Najwa Abouhassan

About Najwa Abouhassan

Najwa Abouhassan is the Director, Technology R&D at Exelon, where she leads the governance and oversight of the company’s enterprise R&D strategy, technology partnerships, and innovation portfolio. In this executive role, Najwa collaborates with senior leadership, industry partners, and research organizations to identify and advance transformative technologies that position Exelon at the forefront of energy innovation and resilience.Previously, Najwa served as Senior Manager of Operational Planning at ComEd in Joliet, IL, and as Senior Manager of Distribution Standards, where she was instrumental in shaping the company’s distribution standards. She currently serves as secretary of the AEIC Grid Platform Committee and chairs the Professional Program Committee for Women in Energy (WEN). Najwa is also collaborating with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) project to develop a strategy for modernizing the distribution control center, and works as a liaison for 2C2I, a program at Exelon supporting innovation and accelerating the growth of energy startups.With prior experience as Engineering Supervisor in Underground, Overhead, Relay, and SCADA Performance at DTE in Detroit, MI, Najwa brings extensive expertise to her current role. She holds a BSEE and MSEE from Wayne State University and recently completed her MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.Najwa’s contributions have earned her prestigious awards, including the Society of Women Engineers Key Contributor Award, DTE Engineering Excellence Award, and the EPRI Tech Transfer Award. She is actively engaged in various professional organizations, including serving as a past board member of NEETRAC. As the past Chair of the AEIC Cable Committee, Najwa played a pivotal role in developing specifications and guides for underground cable. She is also a strong advocate for women in the energy sector, having served as the Chair of Professional Development for the Society of Women Engineers and currently serving on the board of Women in Energy – Chicago Chapter, where she leads initiatives for the professional advancement of women in the industry.Outside of her professional life, Najwa enjoys outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, kayaking, and long walks, maintaining a well-rounded approach to life and work.

Experience

1. Director of Technology, R & d

   Exelon

   Jan 2026 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   The Director, Technology R&D is responsible for leading Exelon’s research and development program, overseeing technology partnerships, and shaping the company’s technology strategy. This executive serves as Exelon’s chief technology director, interfacing with senior leadership, utility operating companies, and external partners such as the U.S. Department of Energy, national labs, universities, and key industry collaborators.Key responsibilities include:Governing and overseeing the enterprise R&D portfolio and technology intelligence efforts.Building and maintaining strategic relationships with technology vendors, research organizations, and venture partners.Identifying disruptive technologies and developing strategies to evaluate and implement them across Exelon’s operating companies.Leading collaborative research initiatives and standardizing technology adoption to maximize value and efficiency.Advising on R&D funding and aligning technology strategy with Exelon’s vision and business goals.The role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to drive innovation and transformation within a complex, multi-utility environment

Education

• Wayne State University

  Bachelors, Science ­ Computer and Electrical Engineering

  2005 — 2007

• Wayne State University

  Masters, Electrical Systems

  2008 — 2011

• University of Chicago

  Master of Business Administration - MBA