Our Leadership
Kandi Hughes
President
Kandi Chitman Hughes is an accomplished Senior Corporate Counsel at Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) with nearly 15 years of legal expertise. Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Kandi earned her Juris Doctor from UA Little Rock’s William H. Bowen School of Law, an MBA from the University of Central Arkansas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Duke University. Kandi is also an adjunct faculty member at UA Little Rock’s William H. Bowen School of Law where she teaches Lawyering Skills I and Advanced Legal Writing: Contract Drafting.
In her diverse legal career, Kandi has held key roles at the University of Central Arkansas, the City of Little Rock, and Southwest Power Pool, specializing in corporate governance, human resources, and transactional matters. Actively engaged in industry organizations, she serves as president for Arkansas Women in Power, president of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, and is a member of Corporate Counsel Women of Color, among others.
Beyond her professional commitments, Kandi is deeply committed to public service, serving on the U.S Commission on Civil Rights’ Arkansas Advisory Committee and the Central Arkansas Water Board of Commission. Her leadership extends to various civic affiliations, including the Duke University Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee and the Leadership Foundation for Women.
Kandi's notable achievements have garnered widespread recognition, including annual appearances in Arkansas Business’ Arkansas 250 since 2017. She has been honored as a 40 Under 40 recipient by Arkansas Business, recognized as a Woman to Watch by Little Rock Soirée, and received the Irma Hunter Brown Women’s Leadership Award from the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus. A distinguished, 20+ year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Kandi was named the 2022 Little Rock Regional Chamber’s Outstanding Young Professional of the Year and is a graduate of the Little Rock Regional Chamber’s Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXI.
Kandi’s current industry organizational memberships include vice president of Arkansas Women in Power, vice president of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, the American Water Works Association, the National Black MBA Association, and Corporate Counsel Women of Color.
Brandon Morris
Vice President
Brandon D. Morris has nearly 15 years of experience working in public relations and government affairs. He currently serves as communication advisor at Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). He is responsible for developing and delivering compelling multimedia communications to external audiences as well as designing communications that foster understanding of key company strategies, priorities and policies. Brandon manages the organization’s media relations and social media efforts across an international service area.
Morris most recently served as senior director – public affairs at Union Pacific Railroad managing the company’s strategy and policy for state government affairs, community relations and philanthropic programs across a three-state region for more than five years. Prior to that, he served as public information officer at the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM). From 2008 to 2013, he worked for SAIC and served as the public affairs and outreach liaison for the Pine Bluff Chemical Agent Disposal Facility on the U.S. Army Pine Bluff Arsenal.
Morris holds a Bachelor of Science - Journalism from Arkansas State University - Jonesboro and a Master of Public Administration from Webster University as well as Accreditation in Public Relations and Military Communication (APR+M). He serves as chair of the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission. Morris also serves on the Arkansas State University Alumni Association board of directors and is involved with the Arkansas Chapter of Public Relations Society of America and the American Association of Blacks in Energy. In 2016, he was recognized by Arkansas Business on their 20 in their 20s: New Influentials list.
Chemia Woods
Secretary
Chemia Woods, Talent Scout and Employer Brand Specialist for Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), an experienced mid-career professional with 15 years’ experience. Her diverse expertise spans media communication, talent acquisition, diversity recruitment, employer branding, social media management, and public speaking.
Prior to MISO, she worked at Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation.
Energized by the charge to empower individuals to embark on fulfilling and meaningful careers, Woods is committed to fostering diverse talent's entry into the dynamic field of energy.
A recent graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXVIII and a recent appointee to Little Rock Parks and Recreation Commission, Woods is excited to serve as AABE AR Chapter Secretary.
Whether she’s shaping careers or influencing the future of corporate culture, she’s committed to make a lasting impact in the energy sector.
Anita Mitchell
Treasurer
Meet Anita Mitchell, a highly skilled accounting professional with over 20 years of experience. Currently, she serves as a Lead Accountant at Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a position she has held for a decade.
With a focus on detail, Anita's areas of expertise include financial statement compilation, external reporting, and audit compliance. At SPP, she expertly handles quarterly and annual Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Internal Revenue Service Form 990 filings, as well as annual financial audits, benefits plan audits, and system and organization controls audits.
Her attention to detail shines through in her meticulous financial statement analysis for accuracy and completeness.
Outside of work, Anita is the treasurer for AABE – Arkansas Chapter and an active member of Arkansas Women in Power (AWIP), Black Leaders @SPP Today (BL@ST), and Women Inspiring SPP Excellence (WISE).
Anita's education includes a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.
Dee Edmondson
Parliamentarian
For over fourteen years Dee Edmondson has been a driving force within Southwest Power Pool (SPP), consistently exceeding expectations in every role she has undertaken. Her journey at SPP began in July 2009 when she joined the Engineering Rotation Program, swiftly making her mark as an Engineer with successful stints in Operations and Engineering.
Dee’s trajectory withing SPP is a testament to her exceptional performance and dedication. From her initial role in Transmission Services (TS) to her subsequent positions in R&D and Special Studies (RDSS), and later in Reliability Planning (RP)/Transmission Planning (TP) where she earned a promotion to Senior Engineer, Dee consistently showcased her technical prowess ad leadership acumen.
In April 2019, Dee transitioned to Congestion Hedging (CH) and further demonstrated her capacity for growth by assuming the role of Supervisor of Transmission Planning in December 2021. Throughout her tenure, Dee has been a beacon of excellence, leading and mentoring teams of Engineers and Planning Specialist with a focus on technical interconnection studies and supervisory responsibilities.
Beyond her sterling performance within SPP, Dee has been an active participant in industry-wide initiatives, serving as a trusted Subject Matter Expert (SME) and contributing significantly to SPP Working Groups. Her dedication to fostering strong internal and external relationships has been instrumental in representing SPP and Engineering interest with stakeholders, customers, and industry professionals alike.
Dee’s leadership extends beyond the confines of SPP, as evidenced by her management experience outside the organization. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a plethora of industry certifications, Dee embodies a rare combination of technical expertise, leadership and community service.
In summary, Dee Edmondson’s journey at SPP is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellent, leadership, and continuous growth, making her an invaluable asset to both SPP and the broader Electric Utility industry.
Tamika S. Edwards
Program and Events Chairperson
Tamika S. Edwards, a native of Little Rock, AR, serves as Director of Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion at Southwest Power Pool (SPP).
With over two decades of experience in social justice, public policy, government and community outreach, Edwards recognizes that her work has always led her to focus on people, policies and systems by facilitating equitable practices to achieve equal outcomes. Her extensive work history includes serving as the Special Advisor to the CEO on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement at Central Arkansas Water (CAW), the executive director of the Social Justice Institute at Philander Smith College; director of governmental affairs at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, director of public policy at Southern Bancorp Community Partners, and community affairs specialist for former U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln.
Edwards is active in the community. She is a member of the Little Rock Alumnae Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a founding board member of the Friends of Mosaic Templars
Cultural Center, and a member of the Delta Dental of Arkansas and the Little Rock Port
Authority Boards of Directors. Edwards also served as a commissioner for the Commission on the Status of Women in Arkansas. In 2022, the Commission made recommendations to the
Governor and the General Assembly on eliminating barriers to entering the labor force for women.
She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work and community contributions, including Arkansas Business’ Arkansas 250, The Top 100 Women of Impact in
Arkansas 2023 and the 2021 “Woman of the Year in Business” from the Women’s Foundation of
Arkansas. Edwards earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Arkansas at Pine
Bluff, a Master of Arts in professional and technical writing from the University of Arkansas at
Little Rock, and a J.D. from Bowen Law School.
Paul Isbell
Public Relations, Technology, and Communications Chairperson
Paul A. Isbell, a native of Little Rock, AR is a seasoned Senior Database Administrator at Southwest Power Pool (SPP). With an impressive eighteen-year track record in the energy industry and over two decades of Information Technology experience, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. His work is not just a job; it is a contribution to the broader landscape of the energy sector.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Paul holds a degree in Management of Information Systems from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. His academic background serves as a solid foundation, complementing his extensive hands-on experience in the dynamic field of energy.
Beyond his professional prowess, Paul is deeply committed to community service. He volunteers with various fraternal organizations and actively engages with his church. Recognizing the importance of giving back, he dedicates time to mentoring youth and supporting the homeless. At SPP, Paul wears multiple hats, currently serving as the Public Relations, Communications, and Technology chairperson, as well as holding the esteemed position of president for Veterans Encouraging Teambuilding at SPP (VETS)
Paul Isbell’s story is one of expertise, service and commitment to making a positive impact both professionally and in the community.
Angela Moore
Scholarship Chairperson
Angela L. Moore has more than 19 years of experience in the legal profession, with 14 years as a licensed attorney in Arkansas. She currently serves as Corporate Counsel in Legal & Federal Affairs in the Little Rock, Arkansas office of Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). Ms. Moore’s key roles include reviewing, advising, drafting, and collaborating on contracts and business decisions that drive the supply management team’s product, as well as implements the strategic plan of the organization as a whole. Ms. Moore has also begun efforts to centralize MISO’s various pre-professional opportunities to best meet the needs and expectations of the organization and potential interns, employees, and benefactors.
Ms. Moore received a BS in Political Science from Tennessee State University, an MA in Political Science from Miami University of Ohio, and a JD from the Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Ms. Moore is the newly appointed Scholarship Chairperson of the AR Chapter of AABE, is an active member of the Little Rock Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and charter member of The Natural State Chapter of the TSU Alumni Association.
Krishada A. Watson
Resource Development and Fundraising
Chairperson
Krishada A. Watson, MBA, Planning Specialist at Southwest Power Pool (SPP), supports the transmission planning functions of one of the largest regional transmission organizations in the U.S. With nearly 4 years of specialized experience in developing new concepts, addressing critical issues, and achieving overall objectives for the energy industry she facilitates training and knowledge sharing to foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
Watson’s career, prior to SPP, includes over 8 years of gathering a wealth of knowledge in the accounting field in both the public and private sector.
As a Little Rock, AR native and graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to further serve the state of Arkansas as the chair of the Resource Development and Fundraising committee for the AABE AR Chapter.
She is passionate about delivering optimal solutions and outcomes for the energy sector and its stakeholders.
April Sherrill-Buirse
Membership and Member Services
Chairperson
April Sherrill-Buirse is a strategic and results-oriented leader with 28 years of experience in the energy industry. As Manager of Work Management at Entergy Arkansas, she oversees workforce planning, operational efficiency, and process improvements while ensuring seamless coordination across teams. In addition, she serves as the Crew Tracking Branch Director during storms, leading response efforts and resource management to support restoration operations.
April has a strong background in data analysis, customer service, employee development, and process optimization. She excels at identifying performance gaps, implementing efficiency-driven solutions, and mentoring teams to enhance productivity and engagement. Her ability to drive strategic initiatives has led to measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, workforce effectiveness, and business performance.
Passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, April has played an active role in various industry and community initiatives. She has served on the Arkansas Diversity and Inclusion Council, the City of Little Rock Racial and Cultural Commission, and as Treasurer for the Central Arkansas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her leadership in these areas reflects her commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces and communities.
April holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix and dual Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in General Business and Management from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Through her expertise and leadership, she continues to drive innovation and operational excellence in the energy sector.