The American Public Power Association’s Mutual Aid Committee (MAC) in May elected Amy Zubaly, Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association, as new chair of the committee.
Neil James from Santee Cooper stepped down as MAC chair and Zubaly was elected to serve a two-year team as the chair.
Under James' leadership, the number of utilities participating in the mutual aid network has grown, new tools were developed to facilitate the deployment of mutual aid resources, and exercises were held to test and improve how mutual aid is provided to utilities in need.
In addition, Barry Tupper, General Manager at Holden Municipal Light Department, was elected to serve as an at-large member of the MAC’s Executive Council.
JT Flick, from NYPA, was reelected to serve on the Council.
The MAC Executive Council is now comprised of:
• Chair: Amy Zubaly, FMEA (and APPA Board & Executive Committee Member)
• Vice Chair: Mike Willetts, MMUA
• Immediate Past Chair: Neil James, Santee Cooper
Three At-Large Representatives:
- JT Flick, NYPA
- Barry Tupper, Holden Municipal Light Department (and APPA Board Member)
- Fredrick Rumery of LES
“It is an honor to be selected by public power peers nationwide to serve as chair of the American Public Power Association Mutual Aid Committee,” Zubaly said.
“Mutual aid is the backbone of our industry, and nowhere is that more evident than in Florida, where utilities rely on one another time and time again in the aftermath of hurricanes and severe weather events,” she added.
“The committee’s work is essential to strengthening the public power Mutual Aid Network and ensuring communities across the country can depend on rapid, coordinated assistance when disasters strike. I am proud to bring Florida’s perspective and experience to this role as we work together to restore power safely and swiftly when it matters most," Zubaly said.
Rumery, APPA and the MAC thanked James for his service as MAC chair, and David Hefner from GRDA, who stepped down as an at-large member of the EC.
At the meeting, committee members also approved updates to the Mutual Aid Playbook that is used to help facilitate how mutual aid crews are deployed and discussed a new Charter to further formalize the committee, expand engagement and ensure continuity.
