PG&E has appointed Jon Franke to the role of Vice President of Safety and Health for the company, effective Sept. 1. Franke is currently PG&E’s Vice President of Power Generation.

"Jon brings tremendous experience to his new role with an extensive operations background, including in the safety-intensive nuclear industry. Jon is also a strong communicator with the ability to collaborate effectively, both internally and externally. I am confident that he will continue to advance our commitment to safety in every aspect of our operations," said Geisha Williams, CEO and President of PG&E Corporation.

Franke joined PG&E in January of 2017. In his current capacity, he is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the company's natural gas, hydroelectric and renewable power plant fleet. In addition, he leads utility functions related to power plant decommissioning. Prior to PG&E, Franke had more than 30 years of nuclear and energy industry experience while working in positions of increasing levels of responsibility in the U.S. Navy, and at Carolina Power and Light, Progress Energy, Duke Energy, PPL Corporation and Talen Energy.

As an officer in the U.S. Navy, Franke served in several nuclear power and fleet assignments, and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He also holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and has completed a utility management program at the Duke University Fuqua School of Business. He additionally held a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Senior Reactor Operator license and completed the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Senior Nuclear Plant Managers course.