This is your connection to local utility telecommunications professionals and events. By interfacing with UTC Regions, you can:
Registration Rates:
Utility Rate – $100
UTC Associate Member – $450
Non-Member Associate Rate – $695
Exhibitor & Sponsor Registrations:
Exhibitors/Sponsors may receive complimentary or discounted rates depending on their level of participation. Before registering through the website please email us by clicking here to confirm any applicable comps or discounts.
Speakers:
All speakers will be registered complimentary by UTC staff.
Photography Consent:
Registration constitutes permission for UTC to use registrant’s image in photographs, video or other medium for marketing, promotional and other business purposes.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations received by February 17, 2026 will receive a refund less a 25% cancellation fee. Cancellations must be received in writing at meetings@utc.org.
Questions:
If you have questions or need assistance please click here to email us.
Region 3 Exhibitor and Sponsor Contract – Booths are sold out – Click here
Floor plan – Click here
Sponsor Information:
Kristi Middlebrooks | Director, Conference Exhibit and Sponsorship
Direct: +1.202.833.6838 |
Email: kristi.middlebrooks@utc.org
Conference / Registration Information
E: support@utc.org
Region 3 Tee: Click here
100 S 12th St,Region 3 (Southeast) serves the states of:
Have any questions or are interested in hearing more about how UTC can play a role in your company? Contact our Region 3 officers:
Jimmy R. (Rusty) Williams is President and CEO of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC.) UTC is a DC-based global trade association that represents electric, gas, and water utilities on their mission-critical information and communications technologies.
Lee Ayers received a BS in Electrical Engineering from Clemson University in 1982. From 1982 until 1986, he worked for Central Electric Power Cooperative in Columbia, South Carolina. Since 1986, he has been employed with Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative in Lexington, South Carolina, where he currently serves as VP of Engineering, managing system planning, power supply, substations, metering, system control, and dispatch, and outside plant fiber optic communications and technology. He has worked extensively with electric service rate design and implementation. Presently he is managing MCEC’s FttM (Fiber to the Meter) project that will enable internet service to the MCEC’s entire membership along with system-wide electric distribution automation and data collection, as well as real-time electric service usage data to consumers.
Chrissy has 33 years of experience in Critical Infrastructure. Experienced and successful in scaling operations, building strategic partnerships, instilling client confidence, and consistently delivering large-scale, highly complex projects on time and on budget. Leads with authenticity and integrity, develops individuals to excel, and fosters a culture of engagement, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Key member of the executive leadership team, knowledgeable resource, and valued partner in creating critical infrastructure and strengthening productivity. Navigates effectively across organizational levels, functional areas, and colleagues, clients, and team members. Chrissy spent 32 years at Burns & McDonnell Engineering and the past year starting Critical Infrastructure at Essentia.
Eric Fuchs is the Chief Sales Officer at Metroswitch Technologies, Inc., a role he has held since 2013. He leads the company’s strategic sales direction, managing a high-performing sales team and collaborating closely with the technology division to enhance and expand Metroswitch’s innovative solutions. Specializing in the Utilities and Financial Services sectors, Eric brings over two decades of expertise in advanced telecommunication technologies, delivering state-of-the-art solutions for real-time routing, geographic redundancy, and seamless interoperability with multiple Tier-1 carriers, all powered by the company’s proprietary patented technology.
Prior to Metroswitch Technologies, Eric held prominent leadership roles, including Chief Sales Officer at CNM Network, where he oversaw the scaling of national sales teams, operations, and implementation. He also served as Sales Director at ICG Communications in Silicon Valley. Eric managed the National Accounts team at Ocular Sciences, where his leadership drove multimillion-dollar growth and contributed to a successful IPO.
Eric earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Organizational Communication with an emphasis on Business Marketing from Arizona State University.
Justin is a Telecommunications Engineer in the Telecom Aggregate Services group at Southern Company Services. His experience includes DWDM installation, TDM to packet network cutovers, and LTE backhaul design and installation. He currently is responsible for evaluating in implementing engineering package improvements as well as the precision timing network upgrades.
David Hattey is a seasoned strategic leader with thirty-plus years of successful executive assignments across IT, telecom, wireless, cloud services, and networking companies serving the Utility, Public Service, and Enterprise spaces. He is currently a consultant providing technology and strategy support through Lockard & White. David has held contributing and leadership positions in every area of business while working for companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100. He was awarded BS Electrical Engineering and BS Computer Engineering degrees from the University of Michigan, both Magna Cum Laude, as well as an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business where he was named a Fuqua Scholar. David is a named inventor on 11 US patents.
Steve Liegl is currently the Director Infrastructure and Operations for WEC Energy Group, consisting of seven regulated gas, electric, and renewable energy utilities.
WEC Energy Group was formed seven years ago through an acquisition of Integrys Energy Group by Wisconsin Energy. WEC Energy Group is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with major utility operations in Wisconsin, Upper and Lower Michigan, Minnesota, and the Chicago area.
At WEC Energy Group Steve is responsible for managing his group’s operating/maintenance budget, capital project budget, staffing, technical training, and outsourcing. Steve also has
responsibility for the strategic, tactical, and operational direction of multiple IT infrastructure and operations teams supporting IT infrastructure, exchange/messaging, service desk, client devices, software deployment, and IT asset management. Along with managing the IT teams, critical business relationships are required due to the unique systems within the various electric and gas utilities.
Since joining the organization ten years ago he has held three different positions ranging from the leader of the network operations group, manager voice/data communications infrastructure, and his current role.
Prior to joining the utility industry Steve spent 17 years in the cellular industry working for companies such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, and BellSouth. While at these organizations Steve held roles in both network operations as well as core network engineering.
Along with six years of active service in the United States Marine Corps, Steve currently holds a Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wisconsin Lutheran College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Chad Segal is a department manager at Burns & McDonnell, focused on utility telecom and automation. He has served as a design engineer and sealing engineer on several fiber engineering design projects. Chad leads a team of talented engineers and designers across the Southeast, providing design services for fiber-optic installations, wireless systems, network designs and utility SCADA systems.
Anthony works as a Project Manager with Public Service Electric and Gas in Newark, New Jersey.
Anthony is responsible for the management of wireless co-location on all electric transmission towers and distribution poles for PSEG.
Anthony is a 1981 graduate of Newark College of Engineering ( NJIT ) and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of New Jersey.
Gary Vondrasek, Manager Telecom Sales & Services
In his role as Manager of Telecom Sales & Services, Gary Vondrasek leads JEA’s communication initiatives and manages the 800-mile utility fiber optic network and utility transport networks in addition to the utility wireless networks which includes the utility owned communication towers and other vertical infrastructure. Gary also manages the Pole Attachment, Wireless Collocation, and Dark Fiber enterprises for collocation and leasing. Gary is highly skilled in both business development and operational management with the responsibility of developing and implementing strategies across all communications verticals.
Gary joined JEA in August of 2000 as a Product Development Coordinator and ascended through the ranks to become the Manager of Telecom Sales & Services. Throughout his tenure at JEA, he has held the responsibility for managing multiple types of products and services, new product development, achieving operational and project metrics, budget and vendor management, business case development, and new product integrations.
Gary has over twenty-five years’ experience in the energy, gas, and telecommunications sectors with 15 years specifically with Pole Attachment, Wireless Collocation, and Fiber optic sales and operations.
Gary is a certified Six Sigma Greenbelt and is pursuing his Blackbelt certification.
Gary attended Valparaiso University and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Business Economics.
Gary has been active with Utilities Technology Council (UTC) for over 19 years and is one of the original founding members of UtiliSite. Gary is presently Chair of the Board of Directors for UTC.
David Wells is a Senior Technical Communications Program Manager within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity. A thought leader and subject matter expert spanning critical infrastructure and telecommunications security, David provides national leadership to ensure a secure, resilient, and reliable energy delivery system, and develops technologies to improve the infrastructure that brings electricity into our homes, offices, and factories. David maintains a unique blend of strategic, tactical, and operational proficiency. Specifically, David focuses on the best practices for substation communication infrastructure and cyber-physical systems security.
Jimmy R. (Rusty) Williams is President and CEO of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC.) UTC is a DC-based global trade association that represents electric, gas, and water utilities on their mission-critical information and communications technologies.
Lee Ayers received a BS in Electrical Engineering from Clemson University in 1982. From 1982 until 1986, he worked for Central Electric Power Cooperative in Columbia, South Carolina. Since 1986, he has been employed with Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative in Lexington, South Carolina, where he currently serves as VP of Engineering, managing system planning, power supply, substations, metering, system control, and dispatch, and outside plant fiber optic communications and technology. He has worked extensively with electric service rate design and implementation. Presently he is managing MCEC’s FttM (Fiber to the Meter) project that will enable internet service to the MCEC’s entire membership along with system-wide electric distribution automation and data collection, as well as real-time electric service usage data to consumers.
Chrissy has 33 years of experience in Critical Infrastructure. Experienced and successful in scaling operations, building strategic partnerships, instilling client confidence, and consistently delivering large-scale, highly complex projects on time and on budget. Leads with authenticity and integrity, develops individuals to excel, and fosters a culture of engagement, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Key member of the executive leadership team, knowledgeable resource, and valued partner in creating critical infrastructure and strengthening productivity. Navigates effectively across organizational levels, functional areas, and colleagues, clients, and team members. Chrissy spent 32 years at Burns & McDonnell Engineering and the past year starting Critical Infrastructure at Essentia.
Eric Fuchs is the Chief Sales Officer at Metroswitch Technologies, Inc., a role he has held since 2013. He leads the company’s strategic sales direction, managing a high-performing sales team and collaborating closely with the technology division to enhance and expand Metroswitch’s innovative solutions. Specializing in the Utilities and Financial Services sectors, Eric brings over two decades of expertise in advanced telecommunication technologies, delivering state-of-the-art solutions for real-time routing, geographic redundancy, and seamless interoperability with multiple Tier-1 carriers, all powered by the company’s proprietary patented technology.
Prior to Metroswitch Technologies, Eric held prominent leadership roles, including Chief Sales Officer at CNM Network, where he oversaw the scaling of national sales teams, operations, and implementation. He also served as Sales Director at ICG Communications in Silicon Valley. Eric managed the National Accounts team at Ocular Sciences, where his leadership drove multimillion-dollar growth and contributed to a successful IPO.
Eric earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Organizational Communication with an emphasis on Business Marketing from Arizona State University.
Justin is a Telecommunications Engineer in the Telecom Aggregate Services group at Southern Company Services. His experience includes DWDM installation, TDM to packet network cutovers, and LTE backhaul design and installation. He currently is responsible for evaluating in implementing engineering package improvements as well as the precision timing network upgrades.
David Hattey is a seasoned strategic leader with thirty-plus years of successful executive assignments across IT, telecom, wireless, cloud services, and networking companies serving the Utility, Public Service, and Enterprise spaces. He is currently a consultant providing technology and strategy support through Lockard & White. David has held contributing and leadership positions in every area of business while working for companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100. He was awarded BS Electrical Engineering and BS Computer Engineering degrees from the University of Michigan, both Magna Cum Laude, as well as an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business where he was named a Fuqua Scholar. David is a named inventor on 11 US patents.
Steve Liegl is currently the Director Infrastructure and Operations for WEC Energy Group, consisting of seven regulated gas, electric, and renewable energy utilities.
WEC Energy Group was formed seven years ago through an acquisition of Integrys Energy Group by Wisconsin Energy. WEC Energy Group is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with major utility operations in Wisconsin, Upper and Lower Michigan, Minnesota, and the Chicago area.
At WEC Energy Group Steve is responsible for managing his group’s operating/maintenance budget, capital project budget, staffing, technical training, and outsourcing. Steve also has
responsibility for the strategic, tactical, and operational direction of multiple IT infrastructure and operations teams supporting IT infrastructure, exchange/messaging, service desk, client devices, software deployment, and IT asset management. Along with managing the IT teams, critical business relationships are required due to the unique systems within the various electric and gas utilities.
Since joining the organization ten years ago he has held three different positions ranging from the leader of the network operations group, manager voice/data communications infrastructure, and his current role.
Prior to joining the utility industry Steve spent 17 years in the cellular industry working for companies such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, and BellSouth. While at these organizations Steve held roles in both network operations as well as core network engineering.
Along with six years of active service in the United States Marine Corps, Steve currently holds a Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wisconsin Lutheran College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Chad Segal is a department manager at Burns & McDonnell, focused on utility telecom and automation. He has served as a design engineer and sealing engineer on several fiber engineering design projects. Chad leads a team of talented engineers and designers across the Southeast, providing design services for fiber-optic installations, wireless systems, network designs and utility SCADA systems.
Anthony works as a Project Manager with Public Service Electric and Gas in Newark, New Jersey.
Anthony is responsible for the management of wireless co-location on all electric transmission towers and distribution poles for PSEG.
Anthony is a 1981 graduate of Newark College of Engineering ( NJIT ) and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of New Jersey.
Gary Vondrasek, Manager Telecom Sales & Services
In his role as Manager of Telecom Sales & Services, Gary Vondrasek leads JEA’s communication initiatives and manages the 800-mile utility fiber optic network and utility transport networks in addition to the utility wireless networks which includes the utility owned communication towers and other vertical infrastructure. Gary also manages the Pole Attachment, Wireless Collocation, and Dark Fiber enterprises for collocation and leasing. Gary is highly skilled in both business development and operational management with the responsibility of developing and implementing strategies across all communications verticals.
Gary joined JEA in August of 2000 as a Product Development Coordinator and ascended through the ranks to become the Manager of Telecom Sales & Services. Throughout his tenure at JEA, he has held the responsibility for managing multiple types of products and services, new product development, achieving operational and project metrics, budget and vendor management, business case development, and new product integrations.
Gary has over twenty-five years’ experience in the energy, gas, and telecommunications sectors with 15 years specifically with Pole Attachment, Wireless Collocation, and Fiber optic sales and operations.
Gary is a certified Six Sigma Greenbelt and is pursuing his Blackbelt certification.
Gary attended Valparaiso University and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Business Economics.
Gary has been active with Utilities Technology Council (UTC) for over 19 years and is one of the original founding members of UtiliSite. Gary is presently Chair of the Board of Directors for UTC.
David Wells is a Senior Technical Communications Program Manager within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity. A thought leader and subject matter expert spanning critical infrastructure and telecommunications security, David provides national leadership to ensure a secure, resilient, and reliable energy delivery system, and develops technologies to improve the infrastructure that brings electricity into our homes, offices, and factories. David maintains a unique blend of strategic, tactical, and operational proficiency. Specifically, David focuses on the best practices for substation communication infrastructure and cyber-physical systems security.
