Sacramento, CA – October 1, 2025 – Hispanics In Energy (HIE), a national non-profit organization dedicated to propelling Hispanic success in America’s energy industry, announced the addition of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Dennis V. Arriola, Deanna Rodriguez, and Francisco Leon. These appointments represent a significant milestone in HIE’s commitment to enhancing Hispanic representation and leadership across the critically important energy sector. The new board members bring extensive leadership experience and industry expertise that will help drive HIE’s strategic initiatives forward.
“We are delighted to welcome three industry leaders: Dennis Arriola, Deanna Rodriguez, and Francisco Leon to our talented board of directors,” said Hispanics in Energy Chairman, Joseph Dominguez. “Our esteemed board reflects the diversity of the energy industry and embraces all energy sectors. It also reflects the diversity of Hispanic Americans across the U.S.”
“Each of our new directors bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to our board and their journeys to C-suite positions in the energy sector will further support the mission of HIE in the future. Each also has a demonstrated history and passion for developing young leaders and this experience will be invaluable to HIE’s growing membership,” said José L. Pérez, President & CEO of Hispanics In Energy
About the New Board Members
Dennis V. Arriola, Operating Partner, Sandbrook Capital
Dennis V. Arriola currently serves as an Operating Partner at Sandbrook Capital, a global private equity firm focused on investments in infrastructure and services related to the clean energy transition. He also serves on the board of directors of ConocoPhillips, Meritage Homes, Commercial Metals Company (CMC), and the Auto Club of Southern California. With more than 30 years of experience in the energy sector, Arriola’s career includes significant executive leadership roles, including recently serving as CEO of Avangrid, Inc., a major electric and natural gas utility company with substantial ownership of renewable energy generation in the U.S. Prior to that, he held executive positions at Sempra Energy where he served as Executive Vice President, Group President, and Chief Sustainability Officer.
Mr. Arriola’s leadership roles have included Chairman, President, and CEO of Southern California Gas Co., Senior Vice President and CFO of both San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas Co., and as Regional Vice President and General Manager of Sempra’s South American operations.
Deanna Rodriguez, President and CEO, Entergy New Orleans
Deanna Rodriguez currently serves as President and CEO of Entergy New Orleans, where she oversees the provision of safe and reliable electric and gas service to more than 211,000 customers. Prior to this role, she held positions as Vice President of Regulatory and Public Affairs for Entergy Texas and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Entergy New Orleans, where she collaborated with the New Orleans City Council to launch the first Energy Smart program.
Before joining Entergy New Orleans, Deanna Rodriguez oversaw the creation of the Entergy Charitable Foundation and the company’s volunteer program, Community Connectors. She also led the effort to secure $200 million in community development block grant funding to help Entergy’s Louisiana, Mississippi and New Orleans operating companies rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.
Francisco Leon, President & CEO, California Resources Corporation (CRC)
As President and CEO of CRC, an independent energy and carbon management company committed to energy transition, he leads the company’s efforts, including the company’s carbon management business and has received recognition for its leadership in this space. Francisco is also a member of the highly prestigious National Petroleum Council and also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA).
Prior to his current role, Francisco Leon served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CRC. He also held positions as Vice President of Portfolio Management and Strategic Planning and Vice President of Corporate Development at CRC, overseeing all acquisition and divestiture activities.
Strengthening Hispanic Representation in Energy
The addition of these accomplished leaders to HIE’s Board of Directors underscores the organization’s commitment to increasing Hispanic representation and influence in the energy industry. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will contribute significantly to HIE’s strategic initiatives and advocacy efforts.
The new board members join HIE at a crucial time when the energy industry is undergoing rapid transformation and the need for diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership is more important than ever. These appointments reflect HIE’s commitment to diversifying its board and strengthening its position in the evolving energy landscape.
About Hispanics In Energy
Hispanics In Energy (HIE) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit national organization created in 2012 to propel Hispanic success in America’s energy industry. HIE serves as a resource for the all-the-above energy industry, utility companies, municipalities, communities, and elected and appointed officials with oversight and responsibility for energy-related policies, regulations, and practices. HIE focuses on procurement, employment, corporate governance, energy communication, advocacy/public affairs, public policy, Spanish language access, and environmental stewardship.
Current Board Members
The new appointees join the existing board, which includes:
- Joe Dominguez (Chairman): President and CEO, Constellation Energy
- Hon. Nelson Diaz: Judge, Exelon Board Member, PECO Board Member (Retired)
- Maria Pia Tamburri, VP, Dominion Energy
- José L. Pérez: President & CEO, Hispanics In Energy
- Nancy Zarenda: Treasurer & VP, Administration
- Olman Valverde: Corporate Secretary, Law Office of Olman Valverde
- Lewis Binswanger: SVP, Government and Regulatory Affairs, COMED
- Jose F. Niño: Chairman, Biofriendly
For more information about Hispanics in Energy and its initiatives, please explore more of our website.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sabrina Siddiqui
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