Book your coaching or strategic advisory sessions.
Trusted Guidance for Public Power Leaders
APPA's Coaching and Strategic Advisory Services connect public power professionals with experienced coaches and strategic advisors who understand the unique realities of utility leadership. Through confidential, one-on-one engagements, participants gain practical insight, trusted perspective, and personalized support tailored to your goals and challenges.
Program Highlights:
- Confidential, one-on-one support
- Public power-specific expertise
- Experienced coaches and former utility executives
- Practical guidance tailored to your needs
- Flexible single-session and three-session options
All engagements are confidential, providing a trusted space to think openly, explore challenges, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Who Can Benefit?
The program is designed for public power professionals at every stage of leadership, including:
- CEOs and general managers
- Senior leaders and directors
- Managers and supervisors
- Emerging leaders
- Professionals preparing for greater responsibility
Whether you are facing an immediate challenge or investing in your long-term growth, the program can be tailored to your role, goals, and circumstances.
Which Type of Support Is Right for You?
Coaches and strategic advisors both provide personalized, confidential support, but they bring different approaches and areas of expertise.
| Category | Strategic Advisors | Coaches |
| Primary role | Provide strategic insight, practical direction, and a confidential sounding board for complex organizational and leadership challenges | Support individual growth and accountability through a structured coaching process focused on leadership development and increased effectiveness |
| Typical background | Former public power CEOs, utility executives, or senior industry leaders | Professional coaches, ideally with utility or public power experience |
| Best used for | Governance and board relationships, organizational strategy, executive leadership challenges, leadership transitions, crisis management, change leadership, and navigating complex stakeholder or political dynamics | Leadership development, career growth and transitions, communication and executive presence, team leadership, relationship building, goal setting, accountability, confidence building, and increasing personal effectiveness |
| Approach | Experience-based insight, perspective, practical advice, and peer-level counsel drawn from real-world industry experience | Guided questions, reflection, development planning, accountability, and behavior change designed to help leaders achieve their goals |
Not sure which option is right for you? APPA can help identify the coach or strategic advisor best suited to your needs. Contact Academy@PublicPower.org for assistance.
Why Choose APPA?
- Public Power Expertise
Work with professionals who understand the culture, governance, responsibilities, and challenges unique to public power. - Experienced & Vetted Professionals
Choose from respected former utility executives, leadership coaches, and strategic advisors selected for their experience, judgment, and professionalism. - Practical & Personalized Support
Focus on real-world leadership challenges in a trusted environment, with flexible options tailored to your goals. - Member Value
Receive preferred member pricing and access to a network built specifically for public power professionals.
How It Works
- Explore the network. Review APPA's roster of coaches and strategic advisors.
- Choose an option. Choose a single-session engagement or a three-session package.
- Schedule your session. Coordinate directly with your coach or strategic advisor.
- Put insights into action. Apply practical guidance to your leadership challenges and goals.
APPA vets all participating coaches and strategic advisors and provides support throughout the process.
Meet APPA’s Coaches and Strategic Advisors
APPA's coaching and strategic advisory services are delivered through a carefully curated network of experienced professionals with expertise in leadership, governance, strategy, utility operations, and career development. All participants are committed to professionalism, confidentiality, and member success.
Mark Crisson
Former Public Power Association and Utility CEO | Strategic Advisor
Former President and CEO of APPA and CEO of Tacoma Public Utilities. Mark brings extensive experience in executive leadership, governance, organizational strategy, crisis leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
Best fit for: Executive leadership, governance, board relations, strategy, and organizational change.
Phyllis Currie
Former Utility CEO and CFO | Strategic Advisor
Former General Manager of Pasadena Water and Power and senior executive at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Phyllis offers deep expertise in utility finance, governance, and long-term organizational strategy.
Best fit for: Governance, finance, executive decision-making, and strategic planning.
Ellen Barker Dunagan
Career Strategist | Coach
Executive coach and career strategist specializing in leadership development, executive presence, career transitions, and professional growth.
Best fit for: Career development, leadership growth, executive presence, and professional transitions.
Atsuko Horiguchi
Career Strategist | Coach
Executive coach and facilitator with leadership experience spanning international finance, strategy, organizational change, and leadership development.
Best fit for: Change leadership, stakeholder alignment, leadership transitions, and executive development.
Sue Kristjansson
Former Utility CEO and Operations Leader | Strategic Advisor
Experienced utility executive and founder of SJK Advisors with expertise in organizational effectiveness, operations, leadership, and alignment.
Best fit for: Organizational effectiveness, leadership alignment, operational challenges, and executive leadership.
Barry Moline
Former Utility CEO | Strategic Advisor
Former association CEO, leadership coach, and author with expertise in communication, collaboration, influence, and stakeholder engagement.
Best fit for: Leadership effectiveness, communication, team dynamics, and organizational alignment.
Mark Nibaur
Former Utility General Manager | Strategic Advisor
Former General Manager of Austin Utilities with extensive experience leading a community-owned utility and addressing the challenges facing small and mid-sized systems.
Best fit for: Utility operations, governance, executive leadership, and practical management challenges.
Contact APPA for Assistance choosing the right coach or advisor for you.
Service Options & Pricing
Book your coaching or strategic advisory sessions.
One-on-one virtual engagements tailored to your goals, leadership challenges, and organizational priorities.
| Single Session | Three-Session Package (Recommended) | |
| Member Price | $400 | $1,200 |
| Nonmember Price | $800 | $2,400 |
| Ideal For | Immediate challenges, specific issues, or trying the service | Leadership development, transitions, complex challenges, and ongoing support |
| Includes | 1 session | 3 sessions |
| Format | Virtual, one-on-one | Virtual, one-on-one |
Your first session must be scheduled within 30 days of purchase. Three-session engagements are generally completed within three months unless otherwise agreed upon by the participant and coach or advisor.
Small-Group Coaching & Strategic Advisory
Facilitated coaching and advisory engagements for leadership teams and small groups seeking shared learning, practical guidance, and broader perspective. Available upon request.
Contact Academy@PublicPower.org to discuss your organization's needs.
Limited Pilot Availability
APPA Coaching and Strategic Advisory Services are launching as a limited pilot program. Participation is intentionally capped to support a high-quality, personalized experience and ensure meaningful engagement for all participants.
FAQ
Are sessions confidential?
Yes. All coaching and strategic advisory engagements are confidential and intended to provide a trusted environment for candid discussion and professional growth.
How are coaches and strategic advisors selected?
APPA carefully vets all coaches and strategic advisors based on their experience, professionalism, judgment, and commitment to member service. Coaches and advisors also agree to APPA's expectations regarding ethics and confidentiality.
Can I reschedule a session?
Yes. Sessions may be rescheduled according to program guidelines. Participants should provide at least 48 hours' notice whenever possible. Complete scheduling and cancellation policies are available during registration.
Is coaching different from mentoring?
Coaching focuses on helping participants develop skills, identify goals, strengthen leadership effectiveness, and create accountability around action. Strategic advisors provide experience-based perspective and guidance informed by their own leadership backgrounds.
Is this only for utility CEOs?
No. The program is designed for leaders at a variety of career stages, including senior executives, directors, managers, emerging leaders, and professionals preparing for expanded responsibility.
Policies, Terms, and Conditions
Program policies, terms and conditions, scheduling requirements, disclaimers, and cancellation procedures are available during registration (You’ll be required to review and agree to these.), and you can also access the agreement details directly online.
Questions?
Contact APPA’s Education Team at Academy@PublicPower.org.