Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation

Throughout my career in transmission and substation operations, my leadership approach has been shaped by time spent in the field, working alongside the men and women who execute this work every day. Early on, I learned that credibility is built not in an office but through understanding the realities of the job, weather exposure, tight timelines, safety risks and complex system demands. As a result, I lead with a strong operational mindset. Stay close to the work, remove obstacles for the team and ensure decisions are rooted in safety and practicality. I believe in empowering leaders while holding a clear line of sight to performance, reliability and safety outcomes. Leadership, in this space, is about clarity, consistency and trust.

Today, one of the most significant challenges in maintaining and constructing transmission and substation systems is balancing aging infrastructure with increasing demand and evolving system complexity. Much of the grid was built decades ago and is now operating under conditions it wasn’t originally designed for. At the same time, supply chain constraints, particularly for critical materials like large power transformers, breakers and steel structures, continue to extend lead times and complicate planning. Add to that workforce dynamics, including developing the next generation of skilled workers and it becomes clear that proactive planning and disciplined execution are more important than ever.

To ensure safety, reliability and efficiency across field operations, it requires more than policies; it requires a culture. Safety must be embedded in every step of the work process, from pre-job planning to execution and post-job review. We emphasize thorough pre-job briefs, hazard identification and accountability at every level. Reliability is driven through strong maintenance programs, prioritizing planned work over reactive work and closely tracking performance metrics such as system interruptions and equipment health indicators. Efficiency comes from alignment, ensuring that scheduling, materials and workforce resources are coordinated to maximize productivity without compromising safety. I also place a high value on communication across all teams, encouraging these teams to share resources and lessons learned, especially during storm response or high-demand periods.

Credibility is built not in an office, but through understanding the realities of the job.

The industry itself is undergoing significant transformation. We are seeing a major push toward grid modernization, including the integration of advanced technologies, automation and data analytics. There is a growing need to support renewable generation interconnections and increased electrification, which is placing new demands on transmission capacity and system flexibility. At the same time, regulatory expectations and compliance requirements such as those tied to reliability standards continue to evolve, requiring a higher level of documentation, tracking and accountability. Another key shift is the emphasis on resilience, designing and maintaining systems that can withstand extreme weather events and recover quickly when disruptions occur.

For those entering this field, my advice is straightforward: build a strong foundation in both technical knowledge and field experience and never lose sight of the importance of safety. This is an industry where what we do directly impacts communities, economies and lives. Take the time to understand how systems work in the real world, not just on paper. Be willing to learn from experienced team members, ask questions and take ownership of your role. Just as importantly, develop your ability to communicate and lead; technical expertise alone is not enough. The most effective professionals in this field are those who can connect people, processes and priorities to deliver results.

Transmission and substation work is demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. At the end of the day, our mission is clear: keep the lights on safely and reliably. That responsibility drives everything we do and it’s what makes this industry both challenging and meaningful.