Terry L. Maddox is a distinguished energy executive whose career spans over four decades, marked by transformative leadership, operational mastery, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development. Known across the energy industry as a change agent and respected thought leader, Terry has led some of the most complex and impactful operational turnarounds in the power generation sector. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Empowering progress through resilient innovation.” This ethos has guided every strategic decision and shaped the future of every organization he has touched.
Terry began his journey with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri–Columbia, where his innate curiosity and analytical mindset were first honed. From his earliest roles in plant engineering and station maintenance to senior-level leadership across major utilities, Terry quickly earned a reputation for his hands-on problem-solving skills and results-oriented approach. His early years cultivated a foundational expertise in coal, natural gas, oil, biomass, and renewable energy technologies—experience that would prove indispensable as he rose through the ranks of the energy industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Terry has held pivotal roles at leading energy organizations, including Southern California Edison, DTE Energy, AES, GenOn, Alliant Energy, and Evergy. At each of these firms, he was entrusted with mission-critical responsibilities, from overseeing multi-million-dollar capital projects to steering operational excellence across geographically diverse plant portfolios. His strategic oversight consistently yielded significant improvements in asset performance, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency.
During his decade-long tenure as Principal Manager of Generation (Eastern Operations) at Southern California Edison, Terry orchestrated the seamless management of a diverse generation fleet including solar, hydro, battery storage, fuel cells, and combustion turbines. His leadership directly contributed to enhancements such as increasing ramp rates on peaker units, implementing remote start capabilities, and flipping financial margins from deficit to surplus through market re-positioning. Under his guidance, the Mountainview plant was transformed into a hub of technical innovation and operational excellence.
Terry’s impact is perhaps most evident in his ability to identify and resolve complex operational challenges. At DTE Energy’s Mount Poso Cogeneration facility, he led a comprehensive turnaround that resulted in record-setting performance metrics. From deploying Six Sigma training to developing a balanced scorecard framework, Terry redefined what operational success looked like for a once-struggling biomass facility. His proactive dust compliance solutions and targeted outage mitigation strategies resulted in a 29% improvement in capacity factor—a testament to his deep operational insight and people-centered leadership.
As Chief Energy Officer at Envira Global, Terry now applies his expansive knowledge to advising organizations on sustainable growth, community resilience, and smart city development. In this role, he is not merely a consultant but a visionary partner, aligning public and private interests to propel energy transformation and environmental progress. His advisory work reflects his enduring belief that innovation, sustainability, and capital efficiency are not mutually exclusive—they are interconnected pillars of modern success.
An influential voice within the industry, Terry is a regular speaker at national energy conferences and has been invited to participate in high-level panels addressing the future of energy infrastructure. His contributions span technical, strategic, and leadership domains, and his voice is both respected and sought after. He is an active member of esteemed organizations such as IEEE, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and Toastmasters International, where he continues to sharpen his communication skills and mentor the next generation of energy professionals.
Terry’s dedication extends beyond professional responsibilities. He is deeply passionate about animal welfare, economic empowerment, environmental protection, and educational equity. His values are not confined to boardrooms—they are visible in his volunteerism and community engagement. He sees energy not just as a commodity, but as a social equalizer and a catalyst for long-term wellbeing.
At the heart of Terry’s leadership style is a commitment to developing people. Whether leading unionized teams in high-stakes environments or fostering executive collaboration on capital strategy, he believes that empowered people build resilient systems. His teams respect him for his integrity, clarity, and unwavering dedication to safety and excellence—qualities that have earned him enduring loyalty and lasting impact.
Today, as he continues to guide energy ventures with bold foresight and unmatched technical acumen, Terry Maddox remains a steadfast advocate for operational ingenuity, environmental sustainability, and ethical leadership. He is the kind of leader whose legacy is not measured merely in megawatts generated or budgets balanced, but in lives empowered, teams transformed, and futures reimagined.
Character:
Terry is grounded in integrity, purpose, and accountability. He believes that success without ethics is not sustainable, and he leads with humility, respect, and a deep sense of duty to others.
Knowledge:
With over 40 years of multi-disciplinary experience, Terry possesses a rare depth of technical, strategic, and regulatory expertise. His knowledge spans diverse energy technologies and is continuously updated through hands-on involvement and continuous learning.
Strategic:
Terry excels at turning operational complexity into strategic advantage. He understands how to balance short-term performance with long-term sustainability, crafting roadmaps that serve both business goals and societal needs.
Communication:
A gifted communicator and mentor, Terry is known for translating complex ideas into actionable insights. Whether addressing a board, leading a plant team, or presenting at an industry panel, he speaks with clarity, conviction, and vision.
