Time: 9:00 AM- 9:30 AM

Plenary Session:

Master of Ceremonies: Eric Alemany, Senior Director Supplier Relationship Management
Safety Moment: Aziza Gamble, Supplier Diversity Specialist

Speakers:
Daniella Piper, EVP & Chief Innovation Officer
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Assembly Majority Whip, Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises *Invited
Jason Clark, EVP, Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development, Empire State Development
Julissa Gutierrez, Chief Diversity Officer, Office of the Governor Kathy Hochul

Time: 9:30 am – 10:15 am

Signature Session:
New York Power Authority / Canals Expanded Commitment to Our Communities

Moderator:
Nancy Harvey, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Speakers: 
Sandra Bleckman, Workforce Development Project Director
Sarah Brannen, Director, Environmental Justice
William Choi, Director, Supplier Diversity

Discussion: Join us for our signature workshop covering New York Power Authority and Canals efforts to build sustainable, economically vibrant communities. We will explore opportunities for diverse and local businesses, our commitment to environmental justice through public education and community energy projects and highlight innovative workforce pathways designed to equip our communities with the skills needed for future success. Engage with experts and collaborate on strategies to create a sustainable and equitable future for all New Yorkers.

Time: 10:30 am - 11:15 am

Major Projects:
Infrastructure Projects to Build a Brighter New York

Moderator:
Kedaar Raman, Senior Director, Corporate Strategy

Speakers: 
Adam Jacoby, Program Director, Project Management
Eric Pedersen, Sr. Director, Project Planning
Rosaria Obazee, Sr. Program Director, Project Management
Sylvia Louie, Director, Business Development

Discussion: Join us for an insightful session on key infrastructure projects where we delve the technological energy transformations shaping the future of our state. We will discuss major transmission projects, including Smart Path Connect and Propel NY Energy, which aim to modernize and enhance our state energy grid. Learn about our commitment to clean energy, our efforts to build renewables, and initiatives that will help New York transition towards a more sustainable future. Additionally, we will highlight our involvement in the World Canals Conference and the innovative projects arising from this global collaboration. Engage with industry experts and discover how these large-scale infrastructure efforts are paving the way for a brighter, more resilient New York.

Time: 10:30 am - 11:15 am

Major Projects:
Supporting Our Customers Journey towards Clean Energy + Energy Efficiency

Moderator:
Gina Jackson, Supplier Diversity Program Administrator 

Speakers:
Guy Sliker, Director, Customer Solution-Flex Resource, R&D
Nicholas Peretta, Director, eMobility Technology & Engineering
Ravi Shankar, Director, Energy Efficiency
Robert Malcolm, Category Manager, Professional Services

Discussion: New York Power Authority is focused on helping our customer base achieve their bold energy efficiency goals. We will explore the Customer Project Delivery team, which ensures seamless implementation of energy projects, and Evolve NY, our statewide electric vehicle fast charging infrastructure program. Discover our efforts to lead decarbonization projects for customers. Engage with experts and learn how these pioneering efforts are driving the transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy future.

Time: 11:30 am – 12:15 pm

Key Topics:
Construction Projects: Complying with New Safety and Sustainability Requirements 

Moderator:
Anne O’Malley, Supplier Diversity Contract Compliance Manager

Speakers:
Alexandra Leader, Program Manager, Sustainability
Elizabeth Clarke-Pilgrim, Manager, Corporate Insurance
Kenneth Kristensen, Program Director, Project Management
Steve Rutledge, VP, Environmental, Health and Safety

Discussion: Learn about the latest standards and expectations shaping the construction industry. We will discuss the importance of diversity in the supply chain and Executive Order 22 Sustainability Requirements that encourage environmentally responsible construction practices. Gain insights from our experts on construction safety practices, including new tools and our expectations to ensure a secure working environment. Engage with industry leaders and experts to understand how these new requirements may impact your projects and how to successfully navigate them.

Time: 11:30 am – 12:15 pm

Key Topics:
Robotics/AI in the Utility Sector

Moderator:
Alyson Danielewicz, Supplier Diversity Programs Manager

Speakers:
Daniel Wasley, Sr. Director, Security Operation & Deputy CISO
James Haley, Sr. Category Manager
Matthew Lengel, Director, Fleet Marine Infrastructure Management, Canals
Peter Kalaitzidis, Sr. Manager, Robotics Program

Discussion: Explore the transformative impact of robotics and artificial intelligence on the utility industry. Discover how these cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing operations, enhancing efficiency, and supporting sustainable practices in energy and water management. Gain insights from industry experts on the latest advancements and practical applications of AI and robotics and learn how they are driving innovation and sustainability in the utility sector.

Time: 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm

Remarks by: Kenneth W. Jenkins, County Executive of Westchester County

Time: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm

Key Topics:
Derisking Projects by Increasing Resiliency

Moderator:
Wiliam Williams Adzimah, Supplier Risk Specialist

Speakers:
Ian Hazen, Director of Facilities & Services
Jungmin Hou, Project Manager II
Lindsay Hayden, Site Manager, Transactional Procurement
Philip Coolberth, Director, Supply Chain Risk

Discussion: In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, New York Power Authority and the Canal Corporation identify and mitigate risks, ensuring the continuity and success of our operations. Suppliers must protect our shared interests and strengthen supply chain relationships to contribute to more reliable and robust project outcomes. Engage with experts and peers to explore strategies for enhancing resilience and securing the future of our collaborative efforts while identifying and minimizing risk.

Time: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm

Key Topics:
Supplier-Led Innovations

Moderator:
Kylie Murphy, Category Manager

Speakers: 
Jessica Swansen, Manager, Organizational & Talent Development
Laura Yu, Sr. Director, Enterprise Change Management & Engagement
Tabitha Robinson-Zogby, Senior Director Product Management, Customer Experience

Discussion: Let us guide you on how to present cutting-edge solutions to New York Power Authority and Canals. Learn about the innovative products and solutions that our organization has been developing and discover the best practices for showcasing your own innovations. Engage with our experts and gain insights into successfully collaborating with New York Power Authority and Canals to drive forward-thinking projects and technologies.