What is it like working in public power? What inspired you to work in this sector?

Working in public power is immensely rewarding. It fosters a sense of respect among peers, customers and clients, and it brings great satisfaction knowing that my work directly serves the community and benefits individual customers. While navigating legislative processes can sometimes feel slow and challenging, I understand and appreciate the importance in ensuring fair and transparent outcomes.

My inspiration to work in public power came largely from the incredible relationships I developed as an engineering consultant working with utility directors, superintendents and linemen. They treated me like a valued and respected extension of their teams. Individuals like Mel Davis and Mike Harper in Lawrenceburg, Ind., Butch Mikesell and Bill Hudson in Hamilton, and many others — especially in Dover — had a profound impact on me. These relationships inspired me to pursue a career where I could be directly involved in fostering a similar sense of community.

Who in public power has inspired you? Is there another leader/mentor who inspires you? What type of leader do you aspire to be?

The public power professionals I mentioned earlier, such as Mel Davis, Mike Harper, Butch Mikesell, and Bill Hudson, have undoubtedly inspired me.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from many exceptional leaders and mentors throughout my career. During my consulting years, I drew inspiration from people like Tom Fitzpatrick, Bill Braatz, Paul Iott, Joe Couturier and Joe Hulderman. After transitioning to public power, Brian O’Connell and Jeff Budd have served as incredible mentors, exemplifying the dedication and commitment needed to serve the public effectively.

I aspire to embody the same qualities that I admire in Brian and Jeff. They approach their work with a deep respect for the responsibility of serving the public, always honoring the trust placed in them while making decisions for the greater good. I strive to lead with that same sense of duty, creativity and resourcefulness, ensuring that I can meet the goals of the utility while prioritizing the community’s best interests.

How do you approach your own professional development and career progression, and what sources do you lean on for that?

My career path has been somewhat unconventional. I began as a draftsman and transitioned into computer-aided design, where I worked closely with engineers. This experience motivated me to pursue college courses specifically focused on electrical power systems, which allowed me to continue advancing in my field. Over time, I developed strong relationships with municipal customers and eventually took on the role of a municipal client representative.

Five years ago, I made the leap from consulting to working directly for a municipal electric utility in Coldwater. More recently, I had the opportunity to return home and contribute to the community in Bowling Green. My journey highlights the importance of continuous learning, seizing opportunities and building meaningful connections.

What accomplishments in your role in public power give you the most satisfaction or make you proud of your work?

For me, the greatest source of satisfaction comes from the relationships I’ve built — whether with my mentors, coworkers, those I’ve mentored, customers or clients. Seeing the positive impact of my work, whether it’s making someone’s day better or watching a team I’ve worked with create meaningful change in their community, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s these connections and shared successes that make me most proud of my career.

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?

There is so much to learn in public power, but my biggest piece of advice is to prioritize customer service. Remember that, in one way or another, everyone you interact with is your customer. Serve them with dedication and always put the community first. When you lead with a service-focused mindset, it becomes easier to navigate challenges and achieve meaningful results for both the utility and the people it serves