatory risk.
What is the most important skill you bring to a corporate board?
With a diverse range of specialties in corporate strategy, regulatory analysis, and project management, I bring a wealth of expertise to the boardroom. Throughout my career, I have successfully navigated complex regulatory landscapes, evaluated, and negotiated contracts, and provided valuable insights on compliance and risk management.
I have a proven ability to identify market opportunities, drive strategic decision-making, and deliver high-value solutions that create a competitive advantage. By leveraging my deep understanding of energy market dynamics and asset valuation, I provide a unique perspective that drives innovation and operational efficiencies.
My commitment to professionalism and integrity is demonstrated by my U.S. Government Public Trust Clearance, which reinforces my ability to navigate regulatory complexities and provide trusted guidance to organizations.
As a board candidate, my focus is on contributing my expertise to foster sustainable growth and profitability. I bring a humble yet confident approach, leveraging my extensive experience to help shape strategic direction, capitalize on opportunities, and deliver exceptional value to stakeholders.
Specialties include:
- Corporate strategy
- Advocacy partnerships
- Regulatory and policy analysis, advocacy, and compliance
- Management team advisory
- Energy contract evaluation, negotiation, and closure
- Corporate stewardship
- Energy market analysis and asset valuation
- Evaluation of business options and decision support
- Project management
- Regulatory proceeding interventions
- Customer relationships and client collaboration
Notable Publications and References
Fordham, Jennifer. Panel discussion. Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee, 7 Nov. 2019. U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Transcripts, pp. 32-39. LINK
Fordham, Jennifer. Panel discussion, teleconference. Energy and Environmental Markets Committee, 7 May 2020. U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Transcripts, pp. 131-135. LINK
Gluecksmann, Ernesto (host). “Jenny Fordham, VP, Natural Gas Supply Association.” Through the Noise, episode 357, 9 July 2018. LINK
Osipovich, Alexander. “Crumbling Pillars, Drop in US Gas Reporting Hampers Index Publishers.” Risk, Sept. 2015, pp. 14.
Osipovich, Alexander. “All Tangled Up, Dodd-Frank Commodity Option Rules Sow Confusion.” Risk, Nov. 2013, pp. 18.
Osipovich, Alexander. “US Energy Firms Cheer Regulators’ Shift on Margin Rule.” Risk, Oct. 2014, pp. 7.
Pinch, Lauren. “Boom Days Ahead for Natural Gas Sector.” Construction Executive, 4 Nov. 2014. LINK
