Leadership Conference for Women in Co-ops & Munis

August 22-23, 2023 | Online :: Central Time

0823-coop-muni-leadership

“This was such an amazing conference! The speakers were so inspiring and insightful.” Customer Service Supervisor, Burbank Water and Power

“I loved the variety of topics covered and that they were current and relevant!” Manager, Substation Construction & Maintenance, Sacramento Municipal Utility District

“This is a great event for development of your leadership skills and potential. This is an investment worth making in yourself and your staff will thank you.” Supply Services Manager, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

“I’m going to leave this conference with confidence knowing that the struggles and experiences I go through daily are being experienced by so many other women in the industry, and they are killing it.” Utility Forester, Duquesne Light

Gender diversity is a critical issue in the energy sector, as women have traditionally been underrepresented in both leadership and technical roles. This lack of inclusivity not only hinders innovation but also leads to a shortage of skilled professionals in this essential sector.

This conference is specifically tailored to empower women in electric cooperatives and munis, helping them to attain leadership roles. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from prominent women who have successfully overcome career challenges and shattered barriers to achieve success. Register now to connect with dynamic women leaders and gain valuable insights into organizational change and personal growth.  Attendees will leave this event with practical strategies and actionable items for career development.  

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss strategies for elevating & empowering women
• Discuss strategies to build a pipeline for women leaders in your organization
• Discover how to cultivate an executive presence
• Determine how to overcome imposter syndrome
• Explain best practices for navigating conflict and delivering impactful and authentic communication
• Explain the importance of Diversity & Inclusion and strategies for DEI plans
• Describe key trends in the energy industry and their impact on co-ops & munis
• Assess how to capitalize on business opportunities in this transformative time
• Gain best practices for juggling competing priorities
• Explain how to overcome career challenges and move from middle management into leadership roles

Tuesday, August 22, 2023 : Central Time

 

1:00 – 1:30 p.m. :: Welcome Message/Opening Keynote

Jessica is LPEA’s first female CEO in the co-op’s 80-year history. Prior to this role, Matlock served as a member of the executive leadership team for 13 years at the nation’s 11th largest public utility (Snohomish Public Utility District).

Jessica Matlock, CEO, La Plata Electric Association

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. :: Elevating Women in Leadership: Purpose-driven Empowerment

This session is dedicated to fostering support, development, and advancement of women into executive roles within the cooperative and muni environments. Our panel of leaders will share strategies aimed at building a robust pipeline of female leadership candidates.

Moderator: Jessica Matlock, CEO, La Plata Electric Association

Kyle Kern, VP, Legal Services & Risk Management, South Central Power

Trina Zagar-Brown, Vice President Business Services, Holy Cross Energy

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

2:45 – 3:45 p.m. :: Cultivating Executive Presence

Through engaging discussions and practical tips, this session will provide valuable tools and techniques to cultivate an influential executive presence. You will gain the confidence and skills needed to command a room, inspire your team, and effectively lead with impact. The panel will explore strategies for these essential qualities:

• The Art of reading the room – understanding EQ
• Overcoming imposter syndrome
• Crafting your personal brand
• Projecting calm amidst challenges

Janet Rehberg, Chief Strategy Officer & VP, Engineering, Tri-County Electric Cooperative

Denise Foster Cronin, VP, Federal & RTO Regulatory Affairs, East Kentucky Power Cooperative

3:45 – 4:45 p.m. :: Navigating Conflict

Conflict is a natural and inevitable part of working life. While unresolved or mishandled conflicts can lead to a decline in teamwork and productivity, certain types of conflict can fuel innovation and drive performance. In this session we will discuss best practices for managing conflict for positive outcomes.

• Building constructive communication skills
• Promoting collaboration & teamwork
• Leveraging conflict for innovation

Jami Hovet, VP, Administration, Minnkota Power Cooperative

Kacy Wickenhauser, Chief HR Officer, Wolverine Power Cooperative

4:45 – 5:00 p.m. :: Open Discussion / Q&A

 

Wednesday, August 23, 2023 : Central Time

 

9:15 – 9:20 a.m. :: Welcome Message

9:20 – 10:00 a.m. :: Activity: The Importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

This session will highlight the profound significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today’s business landscape. During this thought-provoking discussion we will explore key topics that underscore the importance of DEI:

• The business case for diversity
• Unleashing creativity and innovation

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. :: Inspiring Journeys: Navigating the Path to Leadership

This session features a senior-level executive who defied the odds to ascend to a leadership position within the cooperative environment. Through a candid conversation you will gain insights into her personal journey and be motivated by her story. During this engaging session we will explore several key topics for aspiring leaders: 

• Leveraging opportunities and building relationships
• The power of self-perception
• Practical approaches to develop and enhance leadership capabilities
• Strategies tailored to the unique dynamics of the co-op & muni environment

Amanda Hoefling, Chief Administrative Officer, Dairyland Power Cooperative

11:00 – 11:15 a.m. :: Morning Break

11:15 – 12:15 p.m. :: Juggling Competing Priorities

Many leaders in this sector wear many hats. As you navigate the complex landscape of competing priorities, having a well-defined plan is crucial to maintain progress. In this session industry leaders will share tips and tricks for retraining your mind to focus on tasks that move you forward, and practical strategies for optimizing your productivity. 

Mandip Samra, Assistant General Manager Power Supply, Burbank Water & Power

12:15 – 1:15 p.m. :: Lunch Break

1:15– 2:15 p.m. :: Empowering Co-op & Muni Leaders: Seizing Opportunities in a Transformative Era

The next few years hold immense potential for the utilities sector. Electric co-op and muni leaders are uniquely equipped to guide our cities and towns towards a future characterized by sustainability, affordability, and inclusivity. This session focuses on key areas presenting opportunities for growth and transformation.

• Changing workforce landscape
• New investments and their role in driving progress
• Embracing renewables
• Evolving expectations of consumers & communities

Ashley Harris, VP, Marketing & Communications, Ozarks Electric Cooperative

2:15 – 3:15 p.m. :: Negotiation Strategies for Women

Research shows that women perform better when their role is to advocate for others as opposed to negotiating for themselves. In this session attendees will hear strategies for self-advocating and salary negotiation.

Cindy Rauner, SVP, Human Resources and CHRO, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative

Erin Murphy, VP, Federal & RTO Regulatory Affairs, Big Rivers Electric Corporation

3:15 – 3:30 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

3:30 – 4:45 p.m. :: Intentional Behaviors to Move Your Career Forward

If you are intentional with certain behaviors your career will naturally progress without feeling like you’re fighting every step of the way. In this session, panelists will share established behaviors that will get you to where you want to go. Panelists will take you through relatable, real-life examples and highlight their lessons learned.

Marisa Gaytan, Training & Organizational Development Leader, Brownsville Public Utilities Board

Priti Patel, VP & Chief Transmission Officer, Great River Energy

Autumn McMahon, VP, Member Management, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative

Tracey Steiner, Chief Engagement & Consumer Officer, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

4:45 – 5:00 p.m. :: Open Q&A

5:00 p.m. :: Conference Adjourns

• Trina Zagar-Brown, Vice President Business Services, Holy Cross Energy

• Denise Foster Cronin, VP, Federal & RTO Regulatory Affairs, East Kentucky Power Cooperative

• Marisa Gaytan, Training & Organizational Development Leader, Brownsville Public Utilities Board

• Ashley Harris, VP, Marketing & Communications, Ozarks Electric Cooperative

• Amanda Hoefling, Chief Administrative Officer, Dairyland Power Cooperative

• Jami Hovet, VP, Administration, Minnkota Power Cooperative

• Kyle Kern, VP, Legal Services & Risk Management, South Central Power

• Reiko Kerr, SVP, MEAG Power; Former Assistant GM, LADWP (invited)

• Autumn McMahon, VP, Member Management, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative

• Jessica Matlock, CEO, La Plata Electric Association

• Erin Murphy, VP, Federal & RTO Regulatory Affairs, Big Rivers Electric Corporation

• Priti Patel, VP & Chief Transmission Officer, Great River Energy

• Cindy Rauner, SVP, Human Resources and CHRO, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative

• Janet Rehberg, Chief Strategy Officer & VP, Engineering, Tri-County Electric Cooperative

• Mandip Samra, Assistant General Manager Power Supply, Burbank Water & Power

• Tracey Steiner, Chief Engagement & Consumer Officer, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

• Kacy Wickenhauser, Chief HR Officer, Wolverine Power Cooperative

We will be using Microsoft Teams to facilitate your participation in the upcoming event. You do not need to have an existing Teams account in order to participate in the broadcast – the course will play in your browser and you will have the option of using a microphone to speak with the room and ask questions, or type any questions in via the chat window and our on-site representative will relay your question to the instructor.

• IMPORTANT NOTE: After November 30 you will not be able to join a Teams meeting using Internet Explorer 11. Microsoft recommends downloading and installing the Teams app if possible. You may also use the Edge browser or Chrome.
• You will receive a separate email with a unique link to a personalized landing page which will include links to join all sessions of this event.
• If you are using a microphone, please ensure that it is muted until such time as you need to ask a question.
• The remote meeting connection will be open approximately 30 minutes before the start of the course. We encourage you to connect as early as possible in case you experience any unforeseen problems.

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Leadership Conference for Women in Co-ops & Munis

August 22-23, 2023 | Online

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before July 21, 2023 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Credits

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 1.0 CEUs for this event

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must be in attendance for the entirety of the conference to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

Case studies & PowerPoint presentations

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Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Conference CPE Credits: 12.0
There is no prerequisite for this Conference.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

EUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

 

Who Should Attend

Individuals within electric cooperatives and municipalities in search of a solution-oriented discussion on how to implement change in the industry, and female professionals trying to develop the necessary skills and confidence to find success in a traditionally male-dominated field.