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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

  • Practice strategies for having critical and difficult conversations

  • Gain tools to motivate others—even those who don’t report to you—and keep them focused on long-term goals amid competing priorities

  • Reconnect with your personal brand and strengthen it through intentional actions

Who Should Attend

Utility professionals at all levels who:

  • Lead teams or influence outcomes with or without formal authority

  • Are navigating transformation, innovation, or customer and workforce change

  • Want to grow their leadership impact through greater empathy, confidence, and emotional intelligence

Image by Leo Heisenberg

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

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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

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Brandy Bolden

Chief Customer Officer, SMUD

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Vanessa Edmonds

Founder & CEO, Utility 2030 Leadership Collaborative (U2030)

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Chris Hilborn

President, Advisory, Utility 2030 Leadership Collaborative (U2030)

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Dr. Kaffia (Belle) Jones  

Retired Brigadier General, U.S. Army &   Leadership & Psychology Expert

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Mike Smith

Principal, Utility 2030 Leadership Collaborative (U2030)

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Mark Stultz

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

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Bill G. Williams

CEO, The B4 Group

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Marguerite Behringer

Director, Regulatory Policy & Industry Relations, Landis & Gyr

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Leah Tutnauer

Senior Manager, Clean Energy Experiences & Analytics, Exelon

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Julia Zhu

EVP & Chief Digital & Innovation Officer, Alectra

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Jay Stowe

Founder & CEO, Stowe Utility Group

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Christina Northrup

President, BHC Global

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Lauren Preston

Consultant (Retired VP, Customer Care, Liberty Utilities)

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Kathryn (Kat) Pohlman

Sustainability Manager, Nashville Electric Service

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Christy Dray

Manager, Substation Maintenance, SMUD

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Samantha Hart

CEO, Milepost

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Briauna Perryman

Senior Consultant, Milepost

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Alice Palmer

Chief Marketing Officer, InvoiceCloud

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Raynetta Marshall

Independent, Formerly Chief Operating Officer, JEA

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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.

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U2030 Member Packages Include ENERGIZE Tickets

Schedule a Meeting to Learn More

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