Utilities

That one word represents various entities that significantly impact the way in which you and I live our lives: be it the heating and cooling of our homes, the way electricity is transmitted, or even the water we drink.

The current state of utilities has evolved significantly since the days of Nikola Tesla and Garrett Morgan. And while there have been significant advances amongst different utilities, there are additional efforts that need to be made as we evolve towards a more sustainable, cost-effective future. Technology and innovation are key in accomplishing goals moving forward, but we also need people in place that will not only institute positive, fair change, but also keep the presence of the greater community at the forefront of their minds in an effort to maintain the public’s trust.

I am fortunate to know of two individuals currently in Indiana’s utility industry who fit that bill. The subject of our cover profile: Carolene Mays- Medley is one such person.

Much of who I am and what I represent today is from years of working under Carolene’s tutelage at the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Aside from my mother who passed away 12 years ago, Carolene has been the greatest influencer of my life. I have learned countless professional and life lessons from her and I am grateful for every experience – even the challenging ones in which I didn’t always understand or agree with her perspective.

I have always been incredibly proud of Carolene and as I’ve watched her success in recent years, that pride has amplified to infinity.

When Carolene initially announced that she was leaving the Recorder to take an appointment by then Gov. Mitch Daniels, I was a bit confused. She left the media industry to join the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The two industries seemed words apart to me at the time and I didn’t completely understand the rationale.
But as I thought about it deeper and considered Carolene’s professional past, it all made sense: taking the most predicable path was never her thing. She has always done the unexpected or ventured towards the unknown. To know Carolene is to understand that for her, it’s not about the job per se, but more about how she can make a positive difference and be part of the solution. That realization made all the pieces in my mind fit together. While the various industries Carolene has had careers in – business, chemicals, media, politics, and now utilities – are all drastically different from one another, her role in each of them has been the same: ensuring fair and positive solutions. She has always been an advocate for the people. It’s what she did in the chemical industry, it’s what she did during her time heading up the newspaper and this magazine, it was the basis of her political career and it’s what she now does as a commissioner who works to ensure utilities provide adequate and reliable service at reasonable prices.

It has been fascinating for me to witness how Carolene entered a career, knowing very little about the industry, yet educating herself to the point of being a utility leader – not just statewide, but on a national scale as evidenced through her various roles including president of the Mid-America Regulatory Conference and chairperson of the Critical Infrastructure Committee.

Another woman in Indiana’s utility industry whom I respect deeply is Yvonne Perkins. In her role as vice president, corporate communications and chief diversity officer at Citizens Energy Group, Perkins has effectively worked over the years to ensure Citizens not only has a strong community presence, but also maintains fairness and equity amongst its staff. She has earned and maintained the community’s trust for over 30 years. That is a tremendous feat and I am not only proud of her, but honored that the community has such a strong leader in Perkins.

Mays-Medley and Perkins are two minority women who have made tremendous strides in the utility industry. Their actions and those of other utility executives in the state are what will help move Indiana forward as we continuously work towards accomplishing the innovation, technology and consumer goals of the future.

Shannon’s Faves

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