WORKFORCE
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
PJM appointed Michael Coyle, who brings 20 years of experience, to a new role as chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer.
To increase awareness and support of diversity, equity and inclusion, Coyle has developed and led a framework where everyone has a role to play through listening, storytelling, allyship and collaborative development at PJM.
“It’s important to cultivate an environment that is inclusive, where everyone can feel a sense of belonging and has a safe space to share their journey. PJM is fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of the people we serve.”
PJM supported a variety of events and activities aimed at helping employees connect and foster a diverse and inclusive workplace:
- In honor of Black History Month, PJM held a speaker series event with MK Palmore, a distinguished leader in the areas of cybersecurity, crisis management/response, domestic and international terrorism, public corruption, hate crimes and violent crimes.
- Women’s History Month was celebrated with a virtual tour of the Museum of the American Revolution’s exhibit: “When Women Lost the Vote.”
- Lambda, PJM’s LGBTQIA+ employee resource group, held a Parents & Family panel to share thoughts, experiences and resources.
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month was recognized in October.
- Hispanic Heritage Month was recognized with a “Sharing Our Stories” event.
- Lambda and the Asian American employee resource group co-hosted an event to promote allyship.
Top Adoption-Friendly Workplace
In 2021, PJM achieved milestone status as it was named among the top 100 adoption-friendly companies in the U.S. for the 15th year in the row. This honor was bestowed by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. PJM also ranked first in the category among energy and utility companies.
PJM has been offering substantial financial assistance for adoption-related expenses incurred by full-time employees since 2006. PJM’s policy reimburses families for many types of expenses related to adopting a child, including fees, travel and legal costs.
Employees Support Local Communities
PJM’s employees have a strong tradition of giving back to our communities by helping improve the lives of those around us. Although the COVID-19 pandemic limited our ability to engage in face-to-face volunteer activities, employees continued to find ways to support underserved communities through personal donations and awareness activities.
Employees and Board members contributed $35,607 to our Fall Giving Campaign to support the Norristown Hospitality Center, Philabundance and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey. The company is looking forward to resuming in-person volunteer events in 2022.
PJM Recognizes Major Milestone for Human Performance & Operating Experience Program
Addressing the “human factor” is a critical element of successful PJM strategies to support reliable grid operations, fair and efficient markets, and infrastructure planning.
In 2021, PJM reached the milestone of 950 completed action items associated with the Human Performance & Operating Experience Program.
The program focuses on continuous improvement:
As a result, corrective action items have been implemented resulting from “Good Catches” and “Event Analysis.” These include process improvements and updates to procedures, operation protocols, training, communications, technical solutions and tools.