What do you do at LG&E and KU, and how does your work help customers?
I am a mechanical engineer at the Trimble County Generating Station, where I manage projects within our air quality control systems. In this role, I work alongside operations and maintenance to lead crews that perform routine inspections and maintenance as well as large projects during outages to ensure these systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.
What does the community you serve mean to you?
I grew up in a small town in Western Kentucky, where community is everything and people rely on one another to help the town thrive. Working in Trimble County feels very similar. It is rewarding to know the work we do at LG&E directly impacts the people around us and helps support the success and well-being of the community.
What’s a moment or part of your job that makes you most proud?
One of the parts of my job that make me most proud is the relationships I’ve built over my eight years at LG&E. I’ve worked with many contractors who have become like family, and I make it a point to know each crew member by name. Growing up, my granny told me, “When you meet someone, always remember their name—it shows how much you care,” and I’ve carried that with me throughout my career. It’s important to me that the people I work with feel valued and appreciated for the work they do every day.
How do you stay involved in your community?
Since joining LG&E in 2018, I have volunteered with the local elementary schools in Trimble County with the engineering department and others to hold “Engineering Club.” We visit Bedford or Milton Elementary once a month to introduce third graders to different engineering disciplines through hands-on activities. I have also recently taken a position with the Friends of KET Board for Carroll, Gallatin, Owen, and Trimble Counties to help advocate for more educational programs and services within Kentucky.
What’s something people might not realize about the work you do?
It takes a village. My name might be listed as the project proponent, but it is a very collaborative process that takes several people with diverse skill sets to succeed.
What are you most excited about when you think about the future and your work at LG&E and KU?
What excites me most about the future of my work at LG&E and KU is the opportunity to continue learning and growing. When I think back to when I started at 23, I remember how much there was to learn and how little I felt I knew. Since then, I’ve gained far more knowledge and experience than I ever expected, particularly in understanding how a power plant operates. The most exciting part is knowing that I’m not finished because there is always more to learn, and I look forward to continuing to develop in my career.
