Marcus Chong Tim named executive VP and general counsel

The Bonneville Power Administration has named Marcus H. Chong Tim as its executive vice president and general counsel. Chong Tim permanently takes over the role as BPA’s top attorney after serving in an acting capacity since Mary Jensen retired in May 2021. Chong Tim’s role becomes official Feb. 13.

“Marcus has a proven track record of advancing BPA’s mission and business objectives by achieving collaborative and pragmatic solutions,” said Administrator and CEO John Hairston. “I’m confident he will help BPA navigate a complex and evolving landscape as we preserve and enhance the value of the federal power system for the benefit of our customers, Northwest ratepayers and the region.”

Chong Tim joined BPA’s Office of General Counsel in 2007 and became assistant general counsel for Transmission in 2014. In that role, he led the legal strategy for major initiatives, including renewable energy integration policies, rates and tariff proceedings, and the recent decision process to join the Western Energy Imbalance Market. He has significant experience with BPA’s statutes governing transmission, ancillary services and power marketing, as well as applicable cultural resource and environmental requirements and commitments.

“It’s a privilege to lead a dedicated legal team to support BPA’s public service mission and position the agency for the future,” said Chong Tim. “I look forward to continuing to build and strengthen relationships to ensure we understand customer and stakeholder interests, mitigate legal risks and forge common ground toward durable solutions.”

Chong Tim will advise senior executives on a broad range of issues and serve as a key policy formulator and decision-maker in BPA’s business strategies and decisions. He will also lead BPA’s Office of General Counsel, which develops legal policies and guides on all legal matters affecting BPA. As general counsel, Chong Tim will collaborate closely with BPA’s utility customers, general counsels at the Department of Energy and other power marketing administrations..

Chong Tim has a Juris Doctor from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.