UTC Awards Recognize Importance of ICT Networks to Grid Reliability, Resilience

03 Sep UTC Awards Recognize Importance of ICT Networks to Grid Reliability, Resilience

Arlington—Sep. 1, 2021 – The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) marked the return to its in-person Annual Telecom & Technology Conference by recognizing utilities and their personnel who demonstrated initiative, perseverance, and innovative thinking throughout the past year.

UTC’s awards recognize the importance of utility Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems and the employees who build, operate, and maintain these systems to support the reliability, resilience, and safety of the nation’s electric systems. From storm response to day-to-day reliability, ICT networks also provide opportunities for communities to enhance economic prosperity, provide innovative new services, and support health, education and access to critical services.

“Congratulations to all of our winners this year,” said Immediate Past UTC Chairman of the Board Greg Angst of CenterPoint Energy. “I can think of no other industry that has risen to the challenges of the last year-plus like the utility sector and our technology partners. Time and again, our incredible workforce has answered the call and provided our essential utility services under unprecedented circumstances. These awards go to the heart of what makes UTC so special—the people, the utilities, and the technology partners who make up our membership. Every day our members work hard to support reliable, resilient, and affordable energy and water services to people and businesses. It is an honor to recognize a select few for their service.”

The 2021 UTC Award Winners are:

• APEX Award – Recognizes individual accomplishment and organizational commitment for outstanding projects undertaken by utility telecom workers.
  • WINNER: Tennessee Valley Authority
• Dondanville Award – Established in 1989, named in honor of UTC’s first President & CEO, Russell V. Dondanville. It recognizes an individual’s extraordinary service and dedication to UTC over the years through active participation in numerous association activities.
  • WINNER: Greg Angst, CenterPoint Energy

• Meehan Award – Established in 1998, the Meehan Award is named in honor of UTC’s first Exec. Director Charles M. (Mike) Meehan. It recognizes individuals for their extraordinary leadership in projects during the past year that greatly furthered the interests and objectives of UTC.
  • WINNERS: Mike Unser, Salt River Project; Sheryl Osiene-Riggs, UTC

• Connie Durcsak Unsung Hero Award – Recognizes an individual or utility that exemplifies the selfless, admirable, necessary, never-ending work that our utility workers do every day in extenuating circumstances. They perform heroic tasks daily and there is often no press, fanfare, or acknowledgment of the lifesaving efforts performed by our utility workers
  • WINNER: Nashville Electric Service
    • Chris Luark
    • Cory Stanton
    • Ryan Parker
    • Sadaria Wallace
    • Mickey Thompson
    • Michael Shannon

• UTC’s Emerging Leaders Awards. This award acknowledges “rising stars” within UTC’s member utilities, who are dedicated to the critical work of telecom, infrastructure, IT/OT, security, technology innovation, policy, and other key utility disciplines
  • WINNERS: Casey Hutchinson, Puget Sound Energy; Sue Hoffman, Southern Company; Kedaar Raman, New York Power Authority

• Chairman Awards – These awards are given in appreciation for service to UTC during the past calendar year.
  • WINNERS: Dewey Day, Pacific Gas & Electric; Roger Bryant (retired), Southern Company; Matt Schnell, Nebraska Public Power District; Ron Beck, Central Lincoln People’s Utility District; Mlungisi Mkhwanazi, Africa Utilities Technology Council; Rob Thormeyer, UTC

• Committee Leadership Recognition – Honors Committee and Division leadership
  • Paul Zawada, American Electric Power Company; Kirt Mayson, NorthWestern Corporation; Mitchel Crocker, CenterPoint Energy; Michael Rosenthal, Southern LINC; Doug Barton, Southern Company; Matt Schnell Nebraska Public Power District; Sheila Wells (retired); Ron Beck, Central Lincoln People’s Utility District; Jon Stitzel, Ameren; Gary Vondrasek, JEA; Darren Farnan, United Electric Cooperative

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About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: UTC.org \\Client\C$\Users\Eric Wagner\UTC\Meetings\Annual Conference\2021 Portland\Press Releases\UTC.org