Fenway Park Reception and Boston Red Sox Game

Networking

NOTE: This event has sold out.

Experience an unforgettable evening at one of Boston’s most iconic places: Fenway Park. Mix and mingle with colleagues, soak in the ballpark atmosphere, and enjoy a relaxed night of networking in an exclusive area of one of baseball’s most historic settings. Watch the Boston Red Sox take on the Washington Nationals while you enjoy sweeping ballpark views, classic bites, and a front row experience of the game from the Sam Adams Deck — one of Fenway’s most legendary vantage points. Whether you’re a die hard fan or just love a great summer evening, this reception offers the perfect blend of Boston charm, camaraderie, and America’s favorite pastime. 

Industry Innovations Expo Reception

Networking

Association Business Meeting

Get reports from the board Treasurer on APPA’s performance and financials and cast your vote on policy resolutions to guide APPA’s advocacy efforts for the coming year and for which members will represent your region on the APPA Board of Directors. Each utility member must appoint a voting delegate for this meeting. 

CEO Perspectives: Navigating the Defining Challenges Facing Public Power

General Session

Public power utilities face growing challenges—from load growth and resource adequacy to workforce pressures, customer expectations, and policy uncertainty. In this candid CEO to CEO discussion, public power leaders share the top issues shaping the industry and the strategies they’re using to strengthen reliability, affordability, and long term success.

Speakers

Carrie Meek Gallagher Headshot
Carrie Meek Gallagher
CEO | Long Island Power Authority
Jimmy Staton Headshot
Jimmy Staton
President and CEO | Santee Cooper
Tim McCollough Headshot
Tim McCollough
General Manager | Rochester Public Utilities
Emeka Anyanwu Headshot
Emeka Anyanwu
CEO | Lincoln Electric System

Break with Sponsors

Networking

Technology Modernization in Public Power

Innovation/Technology
Breakout

Modernizing operational technology is no longer optional — it’s essential for reliability, efficiency, and meeting customer expectations. Hear how a panel of utility leaders from small, mid-sized, and large public power utilities approached the challenges and opportunities of technology modernization. From integrating new systems to managing cybersecurity risks, optimizing grid operations, and balancing innovation with budget constraints, get perspective on what planning and implementation strategies fit with your utility’s size and resources.

Speakers

Michael Avanzi Headshot
Michael Avanzi
General Manager | Kaukauna Utilities, Wisconsin
Andy Anderson Headshot
Andy Anderson
Chief Administrative Officer | Greenville Utilities Commission, North Carolina

Using RP3 and SEP to Guide Strategy

Grid Security/Relibaility
Breakout

Earning designation as a Reliable Public Power Provider or Smart Energy Provider can be more than just an honor — they can be powerful tools to improve and hone your operations. Learn how ElectriCities of North Carolina embedded these programs into its strategic priorities, using member participation and aggregate scoring to identify strengths, close gaps, and guide new services. Learn how using these assessments can strengthen continuous improvement and strategic alignment across your utility, whether for long‑term planning, program development, or to provide a roadmap for operational excellence.

Speakers

Andy Fusco Headshot
Andy Fusco
Chief Strategy Officer | ElectriCities of North Carolina, Inc.

Leveraging Storage for Lower Costs and Greater Resilience

Energy Resources
Breakout

Distributed front-of-the-meter battery energy storage systems and flexible loads are transforming how public power utilities manage costs and reliability. Review strategies for deploying these resources to strengthen system performance, reduce peak demand, lower wholesale exposure, and defer costly capital upgrades. Hear which real-world approaches your public power colleagues are using for planning, coordination, and implementation of storage assets into their systems to access dispatchable capacity that supports resource adequacy, integrates renewables, and fills operational gaps.

Speakers

Jason Viadero Headshot
Jason Viadero
Director Engineering & Generation Assets | Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company
Rory Jones headshot
Rory Jones
Co-Founder/Managing Partner | Lightshift Energy

Telling the Public Power Story Inside and Out

Community/Communications
Breakout

Public power utilities deliver reliable, safe, community-owned energy — but many struggle to clearly communicate what makes them unique, valuable  community assets. Explore what your public power colleagues in the Northeast have achieved through outreach campaigns, messaging, and employee education initiatives. Learn strategies for aligning external communications with internal education, ensuring frontline employees — such as customer service representatives and lineworkers — are confident, knowledgeable ambassadors that can help build customer trust, boost engagement, and deepen understanding of public power’s value. 

Speakers

Danielle Taylor Headshot
Danielle Taylor
Energy Services/Communications Supervisor | Middleborough Gas and Electric Department
Tom Flaherty Headshot
Tom Flaherty
General Manager | Westfield Gas + Electric/Whip City Fiber

Rating Agency Outlook for Public Power

Economics/Finance
Breakout

Get the inside scoop on how Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor rate your credit and municipal bond issues directly from representatives from all three agencies. Learn how each views the latest global trends and threats to utilities as working for and against public power — and your utility’s — financial strength in a competitive market. Discuss the steps your board and managers should take to put your utility in the best position to raise capital.

Speakers

David Bodek Headshot
David Bodek
Managing Director | S&P Global Ratings
Rachel Cortez Headshot
Rachel Cortez
Associate Managing Director, Global Project & Infrastructure Finance | Moody's Ratings
Dennis Pidherny Headshot
Dennis Pidherny
Managing Director, Public Finance | Fitch Ratings
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