An intensive training for high potential managers and supervisors through exposure to broad perspectives of the utility business, its interrelationships and successful leadership strategies. This program is designed by a utility-driven Curriculum Development Team, and directed by facilitators, and executive and alumni mentors. Program sessions are hosted by member utilities and topics are presented by executives, subject matter experts and formal instructors. The first four sessions focus on leadership development, industry perspectives, customer connections, communications and strategic planning. The program includes a capstone project which is delivered to industry leaders at the WEI Annual Meeting. Participants build a broad peer network that continues well into their future careers.
Participants are nominated by WEI members and selected through a formal application review process. Applicants make a commitment to attend and actively participate at each session, and should plan time for additional work between sessions. It is expected that students commit to completing “homework” assignments during evenings and off-hours with additional assignments required outside of the normal work day. Each group is assigned one executive and one alumni mentor who will support the group’s development throughout the program and guide them to a successful final project.
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Travel to Pico Facility
Meet in the hotel lobby at 12:15pm for the tour.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Industry Tour
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Networking Dinners
Dinners in small groups by capstone and/or cohort.
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Breakfast at hotel
Breakfast is included for those staying at the Embassy Suites
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Travel to host utility
Transportation provided.
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Welcome to Session 2
Facilitator(s): Jana Elliott, Chief of Staff, Seattle City Light, Carol Mak, Director - Program Management Office, Southern California Gas Company
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome to Southern California Gas Company
Speaker(s): Gillian Wright, SVP and Chief Customer Officer, Southern California Gas Company
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Networking Break
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Elevator Speeches
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Homework Discussion
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Capstone Work Time
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Networking Break
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Executive Networking
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Networking Break
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Executive Panel
Moderator(s): Rahima Butler, Managing Director, KPMG LLP
Panelist(s): Jimmie Cho, Chief Operating Officer, Southern California Gas Company, Reiko A Kerr, Senior Assistant General Manager - Power System Engineering, Planning, and Technical Services, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, William Walsh, Vice President, Energy Procurement & Management, Southern California Edison
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Reception
Sponsored by: KPMG
6:45 PM - 7:00 PM
Return to hotel
Transportation provided.
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Breakfast at hotel
Breakfast is included for those staying at the Embassy Suites
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Travel to host utility
Transportation provided.
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
Welcome to Day 3
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Elevator Speeches
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Executive Speaker
Speaker(s): Jeffery Walker, Sr. VP, Chief Administrative and Diversity Officer, Southern California Gas Company
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Networking Break
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Elevator Speeches
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Industry Roundtable
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Capstone Collaboration
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
Capstone Report Out
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Debrief and Close
Please contact the hotel directly at (562) 861-1900 to reserve your room. Identify yourself as being with Western Energy Institute (WEI) Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders to receive a special rate of $150 USD/night. This rate is guaranteed until April 11, 2022 or until the WEI room block is full.
It is WEI’s policy that anyone attending a WEI-hosted program be vaccinated for COVID-19. This policy does allow for a negative COVID-19 test to be submitted in lieu of vaccination if the attendee is unable to receive the vaccine and if permitted by local host cities or venues. This policy applies to all WEI staff, as well as attendees, guests, speakers, and exhibitors.
Fully vaccinated is defined by the United States or Canadian governments. WEI accepts the following as proof of vaccination: (1) a CDC or Provincial-issued vaccination card, (2) a photo of a CDC or Provincial-issued vaccination card (front and back); (3) a document of vaccination from a licensed healthcare provider; or (4) a digital vaccine record issued by the State or Province in which the attendee resides.
Proof of a negative COVID-19 test means a printed document or image on a phone from a test provider, laboratory, or government agency-approved at-home test method that shows a negative result of a PCR or antigen COVID-19 test within 72 hours before first entry.
Attendees must show a picture or document with vaccine status or a negative test result upon arrival at the program. Attendees without the required proof will be denied entry. No refunds will be given if any attendee is denied entry due to vaccine and/or testing requirements.
Please refer to WEI’s Safety + Health Code of Conduct for other important considerations.