UEDA 2025 Spring Forum

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Save the dateApril 7 - 10, 2025 (CDT) Add to Calendar

Venue Location

C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton

Dallas Street 400
Houston, Texas

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Organizer

Organizer: Utility Economic Development Association, CenterPoint Energy Economic Development

Phone: +1 5019045228

Contact Person: Megan Neumeier

Email: megan@utilityeda.com

Agenda

Day 1
April 7, 2025
Day 2
April 8, 2025
Day 3
April 9, 2025
Day 4
April 10, 2025

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Cocktails and Conversations
Cocktails and Conversations
Hotel Lobby Bar
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Board Meeting (Board Members Only)
Board Meeting (Board Members Only)
Location: Coleman I & II
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Forum Kick-Off Lunch
Forum Kick-Off Lunch
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Welcome
Welcome
Tony Gardner
Senior Vice president and Ceif Customer Officer at CenterPoint Energy
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Current State of the Economy
Current State of the Economy
Jesse Thompson
Senior Business Economist at Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Break
Break
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
A Site Selection Perspective on Data Centers and Power
A Site Selection Perspective on Data Centers and Power
Carrie Zethmayr
Managing Director, Location Advisory Global Strategy of Newmark
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
How Data Centers are Shaping Utility Strategies
How Data Centers are Shaping Utility Strategies
Michael Grella
Chief Infrastructure Officer at Active Infrastructure
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Peer to Peer and Member Connection
Peer to Peer and Member Connection
Moderated by Ed Sitar, ComEd
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception and Dinner
Welcome Reception and Dinner
Location: Guard and Grace
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
Breakfast
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Maximizing Scarce Resources
Maximizing Scarce Resources
Courtney Dunbar
Director – Site Selection of Burns & McDonnell
Jonathan Dusenberry
Burns & McDonnell
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Break
Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Panel: Unlocking New Site Opportunities
Panel: Unlocking New Site Opportunities
Haley Tomlinson
Senior Economic Development Manager at Duke Energy
Joel Watts
Sr. Project Manager - Economic Development at Alabama Power
Diana Rife
JobsOhio
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom
Moderated by: Jason Speake with Duke Energy
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch
Lunch
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
UEDA Committee Reports
UEDA Committee Reports
Committee Reports:
Programming and Education
Membership
Finance & Sponsorship
Strategic Planning
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
State Engagement on Load Growth: Unlocking Critical Conversations to Meet Energy Needs
State Engagement on Load Growth: Unlocking Critical Conversations to Meet Energy Needs
Kathryn Kline
Senior Technical Advisor at National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioner (NARUC)
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Break
Break
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Powering Forward: Grid Resilience, Energy Storage, and Stakeholder Collaboration
Powering Forward: Grid Resilience, Energy Storage, and Stakeholder Collaboration
Kera Gautreau
Energy Transition and Sustainability Solutions for Families, Communities, and Businesses at Greater Houston Partnership
Scott D. Livingston
Director of Economic Development at League City, Texas
Sara Malik
Senior Director, Global Energy Transition of Greater Houston Partnership
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Beyond the Meter: How Utilities & EDOs Can Drive Growth Together
Beyond the Meter: How Utilities & EDOs Can Drive Growth Together
Dale Rector
Energy Consultant at Global Location Strategies
Parker Wyatt
Senior Consultant at Global Location Strategies
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Happy Hour
Happy Hour
Location: B. Jordan Foyer
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Dine Around (New Friends Dinners)
Dine Around (New Friends Dinners)
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
Breakfast
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Member Showcase
Member Showcase
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Peer to Peer Wrap Up
Peer to Peer Wrap Up
Location: B. Jordan Ballroom

Speakers

Courtney Dunbar

Director – Site Selection of Burns & McDonnell

Courtney Dunbar

Director – Site Selection of Burns & McDonnell

Courtney Dunbar has 27 years of combined career experience in site selection, economic development, community planning, and project funding. In her current role, she serves as the Director of Site Selection for Burns & McDonnell.

Courtney's goal is to align Burns & McDonnell industrial, advanced manufacturing, mission critical, food and consumer products, and aerospace clientele with optimal site and facility options for growth. In addition, her team actively develops site plans for industrial development. She has written many community plans focused on developing vital, innovative communities that entice economic growth. Her career has centered on industrial and allied primary development.

She is a member of the Site Selectors Guild and serves as a contributing writer and speaker for Area Development, with articles centered on site selection and site preparedness for economic development opportunities. She is a sought-after speaker nationally on topics related to site selection and industrial site preparedness.

Courtney serves as the Dean of the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute (OU-EDI) and instructor of real estate and infrastructure development curriculum for the both OU-EDI and the Heartland Basic Economic Development Course. Her comprehensive expertise in site selection, economic planning, development analysis, industrial infrastructure planning, and project finance uniquely positions her as a qualified industrial site selection and site development partner.

Jonathan Dusenberry

Burns & McDonnell

Tony Gardner (Senior Vice president and Ceif Customer Officer at CenterPoint Energy)

Tony Gardner

Senior Vice president and Ceif Customer Officer at CenterPoint Energy

Kera Gautreau (Energy Transition and Sustainability Solutions for Families, Communities, and Businesses at Greater Houston Partnership)

Kera Gautreau

Energy Transition and Sustainability Solutions for Families, Communities, and Businesses at Greater Houston Partnership

Michael Grella

Chief Infrastructure Officer at Active Infrastructure

Michael Grella

Chief Infrastructure Officer at Active Infrastructure

As Cofounder & Chief Infrastructure Officer for Active Infrastructure, a national developer of data centers and industrial real estate, Mr. Grella is responsible for sourcing and executing the Company’s projects throughout North America. Mr. Grella brings 30 years of experience in economic, workforce, & real estate development, site selection, public finance, tax law, and public policy.

Prior to launching Active Infrastructure, Mike founded and led Amazon's and Amazon Web Services’ Economic Development teams, facilitating investments representing over $10 billion of capital investment and over 100,000 new jobs in over two dozen states and 15 countries. Mike supported the launch and expansion of Amazon Web Services data center regions around the world and continues to support hyperscale data center development in his current role.

Prior to joining Amazon, Mike advised more than 100 Fortune 500 and large privately held companies on site selection and economic development matters. Mike received his degree in Accounting from Villanova University, his Juris Doctor from Hofstra University School of Law, and is a member of the New York State Bar.

Kathryn Kline

Senior Technical Advisor at National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioner (NARUC)

Kathryn Kline

Senior Technical Advisor at National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioner (NARUC)

Kathryn Kline is a Senior Technical Advisor in the Center for Partnerships & Innovation at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioner (NARUC). Kathryn supports NARUC-DOE Partnerships associated with work on coal and carbon management, nuclear energy, natural gas, and load growth. Kathryn coordinates with members and stakeholders on emerging issues; researches and authors reports; and implements virtual and in-person peer-learning opportunities for NARUC members.

Prior to joining the Center for Partnerships & Innovation, Kathryn worked as a Senior Research Associate at the National Regulatory Research Institute where she conducted research on water policy, customer billing, net metering, and CCUS. Before NRRI, Kathryn worked as an Economic Development and Small Business Fellow in Congressman John Lewis’s 5th District Office.

Kathryn earned a B.A. in Politics from Converse University and a M.S. in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Scott D. Livingston (Director of Economic Development at League City, Texas)

Scott D. Livingston

Director of Economic Development at League City, Texas

Sara Malik (Senior Director, Global Energy Transition of Greater Houston Partnership)

Sara Malik

Senior Director, Global Energy Transition of Greater Houston Partnership

Dale Rector

Energy Consultant at Global Location Strategies

Diana Rife

JobsOhio

Diana Rife

JobsOhio

Diana Cooke Rife is the Senior Director of Sites for JobsOhio, where she serves as the primary contact for all JobsOhio Site-related programs. These include the Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP) and the SiteOhio site authentication program. She also serves as an advisor to the Vibrant Communities and Project Planning Grant programs and the JobsOhio Revitalization Program.

Prior to joining JobsOhio, Diana held significant real estate acquisition, leasing, asset, and construction management roles. She worked for Hines Interests, completing millions of square feet of new office buildings and office leases in their Midwest markets. She also spent time in Turkey supporting construction with NATO and the US Air Force. Her career experience encompasses most facets of real estate, including land development, leasing, construction, asset and property management, and financial analysis.

Diana earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Vanderbilt University. She grew up in Central Ohio and currently lives in New Albany.

Jesse Thompson

Senior Business Economist at Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Haley Tomlinson

Senior Economic Development Manager at Duke Energy

Haley Tomlinson

Senior Economic Development Manager at Duke Energy

Haley Tomlinson is the Senior Economic Development Manager in the Northern Indiana territory on the Economic Development team for Duke Energy Corporation, one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States.

In this role she is responsible for working with companies, consultants, the State of Indiana and local economic development organizations on projects concerning growing new and expanding industrial and commercial business in the northern 34 counties in Duke Energy's Indiana service territory.

Tomlinson joined Duke Energy in 2017. Previously, she served in a Senior Project Management role at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.While at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Tomlinson was responsible for managing and prioritizing confidential attraction, expansion and retention projects within a 14-county territory.

While in her role, she secured commitments for more than 5,000 new jobs and an estimated $497 million in capital investment for the State of Indiana.

Tomlinson graduated from Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and is a member of the Lambda Pi Eta Honor's Society.

Tomlinson welcomed her son, Connor, in 2020. She lives with her husband, son and golden-doodle, Piper, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Joel Watts

Sr. Project Manager - Economic Development at Alabama Power

Joel Watts

Sr. Project Manager - Economic Development at Alabama Power

From joining Alabama Power Company in 2008 as a senior industrial engineer to his current role of senior project manager in Economic & Community Development, Joel has an extensive history of working with some of Alabama’s biggest companies, whether existing or new.

In his current role, Joel excels in identifying potential growth opportunities and potential threats while working with local and state partners to recruit new industrial prospects to the state. In doing so, he provides support and aids in the growth of existing and expanding companies in Alabama.
Joel’s early career was focused on finding energy-efficient and competitive solutions for companies. He started as an engineer in Alabama Power’s Technology Applications Center. There, he worked with industrial companies to identify opportunities within their operations to improve efficiency, throughput, and quality, while helping to reduce costs. He also provided improvement assessments and energy audits to industrial and commercial companies.

A graduate of Auburn University, Joel has a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering. He has achieved certifications as an Energy Manager, and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Outside of his work life, Joel dedicates volunteer time to the United Way and at his church Prince of Peace.
Whether it’s traveling across the U.S., playing outside, building puzzles or Legos, Joel loves spending time with his wife and two kids. He’s also very active with hobbies including golf, running, mountain biking, hiking and going to Auburn football games.

Working in Economic Development allows me the opportunity to make a difference for the state of Alabama and Alabama Power Company. I enjoy the process of recruiting new prospects and finding opportunities within the state of Alabama where they can be successful. Building relationships internally and externally are important to me. I take great care to listen to each prospects needs and goals, so I can then go out and help make them happen.

Parker Wyatt

Senior Consultant at Global Location Strategies

Parker Wyatt

Senior Consultant at Global Location Strategies

As a senior site selection consultant, Parker advises companies on making informed location strategy decisions that drive growth and success. He takes the time to learn the client’s process, key drivers, preferences, and risks to address their location, logistics, workforce, and incentive needs and, ultimately, reach their goals.

Parker is a jack of all trades. He enjoys digging into the data to uncover trends and deliver analytical reports that drive clients forward on their site selection journey. He originally joined the GLS team as a business analyst where he utilized various software platforms and tools to create data visualizations, reports, and models and gathered and analyzed location intelligence data.

Parker holds a bachelor’s degree in finance, with a minor in accounting from Clemson University. He is our resident sports fanatic and die-hard Clemson Tiger. When he’s not cheering on his team, he enjoys playing flag football, kickball, golfing, and spending time with his golden retriever Booker.

Carrie Zethmayr

Managing Director, Location Advisory Global Strategy of Newmark

Carrie Zethmayr

Managing Director, Location Advisory Global Strategy of Newmark

Carrie Zethmayr joined Newmark in 2021 and currently serves as a Managing Director within the Global Strategy and Consulting Team, a division of the firm’s Global Corporate Services (GCS). With a background in economic development, incentive negotiation and real-estate brokerage, Zethmayr specializes in multi-market location advisory and real-estate evaluation. She has a diverse background with a broad range of economic development and incentives experience, notably in foreign trade zone (FTZ) implementation. During her career, Zethmayr has managed projects that have increased committed investments of more than $1 billion in the United States, created over 3,000 new jobs, and secured over $123 million in incentives for her clients. Zethmayr is based in Chicago.

Prior to Newmark, Zethmayr provided consulting services for real-estate brokerage firm Cawley Chicago, managing industrial transactions for clients across northern Illinois markets. Before joining the private sector, she led economic development initiatives for the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in the Northern Stateline region, managing incentives negotiations with some of Illinois’ largest manufacturing companies. Prior to working for the State of Illinois, Zethmayr managed foreign direct investment strategy for the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, spearheading efforts to attract investment from China and Western European aerospace companies.

Zethmayr represents the Greater Rockford Airport Authority in Northern Illinois to administer its foreign trade zone and assists companies in implementing FTZ strategies across the United States.
Zethmayr is a recognized expert in her industry, with articles published in Expansion Solutions Magazine and privately commissioned whitepapers.

Hosted by CenterPoint Energy

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Cocktails and Conversations

Cocktails and Conversations

Board Meeting (Board Members Only)

Board Meeting (Board Members Only)

Forum Kick-Off Lunch

Forum Kick-Off Lunch

Welcome

Welcome

Current State of the Economy

Current State of the Economy

Break

Break

A Site Selection Perspective on Data Centers and Power

A Site Selection Perspective on Data Centers and Power

How Data Centers are Shaping Utility Strategies

How Data Centers are Shaping Utility Strategies

Peer to Peer and Member Connection

Peer to Peer and Member Connection

Welcome Reception and Dinner

Welcome Reception and Dinner

Breakfast

Breakfast

Maximizing Scarce Resources

Maximizing Scarce Resources

Break

Break

Panel: Unlocking New Site Opportunities

Panel: Unlocking New Site Opportunities

Lunch

Lunch

UEDA Committee Reports

UEDA Committee Reports

State Engagement on Load Growth: Unlocking Critical Conversations to Meet Energy Needs

State Engagement on Load Growth: Unlocking Critical Conversations to Meet Energy Needs

Break

Break

Powering Forward: Grid Resilience, Energy Storage, and Stakeholder Collaboration

Powering Forward: Grid Resilience, Energy Storage, and Stakeholder Collaboration

Beyond the Meter: How Utilities & EDOs Can Drive Growth Together

Beyond the Meter: How Utilities & EDOs Can Drive Growth Together

Happy Hour

Happy Hour

Dine Around (New Friends Dinners)

Dine Around (New Friends Dinners)

Breakfast

Breakfast

Member Showcase

Member Showcase

Peer to Peer Wrap Up

Peer to Peer Wrap Up

Courtney Dunbar

Director – Site Selection of Burns & McDonnell

Jonathan Dusenberry

Burns & McDonnell

Tony Gardner

Senior Vice president and Ceif Customer Officer at CenterPoint Energy

Kera Gautreau

Energy Transition and Sustainability Solutions for Families, Communities, and Businesses at Greater Houston Partnership

Michael Grella

Chief Infrastructure Officer at Active Infrastructure

Kathryn Kline

Senior Technical Advisor at National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioner (NARUC)

Scott D. Livingston

Director of Economic Development at League City, Texas

Sara Malik

Senior Director, Global Energy Transition of Greater Houston Partnership

Dale Rector

Energy Consultant at Global Location Strategies

Diana Rife

JobsOhio

Jesse Thompson

Senior Business Economist at Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Haley Tomlinson

Senior Economic Development Manager at Duke Energy