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Announcing the Five Inductees to the 2021 MEA Hall of Fame

MEA Energy Association (MEA) is honored to induct Debi Croy, gas control operations analyst, of Ameren Illinois Company; Jeff Lott, sr. safety supervisor, of Ameren Illinois Company; Mary Palkovich, retired from CenterPoint Energy and Consumers Energy; Drew Yando, sales consultant, of Heath Consultants Incorporated; and Bill Kaphing, business development of Snelson Companies and formerly of Xcel Energy, into the MEA Hall of Fame for their service to the energy industry.

Members inducted into the MEA Hall of Fame exemplify the spirit of great leaders. Palkovich said, “if you know me, I didn’t go through my career seeking to get awards,” and that is true of all of this year’s recipients. These outstanding individuals have shared their time and expertise with the energy industry through MEA by serving on committees and volunteering at our meetings and events.  They are widely respected for their knowledge, experience, and contribution to others in the energy industry.

Croy, Lott, and Yando were recognized at the Gas Operations Technical & Leadership Summit for their assistance and participation of the event over many years. All agree that utility workers attending the gas or electric events should attend as many sessions as possible. While that may sound obvious, Lott expands on the advice: “Try to go to sessions that are outside your normal scope of knowledge…you never know what useful pieces of information you might pick up.”

Kaphing and Palkovich were recognized at the recent Fall Executive Roundtable for their service to MEA, including serving on the Board of Directors. “Serving on the board gives you the chance to continue to develop your own leadership skills in a very non-competitive environment,” explains Kaphing. “Plus you have the opportunity to share your ideas for the advancement of MEA and the gas industry.”

MEA is known for its in-person and virtual education, leadership development programs, and ability to assist with industry connections. Perhaps Croy says it best: “Your title, gender, color, age, and company do not matter. MEA functions provide you the opportunity to share your experiences, meet people and learn from others.”

Read about all MEA awards at https://www.meaenergy.org/awards.

For questions contact John Gann, johng (at) MEAenergy (dot) org, or (651) 289-9600 x105.