Swink Earns Leadership Certification from APPA
Jacob Swink, Electric Distribution Engineer, stands at a GUC substation.
Jacob Swink, Electric Distribution Engineer, recently earned the American Public Power Association (APPA) Leadership Essentials Certification.
Jacob went through three courses of leadership training over a week’s time with APPA. The experience wrapped up with Jacob submitting a capstone project that outlines how transformational, transactional, servant, and situational leadership principles can be used in various professional scenarios.
“I went to expand my knowledge of what it means to be a leader,” Jacob said. “I also wanted to become a better leader that employees who directly report to me can appreciate and respect.”
Only one other person at Greenville Utilities has achieved this certification.
“It is great that Jacob has taken the initiative to obtain the certification,” said Assistant Director of Electric Ken Wade said.
“The training will aid Jacob with problem identification and solving, decision making, and performance coaching. Sharpening those skills will help him be a better leader at GUC.”
APPA recommends this training for new leaders, mid-level managers, human resources professionals, project managers, and team leaders and supervisors.
Water Plan Receives National Directors Award
Protecting public health is the number one goal of our Water Treatment Plant (WTP) staff and it shows in each year’s Water Quality Reports. Not only do they consistently meet state and federal drinking water standards - they exceed them. Another way their dedication shows is through the awards they receive year after year. This year, WTP staff earned one of the most prestigious awards in the industry – the “Five Year National Directors Award” from the Partnership for Safe Water (PSW).
PSW is an alliance of seven national organizations: American Water Works Association, Environmental Protection Agency, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, National Association of Water Companies, Water Research Foundation, and WateReuse.
The Partnership’s goal is to guide water suppliers towards improving water quality by optimizing their system operations beyond regulation. Their awards program is similar in nature to the stringent guidelines for a state award that our WTP has received over the past nine years (North Carolina Area Wide Optimization Award, or AWOP) but goes a few steps further with a four-phase approach and a peer review, with Phase IV being the highest level of achievement.
A big focus of both PSW’s and AWOP’s awards programs is turbidity removal, a key test of drinking water quality. Turbidity is a measure of water cloudiness caused by individual particles that can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Eliminating particles lessens the amount of chemicals needed to treat water, which reduces byproducts in the water. The Tar River has high turbidity because its water comes from tributaries that run through swamps, making it especially difficult for water treatment plants in the eastern part of the state to achieve PSW’s and AWOP’s strict turbidity goals.
Eight Years in the Making
GUC’s WTP staff received the “First Year Directors Award, Phase III” in 2020 after three years of peer reviews, self-assessments, and a comprehensive 140-page evaluation that included plant operations and performance, identification of performance limiting factors, and the development of action plans to achieve optimization.
Staff then spent the last five years submitting annual water quality data plus an Optimization Narrative that showcases additional efforts like safety initiatives, annual staff meetings where overall optimization and goals are discussed, and much more.
“I’m really proud of our team,” said Julius Patrick, WTP Facility Manager. “This is a dedicated group effort. Only six other utilities in North Carolina have ever achieved the Directors Award recognition, which goes to show the team’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health.”
Our WTP remains eligible to receive this recognition every five years by continuing to provide the required annal reports to the Partnership.
HR Receives Prestigious Award for Leadership and Development Excellence
GUC's Human Resources Department has been honored with the Excellence in Organizational Development & Leadership Award by the Public Sector HR Association’s North Carolina chapter (PSHRA NC).
This prestigious award recognizes teams and organizations that exhibit a strong commitment to organizational development and leadership excellence. PSHRA NC, North Carolina’s largest state-wide network of public sector HR professionals, regularly acknowledges the outstanding achievements of its members and partners.
“GUC was recognized for our Integrated Leadership Development Program and the myriad of benefit programs and wellness offerings available to our employees,” said Lena Previll, Senior HR Manager.
Earlier this year, HR received two other recognitions for its stellar employee wellness programs - the Cigna Healthy Workforce Gold Rating and the American Heart Association Silver Recognition.
These well-deserved accolades celebrate our HR team’s dedication to - and strategic focus on - fostering a workplace centered on career development, overall health and wellness, and people-first leadership.
Congratulations to the entire Greenville Utilities HR team and leadership!
GUC General Manager/CEO Receives Highest Recognition in Public Power
General Manager/CEO Tony Cannon, center, receives the Alex Radin Distinguished Service Award,.
General Manager/CEO Tony Cannon received the Alex Radin Distinguished Service Award, the highest recognition in public power, during the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) National Conference this week.
The Alex Radin Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional leadership and dedication to public power.
Tony has served as General Manager/CEO since 2012, after serving as Assistant GM/Chief Operating Officer since 2006. Before GUC, he worked with the Greer Commission of Public Works in South Carolina.
APPA Board Chair and General Manager of Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments (Massachusetts) Nicholas Lawler said, "Tony's unwavering commitment to public power has strengthened both his community and the nation. Through his dedication and expertise, he has propelled the mission of not-for-profit electric utilities forward, offering leadership that truly merits this prestigious honor. As the highest recognition in public power, this award reflects Tony’s exceptional contributions and lasting impact on the industry."
Tony is currently in his second term on the Board of Directors for ElectriCities of North Carolina, where he has helped shape the vision and strategic plan for public power across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. His collaborative efforts between North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency members and ElectriCities have led to a significant reduction in average wholesale rates, not seen since the 1970s.
Tony has been active for years at the national level as well, having served as Chair of the APPA Board of Directors and remains active in various committees. GUC has received numerous awards and recognitions under Tony's leadership. His extensive experience and mentorship have benefited many utility professionals in the industry.
“I’ve been very honored to be a part of GUC’s Board and to have worked closely with Tony and his whole staff, especially this last year as the Board Chair,” said GUC Board of Commissioners Chair Lindsey Griffin. “We know how much he has done here on the local and state level. It’s nice to see him recognized nationally for that and the work he has done on the national level as well.” , the highest recognition in public power, during the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) National Conference this week.
The Alex Radin Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional leadership and dedication to public power.
Tony has served as General Manager/CEO since 2012, after serving as Assistant GM/Chief Operating Officer since 2006. Before GUC, he worked with the Greer Commission of Public Works in South Carolina.
APPA Board Chair and General Manager of Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments (Massachusetts) Nicholas Lawler said, "Tony's unwavering commitment to public power has strengthened both his community and the nation. Through his dedication and expertise, he has propelled the mission of not-for-profit electric utilities forward, offering leadership that truly merits this prestigious honor. As the highest recognition in public power, this award reflects Tony’s exceptional contributions and lasting impact on the industry."
Tony is currently in his second term on the Board of Directors for ElectriCities of North Carolina, where he has helped shape the vision and strategic plan for public power across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. His collaborative efforts between North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency members and ElectriCities have led to a significant reduction in average wholesale rates, not seen since the 1970s.
Tony has been active for years at the national level as well, having served as Chair of the APPA Board of Directors and remains active in various committees. GUC has received numerous awards and recognitions under Tony's leadership. His extensive experience and mentorship have benefited many utility professionals in the industry.
“I’ve been very honored to be a part of GUC’s Board and to have worked closely with Tony and his whole staff, especially this last year as the Board Chair,” said GUC Board of Commissioners Chair Lindsey Griffin. “We know how much he has done here on the local and state level. It’s nice to see him recognized nationally for that and the work he has done on the national level as well.”
GUC Linemen Place at NCAMES Rodeo
Greenville Utilities linemen displayed agility, strength, and expertise during the NCAMES (North Carolina Association of Municipal Electric Systems) 2025 Linemen Rodeo on May 15th, placing in several categories.
Those who competed this year in the journeyman category were Lineworkers Second Class Jordan Lang and Cole Hartley, and Lineworker Third Class Carter Gaskins.
Those who competed in the apprentice category were Lineworkers Third Class Jordan Bradshaw, Tyler Bradshaw, Isaiah Edwards, Hunter Sparks, Holden Stotesbury, and Davis Wynne, along with Lineworker Second Class Gus Smith.
Jordan Lang placed 4th overall and 3rd in the crossarm changeout journeyman division. Carter placed 3rd in the journeyman hurtman rescue competition.
Gus placed 3rd in the apprentice written test and Hunter placed 1st in the apprentice sidewalk guy competition.
The coaches were Electric Overhead Crew Leader Jason Gaskins, James, and David.
The 2025 NCAMES judges from GUC were Overhead Construction/Maintenance Supervisor Jeffery Williams (head judge), Electric Overhead Crew Leader Mike Ashley, Troubleshooter Crew Leader Timmy Pollard, Underground Electric Crew Leader Joey Dash, and David.
GUC Electric Department Earns National Award for Exemplifying Safe Practices
Greenville Utilities Commission recently received a major national award from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for exemplifying safe practices in its electric services.
The APPA Safety Award of Excellence – Diamond Level is the highest recognition an agency can receive. GUC earned it by calculating the total number of hours worked by electric department employees for the entire year and comparing that to how many days were lost or restricted due to injury.
Of the total 275,830 hours worked by 145 employees, the electric department only reported two recordable injuries and only one of those resulted in restricted work with five days lost.
“Our employees have worked hard for many years now to build a safety culture where everyone is keeping an eye on one another and speak up if they see something unsafe,” said GUC Director of Electric John Worrell. “It’s very rewarding when national organizations such as APPA recognize those efforts, and it reinforces the fact that our safety programs are making a difference.”
GUC has a strong culture of safety and leadership development for employees. It initiated the use of the Situational Leadership Model in 2022 to train all leaders and team members. After seeing proven success with this model, it was integrated into established safety contact and coaching conversations during site visits.
Using this strategy and technique allowed the department to create tailored approaches to enhance individual and team safety. Data that is collected by departmental leaders is reviewed monthly, which includes detailed documentation of safety contacts, job safety briefings, and safety coaching. Using this data, leaders identified trends, discovered opportunities for improvement, and recognized exceptional efforts by employees.
In the electric department’s entry information, they wrote, “True safety leadership extends beyond technical knowledge; it demands the ability to foster a culture where safety is a core value, not just a priority.”
“In our industry, safety has to be top of mind all day every day,” said Scott McKenzie, Chair of APPA’s Engineering and Operations Conference safety track and Senior Director of Member Training & Safety at AMP Inc. “These honored utilities have demonstrated a commitment to safety that runs through every aspect of their organizations.”
Last year, GUC won the APPA’s Safety Award at the Gold level.
GUC Earns Recognition from National Organizations for Employee Wellness Programs
Greenville Utilities recently received two recognitions for its stellar employee wellness programs in 2024. These recognitions acknowledge that the programs are comprehensive and foster employee well-being and vitality by offering whole person consideration and care. GUC received the 2024 “Cigna Healthy Workforce” – Gold Rating and the “American Heart Association Well-being Works Better Scorecard” Silver Recognition for demonstrating continued commitment to promoting the wellness of employees.
Human Resources Director Richie Shreves said, “These ratings validate that GUC is committed to supporting the "whole person well-being." This goes beyond just physical health, like maintaining good blood pressure and preventing diabetes, to also prioritizing mental wellness. The goal is to ensure employees have access to the resources and support they need to thrive in every aspect of their well-being.”
GUC offers an on-site clinic, online nutrition coaching, lunch and learn sessions, employee assistance, Healthy Babies Prenatal Program, personal health metrics, fitness apps, free fitness mini sessions, a company-wide tobacco policy and tobacco cessation resources, stress management resources and many other programs focused on physical and mental wellness.
GUC also has a very active Wellness Committee comprised of employees throughout the organization and led by Cort Bazemore, HR Business Partner. These “wellness champions” seek to improve employee well-being, promote healthy behaviors, and cultivate a supportive workplace culture by organizing engaging wellness programs based on employee input.
“Employers that foster vitality will fuel a healthier workplace and drive business and economic growth. That’s why we’re proud to recognize employers for their efforts to prioritize multiple dimensions of wellness, build a culture of health, and boost employee engagement,” said Kari Knight Stevens, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at The Cigna Group.
“We’re proud to recognize organizations like Greenville Utilities Commission that have made bold moves to build workplaces where everyone can thrive,” said American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown. “By completing the Well-being Works Better Scorecard, these leaders have shown an incredible dedication to the health of their businesses and communities, and their contributions are helping us bring to fruition a world of longer, healthier lives for all.”
GUC Recieves Another State Award For Water Quality
The Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) Water Treatment Plant was among 79 water treatment plants, and one of a handful east of Interstate 95, honored by the N.C. Division of Water Resources for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards in 2023. The division’s Public Water Supply section awarded GUC with the prestigious N.C. Area Wide Optimization Program Award (AWOP), a state effort to enhance the performance of existing surface water treatment facilities.
The annual award is given each year to water systems that demonstrate outstanding turbidity removal, a key test of drinking water quality. Turbidity is a measure of cloudiness or haziness of water caused by particles that can interfere with disinfection and make it easy for microbial growth, including harmful bacteria and viruses. While all drinking water systems must meet strict state and federal drinking water standards, these systems met performance goals that are significantly more stringent.
It is difficult for water treatment plants in the eastern part of the state to achieve the AWOP turbidity goals due to the high number of particles typically found in the source waters in the east. Most of the winning plants are from the western part of the state, while GUC is one of only nine water systems to be recognized in the 28 counties making up the coastal plain area. GUC is one of only two honorees out of the Washington region to be recognized.
“I credit the award to our Water Treatment Plant staff who treated over 5 billion gallons of water last year to ensure that we produce the highest quality of water," said GUC’s Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Julius Patrick.
Water Treatment Plant Employees Receive State Honors
Congratulations are in order for two Water Treatment Plant (WTP) employees who received prestigious state-wide honors this month from the North Carolina Waterworks Operators Association (NCWOA) during its 85th Annual Business Meeting and Awards Luncheon.
Laboratory Analyst of the Year
Brooke Norton, WTP Chemist II, was presented the 2024 NCWOA Laboratory Analyst of the Year Award in appreciation of her outstanding work for GUC and service to the Association.
Each year, the Association recognizes one person who has demonstrated outstanding ability in the field of drinking water analysis, and who has made exceptional achievements and contributions to the field of drinking water analysis and/or drinking water treatment.
Brooke has been with GUC for 16 years as a Chemist. She has gone beyond her certification requirements to hold the highest-level operator certifications. Her experience allows her to use multiple drinking water and wastewater methods that are essential in maintaining laboratory accreditation. She also developed a comprehensive standard operating procedure for bacteriological methods.
“Brooke has used her extensive knowledge and expertise to provide GUC with the highest standards of analysis,” said WTP Facility Manager Julius Patrick. “That work directly translates to our customers receiving the highest quality water possible.”
Brooke is the third Chemist from GUC to receive this award in the last four years.
B-Surface Operator of the Year
Brandon Cox, WTP Operator II, was presented the B-Surface Operator of the Year Award by the NCWOA. This award recognizes an operator who has shown incredible ability, devotion, and technical expertise in the operation of a water treatment facility.
Brandon has been with GUC for two and half years and served as WTP Operator II since August. In a short time, he has earned his B-Surface and C-Well Operator Certification.
Brandon’s previous career in law enforcement gives him certain skills that make for an exceptional operator. Those skills include understanding and implementing safety-first practices, showing attention to detail, utilizing effective communication techniques, and maintaining excellent record keeping habits.
“Brandon shows exemplary work ethic and initiative,” said WTP Facility Manager Julius Patrick. “He is eager to learn, not only about operations, but maintenance projects as well.”
Over the past 20 years, WTP staff has received 14 individual awards for meeting water quality goals and providing the highest quality water to customers through hiring and retaining knowledgeable staff.
Public Information Wins Communications Award
GUC’s Public Information Office has won an Excellence in Public Power Communications Award of Merit from APPA.
This year’s win was for a video created to educate customers on how GUC’s electric rates are not only the lowest in Pitt County, but also lower than they were 10 years ago. The video was part of a comprehensive campaign also using ads, social media posts, and media interviews to remind customers of the value of GUC being a community-owned utility.
This is the 13th APPA award that GUC’s Public Information Office has won.
The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 54 million people in 49 states and five territories. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations.