WiNUP recognizes AEP employees during international conference

(Story by Carmen Prati-Miller)

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — September ended with more than 150 women from 12 states converging on Charleston for the 2015 Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals (WiNUP) conference. The event included sessions on professional development, etiquette, managing crises and stress management in addition to tours of West Virginia American Water, Amos Plant and the M/V Mountain State river towboat.

“I was very impressed with all aspects of this year’s conference,” said Carolyn Gordon, AEP retiree and WiNUP president and chief executive officer. “I applaud the West Virginia Chapter members for the countless hours and tireless efforts they invested in making our event successful.

“The conference theme of  “Wild, Wonderful West Virginia” could not have been more appropriate because it was an absolutely wonderful experience.”

Lila Munsey

Although each day of the three-day conference was rewarding, the event highlight was the awards banquet held at the historic Edgewood Country Club. It was there that WiNUP recognized AEP employees and one retiree with the most prestigious awards offered by the organization. Awards presented are as follow:

Honorary Life Award

Lila Munsey, regulatory consultant principal, was recognized for her years of service, leadership and achievements. The award is WiNUP’s highest recognition for a member’s contributions to the organization. The Honorary Life Award honors an established WiNUP member who has exhibited exceptional leadership and service within the organization for at least 15 years. It recognizes the member’s involvement and responsibilities at the local and international level, the member’s ability to advise, counsel, and mentor other WiNUP members, and for contributions made to other organizations.

Velda Otey

OAK Award

Velda Otey, retired AEP vice president and chief information officer, was named the 2015 OAK Award recipient. The award honors a member who exhibits exceptional leadership and service within WiNUP for at least 10 years. It recognizes the member’s involvement, responsibilities and leadership at the international as well as the chapter levels.

Power Award

Janet Hewitt, operations and performance transformation team project manager, received this year’s Power Award.  This award honors a WiNUP member who has supported the objectives of the organization locally and internationally for at least two years and not more than five years. It recognizes up and coming members’ efforts and contributions to the organization, contributions made to the industry and contributions to other professional organizations as well as professional accomplishments.

Chapter Achievement Awards(Recognizes outstanding chapter involvement)

• Chapter with 11-25 members – Indiana Chapter
• Chapter with 25+ members – Ohio Chapter

Janet Hewitt

Chapter Newsletter Awards
(Based on content and newsletter design)

• First Place – Indiana Chapter
• Second Place – Ohio Chapter
• Third Place – Virginia Chapter

The organization’s International Board of Directors voted to rename The Chapter Newsletter Award. It will now be known as The Linda Johnson Newsletter Award in honor of Johnson, who recently passed away. The name change recognizes Johnson’s years of dedication and contributions to the WiNUP organization and will become effective in 2016.

Conference Recognition Award

The West Virginia Chapter received the annual Conference Recognition Award for hosting this year’s event.

In addition to the prestigious awards, a number of members received WiNUP service anniversary certificates for memberships in five-year increments and beyond.

Conference Chair Hewitt and the Conference Committee began planning the event nearly two years ago. Proceeds from a variety of silent auction items, a 50/50 raffle and T-shirt sales were earmarked for the American Heart Association and netted the non-profit organization $3,400.

Founded as the Electrical Women’s Roundtable in New York in 1923, WiNUP currently has more than 465 members in 18 U.S. chapters. Many of the opportunities are offered to members through the annual conference, which is supported in part by AEP.