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Our Leadership

Jarrod Harris
President

Jarrod Harris is a self-described God-fearing man who is the loving husband of Kameelah Harris, and proud father of one daughter, Londyn Harris (16) and two sons, Jace (10) and Jaden (8).

 

Jarrod joined Entergy in 2017 as an Operations Coordinator and later became a Line Supervisor in the Central Region. During his time in distribution operations, he developed vast knowledge about the safe construction of the electrical distribution system and the importance of effective communications with customers.

 

Jarrod attended Henderson State University and the Institute of Technology in Dallas where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. His professional career covers Research and Development engineering with Alcatel in Dallas, Texas, and fiber optic telecom systems installation with AT&T.

 

In addition to his work at Entergy, Jarrod also owns a gym with his wife called WOW Fitness and an Audio and Video installation business called HDinstallerz.

 

Jarrod is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., the Saline County Economic Development Board, Bryant Rotary and the Bryant Chamber of Commerce.

 

When he's not working, he loves spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, grilling food and working out at the gym.

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Sean Whitaker
Vice President

Sean Patrick Whitaker is an Economic Studies Engineer at Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). A native of Nashville, he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee State University, with double minors in Computer Science and Mathematics. During his time at the university, he held various leadership roles in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and participated as an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). He was also a member of the inaugural 2022 cohort of the Advancing Careers in Energy Summit (ACES).

Since joining MISO, Sean has contributed in two key roles within Economic and Policy Planning, supporting Long Range Transmission Plan (LRTP) portfolio initiatives. Beyond his engineering responsibilities, he actively engages in employee-led networks such as Advancing Modern Professionals (AMP), where he currently serves as chair.

Sean has been a member of AABE for over three years serving on event committees and actively engaging in the organization’s extensive professional network.

Driven by his passion for community engagement, Sean serves as a board member of the City of Little Rock’s Arts and Culture Commission, where he combines his appreciation for the arts with a commitment to community development. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., by way of the Epsilon Alpha Lambda chapter, he supports local initiatives including addressing food insecurity, promoting public health awareness in central Arkansas, and fundraising for the Children’s Advocacy Alliance of Conway, where he serves as Parliamentarian.

Marshunda Jones
Secretary

Marshunda Jones is a Customer Service Manager with more than 21 years of experience at Entergy, where she supports customers across Garland and Montgomery Counties and leads External Customer Engagement for the Arkansas Customer Service Organization. With a background in Public Relations and Communications Management, she is recognized for building strong partnerships and leading collaborative initiatives that connect customers to vital resources and support services.

Her leadership has earned regional recognition, including a 2024 Woman of the Year nomination from the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and selection into Entergy’s RISE: Emerging Leader Cohort. Beyond her professional work, Jones is deeply committed to community service. She serves as Second Vice President of the Alpha Alpha Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and holds board positions with the Hot Springs Metro Partnership and the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund. She also serves as an advocate for Desired Haven Family Care, reflecting her ongoing dedication to strengthening families and communities.

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Anita Mitchell
Treasurer

Meet Anita Mitchell, a highly skilled accounting professional with over 20 years of experience. Currently, she serves as a Lead Accountant at Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a position she has held for a decade.

 

With a focus on detail, Anita's areas of expertise include financial statement compilation, external reporting, and audit compliance. At SPP, she expertly handles quarterly and annual Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Internal Revenue Service Form 990 filings, as well as annual financial audits, benefits plan audits, and system and organization controls audits.

 

Her attention to detail shines through in her meticulous financial statement analysis for accuracy and completeness.

 

Outside of work, Anita is the treasurer for AABE – Arkansas Chapter and an active member of Arkansas Women in Power (AWIP), Black Leaders @SPP Today (BL@ST), and Women Inspiring SPP Excellence (WISE).

 

Anita's education includes a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.

Dee Isbell
Parliamentarian

For over fourteen years Dee Edmondson has been a driving force within Southwest Power Pool (SPP), consistently exceeding expectations in every role she has undertaken.  Her journey at SPP began in July 2009 when she joined the Engineering Rotation Program, swiftly making her mark as an Engineer with successful stints in Operations and Engineering. 

Dee’s trajectory withing SPP is a testament to her exceptional performance and dedication.  From her initial role in Transmission Services (TS) to her subsequent positions in R&D and Special Studies (RDSS), and later in Reliability Planning (RP)/Transmission Planning (TP) where she earned a promotion to Senior Engineer, Dee consistently showcased her technical prowess ad leadership acumen.

 

In April 2019, Dee transitioned to Congestion Hedging (CH) and further demonstrated her capacity for growth by assuming the role of Supervisor of Transmission Planning in December 2021.  Throughout her tenure, Dee has been a beacon of excellence, leading and mentoring teams of Engineers and Planning Specialist with a focus on technical interconnection studies and supervisory responsibilities.

 

Beyond her sterling performance within SPP, Dee has been an active participant in industry-wide initiatives, serving as a trusted Subject Matter Expert (SME) and contributing significantly to SPP Working Groups.  Her dedication to fostering strong internal and external relationships has been instrumental in representing SPP and Engineering interest with stakeholders, customers, and industry professionals alike.

 

Dee’s leadership extends beyond the confines of SPP, as evidenced by her management experience outside the organization.  Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a plethora of industry certifications, Dee embodies a rare combination of technical expertise, leadership and community service.

 

In summary, Dee Edmondson’s journey at SPP is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellent, leadership, and continuous growth, making her an invaluable asset to both SPP and the broader Electric Utility industry.

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Ka'Pri Burden
Program and Events Chairperson

 

Ka'Pri Burden is an Economic Planning Engineer I at Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Energy. In her role, she works with her team to develop and maintain data, models, and some studies that evaluate performance and support long‑term planning by building economic models, updating generation and load profiles, running analyses, and interpreting results to guide future grid decisions.

 

She credits her path to the energy industry with the 2nd Accessing Careers in Energy Summit to which she was a participant from her time at Jackson State University. Upon graduating from JSU in May 2024, she began her career at MISO energy in her current role.

 

Ka'Pri has always been engaged and an advocate for supporting community efforts. At MISO, she currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Women's Resource Group and Co-Lead of the Community Service Resource Group as well as being a member of many of the ERGs offered.

 

An initiate of the Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a current member of the Little Rock Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. , Ka'Pri 's enthusiasm toward service is immense. She adores the senses of community and fulfillment felt in giving back to others and providing opportunities and knowledge. Malcolm X once said, "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."  

 

As Programs and Events Chair, Ka'Pri aims to provide that education  in community efforts through meticulously developed programming in the AABE Chapter, demystifying the constructs and works of the energy industry and empowering participants to learn more about the industry.

 

Her goal is also to strive to uplift the community that AABE AR serves with continuous involvement and effort to support residents.

In her free time, Ka'Pri enjoyed reading, running, strength training, and relaxing.

Paul Isbell
Public Relations, Technology, and Communications Chairperson

Paul A. Isbell, a native of Little Rock, AR is a seasoned Senior Database Administrator at Southwest Power Pool (SPP).  With an impressive eighteen-year track record in the energy industry and over two decades of Information Technology experience, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to his role.  His work is not just a job; it is a contribution to the broader landscape of the energy sector.

 

A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Paul holds a degree in Management of Information Systems from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  His academic background serves as a solid foundation, complementing his extensive hands-on experience in the dynamic field of energy. 

 

Beyond his professional prowess, Paul is deeply committed to community service.  He volunteers with various fraternal organizations and actively engages with his church.  Recognizing the importance of giving back, he dedicates time to mentoring youth and supporting the homeless.  At SPP, Paul wears multiple hats, currently serving as the Public Relations, Communications, and Technology chairperson, as well as holding the esteemed position of president for Veterans Encouraging Teambuilding at SPP (VETS)

 

Paul Isbell’s story is one of expertise, service and commitment to making a positive impact both professionally and in the community.

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Angela Moore
Scholarship Chairperson

Angela L. Moore has more than 19 years of experience in the legal profession, with 14 years as a licensed attorney in Arkansas. She currently serves as Corporate Counsel in Legal & Federal Affairs in the Little Rock, Arkansas office of Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). Ms. Moore’s key roles include reviewing, advising, drafting, and collaborating on contracts and business decisions that drive the supply management team’s product, as well as implements the strategic plan of the organization as a whole. Ms. Moore has also begun efforts to centralize MISO’s various pre-professional opportunities to best meet the needs and expectations of the organization and potential interns, employees, and benefactors.

Ms. Moore received a BS in Political Science from Tennessee State University, an MA in Political Science from Miami University of Ohio, and a JD from the Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Ms. Moore is the newly appointed Scholarship Chairperson of the AR Chapter of AABE, is an active member of the Little Rock Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and charter member of The Natural State Chapter of the TSU Alumni Association.

Krishada Watson

Krishada A. Watson
Resource Development and Fundraising
Chairperson

 

Krishada A. Watson, MBA, Planning Specialist at Southwest Power Pool (SPP), supports the transmission planning functions of one of the largest regional transmission organizations in the U.S. With nearly 4 years of specialized experience in developing new concepts, addressing critical issues, and achieving overall objectives for the energy industry she facilitates training and knowledge sharing to foster a collaborative and productive work environment.

Watson’s career, prior to SPP, includes over 8 years of gathering a wealth of knowledge in the accounting field in both the public and private sector.

As a Little Rock, AR native and graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to further serve the state of Arkansas as the chair of the Resource Development and Fundraising committee for the AABE AR Chapter.

She is passionate about delivering optimal solutions and outcomes for the energy sector and its stakeholders.

April Sherrill-Buirse
Membership and Member Services
Chairperson

 

April Sherrill-Buirse is a strategic and results-oriented leader with 28 years of experience in the energy industry. As Manager of Work Management at Entergy Arkansas, she oversees workforce planning, operational efficiency, and process improvements while ensuring seamless coordination across teams. In addition, she serves as the Crew Tracking Branch Director during storms, leading response efforts and resource management to support restoration operations.

 

April has a strong background in data analysis, customer service, employee development, and process optimization. She excels at identifying performance gaps, implementing efficiency-driven solutions, and mentoring teams to enhance productivity and engagement. Her ability to drive strategic initiatives has led to measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, workforce effectiveness, and business performance.

 

Passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, April has played an active role in various industry and community initiatives. She has served on the Arkansas Diversity and Inclusion Council, the City of Little Rock Racial and Cultural Commission, and as Treasurer for the Central Arkansas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her leadership in these areas reflects her commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces and communities.

 

April holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix and dual Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in General Business and Management from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Through her expertise and leadership, she continues to drive innovation and operational excellence in the energy sector.

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