For over three decades, Westchester County has been home to Justin E. Driscoll, but for the past eight years, it is the quiet charm and tight-knit community of Rye that he and his family have called home. As the President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Power Authority (NYPA)—the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility—Driscoll holds one of the most influential roles in shaping New York State’s energy transition.
Deep Roots in Westchester and a Life in Rye
Driscoll grew up near Albany, a region heavily defined by some of the state’s most massive engineering marvels, including large-scale hydroelectric projects. Decades later, those very operations would fall under his corporate supervision. However, before anchoring his career in public energy leadership, Driscoll built a robust background in the private sector. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from American University’s School of Public Affairs in 1977, earned his Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 1981, and later attended the New York University School of Law LL.M. program in trade regulation.
As a private attorney and partner at firms like Brown & Weintraub, Driscoll specialized in complex commercial litigation, public finance, and government relations, frequently representing clients navigating the complexities of the energy industry. It was during this period that his interest in power generation fully took root.
Driscoll and his wife raised their three now-grown children in Westchester County, where their kids attended local schools, including the School of the Holy Child in Rye and Fordham Preparatory School. Around 2018, the couple officially relocated into the City of Rye. While their children have since moved to the Midwest, Rye remains the ultimate family anchor.
Powering New York State—and Rye’s Infrastructure
In late 2021, Driscoll was elevated to Interim President and CEO of NYPA following the departure of Gil C. Quiniones. Recommended for the permanent position by Governor Kathy Hochul, Driscoll navigated a highly visible confirmation process amid shifting state climate mandates and was officially confirmed by the State Senate in August 2023.
In his role, Driscoll oversees 17 generation facilities, thousands of circuit miles of high-voltage transmission lines, and the historic New York State Canal System. Under his stewardship, NYPA has accelerated large-scale renewable transmission projects like Clean Path New York and Smart Path Connect, alongside pioneering initiatives like ConnectALL, which utilizes state energy infrastructure to expand digital broadband access to underserved communities.
While Driscoll’s decisions reverberate across New York City, the Port Authority, and state operations from Buffalo to Long Island, his professional output also hits remarkably close to home. The affordable, low-cost electricity managed by NYPA serves as the lifeblood for public infrastructure right here in town, powering Rye’s public schools, local fire stations, and municipal buildings.
Local Service and Community Presence
Despite the round-the-clock demands of managing the state’s power grid, Driscoll remains actively engaged in the local community. In June 2026, the Rye City Council appointed Driscoll to a specialized 12-person committee tasked with guiding the city through its comprehensive planning process. Alongside fellow residents, former local officials, and technical experts, Driscoll brings his extensive background in public infrastructure, regulatory navigation, and long-term strategic vision to help shape the municipal future of Rye.
When he isn’t reviewing geothermal well developments or mapping out electric vehicle charging networks, Driscoll enjoys the simple routines of small-town life. He and his wife can regularly be seen dining at local restaurants or picking up morning provisions at Hand Rolled Bagels.
This video features an insightful, direct conversation with Justin Driscoll regarding the long-term horizons of clean energy, fossil-fuel-free electricity generation, and the technological innovations driving public power strategies in New York.
