Perhaps it is appropriate that we see the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel get a little brighter and closer during the season of spring. After all, spring to me means renewal. It means rebirth. It means more sunshine and daylight hours, the weather gets warmer, and we see friends and neighbors a bit more often in the yard, the park, and the neighborhood.

Now the pandemic is still with us. I know this personally, as far too many of us know people who were tragically impacted by this deadly disease. We need to continue to be careful, trust our judgment, and be as safe as possible. We are not out of this yet.

But I feel like we are on the cusp of our own renewal and rebirth, coinciding with the onset of spring and the warmer weather that comes with it. And at UTC, this means we are doing some internal house cleaning as well, making sure our outstanding staff has the resources they need to serve our members in new and innovative ways. You’ll be hearing more about some of the new staff we are bringing on and a slight reorganization in the near future.

As for our members, I hope you will also take stock of this rebirth and renewal and consider how you can contribute to UTC as well. UTC is member-driven—we exist to serve our members who provide our nation and world with essential services that power and sustain our lives. In order for us to be member-driven, we need our members to think about how they can get involved.

There are so many ways for UTC members to participate in our work. Our meetings, of course, are the most obvious way. The agenda for our Annual Telecom & Technology Conference is coming together, and I encourage those members who will be able to travel in June to consider joining us in person when we gather in Portland, Oregon. We will also have a virtual option for those who are unable to physically be with us. Check out the agenda here: www.utctelecom.org

I also encourage our members to consider joining our several committees. Our committees give you the most direct opportunity to engage with your peer utility members and our fantastic staff. You can learn about best practices, advocacy, collocation, broadband, pole attachments, and so much more. Our committees provide our members a way to shape our policy priorities in Congress, the states, and elsewhere. A complete list of our committees is available here: https://utc.org/committees-divisions/

And of course, members can get involved at the regional level as well. Our regions are a great place to get started with UTC; you will meet colleagues in neighboring utilities and states, providing you with connections who will support you during your UTC journey. Find out more about our regions here: https://utc.org/regions-2021/

So as spring sets upon us, and a return to normalcy appears in the distance, I want all our members to be thinking about how to engage and grow with UTC. And I urge everyone to continue being vigilant. The pandemic is still with us. Be safe. Your work is essential to us and the country. And I can’t wait to see as many of you again or for the first time.  It has been so long since our last in-person meeting, I am excited to reimagine, reinvigorate, and refocus UTC’s goals together. 

As the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast dig out from this monstrous storm—our colleague Brett Kilbourne reports that in New Jersey, some areas saw more than two feet of snow!—I am reminded once again about the incredible work our members do day in and day out. Each season brings its own challenges, whether it is hurricanes in the late summer through the fall, severe rain and tornadoes in the spring, and blizzards and heavy wind in the winter.

For our industry, there truly is never a break. Utility workers, especially those on the front lines responding to storms and other disasters, are always on guard, ready and willing to jump in and restore service as quickly and safely as possible. I don’t think I can say it enough—Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to those who keep the lights on and water flowing. You are public servants.

Most readers of this blog know that I am a proud mom of three girls. So therefore I know as well as anyone how some days, the hits just keep coming. One of the solaces I’ve taken during the last year of working and learning remotely is to take a long drive. These drives not only get me out of the house, but they also give me a chance to reflect on what’s going on, both personally and professionally.

I didn’t realize just how much I needed these reflection times until the snow and ice descended upon the Washington area. I wasn’t able to get out the house for days! So for much of the last week, I’ve been unable to get out of the house and take some “me” time to reflect and recharge my batteries.

Believe me, I know this is trivial compared to what so many others are facing with as the pandemic continues and the height of winter is upon us. But it made me think about how so many of us take certain things for granted, like my long drives.

Taking this broader a broader level, I still believe the general public does not truly appreciate all the work and sacrifice that our members do each and every day to power our lives. I am saddened that so many of our utility workers have not received a COVID-19 vaccination. I hear from members from across the sector—investor-owned, cooperative, and public power—that have men and women in the field, putting their health and safety at risk. Restoring and repairing utility infrastructure can be a dangerous job on the best of days, but when you add the pandemic, it becomes so much more so.

At UTC, I am making sure we are plugged into the various industry and government efforts to get utility workers vaccinated. I am pleased to see the progress in a number of states—Texas, Michigan, Arizona, for example—that have placed certain utility workers atop their priority lists. My staff is reaching out to our fellow trade associations and government officials to offer our support for these efforts.

As many of you know, I’ve worked in the healthcare industry. I know how difficult these jobs are, and I do not envy those putting together vaccination plans for their states. My goal is to help ensure that we take care of the people who have kept the electricity on during these most trying times. I look forward to working with my colleagues at other associations and elsewhere to make this happen.

Now, with the snow melting, it’s time for me to get back out on the road!

In the meantime, while we must never forget what happened on that day, we must also move forward. 2021 is upon us, and despite the dark days of this pandemic that still grips our world, we finally have cause for optimism. Not one but two vaccines are here, and many front-line workers have already received their vaccinations.

Having worked for medical suppliers in the past, I want to applaud all those who worked so tirelessly to bring us a vaccine so quickly. My family has a long professional history in the medical field so I understand how momentous this is. Everyone, from the federal government to the private industry, should be applauded for turning this around in record time. Finally, we have hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. But that light remains far off, and although I am an optimist by nature, I cannot discount the fact that the coming weeks and months ahead will be painful and tragic for far too many of us.

Still, I am heartened by the ongoing and never-ending commitment of our nation’s energy and water utility workforce to keep this nation moving. Think of all the things so many of us have sacrificed since March—visiting family, friends, and loved ones, going out, flying, traveling, etc—yet the lights have stayed on and the water has continued to flow in spite of everything. When I feel a little weak or down myself, I think of the men and women that make up UTC’s membership and all they’ve done to keep us safe and comfortable during this time. They—you—are my inspiration.

And I’ll be honest, it makes my blood boil a bit when I see how so many of my friends, family, and neighbors don’t really appreciate how much work goes into everything that UTC members do each and every day. When things are normal, most of us hardly bat an eye when the electricity comes on because we expect that it will. And yet, now that many of us are living through much different circumstances, I still do not believe people really and truly understand what UTC members do.

As President and CEO of UTC, it is my goal to change that. I want everyone to know you like l know you. I want everyone to see what you do every day to keep us safe and healthy. And quite honestly, that starts with ensuring that utility workers are among the first in line to receive the coronavirus vaccine. I know we must protect our healthcare workers and first responders, but we must also protect those who are still powering our very lives. This is even more important as the virus mutates and becomes even more contagious—because a healthy utility workforce is a national priority.

Thankfully our industry was prepared for this pandemic and I know they are prepared for anything given the amount of training and drilling that you do. I hope (and believe) that the rest of the country feels the same way. I look forward to working with everyone this year to make sure this is the case.

Thank you and please be well.

For me, December is extra special because my birthday is on Christmas day—December 25th. I get the same reactions every time I bring it up: people always wonder whether I feel slighted or upset that my birthday coincides with one of the biggest days of the year. And my answer is always the same: No! I am so grateful that my birthday is on Christmas! And its not like I get extra gifts or anything, it’s about the feelings that we all share together as family and friends. I wouldn’t change it if I could.

But I also know that the holidays can be a difficult time for many, for those who are away from home, estranged from their loved ones, or otherwise feeling alone. I do not take for granted that this is a special time for me and my family, but I also want to acknowledge that this time of year is not easy for everyone. Especially this year, with the coronavirus still dramatically shaping and changing our lives. It is no secret that thousands of families will be celebrating the holidays this year without a loved one, while many more will likely not be traveling to visit their families. I want anyone who is suffering this time of year to know that I see them and will keep them in my thoughts this year.

So as we close out 2020, I do want to make sure that I acknowledge the hard-working UTC staff, who have continued to produce at a high level despite all the challenges 2020 has thrown our way. And I also want to thank our members and leadership, particularly our Board of Directors and Executive Committee, for providing us with the guidance and leadership needed to keep the ship sailing in these rough waters.

I think we all know that 2020 has been a challenging year, from the pandemic to the ongoing struggles regarding diversity and inclusion. Our industry continues to be strong; you have not missed a beat in providing essential services to every person in this country. Few industries have the obligation and desire to serve the public like the utility industry. That’s what I love about this job and representing you—you provide service to everyone, everywhere.

As I have said before, at UTC, there is a spot for any and every utility. UTC represents all utilities—electric, water, and gas—and all ownership types, from the biggest investor-owned utilities to the smallest rural, customer-owned cooperative. No other utility industry organization casts such a wide and inclusive net.

This inclusiveness is what gives me hope. And as we look toward 2021, UTC will be focusing on these issues related to inclusiveness and diversity. The issues we care about impact every single person who receives electricity, water, and gas. Therefore we must make sure our utility and telecommunications policies are aligned, whether it is related to broadband deployment, bringing on new energy resources like storage, solar, and more, and securing our utility systems from natural disasters and physical/cyberattacks.

I look forward to working with you next year and beyond. I also hope you are able to get some rest and spend time with your families and loved ones over the next few weeks. And if you are feeling lonely or down, know that I see you and feel you too.

Happy holidays everyone! And thank you for everything you do.

#UTCStrong

So in this spirit, here is my 2020 Praise Report.

I am thankful to the UTC membership and staff for overcoming so much this year in the midst of incredible turmoil and uncertainty. From start to finish, 2020 threw everything it could at this industry, and the electric utilities and their technology partners we represent met and surpassed each and every challenge.

I want to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for everyone involved in the UTC world, from our core utility and associate members, our hardworking staff, and anyone and everyone we’ve interacted with who may or may not be members.

I’m talking about all the groups who invited UTC officials to speak at various conferences and events, or all those who spoke at our virtual events this year. I’m referring to the industry and government associations we work with on a daily basis to advocate on behalf of our shared industry members. I’m referring to anyone who reads this blog, commented on any social media posts, and engages with us, even if from a distance.  I’m talking about our families.

I am especially thankful to our members. Clearly, without our members, we would not be here today. Our members not only provide us with leadership, but also with the expertise and training that are the hallmark of UTC. Our Executive Committee—Chairman Greg Angst, Vice Chairman Kevin Huff, and Secretary/Treasurer Paul Lambert—have worked tirelessly alongside our Board of Directors to give us the direction and stability that we needed all year long, from the beginning when UTC was without a full-time CEO to now, after we successfully transitioned our meetings from in-person to virtual in rapid time.

Indeed, our members weathered so many storms this year, both literal and figurative. From transitioning to a remote and socially distanced workforce to facing record-breaking natural disasters, this industry never blinked. Not only that, utilities are also becoming recognized for their role in connecting all Americans to broadband services, which has now become a national priority. It fills me with such pride to represent all of you as President and CEO of UTC.

And our technology partners and sponsors, whose financial support for our virtual meetings was so essential to our successes–We thank you for your ongoing commitment to UTC, and we look forward to working with you—in person, hopefully!—in 2021.

Finally, to the staff. I am incredibly grateful and humbled by the hardworking UTC staff, who have weathered the uncertainties of the early part of the year, to suddenly working from home and putting on numerous conferences and webinars and remaining actively engaged in vital advocacy efforts, all without missing a beat.

While I know our membership is UTC’s heart and soul, our staff is our engine. They have welcomed me as the new President and CEO with open arms, and I am so appreciative of their support.

So yes, even in a year as difficult as 2020, we have so much for which to be grateful. I hope everyone has the opportunity to slow down a bit over the holidays and safely visit with friends and family. Things will be different this year, but when it is all said and done, we will be more grateful for each other.

Happy Thanksgiving.

What does cybersecurity mean to you and me? We recognize that cybersecurity exists as a culture and a challenge, and we know it matters to just about every human on the planet. Professionals and academics alike have tried to narrow it down, but there remains no concrete definition of cybersecurity.

Although Merriam-Webster defines cybersecurity, generally, as “measures taken to protect a computer or computer system (as on the Internet) against unauthorized access or attack,” for the utility industry, the meaning goes much deeper because they are protecting the critical infrastructure that powers our lives. And understanding the implications of cybersecurity and how to protect our families, our businesses, our data, and our standard of living from cybercrime is a constant challenge.

When I think of cybersecurity, I think of many things on a professional and a personal level. Personally, I am concerned about safeguarding our families’ personal and financial data. Personal data is anything from our social security numbers to our minds. Most cybercriminals study behavior to identify their potential victims. Cybersecurity experts advise us that the user should change their behavior to prevent cyberattacks. A simple behavior change of periodically changing our passwords can prevent us from becoming victims.

Cybercrime, to many, can be defined as a malicious attack to software, computers, and networks. UTC members are well aware that the dangers from cyberattacks on utility systems could cause significant problems, as demonstrated by the multitude of scenario trainings, exercises, and voluntary efforts our industry puts forth to guard against such situations. Those steeped in cybersecurity issues also know–on a more personal, day-to-day level–of the importance of practicing strong cyber hygiene.

These challenges have grown as critical-infrastructure operations have become more integrated. Global interconnections and remote, accessible third-party connections often provide cyber attackers with increased access to supply chain targets. As the utility industry improves connectivity and grid resilience, and converts dated physical infrastructure and equipment to modern digital technology, the attacks are steadily increasing and the challenge to reduce the risk becomes more complex. Cybersecurity is therefore not merely a technology risk, but a broader business risk. Protecting the business must be seen not as an issue just for the IT department but as a team-wide responsibility concerning all stakeholders. We are thankful that so many of our members recognize this important tenant.

Now that many of us work remotely, we know that these practices must be applied in and out the office, which for many of us is also our home. We need to approach cybercrime with a broad perspective to ensure the digital safety of all data and systems. Advances in technology are enabling more sophisticated threats against users. This includes cell phones, tablets, technological accessories like headphones and fitness monitors. Cybersecurity needs to encompass all business processes and functions to be effective.

This cybersecurity awareness and investment is not new to the utility industry. Utilities invest huge amounts of time and money to safeguard and prevent cyberattacks that could affect their industry assets and our national security.

At UTC we mirror the utility industry that we serve. The level of engagement and information sharing between and among utilities on cybersecurity is an inspiration for the staff here at UTC. Because utilities are at the forefront of meeting cyber challenges, they are attacking the problem from a collective approach. Larger utilities work with smaller utilities to ensure that compliance and standards are implemented properly. After all, a cyberattack does not discriminate against small or large, domestic or global, infrastructure or technology. This is another example of how utilities provide a public service for all. Utilities work collaboratively among themselves and with other industries to share the risk and the burden of protecting us from all types of national disasters and threats, seen and unseen.

UTC takes this message to heart. Our Security, Risk, and Compliance Committee works closely with the UTC staff experts to develop relevant content to help you do your jobs. Our annual meetings include a Security track that is geared at providing you with the latest trends and expert analysis on this constantly evolving issue.

As for me, cybersecurity means that I must continue to raise my awareness and change my behavior to do my part to assist in the battle against cyberattacks. I am inspired by this industry’s ability to work together and find common solutions, especially now, with my kids learning from home and so much of our lives are online. Any mistake, no matter how innocent, can change and disrupt lives. We practice good cyber hygiene at home, but as our industry knows too well, we cannot let our guard down. Thank you for all you do for UTC and the nation.

On the West Coast, we are dealing with catastrophic wildfires that are destroying homes and lives. Communities have been destroyed and people have been uprooted, and this situation seems to get worse every year.

And as is usually the case, utilities are among the first to respond to these disasters and begin restoring service as quickly and safely as possible. So when it comes to National Preparedness Month, utilities are a model for the rest of the country to follow. A speaker during our virtual annual meeting last month said it better than me: Utilities are the first in, and last out in responding to natural disasters.

I’ve been thinking about this work, about what it takes to be prepared for natural and even man-made disasters, and how it applies to what we do at UTC to support our members. Utilities routinely train, test, and hold exercises in preparation for the worst scenarios imaginable. That’s one of many reasons why I’m so honored to represent this industry—everything you do powers every aspect of our lives. And you are constantly striving to improve and build a more resilient, reliable grid.

At UTC, we take this to heart. Like any organization, we’ve been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has changed our lives and our work, but I hope we’ve been able to provide the same customer service UTC members require. If at anytime you have questions or have suggestions for what we can do better, please reach out and let me know. We are here to serve you, because you serve all of us in so many ways.

Over the next several weeks, the UTC regions are holding their fall slate of meetings. All of these meetings are being held virtually due to the current situation. Again, we’ve had to adjust our plans in order to provide you the educational content and learning opportunities you need, and we’ve made it free for all UTC core utility members to participate in these events.

I had the honor of addressing our Region 9 officers for their meeting on Sept. 15. Keep in mind the utilities in this region are also dealing with the wildfires that are raging throughout the West. I did my best to encourage them and let them know that UTC is here for them. We are prepared to offer any services they may need. We are #UTCReady for our members.

As I wrap up, I wanted to touch on an issue that is becoming near and dear to me. While I’m proud at how the UTC team has responded to the pandemic and quickly pivoting to our virtual offerings, I’m also struck at how fortunate and blessed we are to be able to do so. We’ve been able to hold onto our jobs while so many have lost theirs. And we’ve been able to hold our meetings virtually, while so many people across this country—in cities and rural areas—do not have adequate internet access.

And again, so many of our UTC core utility members are stepping in to help fill this digital divide. Every electric utility in some way, shape, or form empowers broadband access. Through our Utilities Broadband Committee, UTC provides a venue between and among utilities and vendors to discuss ways in which we can leverage utility communications networks for broadband connectivity.

It is important as we continue to face this pandemic and deal with our inequities as a country to remember that as an industry, we are responsible for so much good. We are seeing it when utilities support each other after damaging storms and wildfires, and we are seeing it when rural cooperatives partner with investor-owned utilities to bring broadband to their communities.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your CEO. As long as I can help it, we will always be #UTCReady to serve you.

As we sit on the cusp of the July Fourth holiday, I wanted to take some time and take stock as to where we are as an association, as a country, and indeed as a world.

With so much happening at one time, it can be hard to process it all at once. We are still in a pandemic that has cost hundreds of thousands of lives and shuttered our economy. We are seeing the sins of our nation’s past coming back to haunt us vividly. Many of our members are still unable to travel and may not be able to work from their offices for months.

It almost feels overwhelming, but we can’t let it be.

This is our moment in time.

What I love most about UTC is how much we embrace diversity. We are a small but mighty team! But it goes beyond our staff. Our membership is diverse, not just in human resources, but in the kinds of companies and entities we represent. Most trade associations in our field represent one type of utility—electric, water, natural gas, etc. Additionally, these organizations tend to represent just one kind of business model as well, whether it be investor-owned, public power, or cooperative.

At UTC, we represent them all—IOU, cooperative, public power. We also represent a few water and gas utilities as well. We work closely with our other trade-association counterparts and I am grateful for our ongoing coordination and relationship. I am incredibly thankful that we not only represent each of the different ownership structures, but different kinds of utilities as well. That’s because the telecommunications issues that we specialize in impact all of these different utilities and businesses.

In a sense, UTC is a microcosm of America. Our staff and members come from different places with different life experiences. Our utilities use different tools to power our country; indeed, the diversity of our utility infrastructure, from the fuels we use to electrify our nation to the communications networks we use to underpin our services, is absolutely essential to our strength.

This is what I have been thinking about as the July Fourth holiday draws near. At UTC, diversity is our strength. Even amongst our diverse membership, our members face many of the same challenges. At our regional events, we see IOUs, cooperatives, and public-power utilities learning from each other, sharing best practices about the challenges they are facing. And our associate technology members are always there as well, ready to assist when they might have the right solution.

None of this is to trivialize what’s going on in our country these days. But it is meant to inspire a bit of hope. Our members’ mission, at its core, is to save lives. Our members provide lifesaving and life-sustaining utility services to every person in this country. It doesn’t matter where you live or who you are. If you plug your phone or computer into the outlet, it will work.

And as we enter the beginning of severe storm season for our coastal utilities, this commitment to service is even more apparent. How many times have I read stories in the UTC Journal or heard straight from our members themselves about the number of crews they sent to their utilities in need? This is truly an inspirational and inclusive industry.

As our country begins to recover from the pandemic and starts addressing critical issues about race, I hold up the utility industry as a model. I am honored to represent this industry and be able to put in place actions that back up our claims.

I’m an optimist by nature. No matter how bad the news gets, I believe there’s a silver lining and opportunity behind it. We just have to look.

And in the interest of full disclosure, I’ll admit that this pandemic is testing me. I come from New York City and still have family there, so I know firsthand what’s happening up there related to the pandemic. And working and living in the Washington area, another hard-hit location, we see reminders of the pandemic everywhere we look.

But as bad as it gets, I’m still hopeful. I’m encouraged by the incredibly hard working and dedicated team at UTC. I can’t say enough about the incredible work and effort our team puts forth each day. We’ve all had to make some sacrifices over the last few months, and as difficult and frustrating as the news can get, our staff continues to produce and find new and innovative ways to serve our members.

Of course, it goes without saying how inspired I am by our members—the utilities and technology providers who enable our lives to go on without interruption. Our core utility members have kept the lights on and the gas and water flowing. They’ve restored services after bad storms, and they are prepping for what might be an active storm season, all while implementing new pandemic-related structures to keep their crews and customers safe.

This is not surprising in our industry; after all, our utilities have trained for these kinds of events for years. Utilities and our government partners perform all kinds of scenario training through the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. We adapt. We learn. We train. And we go forth and do.

As a number of our states and regions began to loosen restrictions, I think it is appropriate to start talking about adapting and where we go from here. How much will this pandemic impact our work? Our meetings? Our advocacy efforts? Our ability to educate?

As you hopefully know, UTC recently announced that our Annual Telecom & Technology Conference will be held virtually later this summer, from Aug. 31-Sept. 4. Our Meetings Department is hard at work putting the final details in place and we will be rolling out more information in the coming weeks. While we expect to hold in-person meetings in the near future, we also realize that this pandemic may leave a lasting mark and force all of us to get creative about our educational offerings.

And because I’m an optimistic, I see the opportunities here. It can be difficult for utilities and others to send dozens of staff to conferences all over the country. So a virtual event offers us the chance to bring our content to more members and, hopefully, attract some new ones too.

We hope you can join us for our virtual annual conference in a few months. The technology may be new to a few of us, but by the time we roll this out, we’ll be pros.

So while this pandemic is far from over, we do see hopeful signs that a recovery is coming. For our members, UTC stands ready as ever to be the resource you count on for utility telecommunications needs. The way we deliver our advocacy, content, and information might change, but the quality will be as strong as ever.

Thank you again for all you are doing to keep us powered. Stay safe.

Those of us fortunate enough to be in the utility industry know full well how much hard work goes into providing the safe and reliable electricity all of us enjoy each and every day. We know the risks our members take, the safety and resilience practices that are baked in from the start, and the long hours that go into restoring such services after bad storms and other emergencies.

And if there’s one positive to take away from this current pandemic, it is that I believe the country as a whole is becoming much more aware of how valuable and vital electricity is to their daily lives. Everything that our members do—from our core utility members to our associate technology partners—literally powers our country and our world.

UTC’s Twitter feed is full of heartwarming images from people all over the country expressing thanks to utility crews for restoring service and sacrificing time away from their families to keep us powered. I am convinced that when this is over, no one will take for granted the vital services our members provide every hour of every day.

But we don’t do this work alone. Without our associate technology partners, our utilities would not have the critical communications devices they need to monitor critical infrastructure and communicate with crews in the field. Without our police and other public-safety workers, we would have to perform difficult safety and crowd controls ourselves to enforce social distancing and protect our crews that are out along the roads, in neighborhoods, and elsewhere repairing damaged lines and downed wires.

Collaboration doesn’t end there. Utility executives are working with our federal partners to ensure their crews are considered essential workers and can access the needed equipment to do their jobs safely during this pandemic. Many of our members share communications networks with first responders and others to enable broader, more efficient and reliable communications on really bad days. And the broadband and internet companies keeping us all connected—including several UTC member utilities—are offering faster speeds at no additional costs to deal with the higher demand.

When this pandemic ends, I hope we continue this spirit of collaboration. I know our members will as collaboration is ingrained in their DNA. But there is so much we can learn from each other now as we are forced to improvise in our personal and professional lives.

Even as things return to normal, this pandemic will leave its mark. Remote working will likely become much more accepted as the norm—and we at UTC were way ahead of the curve on that one! We will have to find new and innovative ways to hold meetings. While we know we’ll be able to hold in-person meetings again, we also know we can reach more people with webinars and other virtual offerings that don’t require airfare and hotel rooms.

Disaster planning will likely change too. The utility industry is the gold standard for disaster planning and thanks to years of pre-planning and scenario training, our industry was ready for this pandemic from the start. Indeed, few if any industries prepare for such events as often as the utility sector. We are and remain ready.

At UTC, we take collaboration to heart each and every day. We are a small but mighty team. Our membership and meetings department is working overtime on our upcoming slate of meetings, keeping all options on the table and ensuring that we can provide opportunities for our members to collaborate together. Our content and advocacy team is laser-focused on congressional and federal action that impacts your work—they are ensuring that your needs are being heard and addressed. And as for finance and operations, you can rest assured that we are looking for every opportunity to leave the association on sound footing after this pandemic is over.

Every pillar of UTC is critical to our success and continued operation. Make no mistake—these are trying times. I consider myself fortunate to wake up, hug my family, turn on my computer and get to work. I have my health and, thankfully, so do my kids and husband. And I am honored and blessed to work with humble and dedicated colleagues who care deeply about UTC, our members, and our mission.

Collaboration. We do it every day, and it will be essential to getting us through this situation