Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced today the election of two new members to its Board of Trustees: Lisa Barton ’87 and John Marczewski ’85, P’23, both distinguished alumni whose careers reflect decades of leadership in complex organizations. Barton and Marczewski will begin their five-year terms on the board on July 1, 2026.
“As WPI continues to advance its mission as a global leader in immersive STEM education and research, John and Lisa bring invaluable perspective shaped by technical expertise, executive leadership, and deep industry engagement,” said William Fitzgerald ’83, chair of the WPI Board of Trustees. “Their insight and experience will strengthen the board’s work and support WPI’s continued strategic growth and impact.”
Stephen Rusckowski ’79, chair of the nominations and governance committee, added, “Both John and Lisa exemplify the spirit of WPI’s alumni—innovative, service-oriented, and committed to using technology and leadership to address complex challenges. We are honored to welcome them to the board.”
Lisa Barton ’87, H ’26, is president and chief executive officer of Alliant Energy Corporation, where she leads enterprise strategy, organizational performance, and long-term growth for a publicly traded company serving customers across the Midwest. She also serves as CEO of Alliant’s two operating subsidiaries. Barton joined Alliant Energy in 2023 after more than 15 years at American Electric Power, where she most recently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer, overseeing large-scale operations and guiding complex organizational initiatives.
With more than three decades of leadership experience, Barton is widely recognized for her ability to lead high-performing teams, navigate complex regulatory and stakeholder environments, and drive innovation and cultural alignment within large organizations. She has contributed to numerous industry organizations focused on infrastructure, technology, and policy, and is a respected voice in executive leadership and governance. Barton delivered WPI’s 2026 graduate Commencement address on May 14 and received an honorary degree, reflecting her enduring connection to and support of the university.
John Marczewski ’85, P’ 23, is an accomplished executive, engineer, and entrepreneur whose career spans technical leadership, business development, and organizational growth. He is co-founder of Energy Initiatives Group (EIG), which he helped build into a nationally recognized engineering and consulting firm. In 2017, EIG was acquired by EN Engineering (later ENTRUST Solutions Group), where Marczewski served as a vice president and executive consultant, retiring in April 2026. In 2022 Marczewski also joined the board of Sanborn Head and Associates, an engineering and consulting firm based in Bedford, N.H., where he continues to serve as an outside director.
Over his career, Marczewski has held leadership and technical roles spanning distribution and substation engineering, systems analysis, grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and executive management. He has led multidisciplinary teams, guided complex projects, and played a key role in scaling professional services organizations. A registered professional engineer in multiple states, he is active in his commitment to mentorship and talent development. Deeply engaged with WPI, he serves as a mentor in the i3 Lab, a member of the Office of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Steering Committee, and a member of the Engineering Advisory Board. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from WPI and a master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
“We are honored to have John and Lisa join WPI’s esteemed Board of Trustees,” said President Grace Wang. “Their leadership experience, industry insights, and business foresights will enhance our work to ensure our graduates—and WPI—are well positioned to lead in an ever-changing world.”
