The Operations Leadership track will focus on how we can continue to improve by investing in our people. Session topics will include developing our bench strength from within the organization, practices that support our work through safety leadership, and using change management to cross silos and get buy-in. We will explore ways to lead through both industry disruption and daily challenges by tapping into our greatest asset, our people.
Meet the Program Development Team for this track. Learn more about the Operations Conference.
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Lead the Way: Digital Transformation and Operational Stability
Moderator: Aaron Anderson, Network & Communication Infrastructure Manager, City of Tacoma
Panelists: Rebecca Prich, Manager Field Operations, Portland General Electric
Katrina Snell, Business Process Management Team Lead, Salt River Project
Paul Moran, Consulting Analyst, Black & Veatch
This panel discussion will dive into the most recent digital technologies and trends that are transforming the electric and natural gas sectors, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining seamless day-to-day operations. In addition, the session will address best practices for navigating the transition from conventional systems to digital technologies, striving for smooth integration with minimal disruption to work and the workforce, and the impact of a structured organizational change management approach. By achieving the optimal balance between adopting digital technologies and safeguarding operational continuity, electric and natural gas organizations can flourish in the fast-paced and ever-changing energy landscape.
3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Leadership and Development Through the Ranks
Speakers: Brad Belluz, Customer Operations Manager, Hydro One Inc.
Yashica Wiley, Senior Manager, Leadership & Talent Development Program Management, Southern California Edison
Keisha McNeil, HR Principal Manager, Southern California Edison
David Gabbard, Senior Director, Transmission Asset Management, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
With the utility industry in the midst of unprecedented change, it is critical that organizations start to take new approaches to how we do business and preparing our teams and future leaders. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how some utilities are raising the bar in the areas of training, mentorship, succession planning, and leadership development programs throughout all levels. Learn how to formalize the power of knowledge sharing to drive growth within your organization, ensuring a strong and sustainable leadership pipeline for the future.
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Front Line Leadership: Delivering on the Organization’s Vision
Moderator: Kirk Gyllenskog, Design Manager, Salt River Project
Speaker: Dale Murphy, Vice President of Project Management, POWER Engineers, Inc.
Jeannette Garcia, Planning & Design Manager, Distribution Gas Operations, Southern California Gas Company
Ana Gonzales, Manager of Distributed Energy Programs, Salt River Project
As operational leaders we are tasked with supporting and enacting the vision of our organizations. Successfully translating the values of our company into practical action and engaging employees can be challenging. Panelists will share successes and lessons learned from their past experiences, focusing on how to get employee engagement with the organization’s vision.