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Reflections on
NEPPA's 60th Anniversary Conference
By Mike Hyland
Executive Director, NEPPA
As I drove out of Burlington, Vermont at the close of our 2025 Annual Conference, I found myself reflecting—as I often do after big events. Whether it’s a football game, a graduation, or in this case, the year-long celebration of NEPPA’s 60th anniversary, these moments spark both pride and anticipation.
Last week’s conference was no exception. I left feeling energized and optimistic—not just about celebrating 60 years of success, but about the bright path ahead as we look toward the next 60. The conference drew one of the largest crowds in NEPPA’s history, with close to 360 attendees. We enjoyed excellent sessions, strong participation, and meaningful fundraising efforts for both our Student Scholarship and Benevolent Funds.
We also had the honor of recognizing outstanding individuals:
• Person of the Year – Panos Tokadjian
• Distinguished Service Awards - Weijun Li, Jason Small, Joe Kowalik, Joe Sollecito, and Kate Roy
• Francis ‘Skip’ Willey Individual Achievement Award – Anne Finley
• Outstanding Affiliate Member – Mike Costello of Powertech / Utility Power Supply
• NEPPA Service Awards – Ken Nolan and Chris LaRose
• Special Recognition Awards – Bob Rodophele, Jim Lavelle, and a true local hero, Nick LeBlanc of Morrisville, who courageously saved a person from a burning vehicle.
The NEPPA A&R Committee is gearing up for the Legislative Trip to DC in October, and the Board of Directors unanimously approved all five of the 2025 Resolutions. Thanks to all who helped shape them into their final form, and for those utilities that sponsored them. Those documents become the base line message during our Hill visits to both the Senate and House congressmen from the Northeast.
And since I mentioned the NEPPA Board, we welcomed three new Board members at our Annual Business Meeting. Josh Mazzei from NHEC, NH; Dr. Elier Alvarado from Jewitt City, CT; and Jackie Pratt from Stowe, VT - Welcome!
The Heart of the Conference
As powerful as the awards and sessions were, the real magic of NEPPA’s annual gathering often happens in the side conversations—handshakes on day one, long-awaited reunions, and the chance to catch up with friends and colleagues after weeks, months or even years apart. This year, families played a bigger role than ever. We hosted our annual kids’ night alongside the banquet, and I was touched to see so many employees bringing their loved ones along. It gave families a chance to witness firsthand the dedication that goes into our work—and to build friendships of their own.
Celebrating 60 Years in Style
Throughout the year, we’ve highlighted our 60th anniversary in special ways, and the conference carried that forward. Our badges featured a unique 60th anniversary design and many attendees proudly wore their commemorative pins by artist Jackie Campbell. The recognition extended beyond our membership, Scott Corwin of APPA even remarked on stage during his keynote presentation how impressed he was by the pins, joking that APPA itself should strive for something equally memorable. At the banquet, NEPPA Board President John Tzimorangas delivered a heartfelt toast to NEPPA’s 60 years of service, with close to 300 champagne flutes raised in celebration. All of this went close to flawless, thanks to the careful planning of Wendy Esche, Sarah Kubik and the rest of the NEPPA Staff.
A Lasting Legacy: The Anniversary Bench
One of the highlights of our anniversary year will be the installation of a commemorative bench at NEPPA’s Training Center in Littleton, MA. Designed and built by Jim Binkley—an inductee of the International Lineman’s Hall of Fame—the bench will weigh approximately 700 pounds and incorporate authentic electrical equipment such as cross arms, insulators, and braces. This project, guided by our 60th Anniversary Working Group (Ken Stone of Middleborough, MA; Bill Guertin of Clear River, RI; and Lynn Paradis of Swanton, VT), will create a lasting symbol of NEPPA’s strength and community. The bench will be placed at the base of our flagpole for all to see as they are welcomed into our facility.
How You Can Participate
We invite our members and supporters to join us in two ways:
1. Contribute to the bench project: Donations of any size—from individuals, utilities, or companies—are welcome and deeply appreciated. All contributors will be recognized at the unveiling.
2. Attend the dedication. The bench will be unveiled on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at NEPPA’s Training Center in Littleton (The date honors our official incorporation on November 2, 1965). We’ll celebrate with a short ceremony, a toast, and a luncheon.
Looking Ahead
Our first 60 years are something to be proud of—but more importantly, they lay the foundation for the next 60. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. I look forward to celebrating with many of you on November 3, and to building the future of NEPPA together.
Sixty years strong—and just getting started.
-Mike
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