State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

The Growing Role of Women in the Energy Sector

Paula Gold Williams
Paula Gold Williams is president and CEO of CPS Energy in San Antonio, Texas, the largest public electric and gas utility in the U.S.

In the latest episode of the Columbia Energy Exchange podcast, host Bill Loveless speaks with Paula Gold Williams, the president and CEO of CPS Energy in San Antonio, Texas, the largest public electric and gas utility in the U.S. Bill and Paula talk about the changes taking place in the utility sector, with new technology and new expectations making the business more dynamic than ever. One of these areas that Bill and Paula tackle is the emergence of Smart Cities, where the grid will play a central role.

Bill and Paula also discuss how the changes in the industry are opening new career opportunities and creating a more diverse work force. They specifically focus on the growing role of women in the energy sector, a topic Paula regularly speaks on.

Paula Gold Williams joined CPS in 2004 and held a number of top positions at the utility, including chief financial officer and treasurer, before being named president and CEO in 2016.

Listen to the conversation. 

Photo of the Earth from space with the text "Lamont at AGU25" on top.

AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection, from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. #AGU25 Learn More

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

1 Comment
Newest
Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Avriel
Avriel
6 years ago

So proud of Paula Gold Williams. So proud to be a woman, who cares about Gaia. We all need to save our planet by doing all we can. Alternative energy is a great way to start.