READING – Michael O’Neill has been appointed as Reading Municipal Light Department’s interim general manager.
O’Neill’s career spans more than two decades in the electric utility industry. O’Neill previously held key positions at National Grid and Eversource, and has served as the RMLD director of operations since Jan. 2024.
“As we begin the search for a new GM, we’re fortunate to have Michael take on the interim role,” said RMLD Board of Commissioners Chair Pam Daskalakis. “His industry expertise and extensive hands-on knowledge of RMLD operations will be an asset during this time of transition. The board is looking forward to working with him over the next few months.”
O’Neill agreed.
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead RMLD during this transition,” said O’Neill. “I have full confidence in our team and look forward to providing steady leadership and continuity while the board conducts its search for a permanent general manager.”
O’Neill holds a bachelor of science degree in Environmental Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology as well as several certifications that underscore his expertise in the utility industry. Throughout his extensive career, he has held various leadership roles, including electric overhead/underground manager at National Grid and electric construction supervisor for station/substation and electric operations construction at Eversource.
As RMLD’s director of operations, O’Neill has played a pivotal role in successfully steering RMLD’s operating tactics, focusing on safety, facilitating strategic project management and building positive team culture.
The RMLD Board of Commissioners is moving forward with the search process to identify a candidate with the appropriate expertise to lead one of the largest municipal utilities in Massachusetts. The board anticipates that the GM search will span four to six months.
“During this transition, RMLD will continue to deliver on its mission to provide customers with reliable, low-cost, and increasingly non-carbon energy in Lynnfield Center, North Reading, Reading and Wilmington,” said O’Neill.