Paul M. Breakman, ESQ.

Vice President, Business and Technology Strategies
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Mr. Breakman is a Vice President at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). He leads the Cooperative Business Solutions team within the Business and Technology Strategies (BTS) Division of NRECA. He works closely with NRECA’s members, advising on successful cooperative business models and on next generation cooperative models, including working with electric cooperatives making investments in broadband and facilities digitalization. He is committed to effectuating the success of the coop model through business tactics and business opportunities for NRECA members.

In short, Mr. Breakman is focused on providing energy, management, and technology solutions for America's Electric Cooperatives.

• 100% member-focused & outreaching.
• Concentration on generation and resource issues, cooperative business structures, economic development, & on advancements in digitalization for electric co-ops.
• Members-First: Committed to effectuating the success of the electric cooperative business model through strategies, tactics & opportunities for NRECA members.
• Major initiatives include: Rural Broadband Due Diligence & Development; DER Implementation for G&T Co-ops; G&T/Distribution Co-op Business Models; Coop Strategic Sourcing.

Mr. Breakman and his team aim to help co-ops make sound business decisions, embrace opportunities & to help them solve industry challenges. They engage with stakeholders & collaborate with other NRECA departments for successful development, execution, & communication of our work. Their primary role is to provide key information to coops on current & future trends affecting operations, technology planning, consumer expectations, & to work with numerous NRECA departments on business, regulatory & policy drivers.

Immediately prior to joining NRECA’s BTS division in 2017, Mr. Breakman served for three years as NRECA’s FERC Counsel. Prior to joining NRECA in 2014, he practiced law in D.C., including as a Partner with the firm of Duncan & Allen where he represented coops & municipal entities before FERC for nearly 15 years.

He has served in a variety of capacities for the Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association (“CFEBA”) (President, 2010-2011), and as a board officer of EBA (Delegate in the ABA House of Delegates, 2011-2013; Board member/officer 2014-present). He is admitted to practice in DC, MD and NJ.

He holds a B.A. (cum laude, '93) from the Univ. of California, San Diego, & a law degree from Tulane (J.D., Maritime Specialization, '97).

Specialties: Energy & Business Strategies; Administrative & Regulatory Law; Telecom & Energy Policy; Mountain Biking.