Robert Black

Robert Black joined ERCOT as vice president of public affairs in November 2022 with more than three decades of political and government experience. He leads the organization’s external communications, government affairs, and customer support and oversees communications with Texans, state agencies and lawmakers. Prior to joining ERCOT, Black served as vice president of external affairs for AEP Texas. He also served as the director of governmental affairs for the AEP companies in Texas.

Before joining AEP, Black was Texas Governor Rick Perry’s press secretary and communications director from 2003-2008, and also worked as a senior communications advisor for Greg Abbott during his 2002 and 2014 campaigns, respectively. He began his career in 1990 as a legislative assistant for Representative Tom Craddick in the Texas House of Representatives and later worked for two Texas state senators. Additionally, he spent time in Washington, D.C. working in the majority leader’s office and the Committee on Ways and Means. Black earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.