13 Jan UTC Board Appoints Senior VP Riggs as Interim CEO, Affirms 2019 Promotions
[NOTE: UTC has hired PNP Staffing Group to manage our CEO selection process. If you are interested in applying, please contact PNP Vice President Barbara Ramundo by Jan. 31, 2020. The job description and posting are available online. Thank you.]
WASHINGTON—Utilities Technology Council Board Chairman Greg Angst of CenterPoint Energy announced today that Sheryl Riggs, UTC Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations, will serve as the Association’s Interim CEO.
Ms. Riggs, who officially began her new duties on Jan. 13, will serve in this position until the UTC Board of Directors hires a permanent CEO. Former President and CEO Joy Ditto began in her new role as President and CEO of the American Public Power Association on Jan. 13.
“We are grateful to Sheryl for stepping up to serve her colleagues and UTC during this transitional period,” Mr. Angst said. “The Board will give Sheryl and the UTC staff all the support they need as we continue our search for a permanent CEO. UTC will continue to thrive and provide its usual high-level of service to its members and beyond throughout this period. Once again, we wish Joy the best in her new role and thank her for all she has done for our membership.”
Ms. Riggs first joined UTC in 2017 as Director of Accounting and Administration. Prior to joining UTC, she worked with organizations in the banking/finance, education, and health and social services industries. Her career also includes experience with federal and state government entities and nonprofit organizations. Ms. Riggs is also certified as an IRS tax professional, in which she partners with other professionals to provide volunteer tax preparation services and financial literacy training.
Ms. Riggs’ appointment comes after Ms. Ditto, earlier in 2019, reorganized UTC’s senior leadership team. As part of this reorganization, Ms. Ditto promoted Sharla Artz to Senior Vice President of Government and External Affairs. In this new role, Ms. Artz oversees all of UTC’s advocacy and communications functions, including Congress, federal agencies, the courts, and responsibilities. Ms. Artz first joined UTC in January 2017.
In addition, Karnel Thomas, with nearly 30 years of experience at UTC, was promoted to Senior Vice President of Membership and Meetings. Mr. Thomas is responsible for overseeing UTC member outreach and the Association’s several annual meetings, including the national Telecom and Technology conference held each spring.
Finally, Rob Thormeyer to Senior Director, Communications and Advocacy. Mr. Thormeyer manages communications and engagements with various entities, including federal and state regulators, Congress, and the media.
“UTC is well positioned to be a strong leader representing utilities and their critical communications needs,” Mr. Angst said. “I am proud of what we have achieved over the last few years and am looking forward to see what we will accomplish this year and beyond.”
###
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
