California ISO Names Chief Information & Technology Officer
FOLSOM, Calif. – As part of its strategy to prepare for future business needs, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) has named Dr. Khaled Abdul-Rahman its Chief Information & Technology Officer (CITO).
The role leverages Dr. Abdul-Rahman’s experience as Vice President of Power Systems and Market Technology, empowering the ISO to accelerate technology advancements, align the ISO with industry peers nationwide, and strengthen a critical organizational function.
Dr. Abdul-Rahman will continue to serve as a corporate Vice President, reporting to Chief Operating Officer, Mark Rothleder.
“Khaled’s expanded role of Chief Information and Technology Officer enhances the technology strategy for the ISO, streamlines decision-making, and aligns internal IT operations and external technology advances,” Rothleder said. “This position recognizes the technology division’s focus on quality and efficiency, while also driving the adoption of innovative technologies to support the transformation to a reliable, affordable and clean grid for the future.”
Rothleder said the role will allow the company to thoughtfully integrate cutting-edge technology platforms in the areas of data management, analytics, user interfaces, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, and cybersecurity risk mitigation.
The new position underscores the ISO’s commitment to navigating the fast pace of technology advancements in the business landscape and preparing for future control center and enterprise needs, which are vital to the success of ISO’s expanding services.
Dr. Abdul-Rahman has worked at the ISO since the launch of the nodal pricing markets in 2009, and has served as Vice President of Power Systems and Market Technology since 2021. During his time at the ISO, he has played a key role in delivering critical operational and market capabilities, including the successful integration of all WEIM entities and RC West customers.
He also is responsible for overseeing the implementation of day-ahead market enhancements and the extended day-ahead market, in addition to managing the ISO's expansive information technology portfolio, including IT infrastructure, information security and other corporate systems.
Dr. Abdul-Rahman represents the ISO on the ISO/RTO Technology Council and coordinates the organization’s engagement with the Electric Power Research Institute and potential US Department of Energy grant opportunities.
Dr. Abdul-Rahman holds a PhD in electrical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology; and undergraduate and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Kuwait University.
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California ISO | 250 Outcropping Way | Folsom, CA 95630 | www.caiso.com
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation focused on the continuous improvement and secure operation of a reliable grid for the benefit of consumers. It provides comprehensive grid planning, and ensures open, nondiscriminatory access to one of the world’s largest networks of high-voltage transmission power lines and operates a $9 billion competitive electricity market.
The ISO is at the forefront of integrating renewable power, storage systems and advanced technologies onto the grid to support state energy policies and decarbonization goals, while keeping reliability and cost effectiveness at the core of its operations and ensuring a sustainable and resilient energy future.
The Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) is a real-time wholesale energy trading market that enables participants anywhere in the West to buy and sell energy when needed. Set to launch in 2026, the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) extends market operations into the day-ahead timeframe. The Western Energy Markets Governing Body, designed by regional stakeholders, shares authority with the ISO Board of Governors to advance rules specific to participation in the WEIM and the EDAM.