Eversource Energy's executive chairman of the board, Jim Judge, will retire from the board effective Dec. 31 of this year, according to a company press release on Sept. 16.

Judge has been the company's executive chairman since May 2021 after serving in roles such as president, CFO and CEO. Eversource president and CEO Joe Nolan will succeed Judge as chairman of the board as part of the company's long-term plan.

“It has been my distinct pleasure to have served the customers, shareholders and communities of Eversource," Judge said in the release. "During my 45-year career with the company, changes in the industry have been extraordinary and I am confident that Joe is the leader who has the vision and experience to ensure a strong future for the company.”

With a 35-year career at the company, Nolan worked to advance Eversource's environmental stewardship and clean energy strategy after being elected president, CEO and a board trustee in May 2021.

“I’m very grateful to Jim for his mentorship and guidance that has provided positive results for Eversource," Nolan commented in the release. "I look forward to building on that legacy as we lead the way in environmental and corporate responsibility, as well as reliable service to customers.”

Eversource's board lead independent trustee William Van Faasen shared that the board is grateful to Judge's contributions to the company and looks forward to Nolan's term as the board chairman.

“Joe is a remarkable leader with extensive experience at Eversource and in the industry," Van Faasen. "We look forward to him assuming this additional role as an important next step in the company’s succession process."

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jim as he led the company with the needs of customers, employees and all stakeholders as his top priority at all times," he added.