Austin Energy General Manager Bob Kahn Announces Retirement

News Summary

Bob Kahn, the General Manager of Austin Energy, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2025. His leadership has significantly impacted the utility’s performance during his tenure. City Manager T.C. Broadnax has acknowledged Kahn’s contributions and indicated that details about his successor will be forthcoming. Stakeholders are keenly awaiting news on the transition and future leadership to ensure continued service excellence for the Austin community.

Austin

What Happened

Austin Energy’s General Manager Bob Kahn has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2025. His last day in office will be April 30, 2025. Kahn’s impending departure was mentioned in a memo from Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax to the City Council. As of now, no interim director has been appointed for Austin Energy, and the city manager has indicated that further details on the transition process will be communicated in the coming weeks.

Who Is Affected

Bob Kahn’s retirement impacts various stakeholders within the city of Austin, including the employees of Austin Energy and city officials. Kahn has been a pivotal figure in the organization, having been appointed to the role in mid-2023 after the tenure of Interim General Manager Stuart Reilly. Kahn’s leadership has influenced not only the utility’s operational effectiveness but also its relationship with the community it serves. As the search for a new general manager progresses, employees and customers alike will be impacted by any changes in leadership style and strategic priorities.

Official Response

City Manager T.C. Broadnax has expressed appreciation for Kahn’s leadership and contributions to Austin Energy during a notable time of growth and recovery for the organization. Kahn initially took over from Reilly, who filled the position following the retirement of Jackie Sargent in March 2023. Sargent’s departure was after a significant ice storm that resulted in widespread power outages and highlighted the need for strong leadership in the utility sector. The city manager has not only recognized Kahn’s efforts in enhancing the utility’s operations but also emphasized the collaborative achievements made under his guidance.

Achievements During Tenure

Bob Kahn’s tenure at Austin Energy has been marked by several important achievements, as noted in a memo he shared with staff. Under his guidance, the utility has seen improvements in its financial health as well as enhancements in system reliability. Kahn has pointed to collaborative efforts as crucial to these successes, showcasing how teamwork within the utility has fostered better outcomes. These accomplishments are particularly significant given the challenges faced by the organization in recent years, including addressing the aftermath of natural disasters and increasing demands for reliable energy sources.

Kahn’s Background and Experience

Bob Kahn’s career reflects extensive experience in the energy sector. Before rejoining Austin Energy, he served as the General Manager of the Texas Municipal Power Agency and was President and CEO of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). His return to Austin Energy marks a second chapter in his association with the agency, where he has held multiple roles, including Deputy General Manager, General Counsel, and Vice President for Legal Services. Kahn’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law.

What’s Next

In the wake of Kahn’s retirement announcement, the focus will shift to determining the future leadership of Austin Energy. T.C. Broadnax has committed to keeping stakeholders informed about the transition process, including who will step into the role on an interim or permanent basis. As candidates for the position are considered, the city will likely prioritize individuals who can continue to build on the successes achieved under Kahn’s leadership and drive further improvements for the utility and the community it serves.

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Additional Resources

• Austin American-Statesman
• Wikipedia: Bob Kahn
• Community Impact
• Google Search: Bob Kahn retirement
• CBS Austin
• Google Scholar: Austin Energy
• KXAN
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Energy
• KVUE
• Google News: Bob Kahn retirement