Shows
SMECO ConnectsWhy Gen Z Is Reshaping the Workforce | #20The workforce is shifting fast—can your organization keep up? In this episode of SMECO Connects, Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison are joined by Rhosheeda Proctor, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at SMECO, and Yvette Turner, Lead Business Engagement Specialist at the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland. Together, they explore how today’s workforce is being reshaped by generational shifts, hybrid work models, and the unique challenges of attracting talent to Southern Maryland. Key themes: Why Gen Z is driving change in hiring and retention The future of telework and how to make it work Buil...2025-08-0440 minSMECO ConnectsWhat does it take to rise through the ranks—and stay for decades? | #19Beth Kennedy and Tammy Gardner didn’t just build long careers at SMECO—they helped shape it. Starting in entry-level roles, they climbed to become senior leaders overseeing finance and customer care. In this episode, they share the behind-the-scenes stories of their journey, how the utility industry has transformed, and what it really takes to lead through change. In this episode, you'll learn: What it’s like managing a 15-week training program and a contact center during major outages How SMECO has embraced automation, self-serve tools, and remote work Why leadership, inclusion, and mentorship are key to the...2025-07-2824 minSMECO ConnectsPowering 65 Years of Progress | #18What happens when nearly seven decades of experience step into the room? In this special episode, SMECO legends Ronnie Wise and Roger Schneider share their remarkable journeys from entry-level roles to senior leadership—charting a course through decades of industry change, innovation, and growth. From handwritten outage tickets to SCADA automation and managing 300+ employees, they’ve seen it all. Key themes explored: The evolution of electric utility technology Storm response and 24/7 operations Building teams and preparing the next generation Whether you’re curious about SMECO’s history, inspired by career growth, or inter...2025-07-2120 minSMECO ConnectsWhat’s Really in Your Power Bill? | #17Ever wondered why your electric bill spikes in summer and winter? In this episode, Smeco’s VP of Rates and Energy Procurement Eugene Bradford pulls back the curtain on how your monthly bill is built—from competitive power market purchases to the poles and wires that deliver electricity to your door. He walks us through load forecasting, rate classes, and the rising costs driven by renewables mandates and the push for future battery storage. Key Takeaways: How Smeco’s power procurement strategy keeps your supply costs as low as possible Why distribution infrastructure rates cover...2025-07-1430 minSMECO ConnectsInside the Electric Rodeo | #16What does it take to climb a 40-foot pole in record time — with your reputation (and bragging rights) on the line? In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Sonja Cox and co-host Tom Dennison sit down with linemen John King, Doug Hancock, and apprentices Cameron Russell and Josh Morris. Together, they pull back the curtain on the electrifying world of the Lineman’s Rodeo — a high-stakes competition where skill, speed, and safety collide. Discover the heart-pounding events like Hurt Man Rescue and obstacle climbs Learn how camaraderie and a brotherhood of lineme...2025-07-0754 minSMECO ConnectsShe Built a Utility Empire From Scratch | #15What happens when a cybersecurity pro leaves a federal career to build a construction company from the ground up—with zero industry experience? Meet Allison Drury, CEO of CAD Industries, a woman-owned underground utility business shaking up a male-dominated field. From buying her first drill after landing the job to leading complex projects for the National Zoo and regional governments, Allison proves that grit, mindset, and relentless drive can beat credentials any day. In this episode, Allison opens up about: Taking the leap from government GS-14 to entrepreneur Building cr...2025-06-3029 minSMECO ConnectsInside the Hub: Where Help Starts with Karl Webner | #14You might wonder why an electric company is doing a podcast about mental health, but as a cooperative, we care about what’s going on in the community and with our members and how we can help them find resources they may need. That’s why this week’s episode is so important. Karl Webner, Clinical Program Manager at the Saint Mary’s County Health Department, joins the podcast to talk about the Health Hub, a walk-in, no-cost behavioral health center offering short-term counseling, addiction treatment, and care navigation. Whether you’re navigating mental health challenges...2025-06-2332 minSMECO ConnectsWhy Regulating Your Power Bill Is More Complex Than You Think | #13Ever wondered why your electric rates change—or who decides what’s fair? We’re diving deep into the role of the Maryland Public Service Commission with SMECO’s top legal experts, Mark McDougall and Damon Krieger. With decades of experience navigating energy law and utility regulation, they break down how policies are shaped, what workgroups really do, and how evolving legislation is reshaping the utility landscape. Hosted by Sonja Cox and co-host Tom Denison, this episode pulls back the curtain on the unseen work that keeps Southern Maryland powered and connected. 2025-06-1627 minSMECO ConnectsWhen everyone owns safety: Inside SMECO’s cultural shift with Jim Trainor | #12What happens when safety becomes more than a policy? Join Sonja Cox and co‑host Tom Dennison as they sit down with Jim Trainor, SMECO’s safety director, to explore how a cooperative safety program evolves—from online pandemic training to hands‑on field audits. Discover why safety isn’t just about line workers, how “stop‑work authority” empowers employees, and what it takes to build a true culture of care across Southern Maryland. 2025-06-091h 10SMECO ConnectsInside SMECO: Stories of Grit, Growth, and the People Who Power a Community | #11What if you could understand a company's culture just by hearing its people speak? This episode takes you behind the scenes at SMECO—from chief linemen on assignment in Guatemala to the creative force behind their employee stories, and even to the leadership shaping rates and safety. Sanja Cox and co-host Tom dive into what makes SMECO's team exceptional, through real conversations with the folks who keep the lights on and the stories alive. You’ll hear from John, a former journalist turned media lead; Jim, the safety director who found a true team in Southern Maryland; and Eugene, a 28...2025-06-0233 min
Implement. Change in Education#10 EdEchoes: Guest Highlights EditionIn this special highlight compilation, we bring you powerful moments from conversations with some of the most influential education leaders. These short clips capture the insight, urgency, and vision driving change in schools today.
You'll hear from:
Dr. Carey M. Wright, Maryland State Superintendent, on building teacher capacity and transforming reading instruction statewide.
Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, and Alison Perkins-Cohen, Chief of Staff, on system-wide trust-building, curriculum reform, and instructional leadership.
Secretary Cindy Marten, Delaware State Superintendent, on local equity, strategic budgeting, and leadership through change.
Plus a snippet from...2025-05-2720 minSMECO ConnectsLeading With Strength and Heart: A Candid Mother’s Day Conversation | #10What does it mean to lead, nurture, and protect—at home and in the workplace? This heartfelt Mother’s Day episode of SMECO Connects brings together Charles County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Navarro and SMECO CEO Sonja Cox for a powerful conversation about womanhood, leadership, and the evolving challenges facing families today. From raising daughters and managing billion-dollar organizations to tackling school safety and mental health, these inspiring women reflect on the resilience and responsibility of motherhood—both personal and professional.2025-05-2638 minSMECO ConnectsLighting the Way Forward: How SMECO is Helping Maryland Go Green | #9Lezael Rorie, newly appointed VP of Distributed Energy and Sustainability at SMECO, joins us to unpack the surprising truths behind high energy bills, solar integration, EV adoption, and Maryland's bold push for greener buildings. From the real reason your winter bills spike to tools that reveal exactly when your kids are gaming past bedtime, this conversation offers practical insights and lesser-known programs that could save you serious money—and energy. 2025-05-1928 minSMECO ConnectsHow a Utility is Powering Careers and Strengthening Southern Maryland—One Apprentice at a Time | #8Think you know what it takes to keep the lights on? This conversation with Jason Atherton—SMECO’s longtime lineman-turned-trainer—might surprise you. From climbing poles to guiding the next generation, Jason shares what makes SMECO’s apprenticeship program more than just a training track—it’s a launchpad for real careers in Southern Maryland. With roots in farming, a passion for mentorship, and a program built to grow talent from the ground up (literally), this episode shines a light on the people behind the power, and the values SMECO is working to uphold in your community. 2025-05-1231 minSMECO ConnectsHow Do You Restore Power Safely and Fast? Meet the Team Behind the Work | #7Ever wondered what it takes to bring the lights back on after a major storm? From Air Force discipline to leading storm operations for an electric co-op, Brian Lazarchick shares the intense coordination, safety-first mindset, and evolving technology behind large-scale outage restoration. You’ll hear how tree-trimming cycles, outage maps, and a committed team help reduce downtime—and why preparation starts long before the first raindrop falls. This conversation might just change how you see every utility pole on your street.2025-05-0526 minSMECO ConnectsPowered from Within: From Helping Customers to Shaping Community | #6What if you could inspire the next generation, support struggling families, and uplift your entire community—just by showing up every day with purpose? That’s exactly what Natalie Cotton has done. In this conversation, we dive into Natalie’s unexpected rise through SMECO, from a job-hunting newcomer to the powerhouse behind its community engagement efforts. Learn how her team supports teachers, invests in students, and turns donations into real change. Trust us—you won’t look at your local utility the same way again.2025-04-2826 minSMECO ConnectsWired for Change: Leading a Co-op in a Shutdown | #5When Sonja Cox stepped into the CEO role at SMECO, she had big plans—then COVID hit. In this compelling conversation, Sonja shares what it was like to lead through an unprecedented crisis, from ensuring employee safety to keeping the lights on for thousands of customers. She reflects on the challenges of running a top-tier electric cooperative, the lessons she’s learned, and the passion that keeps her going. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead in uncertain times, this episode is for you.2025-04-2125 minSMECO ConnectsHow Linemen Keep the Lights On—Stories from the Front Lines | #4Think power outages are just an inconvenience? For the linemen who restore electricity, it's a high-stakes mission. In this episode, we sit down with seasoned lineworkers to uncover the grit, danger, and teamwork behind the job. From grueling storm recoveries to the unbreakable brotherhood that keeps them safe, this conversation sheds light on the unsung heroes of our power grid. Whether you're curious about the life of a lineman or just want to appreciate the next time your lights flicker back on, you won’t want to miss this. This episode features interviews in celebration of...2025-04-1453 minSMECO ConnectsThe Future of Energy Generation in Maryland: Navigating Demand, Data Centers, and Clean Energy | #3In this episode, we dive into Maryland’s evolving energy landscape with a focus on the state's generation deficit, growing demand for electricity, and the complex debate surrounding energy generation solutions. From the impact of data centers and electric vehicles to the push for nuclear and renewable energy, we explore how Maryland is addressing these challenges. Join us as we discuss the capacity auction, the role of small modular reactors, and the regulatory hurdles in bringing new generation online. Get a glimpse into how the state is working to balance energy needs, environmental goals, and economic growth. 2025-04-0731 minSMECO ConnectsGrid Safety and Security: Protecting Our Power System | #2In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Sonja Cox, along with co-host Tom Dennison, dives into the critical topic of grid safety and security. Joining them is Jason Scott, the Preparedness and Security Director at SMECO, who shares his expertise on protecting the power grid from both physical and cyber threats. Jason discusses his background in law enforcement, the security measures SMECO has in place, and the importance of collaboration across the PJM grid. The conversation also touches on the regulatory requirements, the impact of grid failures on daily life, and the advancements in technology aimed at enhancing security...2025-04-0119 minSMECO ConnectsBehind the Scenes of SMECO: Community, Cooperation, and Commitment | #1In this inaugural episode of the SMECO Connects podcast, Vice President of Public Affairs Tom Dennison joins CEO Sonia to discuss the heart of SMECO's cooperative model. They dive into the company's roots, the difference between cooperatives and investor-owned utilities, and SMECO’s deep commitment to the community. From volunteer work and corporate philanthropy to the role of community engagement, they explore how SMECO's employees and leadership work together to create meaningful impact. Tune in to hear about SMECO's legacy, the power of flexibility at work, and their significant contributions to local causes through initiatives like the SMECO Foundation Go...2025-03-3124 minSMECO ConnectsSMECO Connects TrailerSubscribe to be the first to listen to the SMECO Connects podcast2025-03-2400 min
Pioneers in HealthSonja Bachus, Senior Vice President, PCA and HCCN Relations, with the National Association of Community Health CentersPioneers in Health Episode 12, November 21, 2024 – Sonja Bachus BBA MJ CHCEF, Senior Vice President, PCA and HCCN Relations, National Association of Community Health Centers.Kansas native Sonja W. Bachus, BBA, MJ, CHCEF, will transition as of December 2024 from her role as CEO of the Community Care Network of Kansas (CCNKS) to serve as Senior Vice President, Primary Care Association and Health Center Controlled Network Relations, with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC).A transformational leader, Ms. Bachus brings to the role deep roots in the Community Health Center Movement and more than 20 years of ex...2024-11-2126 min
On The RecordEducation news roundup: absenteeism, teacher pay, City Schools CEO contractBaltimore Banner reporter Liz Bowie joins us for a roundup of news about schools. Why are so many kids chronically absent, and why is it getting worse? What’s up with a pay raise for Baltimore teachers? Will the head of City Schools renew her contract? Read her reporting:Time is nearly up. Will Baltimore City schools keep CEO Sonja Santelises?Baltimore teachers negotiate a 9% pay bump for early-career educatorsFar more Maryland students are missing too much schoolDo you have a question or comment about a show or a story ide...2024-02-1613 min
Conduit Street PodcastSpecial Edition: Live from Charm CityOn the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally join Maryland Senator Cory McCray for a live recording in Baltimore City. We talk with leaders of three of Baltimore’s anchor institutions, and discuss their visions for success.Special guests include Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) President Debra McCurdy, Baltimore City Schools CEO Sonja Santelises, and Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael Harrison.MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a...2019-12-201h 21