Corning Energy Appoints Tony Dorazio as New CEO to Lead Next Phase of Growth and Sustainability
Corning Energy is proud to announce the appointment of Tony Dorazio as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2, 2025. This transition marks a new chapter in the utility company’s long-standing legacy of service and innovation. With over 40 years of experience in the energy and utility sectors, Dorazio’s leadership comes at a critical time as Corning Energy seeks to expand its role in driving sustainable energy solutions while maintaining its reputation for reliability, affordability, and safety.
The appointment follows the retirement of long-serving CEO Mike German, whose leadership over the past two decades has helped shape Corning Energy into one of the region’s most trusted providers of gas and electric services. German will step down on June 1, 2025, after an impactful career dedicated to enhancing utility operations and community engagement.
Tony Dorazio’s appointment is being met with enthusiasm and optimism, particularly given his extensive background in steering energy organizations through complex transformations and market evolutions. Dorazio has held a number of executive positions in both domestic and international energy companies, and he brings with him a wealth of experience in infrastructure development, corporate strategy, and regulatory operations—skills that are crucial for navigating the modern energy landscape.
“Tony’s depth of experience and dynamic leadership style make him exceptionally well-suited to lead Corning Energy into its next chapter. His appointment reflects Corning’s continued focus on reliability, accountability, and responsible growth,” said Jason Zibarras, Managing Partner and Founder of Argo Infrastructure Partners, the private equity firm that owns Corning Energy through its managed infrastructure investment funds.
A Veteran of the Energy Sector
Mr. Dorazio’s career began in New York State, working as a Plant Engineer at Central Hudson Gas & Electric. From there, he joined New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), where he contributed to Transmission and Distribution planning and operations. These early roles allowed him to develop a deep understanding of regulated utility operations, laying the groundwork for his executive trajectory.
Over the next several decades, Dorazio would hold key leadership roles in prominent energy companies including Duke Energy, Vestas, and BP in London. These positions gave him international exposure and diversified his expertise across traditional and renewable energy platforms. He most recently served as Managing Partner of Montgomery Group, a consultancy specializing in the energy and utility sectors. In this role, he advised companies on operational restructuring, strategic investment, and transition planning in response to evolving regulatory and environmental expectations.
Dorazio was also the Chief Commercial Officer of Avangrid Renewables, a subsidiary of the global energy leader Iberdrola Group. There, he led commercial strategy across a portfolio of renewable generation assets, emphasizing both economic performance and environmental stewardship.
His experience encompasses the full value chain of the energy sector—from engineering and infrastructure development to business transformation and stakeholder engagement. Dorazio’s track record demonstrates an ability to align corporate growth with evolving market demands, particularly in the context of the energy transition to cleaner and more efficient sources.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electromechanical Engineering from the State University of New York at White Plains and an MBA from Long Island University. This blend of technical and business education has underpinned his strategic approach to leadership throughout his career.
Vision for Corning Energy
As CEO, Dorazio will oversee Corning Energy’s operations, which serve approximately 15,000 customers in the Southern Tier region of New York State. While relatively modest in size, Corning Energy plays a critical role in delivering essential services to both residential and commercial customers. The company’s mission is rooted in three pillars: safety, reliability, and affordability. Dorazio’s leadership is expected to reinforce this mission while adding an even greater emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
“I am honored to lead the impressive Corning Energy team, whose culture is rooted in innovation and a shared purpose. Also, I’m excited to return to a New York utility, where I started my career and I’m looking forward to serving Corning’s customers, delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy,” said Dorazio.
His appointment also comes at a time when utilities across the country are facing increased pressure to decarbonize operations, modernize infrastructure, and improve resiliency against climate-related disruptions. Dorazio is well-positioned to guide Corning Energy through this dynamic era, bringing insights from both traditional power generation and renewable energy development.
He is expected to work closely with regulators, community leaders, and industry partners to ensure Corning Energy continues to meet its public service obligations while advancing clean energy initiatives, enhancing grid reliability, and exploring opportunities for technological innovation.
A Legacy of Leadership: Honoring Mike German
The leadership transition also provides an opportunity to honor the substantial contributions of outgoing CEO Mike German, who has served Corning Energy for nearly 20 years. Under German’s stewardship, the company experienced significant operational improvements, customer service enhancements, and regulatory compliance successes. His tenure has been marked by strategic investments in system reliability and employee development, as well as a strong commitment to community engagement.
German’s leadership helped steer Corning Energy through significant industry shifts, regulatory changes, and economic challenges. He leaves behind a legacy of steady leadership, strong stakeholder trust, and an organizational culture that values integrity and service. His retirement marks the close of an era during which Corning Energy expanded its influence and earned recognition for its responsiveness to community needs.
“Mike German’s unwavering commitment to Corning Energy and the communities it serves has been exemplary,” said Zibarras. “He built a culture of excellence that will endure long after his departure. We thank him sincerely for his many years of dedicated service.”
A Strategic Partnership with Argo Infrastructure Partners
The ownership and backing of Argo Infrastructure Partners provide Corning Energy with the financial stability and strategic resources needed to pursue its long-term goals. Argo, known for its investments in regulated infrastructure, has emphasized responsible stewardship and operational excellence in its portfolio companies.
With Dorazio at the helm, Corning Energy is poised to leverage Argo’s capital and expertise to further modernize its systems, implement new customer solutions, and contribute to the state and national energy goals around decarbonization and grid modernization.
Argo’s long-term investment philosophy aligns well with Corning Energy’s approach to community-focused, regulated utility service. This alignment will allow Dorazio to pursue innovation and strategic growth with confidence, knowing that the company’s core mission remains deeply supported by its ownership.
