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, public safety, management of change, safety information management systems and occupational health. Al’s responsibilities expanded in May 2024 to include damage prevention, public awareness, meter reading operations and line locating. 

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.  

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 Chairman of the Edison Electric Institute Occupational Safety and Health Executive Advisory Committee, a member of the Houston Community College Foundation Board of Directors, and a board member for the Construction Safety Research Alliance out of the University of Colorado. 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.