Honoring the Top Voices in the Energy Central Community in 2023: Energy Management Network

As the Energy Central Community continues to thrive and evolve, it's evident that we're our collective members are truly shaping the future of the utility sector. Within this dynamic collective of professionals in the power industry, the community represents a unique and impactful spirit of sharing insights, lessons, and questions, fostering a level of collaboration that sets Energy Central apart.

Undoubtedly, the linchpin of this Community is the remarkable individuals steering the conversations and ensuring continual engagement with readers and peers. To commemorate the close of another successful year, we take a moment to acknowledge and honor those outstanding members of Energy Central who consistently went the extra mile—actively disseminating news and content, instigating discussions across the platform, and delivering truly valuable contributions throughout 2023.

Throughout the week of December 18, we will unveil articles spotlighting the Top Voices of 2023 across our 6 Networks. Continuing our tradition, these recognized community members graciously shared their perspectives on the sector in 2023, offered predictions for the year ahead, and provided personal insights into what makes them tick, allowing us to connect with the individuals shaping the Energy Central landscape.

With that, we extend our sincere appreciation and congratulations to the distinguished Top Voices in the Energy Management Network for 2023!

See the Top Voices in Our Other Communities:

David Mandell - Marketing & Development, Marshall DC Lighting LLC

Link to David’s Profile

Recommended submission from David: “Spotlight on Safety: Why DC Lighting is Ideal for Hazardous Environments”

What energy/utility theme of 2023 has most inspired you to connect with your peers at Energy Central?

The growth of microgrids and distributed energy efficiency/optimization are inspirational industry themes that drive my interest in connecting with peers and contributing valuable information on the benefits of DC lighting as a key component of the DC power paradigm.

Do you have a ‘New Year’s Resolution’ for interacting with your peers and partners in the industry?

Next year I plan on practicing the ancient art of calling on the phone to interact with customers and peers.

What has been a highlight of your year, personally or professionally?

The highlight of my year professionally has been the recent onboarding of a new key member of our operations & business development team.

Syd Bishop - Sr. Content Specialist, Virtual Peaker

Link to Syd’s Profile

What energy/utility theme of 2023 has most inspired you to connect with your peers at Energy Central?

I find virtual power plant functionality incredibly fascinating. The idea of a community either sharing or conserving energy assets to help the bigger picture is heartening; I love seeing people work together for the greater good. Likewise, Wes Holmes from Essence Partners introduced me to the concept of introducing virtual power plants via rooftop photovoltaics into LMI communities, with the caveat that they are required to participate in demand flexibility initiatives. That would serve the community and shareholders alike, all while supporting decarbonization efforts.

Outside of energy and utilities, share with us another area of interest that you are passionate about and why.

I love music, reading, and my kids. I play keyboard and guitar in a band with my friends and read so many comic books every week. I play video games when the time allows, which is less frequent than I'd hope from keeping up with my kids (ages 7 and 9). I love being a dad, getting silly with my kids, playing games with them, or going on bike rides. It's the best.

What’s the best bit of career advice you’ve gotten that you would like to pass on?

Always be kind. You have no idea what challenges someone else is going through, so listen and offer to help whether that's in your job description or not. We spend so much time with our coworkers and that should be valued whenever possible, which is why I actively work to foster friendships and make my work environment fun and, hopefully, inviting.

Massimo Plavsic - Quality Engineer, CommScope

Link to Massimo’s Profile

Recommended submission from Massimo: Wind-to-Hydrogen Production Reaches Deep Water

If you had to predict, what will be the hottest topic on Energy Central in 2024?

Hydrogen and EV Electric charge grid capacity

Do you have a ‘New Year’s Resolution’ for interacting with your peers and partners in the industry?

We can investigate AI power and solutions.

What energy/utility theme of 2023 has most inspired you to connect with your peers at Energy Central?

Mainly all new sources of renewable energy, but most of all natural power sources such as tidal energy (by the way, I live near the Adriatic Sea so this is a very interesting topic to research).

Katherine Johnson - President, Johnson Consulting Group

Link to Katherine’s Profile

Recommended submission from Katherine: The KJ Show: Episode 65: Carbon Offsets or Carbon Indulgences?

If you had to predict, what will be the hottest topic on Energy Central in 2024?

Making renewable energy affordable, especially to low-income customers. And building a workforce to maintain this new infrastructure.

Outside of energy and utilities, share with us another area of interest that you are passionate about and why.

I write novels for fun. Am finishing up my second early next year.

What’s the best bit of career advice you’ve gotten that you would like to pass on?

Listen more than you talk and you’re never too old to learn.

Congratulations once again to our Top Voices in the Energy Management Network, and thanks to all Energy Central Community Members for enabling the community and platform to thrive this year! And keep an eye out for the next Top Voices Articles to come as this week unfolds