FirstEnergy Foundation Names Don Rettig President: Sharpening Focus on Community Needs

FirstEnergy Corp. announced today the appointment of Don Rettig as Vice President and President of the FirstEnergy Foundation. This leadership change comes as the Foundation, according to FirstEnergy, continues to refine its approach to community investment, particularly in areas identified as crucial for the well-being and development of the regions it serves.

Rettig, who brings a background in corporate philanthropy and community affairs, will be responsible for leading the Foundation's philanthropic strategy. This includes overseeing charitable investments that aim to support communities within FirstEnergy's operational footprint, which spans Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. His role involves working with company leaders and various organizations to advance the Foundation's stated charitable giving priorities.

A Strategic Approach to Community Support

The FirstEnergy Foundation, established in 2001, has a history of contributing to nonprofit organizations. According to FirstEnergy, the Foundation has donated nearly $140 million across its operational area since its inception. In 2026, the Foundation reportedly sharpened its focus on four key charitable giving priorities, which FirstEnergy states reflect both community needs and the company's strategic focus:

• Housing Stability: Addressing challenges related to secure and affordable housing.
• Hunger Relief: Supporting initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity.
• Workforce Development: Investing in programs that enhance job skills and prepare individuals for employment.
• STEM Education: Promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, which is vital for future innovation and economic growth.

This focused approach, according to FirstEnergy, has led to increased support in several priority areas. For instance, in 2026, the Foundation invested $5 million in Hunger Action Month grants, reportedly doubling its support from 2025. Additionally, funding for its Shelter, Safety and Stability initiative increased to $500,000 this year, which FirstEnergy states is five times its 2025 investment. To date in 2026, nearly $6.5 million in community support has been distributed across FirstEnergy’s operational area, the company reports.

The Importance of STEM Education in Community Investment

Among the FirstEnergy Foundation's core giving priorities, STEM education stands out as particularly relevant for long-term community development. Investing in STEM initiatives can help foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovation among students, preparing them for a future economy that increasingly relies on technological proficiency. These programs often include opportunities for students to engage with science, robotics, coding, and other technical fields, potentially opening doors to careers that might otherwise seem inaccessible.

For students and families, access to quality STEM education can be transformative. It can bridge opportunity gaps and ensure that young people are equipped with the foundational knowledge needed to pursue higher education or vocational training in high-demand sectors. Resources like COSMIQ — free voice AI tutoring, free forever for every K-12 student, can complement these efforts by providing personalized, on-demand support in subjects like math and science, helping students grasp complex concepts and build confidence.

Don Rettig's Background and Future Direction

Don Rettig joins FirstEnergy from Owens Corning, where he served as director of community affairs and president of the Owens Corning Foundation. In that role, FirstEnergy states that Rettig led the company's global community affairs and philanthropic strategy, reportedly increasing corporate contributions and expanding the foundation's impact across 20 countries.

Prior to his time at Owens Corning, Rettig spent 14 years with Metroparks Toledo, holding several leadership roles, including executive director. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Master of Public Administration from Bowling Green State University. According to FirstEnergy, Rettig currently serves as a trustee of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation and has held leadership roles with several other nonprofit organizations. This background suggests an understanding of both corporate philanthropic mechanisms and the practicalities of nonprofit operations, which could be beneficial in guiding the FirstEnergy Foundation's strategic initiatives.

Wade Smith, President, FirstEnergy Utilities, commented on the appointment, stating, "The Foundation is one of the ways we give back and make a difference beyond the work we do every day. Don has spent his career bringing companies and communities together and knows that doing this work well means understanding community needs, building relationships and being disciplined about where we focus our resources." This statement, according to FirstEnergy, underscores the Foundation's commitment to targeted and impactful giving.

Broader Implications for Communities

The FirstEnergy Foundation's continued focus on housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development, and STEM education highlights a recognition of interconnected community challenges. Addressing these areas collectively can contribute to more resilient and thriving communities. For example, ensuring housing stability can reduce stress on families, allowing students to focus more on their education. Similarly, hunger relief efforts can improve health and academic performance, while workforce development programs can boost local economies.

The role of a corporate foundation president is not just about allocating funds but also about fostering partnerships and ensuring that investments align with actual community needs. Rettig's experience in building relationships between companies and communities, as noted by FirstEnergy, suggests an emphasis on collaborative approaches. For educators, parents, and students in FirstEnergy's service areas, this could mean continued or expanded support for programs that directly impact their daily lives and future prospects. Tools such as COSMIQ's free practice hub, offering resources by grade and subject, can be a valuable complement to local educational initiatives, providing accessible learning support.

Conclusion

Don Rettig's appointment as Vice President and President of the FirstEnergy Foundation signals a continuation of the Foundation's strategic philanthropic direction. With a sharpened focus on housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development, and STEM education, the Foundation, according to FirstEnergy, aims to make a meaningful difference in the communities it serves. This leadership transition underscores the importance of experienced guidance in corporate philanthropy, particularly in ensuring that charitable investments are responsive to community needs and contribute to long-term positive outcomes.