SRP Appoints McKell Purnell as Chief Human Resources Leader
Salt River Project (SRP) has announced the appointment of McKell Purnell as its new Associate General Manager and Chief Human Resources Executive. This strategic leadership addition brings extensive human capital expertise to one of Arizona’s major utility providers.
Purnell steps into her new role with a strong background in human resources, most recently serving as the Vice President of Human Capital at Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) since 2018. Her tenure at OPPD was marked by dynamic workforce innovations, including the implementation of a decade-long transformation roadmap aimed at sustainable growth and modernization.
Driving Workforce Transformation at OPPD
During her time at OPPD, Purnell played a pivotal role in reshaping the utility’s workforce strategy. She introduced skills-based hiring practices designed to broaden talent pools and foster equitable employment opportunities. Additionally, she led the charge in cultivating a more inclusive and adaptive workplace culture through a holistic approach to employee engagement and organizational development.
Under her leadership, OPPD forged a path toward progressive talent management, aligning human resources with long-term business goals. Her success in executing a comprehensive 10-year workforce plan has positioned her as a transformative leader in the utility sector.
CEO Praises Purnell’s Expertise and Vision
SRP’s General Manager and CEO, Jim Pratt, expressed confidence in Purnell’s leadership, citing her deep understanding of the utility industry and her commitment to innovation in HR practices.
“SRP’s workforce is at the heart of everything we do,” said Pratt. “McKell’s expertise in the utility sector, along with her extensive education and passion for learning and development and process improvement, make her especially qualified to lead SRP’s Human Resources team.”
Professional Background and Academic Credentials
Before her impactful work at OPPD, Purnell held a leadership position with the global consulting firm Grant Thornton LLP, where she further honed her skills in organizational strategy and operational efficiency. Her diverse experience across both public and private sectors underscores her ability to drive change and foster growth in complex organizational environments.
Purnell’s academic background is equally impressive. She earned a Master of Actuarial Science from Georgia State University, demonstrating strong analytical capabilities and a deep understanding of risk management. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of the West Indies, showcasing her technical acumen and problem-solving expertise.
About Salt River Project
SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The utility serves approximately 1.1 million customers with reliable and affordable energy solutions. In addition to its electric operations, SRP also plays a vital role in Arizona’s water management.
Each year, SRP delivers over 244 billion gallons of water—equivalent to 750,000 acre-feet—to around 2.5 million residents in the Valley. The utility manages a vast 13,000-square-mile watershed that includes a sophisticated infrastructure of reservoirs, wells, irrigation laterals, and 131 miles of canals. This dual focus on power and water positions SRP as a cornerstone of Arizona’s infrastructure and environmental stewardship.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening SRP’s Workforce
With McKell Purnell at the helm of its human resources division, SRP is poised to enhance its workforce strategy through innovation, inclusion, and performance optimization. Her appointment signals a renewed commitment to employee development and operational excellence as the utility continues to serve a growing and diverse customer base.
Purnell’s vision aligns with SRP’s mission to provide sustainable and reliable services while investing in the people who make that mission possible. Her leadership is expected to shape the future of SRP’s workforce, ensuring the organization remains adaptable, inclusive, and forward-thinking in an evolving energy landscape.
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