Al Payton

Al is Vice President, Safety and Technical Training of CenterPoint Energy. He is responsible for safety, technical training, safety management system and quality assurance, contractor safety, management of change, safety information management systems and occupational health.

During his tenure at CenterPoint Energy, Al has supported the improvement of safety performance through proactive, behavior-based initiatives and implemented worker protection programs focused on hazard identification and mitigation to address serious injuries. He has successfully implemented innovative solutions and revitalized programs to improve employee engagement and reduce incidents. Al also has been responsible for contractor and public safety. Prior to his current role, Al served as Director, Safety, for more than seven years.

Before joining the company, he had extensive experience in leading safety, environmental, occupational health, facility, security, and training initiatives at other organizations, including Igloo Products Corp., Texas Gas Service, Westinghouse, and multiple entities of the United States Army.

Al serves as vice-chairman of the Edison Electric Institute Executive Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Committee and is a member of the Houston Community College Foundation Board of Directors. Active in his community, he volunteers and supports United Way, Houston Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Texas Children’s Hospital, Today’s Harbor for Children and Rebuilding Together Houston. Each year, he also volunteers with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In addition, Al is a former Chairman of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Occupational Safety & Health Committee and has served as a member of the American Gas Association (AGA) Workforce Development Task Group and AGA Board Safety Committee.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Alcorn State University and completed the United States Army Safety Center Safety Management Program. He graduated from CenterPoint Energy’s Leadership Academy in 2018 and successfully completed the Leadership Houston’s Signature Program in 2021.