What is it like working in public power? What inspired you to work in this sector?
Working in public power entails serving the community directly, which is a highly rewarding experience. Public power utilities are community-owned and operated, which allows for a closer connection to the customers we serve. Public power utilities take pride in providing reliable and affordable electricity to our communities. Working in a public power community, there is a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction knowing that you are making a positive impact on the community, and that is what inspired me to work in the public power sector.
Who in public power has inspired you? Is there another leader/mentor who inspires you? What type of leader do you aspire to be?
I have been inspired by many past and current colleagues in my career in the public power industry. First and foremost, I would not be where I am today in my career if it were not for the mentorship of my predecessor, Michael DeFinis, both an American Municipal Power (AMP) and an American Public Power Association (APPA) Seven Hats Award winner who introduced me to the world of public service in a public power community. His mentorship provided me with guidance, support and valuable networking resources, which have laid the foundation of my public service career and allowed me to be a part of state and national organizations such as the Pennsylvania Municipal Electric Association, AMP and APPA.
As a leader, I aspire to create and recognize “lollipop moments” within my organization. These moments are often noted as small gestures of support, acknowledgment, appreciation and encouragement that can inspire, motivate and foster an environment of growth and success.
How do you approach your own professional development and career progression, and what sources do you lean on for that?
There are many key aspects of professional development and career progression, but what I have found to be most successful for myself is approaching it with a proactive mindset and a commitment to continuing education, self-development and building relationships with my peers. I rely on training programs, continuous learning platforms, and forming partnerships with associations, organizations and colleagues in the public power industry to seek opportunities for growth and development.
What accomplishments in your role in public power give you the most satisfaction or make you proud of your work?
I feel a sense of pride in being a part of the public power community. Public power communities prioritize reliability, affordability and customer satisfaction while delivering electricity services to residents and businesses. Being part of an industry where you can provide a local service at the highest quality that personally impacts the lives of those in the community in a positive way is the greatest accomplishment.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career in public power or who is looking to progress in their career?
If you are just starting your career in public power, the main pieces of advice that I would give would be to embrace networking and collaboration and focus on customer service. Networking with professionals in the industry and building strong relationships with colleagues and associations allows for a wide range of resources for both personal and professional development. They can lead to new opportunities, growth and success for yourself and your utility. Also focusing on developing strong customer service skills and prioritizing customer satisfaction by listening to customer feedback, addressing their concerns and finding ways to improve their experience with the utility will lead to the positive, long-term success of your utility.