J. Frank Bates, BSEE, '72

J. Frank Bates is currently serving as President of El Paso Electric Company (EPE).  During his career he has primarily overseen the generation, transmission, distribution, power marketing and system operations at EPE. Bates is a 37-year veteran of EPE and during his career has held a number of increasingly responsible positions with EPE including Interim President and CEO, Executive Vice President and COO, Vice President of Transmission and Distribution, Vice President of Customer Services, and Vice President of Operations.

A resident of New Mexico, Bates graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering (1972).

Bates has served in various professional organizations including the Western Electricity Coordinating Council and the Western Energy Institute. He serves on the New Mexico State University College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council and the Electrical Utility Management Program Advisory Committee.

Bates has also served on the board of directors for a number of community organizations, including the El Paso Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Insights Science Museum, the Children’s Miracle Network, and he is currently the president of the Sun Bowl Association.