McKell Purnell

McKell Purnell joined OPPD in March 2018 to lead the function responsible for compensation, benefits and other employee engagement activities. She was promoted to lead the Human Capital business unit in September 2021. She became vice president of Human Capital in May 2022.

In her current role, Purnell is accountable for the development of a long-term vision, as well as strategic leadership and direction in all facets of human resources management at OPPD. She is also responsible for the design, establishment and maintenance of an organizational structure to effectively accomplish the district’s mission to provide affordable, reliable and environmentally sensitive energy services to customers. In addition, she is responsible for planning and driving a corporate culture that will enable a resilient organization and foster a future-ready workforce. She is also accountable for oversight of the administration and negotiation of bargaining unit contracts which define the conditions of employment for union-represented employees.

Purnell has more than 20 years of prior human resources and consulting experience in manufacturing, healthcare, and the consumer products industries through her work with global accounting firms and a Fortune 100 company.

She is committed to improving and promoting all aspects of employee wellness and currently serves on the board of The Wellbeing Partners (formerly WELLCOM) where she sits on the Strategic Planning Committee. She also serves on the national board for the Center for Energy Workforce Development. She facilitates transformational leadership development sessions locally and abroad.

Purnell earned her master’s degree in actuarial science from Georgia State University’s Robinson School of Business. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.