As Vice President of Engineering, Cathey leads SPP’s evolving, innovative approach to consolidated transmission planning, and he oversees the ongoing development of the organization’s transmission expansion plan, administration of generator interconnection and transmission service study processes, and the advancement of regional resource adequacy policies. Hired in 2006, Cathey has served in various key roles at SPP including Senior Director of Grid Asset Utilization where he led a group responsible for developing and implementing novel electric industry policies, tools, and procedures aimed at preparing SPP for the grid of the future. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Louisiana State University, an MBA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Arkansas.