FirstEnergy Corp. has received Compliance Leader Verification for 2025-2026 from Ethisphere, recognizing the company's commitment to superior ethics and compliance programs. Ethisphere, known for its work in ethical business practices, evaluates companies through a detailed process that includes Ethics Quotient assessments, benchmarking program practices, and extensive document review.
FirstEnergy's Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Antonio Fernández, also received Ethisphere's Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA) Beacon Award. This award is given to leaders who have contributed to the BELA community with their efforts and expertise.
Brian X. Tierney, FirstEnergy's Board Chair, President, and CEO, stated, "Under Antonio's leadership, FirstEnergy has rebuilt our ethics and compliance program to focus on doing what's right for our customers, communities, employees and other stakeholders. The integrity and accountability that grounds these programs are not just principles on paper, but the foundation for how we work, lead and grow."
The company's performance in the verification process was evaluated across six key areas: program resources and structure, perceptions of ethical culture, written standards, training and communication, risk assessment, monitoring and auditing, and enforcement, discipline, and incentives.
Jodie Fredericksen from Ethisphere praised FirstEnergy's commitment to ethics and compliance, stating, "FirstEnergy has put in an incredible amount of work to establish and strengthen their program. They mean business, and we continue to be impressed with their dedication to ethics and compliance. Antonio has been a standout leader in this space, both at FirstEnergy and in the compliance community."
Ethisphere's mission focuses on advancing ethical business practices globally, offering data-driven program assessments and recognition through its World's Most Ethical Companies awards. More about their initiatives can be found on their website.