In this special episode of The Intersection podcast, UTC President and CEO Rusty Williams steps away from the usual format to have a candid conversation with his daughters, Brooke Hurst and Caitlin Jackson. The episode offers a personal glimpse into Rusty’s family life, as the trio reflects on growing up in the Williams household, share humorous and heartfelt memories, and discuss the intersection of family and work life.
Brooke and Caitlin recount their childhood, teenage years, and experiences attending UTC events with their father over the years — including a memorable 2009 conference in Las Vegas when Rusty was Board Chair. They also provide playful yet insightful advice to the UTC staff and members on working with Rusty.
The episode wraps with reflections on family, legacy, and the importance of blending personal and professional worlds to build meaningful relationships.
Special Guests: Brooke Hurst and Caitlin Jackson.
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Artificial Intelligence is no longer a buzzword; it’s becoming a cornerstone of transformation in the utility sector. In Episode 32 of The Intersection, UTC President and CEO Rusty Williams sits down with Ernest Wohnig, Executive Director and Board Chair of the Minerva Institute, to discuss how AI is transforming the utilities sector.
From practical applications to ethical considerations and industry risks, Ernest shares insight drawn from his deep experience across defense, energy, and IT sectors. This episode dives into what AI is (and isn’t), how utilities can strategically adopt it, and what the future may hold for our critical infrastructure.
Special Guest: Ernest Wohnig.
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In Episode 31 of The Intersection, UTC President and CEO Rusty Williams welcomes Gary Vondrasek of JEA and Tony Suppa of PSEG to discuss the transition of leadership on the UTC Board of Directors. As Gary wraps up his term as Board Chair and Tony steps into the role for 2025–2026, they reflect on their professional backgrounds, how they became involved with UTC, and the personal and organizational value of serving in leadership roles. The episode also features fun, rapid-fire questions and heartfelt advice from Gary to Tony as he takes on the mantle of leadership.
This episode highlights the dedication, insight, and camaraderie among UTC's volunteer leaders as they help shape the future of utility technology.
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In episode 30 of The Intersection, UTC President and CEO Rusty Williams sits down with Francis Bradley, President and CEO of Electricity Canada, to discuss the evolving landscape of the North American utility sector. Bradley shares insights into his career journey and the mission of Electricity Canada, highlighting how the utility industry has evolved over the past 25 years in response to technological innovation, shifting consumer demands, and economic pressures.
The conversation also explores how industry associations, such as Electricity Canada and UTC, help utilities navigate regulatory complexities and rapid changes. Francis provides his perspective on the current U.S.-Canada political climate and its implications for cross-border utility operations.
In a light-hearted segment, Francis answers rapid-fire questions ranging from favorite Canadian foods to hockey teams, before reflecting on career lessons and the importance of continued collaboration between U.S. and Canadian utilities.
Special Guest: Francis Bradley.
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In Episode 29 of UTC's The Intersection Podcast, titled "Meeting the Needs of UTC Members Through Stronger Education," host Rusty Williams, President and CEO of UTC, discusses the new educational initiatives within UTC, focusing on the upcoming launch of the UTC Academy, a collaboration with Rosenberger Network Solutions. The episode features two guests: Randal Neck, President of Rosenberger Network Solutions, and Tom Perry from UTC, who are deeply involved in the development of the UTC Academy.
This podcast episode gives listeners a detailed look at how the UTC Academy by Rosenberger aims to meet the training and education needs of the utility sector, with a focus on providing valuable, specialized content to enhance the skills of workers and address industry challenges.
Special Guests: Randal Neck and Tom Perry.
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In Episode 28 of UTC's The Intersection Podcast, titled "Valuable Experiences Faces New Challenges," UTC President and CEO, Rusty Williams, welcomes Carlos Carazo, retired Managing Director of Digital Grid Services at Southern California Edison (SCE). With a remarkable 35-year career, Carlos shares insights from his journey in telecommunications, IT, and infrastructure, including leading SCE through transformative technological changes, like the launch of a private 5G Field Area Network. He also discusses the importance of UTC membership, its impact on his career, and the vital role utilities play in disaster response. Carlos also provides insight into his role in the upcoming 2025 UTC Telcom and Technology Conference in Long Beach, CA. Tune in for a conversation filled with valuable experiences and reflections on the evolving utility landscape.
Special Guest: Carlos Carazo.
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In Episode 27 of UTC’s The Intersection Podcast, titled “New World Meets Old World,” host Rusty Williams, President and CEO of UTC, interviews Bentina Terry, the President and CEO of Southern Linc and Southern Telecom, Inc. Bentina shares insights into her career journey, from her background as a lawyer in the utility industry to leading a telecommunications company. The conversation explores the crucial role of telecommunications and IT systems in utility service delivery, especially in the face of challenges like hurricanes and cyber events. Bentina discusses how Southern Linc and Southern Telecom have thrived over the years, the regulatory issues facing the ICT sector, and the future of technology in the utility industry. The episode concludes with Bentina reflecting on what makes her proud in her role and offering predictions for the industry in the next 25 years.
Special Guest: Bentina Terry.
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Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/aFiWu8LShjs
In Episode 26 of UTC’s The Intersection Podcast, titled “A Year in Review,” UTC President and CEO, Rusty Williams, reflects on the organization's key accomplishments and challenges over the past year. Williams highlights significant milestones, projects, opportunities, and other impacts on the association. He addresses the challenges faced, lessons learned, and how the company adapted to change during his first year in this role as President and CEO. Williams expresses a positive outlook for the upcoming year, including goals for innovation, growth, and enhancing member value.
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In Episode 25 of UTC's The Intersection Podcast, titled " NATF and UTC: Understanding and Collaboration," host Rusty Williams, President and CEO of UTC, interviews Tom Galloway about the role of NATF in promoting the reliability and resiliency of North America's electric transmission system. Galloway discusses NATF's guiding principles—Community, Confidentiality, Candor, and Commitment—and their significance in fostering success among its diverse membership, which includes various transmission asset owners.
The conversation touches on the relationship between NATF and NERC, especially in light of recent extreme weather events and regulatory requirements for infrastructure resilience, including NATF’s RESTORE program. Galloway highlights the evolution of the transmission sector over the years, emphasizing advancements in technology and operations.
The episode also addresses cybersecurity challenges faced by the industry, detailing NERC's oversight and the importance of collaboration among transmission, telecommunications, and IT departments to ensure grid safety and efficiency.
Special Guest: Tom Galloway.
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In Episode 24 of UTC's The Intersection Podcast, titled "Learning from History to Make the Future Brighter," host Rusty Williams, President and CEO of UTC, interviews former UTC President and CEO Bill Moroney. Bill led UTC from 1998 to 2011, establishing it as a prominent voice in the utility telecom and technology sector.
The conversation covers Bill’s career highlights, including his strategic leadership during challenging times like 9/11 and the telecom dot-com bust. Bill reflects on the importance of strategic planning and member engagement in fostering organizational growth. He also discusses UTC's expansion into the international arena, offering insights for future global involvement.
This episode emphasizes learning from the past to enhance future initiatives, encapsulating the podcast's theme of innovation at the intersection of technology and utility services.
Special Guest: Bill Moroney.
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In Episode 23 of UTC's The Intersection Podcast, titled "Federal Telecommunications Policy and Its Impact on Utilities," host Rusty Williams, President and CEO of UTC, interviews FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington. Simington, confirmed in 2020, shares insights into his role at the FCC and its impact on utilities and critical infrastructure. The discussion covers various topics, including the FCC’s primary role, its support for #utilities, and the ways utilities can engage with the FCC.
Key issues discussed include:
Simington also highlights additional critical issues related to #infrastructure industries.
Special Guest: Nathaniel Simington.
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In this episode of The Intersection, Rusty Williams, UTC President and CEO, interviews Mike Jonas, CEO of LightRiver Companies. Mike, who has been with LightRiver for around 20 years, shares insights into his career and the company's role in the telecom industry. The discussion covers the evolution of technology and its impact on utilities, including major industry milestones over the past two decades and upcoming trends.
Mike explains the influence of large telecom carriers on utilities, and describes advancements in network automation, highlighting its applications for various customers such as carriers, ISPs, and private network operators. During this CEO 1 on 1, Rusty takes the opportunity to discuss the challenges and rewards of being a CEO.
Special Guest: Mike Jonas.
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**About the Episode:
**Hear from the host and President and CEO, Rusty Williams, about what's happening at UTC and what's in the pipeline for the organization. Also, hear from guest and SVP of Policy & General Council, Brett Kilbourne on everything advocacy and public policy.
**About Brett Kilbourne:
**Brett Kilbourne is Senior Vice President of Policy and General Counsel at the Utilities Technology Council, where he provides legal and regulatory guidance and advocacy for utilities on matters affecting their telecommunications and information technology interests pending before the Federal Communications Commission, as well as Congress, the federal courts and state public utility commissions and legislatures. In addition to working with UTC, he was employed at the law firm of Stevens & Lee, as well as BellSouth and the law firm of Baker & Hostetler. Brett received his Juris Doctor degree from the Catholic University, Columbus School of Law in 1998 and he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the South in 1987. He is licensed to practice law in the state of Maryland, and he is admitted to the United States Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. He is also a member of the American Bar Association and the Federal Communications Bar Association. He has nearly 40 years of experience working in communications law, including over 25 years at UTC.
For Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities: Sales@utc.org
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Kirt Mayson is a 24-year Employee of NorthWestern Energy (NorthWestern Corporation) and now serves as Senior Engineer – Business Technology, Network Engineering, and Operations for NorthWestern. He has an extensive background in Utility Communications Technologies in the areas of fiber optic and microwave systems. Previously Mr. Mayson was an employee of Tetragenics Company, a subsidiary of The Montana Power Company, and was involved in automation solutions for Communications Site Monitoring Systems, Substation Remote Telemetry Units (RTUS), and Hydro-Electric Generation Plant Control Systems. Prior to his utility career, Mr. Mayson was an engineer in the Natural Gas Compression Industry for approximately 10 years. During his tenure with UTC, he served in officer positions of UTC’s North West Region, Region 9 as well as Chair of UTC’s Regional Divisions. Mr. Mayson received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering from Montana Tech (now Montana Technological University).
In his role as Manager of Telecom Sales & Services, Gary Vondrasek leads JEA’s communication initiatives and manages the 800-mile utility fiber optic network and utility transport networks in addition to the utility wireless networks which includes the utility owned communication towers and other vertical infrastructure. Gary also manages the Pole Attachment, Wireless Collocation, and Dark Fiber enterprises for collocation and leasing. Gary is highly skilled in both business development and operational management with the responsibility of developing and implementing strategies across all communications verticals.
Gary has over twenty-five years’ experience in the energy, gas, and telecommunications sectors with 15 years specifically with Pole Attachment, Wireless Collocation, and Fiber optic sales and operations.
Gary has been active with Utilities Technology Council (UTC) for over 19 years and is one of the original founding members of UtiliSite. Gary is presently Vice-Chair for UTC.
Special Guest: Kirt Mayson.
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About the Guest:
In the dynamic field of telecommunications, Dawna Qualls stands as a force of change, exemplifying how sustained dedication and expertise can reshape industries and careers.
She began her ascent in the telecommunications sector over twenty years ago and quickly became known for her formidable skill in negotiating contracts that were not only financially lucrative—exceeding $150 million—but also innovative, driving utility operations toward cost savings, improved system reliability, and generating revenues to offset the bottom line.
Her deft ability extended beyond mere contract negotiations to carving out powerful corporate value propositions that accentuated organizational standing. The natural evolution of her career saw her transition from corporate strategist to an empowering entrepreneur, as a co-founder of a career coaching firm. She has dedicated herself to elevating careers by helping clients communicate their distinctive professional worth.
Dawna's passion for connectivity transcends commercial success; she is an advocate for broadband accessibility, particularly in underserved communities. Serving as the Executive Director of the Fiber Internet Service Providers of America (FISPA), she champions the interests of grassroots ISPs, endeavoring to bridge digital divides and fortify community ties through enhanced internet services.
Present Impact and Vision:
Currently, Dawna is excited to be back in the telecom arena harnessing her rich and influencing innovation. Her trajectory from an industry expert to an influencer showcases her multifaceted impact and testament to her role as an advocate for progress.
For Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities: Sales@utc.org
Special Guest: Dawna Qualls.
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UTC President and CEO, Rusty Williams, makes his debut as The Intersection's new host, kicking things off with one of UTC's longest-tenured staff members, Senior Vice President, Membership and Meetings, Karnel Thomas.
Karnel Thomas is a 30-year employee of the Utilities Technology Council, with 15 years of executive management responsibilities for the association. Mr. Thomas oversees strategic, tactical and fiduciary responsibilities for UTC membership and all domestic and international association events. In his role, Mr. Thomas manages select UTC committees and has direct responsibilities for operations of 10 UTC geographic regions.
He is a trusted member of the senior management leadership team with a wealth of association and industry knowledge. Mr. Thomas is a Marine and served in Washington as a member of Commandant of the Marine Corps personal staff.
Special Guest: Karnel Thomas.
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In the 2024 season premier of The Intersection, former Interim President and CEO Ron Beck passes the torch to new President and CEO Rusty Williams. Listen as these two UTC and industry veterans discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and UTC as we enter into a new year.
Special Guest: Rusty Williams.
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In the 2023 season finale of The Intersection, Interim President and CEO Ron Beck is joined by Ryan Gerbrandt, Chief Operating Officer at Anterix. Listen for a discussion on the unique, non-competitive spirit of collaboration that exists in the utility industry between both service and technology providers, fostering the strategic partnerships required to create modern solutions to serve their consumers as best as possible.
Special Guest: Ryan Gerbrandt .
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Join Interim President and CEO Ron Beck for a discussion with Bobby Saddler, Director, Telecom Infrastructure and Growth, for the Lower Colorado River Authority, about keeping up with ever-changing technologies and leveraging partnerships (like UTC membership!) for a stronger organization.
Special Guest: Robert "Bobby" Saddler.
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Interim President and CEO Ron Beck chats with NYSPSC Commissioner Diane Burman about joint use, the importance of collaboration among utility providers, and how the industry can progress towards emerging green energy goals.
Clarification: The NYSPSC’s policy statement regarding pole attachments was amended in 2019
Special Guest: Diane Burman.
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