The Reading Municipal Light Department on March 12 announced the election of Pam Daskalakis and Raymond Porter to its Board of Commissioners, effective immediately.
Daskalakis assumes her position after serving in an interim capacity on the RMLD Board of Commissioners since July 2023, temporarily filling the seat of former commissioner John Stempeck.
She currently holds the role of Chief Supply Chain Officer for NOBLE, where she oversees critical functions such as supplier development, category management, and procurement.
While serving her interim position on the Board, Daskalakis “played a pivotal role in enhancing RMLD's non-carbon energy certificate program, RMLD noted.
Following her request for a review, the Board and RMLD leadership identified cost-effective strategies to achieve RMLD's 50% non-carbon energy source goal six years ahead of schedule.
With a background spanning Fortune 500 companies including Amazon, Keurig Dr Pepper, Avon Cosmetics, and Accenture, he “extensive experience and strategic vision will continue to greatly benefit RMLD and the communities it serves,” the Massachusetts public power utility said.
Porter brings over 40 years of experience as an environmental consultant, specializing in air quality permitting for municipal and industrial clients. Throughout his career, he has facilitated the permitting of power plants in compliance with the Clean Air Act and local environmental regulations.
As the sole proprietor of Porter Odor Science, based in Reading, Mass., he serves as a knowledge leader in odor management services.
In addition to his consultancy work, Porter actively contributes to environmental sustainability efforts in Reading.
He has been a member of the Reading Climate Advisory Committee since its inception in 2007 and currently serves as its chair. “Through his leadership, he has guided the town in reducing energy costs, improving energy efficiency for residents, and collaborated with RMLD to provide renewable energy options and incentives,” RMLD said.
"We are excited to welcome Pam Daskalakis and Raymond Porter to the RMLD Board of Commissioners," said RMLD General Manager Greg Phipps. "Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to our community underscore our board's well-rounded experience and will help support our mission of providing reliable, low-cost, and increasingly non-carbon energy solutions to our customers. We are confident that their leadership will drive RMLD forward as we continue to meet the evolving energy needs of the communities RMLD serves.”
RMLD acknowledged Marlena Bita for her dedicated service and invaluable contributions during her tenure on the board. She “played a vital role in shaping RMLD's strategies, providing insightful guidance and exemplary leadership that greatly contributed to RMLD's progress during its transition to decarbonization.”
"Marlena's tireless commitment and strategic vision have been instrumental in propelling RMLD forward," said Phipps. "Her contributions have left a lasting impact on our organization, for which are very thankful. She will be missed and we wish her well in her future endeavors."
Established in 1894, RMLD is a municipal electric utility serving over 70,000 residents in the towns of Lynnfield Center, North Reading, Reading, and Wilmington. RMLD has over 30,000 meter connections within its service territory.
