2026 Philadelphia Be Utility Wise Agenda & Speakers

Sr. Communications Specialist, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

Shari A. Williams is a highly respected senior communications specialist and key strategist in the field of public outreach and education. With over 26 years of experience at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), she has been instrumental in shaping the agency’s communication strategies to ensure consumers across Pennsylvania—especially low- to moderate-income households and small businesses—have access to critical utility assistance and education.

As a leader in public relations, consumer education, and outreach initiatives, Shari has developed and executed strategic programs that directly impact the lives of millions. She provides key advisory support to the Education and Outreach Team, ensuring innovative engagement strategies reach even the most underserved communities. Additionally, she collaborates with the Bureau of Consumer Services to oversee and enhance consumer education plans submitted by utility companies statewide.

A driving force behind the PUC’s most impactful educational events, Shari and her colleagues have successfully hosted more than eight major conferences annually for the past 20 years, a testament to her dedication and influence. Signature programs such as Be Utility Wise and Be Wise human services professional development conferences have empowered thousands of professionals, advocates, and consumers with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the utility landscape. The reach and impact of these initiatives have been substantial, reinforcing Shari’s role as a trailblazer in consumer advocacy and public service.

Beyond her work at the PUC, Shari has held several prominent leadership positions in the energy sector. She previously served as President of the Women’s Energy Network, Vice President of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (Philadelphia Chapter) and was a key member of an Energy Transition Team. Her leadership in these roles has helped drive equity, innovation, and sustainability within the energy industry.

A champion for STEM education, Shari earned her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Eastern University in 2004 and was recognized in 2019 as one of Philadelphia’s top STEM advocates for her transformative work with the Ipraxis program. Her commitment to bridging the gap between consumers and utility providers continues to shape policies and programs that positively impact communities across Pennsylvania.

CEO, DiverseForce & P4 Hub

Sulaiman W. Rahman is the Founder and CEO of DiverseForce, a governance and AI transformation firm helping mission-driven organizations strengthen leadership, modernize governance, and drive inclusive innovation. Known for advancing board excellence in the age of artificial intelligence, he works at the intersection of strategy, governance, and talent to help institutions evolve while staying grounded in human-centered leadership.

Through the flagship DiverseForce on Boards program, delivered in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, Rahman has helped train more than 400 professionals for nonprofit governance and supported over 350 board placements. Building on more than 75 executive searches and governance engagements, his work focuses on equipping boards and executive teams to lead through complexity, technological disruption, and shifting societal expectations.

Rahman is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied engineering and entrepreneurship across the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Wharton School. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Lenfest Institute for Journalism and Mastery Charter Schools. He formerly served as Chairman of the Board of the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA/NJ/DE and of Philanthropi Charitable. A nationally recognized voice on nonprofit governance, innovation, and leadership, he is a frequent speaker and advisor to foundations, civic institutions, and executive leaders seeking to strengthen governance for lasting impact.

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Senior Hearing Examiner, Philadelphia Gas Company

Heidi is a public utility lawyer who currently serves as Senior Hearing Examiner for the Philadelphia Gas Commission. She has also worked at the Pennsylvania PUC as an Assistant Counsel and  Senior Prosecutor. A graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law, Heidi was a member of the Women’s Law Caucus and on the editorial board of Temple’s International and Comparative Law Journal in which her note on the Good Friday Agreement was published.  Heidi is the President-Elect of the Women’s Energy Network Philadelphia Chapter, a coach for Girls on the Run, and a volunteer judge for collegiate and law school mock trials. She has also assisted with electric sector training in Cambodia, natural gas regulatory efforts in Tanzania, dispute resolution training for regulators in Bangladesh (virtual), mentoring women in the utility sector in Albania (virtual), and the Advancing Women Leaders in Energy conference in Montenegro.

Director of Communications, State Representative Andre Carrol

Kelby serves as the Communications Director for State Representative Andre D. Carroll. A 2025 Temple University graduate, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a certification in Forensic Psychology. He is currently preparing to pursue a career as an attorney to reform our nation’s justice system and significantly improve the quality of life of underserved communities.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Kelby got his start in public service with Philadelphia City Councilmember Anthony Phillips where he worked to inform and uplift residents of the 8th Council District. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a member of the NAACP’s Young Adults Committee, Kelby aspires to continue providing service and advocacy in our communities throughout his career.

Sr. Communications Specialist, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

Shari A. Williams is a highly respected senior communications specialist and key strategist in the field of public outreach and education. With over 26 years of experience at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), she has been instrumental in shaping the agency’s communication strategies to ensure consumers across Pennsylvania—especially low- to moderate-income households and small businesses—have access to critical utility assistance and education.

As a leader in public relations, consumer education, and outreach initiatives, Shari has developed and executed strategic programs that directly impact the lives of millions. She provides key advisory support to the Education and Outreach Team, ensuring innovative engagement strategies reach even the most underserved communities. Additionally, she collaborates with the Bureau of Consumer Services to oversee and enhance consumer education plans submitted by utility companies statewide.

A driving force behind the PUC’s most impactful educational events, Shari and her colleagues have successfully hosted more than eight major conferences annually for the past 20 years, a testament to her dedication and influence. Signature programs such as Be Utility Wise and Be Wise human services professional development conferences have empowered thousands of professionals, advocates, and consumers with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the utility landscape. The reach and impact of these initiatives have been substantial, reinforcing Shari’s role as a trailblazer in consumer advocacy and public service.

Beyond her work at the PUC, Shari has held several prominent leadership positions in the energy sector. She previously served as President of the Women’s Energy Network, Vice President of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (Philadelphia Chapter) and was a key member of an Energy Transition Team. Her leadership in these roles has helped drive equity, innovation, and sustainability within the energy industry.

A champion for STEM education, Shari earned her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Eastern University in 2004 and was recognized in 2019 as one of Philadelphia’s top STEM advocates for her transformative work with the Ipraxis program. Her commitment to bridging the gap between consumers and utility providers continues to shape policies and programs that positively impact communities across Pennsylvania.

Energy Policy Analyst, PAPUC

Nathan has worked with the Commonwealth for 13 years in various roles.  He came to the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services in 2018 as a utility complaints investigator, reviewing service and termination complaints, and was promoted to Energy Policy Analyst in 2021, where he reviews Universal Service and Energy Conservation Plans and assists with quality control and report drafting.  Nathan is also an avid musician and animal lover.

Community Impact Specialist, PECO

Lauren Fielder is a Community Impact Specialist supporting outreach and engagement across PECO’s service territory. A proud Philadelphia native, she brings more than 15 years of experience in administrative leadership, strategic outreach, and project coordination to her work. Throughout her career, Lauren has supported initiatives that bridge organizational objectives with real‑world community needs, applying a practical, people‑focused lens to complex programs. Her deep understanding of operational coordination and stakeholder engagement allows her to contribute meaningfully to initiatives that strengthen both customer outcomes and organizational impact.

In her current role, Lauren contributes to enterprise‑wide outreach efforts and plays a key role in advancing PECO’s Outreach Initiative. She collaborates closely with hospitals, health agencies, and community partners to connect customers with essential assistance programs and resources. Lauren has supported and helped facilitate several of PECO’s signature initiatives, including the Annual MEAF Golf Fundraiser, PECO LIHEAP Day, Community Engagement’s Virtual Customer Engagement program, and PECO Low‑Income Customer Simulation events. Through these efforts, she has supported thousands of customers and community partners by expanding access to the knowledge, tools, and guidance needed to navigate utility services. Her work reflects a strong commitment to consumer advocacy, public service, and the delivery of measurable, community‑focused outcomes.

Grounded in her Philadelphia roots, Lauren brings a collaborative, results‑driven approach to community outreach. She is known for her ability to coordinate across teams, align efforts with stakeholder expectations, and support programs that are both responsive and sustainable. Guided by purpose and a deep commitment to service, Lauren translates strategy into action and partnerships into progress—strengthening trust, elevating community voice, and helping deliver lasting impact for Philadelphia and the customers PECO serves, today and for the long term.

Manager, Community Affairs & Constituent Services, PGW

Nyisha Chapman serves as the Manager of Community Affairs & Constituent Services in the External  & Government Affairs Department for the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW). PGW is the largest municipally owned gas utility in the nation.

Ms. Chapman is responsible for managing and establishing key stakeholder interface with the community, legislators and various Philadelphia neighborhood constituencies.  She develops initiatives that promote good will and fosters relationships with community leaders in addition to providing strategic and tactical counsel to PGW executive team and staff. She develops and executes PGW’s long term community outreach and consumer education plans. Ms. Chapman has served as a panelist at many community forums; educating the City of Philadelphia about conservation, weatherization and gas utility products and services.

She has been recognized by several local and state legislators for her work in the community. She was a recipient of the Community Service award and Women’s History Image Award – for providing education to the community, presented by Senator Vincent Hughes, the recipient of the Next Generation of Leadership: Rising Stars award and Legislative District Image Award for her commitment to Public Service.

As an active member in the community, Ms. Chapman has been involved in numerous projects with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, National Coalition of 100 Black Women-Pennsylvania Chapter, Concerned Parents Network, City of Philadelphia and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Senior Policy Analyst, WRB

Kaileigh Murphy is the Senior Policy Analyst for the Water Revenue Bureau in the City of Philadelphia, where they co-lead efforts to design and implement water affordability programs that advance equity and water security for all customers. They also collaborate across sectors as a City Collaborator with the Food Policy Advisory Council, serve as a jurisdiction leader with the Government Alliance on Racial Equity, and contributed to the City’s Budget Equity Committee in 2023 and 2024. Their work reflects a deep commitment to social and environmental justice, informed by prior experience in school fundraising and environmental lobbying. Kaileigh recently completed a two-year non-resident fellowship with the Center for Water Security and Cooperation focused on water and sanitation law and is an active member of the United States Society of Ecological Economics. Their expertise centers on co-governance, the triple bottom line, and what they call “revolutionary optimism,” a forward-thinking approach to equity, sustainability, and accessing basic services. 

Senior Customer Care Coordinator, Aqua

Lesley Dix is a Sr. Customer Care Coordinator for Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. an Essential Utility Co one of the largest publicly traded water & wastewater providers in the United States, serving over 497,000 in Pennsylvania. In this role she coordinates customer service activities for the state involving meter reading, billing, account maintenance and executive complaints.

Lesley has over 30 years’ experience working for regulated utility companies which include telephone & water & wastewater industry. Previously before accepting her current role at Aqua, she has over six years of telecommunication call center trainer & supervisor experience for a company that served eleven states.

Years after beginning a position at Aqua, she began pursuing a bachelorette degree. In 2017 she completed her Associate Degree in Liberal Art from Delaware County Community College. In 2021 graduating studies at Saint Joseph’s University with a Bachelorette in Organizational Development, with a minor in Managing Human Capitol. Lesley is the current co-chair of Essential Utilities Black Resource Group (BRG) & serves as an active member of the Employee Resource Group Council.

When she is not working, she enjoys serving the community. For over 4 years she has served as minority inspector for both primary & general elections. She a committee member collaborating with William Penn School District documenting and implementing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion policy. She has performed with Philadelphia mass choirs at Kimmel Center during Philly Pops & Soulful Christmas. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, poetry & traveling.

Senior Community Relations Specialist, PECO

David Oliver serves as a Senior Community Relations Specialist at PECO, where he focuses on strengthening partnerships, advancing community impact, and elevating programs that support customers across the region. His work centers on building relationships, coordinating high visibility initiatives and ensuring that PECO remains a trusted and engaged community partner.

David brings more than seventeen years of leadership experience from the United States Army along with a proven record at Exelon that includes roles in Business Analytics, Materials and Logistics and enterprise-wide community engagement. He also serves as President of PECO’s Organization of Latinos at Exelon chapter and holds committee and board roles with veteran and neighborhood organizations. His work has been recognized by senior leadership and he continues to focus on developing future leaders, supporting underserved communities and driving meaningful change.

Vice Chair, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

Kimberly M. Barrow was nominated to serve as Public Utility Commissioner by Gov. Josh Shapiro on April 14, 2023, and subsequently confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate on August 30, 2023. Her term will expire on April 1, 2028. She was elected Vice Chair by her fellow commissioners on August 31, 2023, and re-elected on December 29, 2025. Vice Chair Barrow has been involved in the utility regulation industry for more than two decades.

Vice Chair Barrow serves on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Board of Directors and she is a member of the NARUC Committee on Electricity. Vice Chair Barrow has served as a member of the NARUC Joint Federal-State Task Force on Electric Transmission as well as the FERC-NARUC Current Issues Collaborative, and in 2026 she joined the Nuclear Waste Strategy Coalition. The Vice Chair is a member of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, and has served as a member of the Pennsylvania Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, Barrow worked as Chief of Staff for Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille. As part of her service in the Chairman’s Office, she provided advice regarding the legal and policy implications of electric, gas, water and transportation matters pending before the Commission; evaluated the impact of state and federal legislation on ratepayers, utility operations, and Commission functions; and communicated with consumers, utility executives and government officials regarding the Commission’s role and initiatives.

From 2008 to 2013, Barrow served as Chief of Staff in the Office of Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner.

Vice Chair Barrow started as a staff attorney at the Commission in 2001.

Vice Chair Barrow is an alumna of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Spanish. She received her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law.

Director of Corporate Community Impact, PECO

Carniesha Kwashie is the Director of Corporate Community Impact at PECO, where she leads corporate social responsibility initiatives and oversees key community partnerships and sponsorships across the region. An award-winning, nationally recognized leader in workforce development and DEI, she previously served as PECO’s Senior Manager of Workforce Development—overseeing the strategic vision for programs like the Infrastructure Academy, Helper Pre-Apprenticeship, and College Scholars. A proud Baltimore native, Carniesha holds a B.A. in Psychology and African American Studies from Temple University and an M.S. in Interior Architecture and Design from Drexel University.

She also contributes her expertise as a board member for several organizations, including the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, Graduate Philadelphia, and Youth Build Philadelphia.

Chief of Staff & SVP Corporate Affairs, PGW

 Melanie McCottry is the Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Communications for the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), the nation’s largest municipally owned natural gas utility, serving over a half a million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the City of Philadelphia.

Ms. McCottry began her energy career with Philadelphia Gas Works in 2009. Her fourteen years of service have seen her steadily advance through the ranks of PGW, and in January of 2023 she was promoted to her present position. In her new role, she contributes to all issues related to the company’s daily operations along with leading on community and legislative priorities that communicate PGW’s core objectives of safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental responsibility to its more than 500,000 customers.

Ms. McCottry is a graduate of Temple University with both a degree in Political Science and a Master of Education in Sports Administration. She also holds an Executive Master of Business and Administration (MBA) from Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia.

She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School which empowers young adults (17–20-year-olds) to develop skills and connect to opportunities by fostering an environment of love, support, and respect for their whole person. Students graduate high school and successfully transition to college and career as critically conscious leaders, committed to positive change for themselves and their communities.

Ms. McCottry resides in the East Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. She is a member of the Leadership Council of the American Gas Association, a 2016 Leadership Philadelphia Fellow and a 2011 graduate of the Urban League of Philadelphia Leadership Forum. Before relocating to Philadelphia, Melanie was raised in Cleveland, Ohio and remains a committed Cleveland sports fan with Midwestern sensibilities.

SVP, Chief Administrative Officer, Aqua

Whitney Kellett is Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states.  In this role, she is responsible for Customer Operations, Customer Programs, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Fleet, Facilities and Physical Security services at Essential Utilities.

Kellett is a veteran business executive who specializes in strategic planning, leadership, execution and fiscal management. She has held senior technology positions in a variety of industries including financial services, global transportation, manufacturing, clinical research, commercial real estate, insurance, private equity, energy and utilities.

Previous to this role, from 2016-2023, Kellett was the Chief Information Officer at Essential Utilities, responsible for all technology strategy, staff, systems and services.  Prior to joining Essential in 2016, Kellett was Chief Information Officer at Atlas Energy, LLC, a publicly-traded, E&P energy company.

Kellett earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia and an Executive Masters of Business Administration at Villanova University, graduating with a 4.0.  In 2022, Kellett won the Philadelphia ORBIE CIO of the Year award for the large enterprise category, and in 2023, Kellett was awarded the Bartley Medallion, the highest scholastic honor bestowed by Villanova University.

Kellett is a member of the Byrn Mawr Hospital Foundation board as well as the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce board.  She lives in Radnor, PA with her husband & 4 children and enjoys golfing, reading, puzzling and Philadelphia sports.

President & Executive Director, Women Against Abuse

Joanna Otero-Cruz has a distinguished history of serving children, families, and survivors of intimate partner violence. She is a seasoned nonprofit leader and public servant with deep roots in the Philadelphia region. She is also an active and respected voice for equity and access at the city and state level.

As President & Executive Director of Women Against Abuse (WAA), Philadelphia’s leading domestic violence service provider, Joanna oversees the implementation of the organization’s mission from both a strategic and operational perspective.

In 2023, Joanna led a $3.6 million renovation and expansion of one of WAA’s residential shelters. This exciting project included renovated program spaces and amenities designed specifically for WAA’s younger clients, who make up more than 60% of WAA’s safe-haven residents. The renovations also included upgraded client rooms, and private bathrooms.

Prior to her work at WAA, Joanna served as Deputy Managing Director for the Community Services for the City of Philadelphia under the Jim Kenney administration. As Deputy Managing Director, she led and oversaw operations for 311, the Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP), the Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Services and Town Watch Integrated Services.

Before joining the Kenney administration Joanna led Concilio, Pennsylvania’s oldest Latino non-profit organization, where she revitalized the agency’s infrastructure and programming. Under her leadership, and after 45 years of business, Concilio got its new home— a brand-new 30,000 square-foot facility in the Hunting Park neighborhood along with an improved financial footing. As the Executive Director of Concilio, Joanna oversaw the organization’s core programming as well as the Latino community’s historic events – the Hispanic Fiesta and the Puerto Rican Week Festival culminating with the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Notably, under her leadership, Concilio was appointed as the East Division Victims Services provider by the District Attorney’s Office of the City of Philadelphia.

Throughout her career, Joanna has served as Commissioner through Governor Tom Wolf’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA), CEIBA Coalition, and Women’s Way and Youth Valley House. Currently, she serves as the Board President of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV).

Joanna Otero-Cruz has been the recipient of numerous awards, which include, 6abc’s Philly Proud Community Leader Award, the Hispanic Choice Awards Community Impact Award, Philadelphia’s Business Journal 40 Under 40, KYW Women’s Achievement Award, and Aetna Healthcare’s Latina Leadership Award. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Peirce College and is proudly of Costa Rican and Puerto Rican descent.

Community Programs Coordinator, EC​A

Tracey Crawford-Mathis is a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and sustainability, serving as the Community Programs Coordinator at the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) in Philadelphia. In this role, she contributes to ECA’s mission of promoting energy conservation and fostering a sustainable and socially equitable energy future.

Tracey is also the Executive Director and Founder of The Crawford Life Connections Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to providing professional and person-centered services. Her work focuses on educating communities about essential resources, from healthcare and energy services to overall well-being initiatives.

With a deep passion for helping others, Tracey holds a special place in her heart for supporting seniors in her community. Her extensive background in healthcare patient services further underscores her commitment to improving lives and addressing critical needs.

Senior Energy Efficiency Expert, ECA

Michael describes himself as a Sustainability and Energy Conservation Advocate. Michael has been working with ECA in various capacities for more than 10 years after transitioning from a 25+-year career in retail management.  Michael benefited from ECA’s Training Center, earning his industry credentials and certifications beginning in 2009. Michael currently works in the Community Programs department at ECA, delivering presentations and workshops throughout the City of Philadelphia and the state of Delaware, educating community members on DIY weatherization techniques and energy conservation.

Manager, Solarize Greater Philadelphia Program, PEA

Tabeen Hossain manages the Solarize Greater Philadelphia program, the City of Philadelphia-backed initiative to help homeowners and business owners go solar. Through her work, she oversees the vetting of solar installers and solar energy equipment, ensuring consumer protection so residents can go solar with confidence. Tabeen is managing an expansion of the Solarize program throughout the surrounding region, broadening the reach and impact of the Solarize installer network. Outside of her work with PEA, Tabeen is on the board of the Philadelphia chapter of Young Professionals in Energy and volunteers as a cat foster parent with Project MEOW in West Philly. 

Manager, Energy Efficiency & Emerging Customer Programs, PGW

Zach Popkin is the Manager of Energy Efficiency Programs at PGW, where he oversees PGW’s market-rate energy efficiency portfolio, EnergySense, and its low income weatherization program, Home Comfort. Prior to managing PGW’s energy efficiency programs, Zach has experience in residential construction management and as a BPI-certified Energy Auditor. He currently lives in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia with his wife, son, and their two dogs.

Senior Advisor, Philadelphia Register of Wills

April Scott Street is the Senior Advisor for the Philadelphia Register of Wills responsible for outreach and engagement across the city. This information is critical to encourage estate planning, so constituents can maintain inherited wealth, prevent tangled titles, and reduce tax liabilities and penalties because of protracted probate.

She began her professional career in the medical field. She worked at Cooper Hospital as a surgical technician in the labor and delivery department. Her next professional move was to Camden County Correctional Facility as a medical assistant then she worked at American Red Cross as a phlebotomist.

While caring for her father during his illness she began a career in real estate to have a flexible schedule while managing his medical needs. She is a licensed Real Estate Agent, a member of National Association of Real Estate Brokers, (NAREB), and National Association of REALTORS®. She has worked in property management, is a licensed contractor, and construction manager. She has owned a dry-cleaning business in addition to creating a mobile notary public company. In her leisure time she serves on the board of directors of Uptown Entertainment and Development Corporations, the owners of the Historic Uptown Theater.

She is married to State Senator Sharif Street, has five children and six grandchildren. In addition to her own children, April has been a kinship caregiver for two decades providing guidance and love to countless young people both school age and in college.

Executive Director, WORC

Small Business Advocate, PA Office of Small Business Advocate

NazAarah Sabree is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in community and economic development. In her current role as Pennsylvania's Small Business Advocate, she represents and advocates for small businesses with 250 employees or fewer in regulated utility matters across the Commonwealth. As the first woman of color to hold this position and a leader of the only agency of its kind in the nation, her work focuses on developing and implementing programs, policies, and protections that promote safety, affordability, and reliability while eliminating barriers to small business success. From strengthening operational capacity to navigating regulatory challenges, NazAarah brings a strategic, collaborative approach to helping businesses sustain and grow.

NazAarah earned her BA from Temple University’s Fox School of Business. She was inducted into the Overbrook High School Hall of Fame and named one of Pennsylvania’s most influential leaders in their forties. She is also a proud mother of two.

Workforce Development Manger, Outreach & Programs, PECO

Michele Wells-Bates serves as the Workforce Development Manager for Outreach and Programs at PECO, where she plays a pivotal role in ensuring that youth in the Greater Philadelphia area receive quality STEM education and that job seekers are connected to sustainable opportunities within the energy industry. Her responsibilities include strategic relationship development and grant funding for over 30 non-profit community partners.

Before her current position, Michele held the position of Marketing Program Manager at PECO. In this role, she was responsible for promoting energy efficiency programs to 1.6 million residential customers. Additionally, she spearheaded the launch of the Neighborhood Natural Gas Program, extending natural gas services to previously unserved neighborhoods.

With over two decades of experience in marketing, Michele is highly skilled in brand management,          e-commerce strategy, campaign development, and market research. Prior to joining PECO, she served as the E-Commerce Marketing Manager at the Franklin Mint and as the Brand Manager for Household Products at Sara Lee Household Brands.

Driven by a passion for community service, Michele actively supports various local non-profit organizations and is Vice President of the board for OIC Philadelphia and board member of Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN). 

Michele Wells-Bates holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University, as well as an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Rutgers School of Business in Newark, New Jersey. She has also earned certifications in Non-Profit Leadership from La Salle University and Women’s Leadership from the American Management Association.