WEC Energy Group has announced that Maria Bocanegra, previously the Chief Legal and Government Relations Officer at the Port of Cleveland, has been named President — Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, effective January 2, 2025.

"Maria has an impressive list of accomplishments in utility regulation and creating successful engagement strategies within the government, private and public sectors," according to Scott Lauber, President and Chief Executive Officer — WEC Energy Group. "I know her broad experience, along with her strong leadership, will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goals in Illinois."

Bocanegra will have primary responsibility for managing the daily operations, strategy and administrative activities of the two Illinois utilities, which together provide safe, reliable natural gas service to nearly 1 million customers in Chicago and 54 communities in its northern suburbs. She will report to Lauber.

Bocanegra holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Quincy University and a juris doctor from DePaul University College of Law.