UCI is a group of dedicated communication professionals serving utility entities across North America.
We come together at our annual conference to leverage our expertise and experiences to promote professional development — and we have for nearly 90 years. Founded in 1937, we have a deep history of creating valuable, lasting connections in the utility industry.
Committed to the professionals in the utility communications community.
Connect and develop relationships with communications peers and agency partners working in the natural gas, electric, water and renewable energy industries.
Share communication strategies and challenges to promote professional development in our industry at our annual conference.
Inspire great utility marketing and communications efforts by showcasing and celebrating exceptional communications and campaigns.
“It’s my go-to event that I look forward to every year. I love being in a room with peers that speak the same language in a format other than email! I’ve made great connections and always bring back insight to implement with my team.”
Brandy Powers
Board President
Board of Directors
Our executive director and board of directors represent investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, municipalities and advertising agencies. This group of professionals has decades of experience in every aspect of utility communications and is happy to serve as a resource at the conference and beyond.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kelley Eldien
Retired Senior Corporate Communications Specialist
Minnesota Power
board president
Brandy Powers
Director Brand, Advertising &
Customer Communications
NorthWestern Energy
board treasurer
Joe Gehrdes
Director of Community Relations
Huntsville Utilities
Alison Vai
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Liberty Utilities
Amy Trinidad
Public Relations Supervisor
Colorado Springs Utilities
Ann Mooney
Communications Manager
Baltimore Gas & Electric
Brian Phillips
Director of Brand, Advertising, Customer & Digital Communications
LG&E and KU
Crystal Ashbourne
Assistant to the President, Chairman and CEO - Georgia Power
Kiersten Maertens
Account Strategist
Flynn Wright
Meg Payment
Area Manager
Mississippi Power