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People-Powered Change Starts Here: The ENERGIZE Retreat
About
In the race to meet utility transformation goals, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly drives change: people.
The ENERGIZE Retreat provides a unique opportunity to step away from daily pressures and immerse yourself in human-centered learning that cultivates confidence, empathy, emotional intelligence, and the mindsets and behaviors of 21st-century leaders in utility.
Grounded in U2030’s Learning Experience Design (LXD), the retreat blends practical tools, peer collaboration, and moments of unexpected inspiration. You’ll fine-tune your ability to navigate complex challenges—including bold innovation, regulatory shifts, and rising customer and workforce expectations—while reconnecting with your purpose and leading with clarity and lasting impact.
Key Takeaways
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Practice strategies for having critical and difficult conversations
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Gain tools to motivate others—even those who don’t report to you—and keep them focused on long-term goals amid competing priorities
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Reconnect with your personal brand and strengthen it through intentional actions
Who Should Attend
Utility professionals at all levels who:
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Lead teams or influence outcomes with or without formal authority
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Are navigating transformation, innovation, or customer and workforce change
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Want to grow their leadership impact through greater empathy, confidence, and emotional intelligence

Registration Link Coming Soon
ENERGIZE Retreat, April 28-29, 2026, Charlestone, SC
Preliminary Agenda
April 28, 2026
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Charitable Group Activity
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | ENERGIZE Welcome Dinner & Keynote
April 29, 2025
7:00 AM – 7:45 AM | Yoga
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Welcome, Safety Moments, Introductions & Activity
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM | Icebreaker Activity
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | Session
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM | Break
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Session
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Session
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM | Session
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Session
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM | Session
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM | Break
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM | RADIATE | Session
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Session
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Closing Dinner
2025 Facilitators & Speakers
Jody Allison
VP, Customer Transformation, Xcel Energy

Brandy Bolden
Chief Customer Officer, SMUD

Vanessa Edmonds
Founder & CEO, Utility 2030 Leadership Collaborative (U2030)

Chris Hilborn
President, Advisory, Utility 2030 Leadership Collaborative (U2030)

Dr. Kaffia (Belle) Jones
Retired Brigadier General, U.S. Army & Leadership & Psychology Expert

Mike Smith
Principal, Utility 2030 Leadership Collaborative (U2030)

Mark Stultz
Managing Partner, EVC Insights LLC, (former VP of Communications, JEA)

Bill G. Williams
CEO, The B4 Group

Marguerite Behringer
Director, Regulatory Policy & Industry Relations, Landis & Gyr

Leah Tutnauer
Senior Manager, Clean Energy Experiences & Analytics, Exelon

Julia Zhu
EVP & Chief Digital & Innovation Officer, Alectra

Jay Stowe
Founder & CEO, Stowe Utility Group

Christina Northrup
President, BHC Global

Lauren Preston
Consultant (Retired VP, Customer Care, Liberty Utilities)

Kathryn (Kat) Pohlman
Sustainability Manager, Nashville Electric Service

Christy Dray
Manager, Substation Maintenance, SMUD

Samantha Hart
CEO, Milepost

Briauna Perryman
Senior Consultant, Milepost

Alice Palmer
Chief Marketing Officer, InvoiceCloud

Raynetta Marshall
Independent, Formerly Chief Operating Officer, JEA


As a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certified by WBENC and CPUC Supplier Clearinghouse, we prioritize diversity of thought and inclusion in everything we do.

