WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It is with profound sorrow that the Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) announces the sudden and unexpected death of its President and CEO, Connie Durcsak. Connie was a visionary leader, friend and colleague. Under her leadership, UTC expanded the depth and breadth of its global membership, and increased its advocacy and information to include a range of new issues. She set a new vision for UTC as the source and resource for the industry on all matters related to communications and information technologies for utilities, pipeline companies and other critical infrastructure industries. Her professional leadership on utility industry issues such as spectrum management, cybersecurity and utility modernization combined with her ability to set the strategic direction of utility advocacy efforts has moved the whole industry forward.
"Connie was a strong leader, a great visionary and an outstanding wife, mother, friend and mentor," said Ron Taylor, Chairman of the Board of UTC. "We are all in a state of shock at this unbelievable loss and we ask for prayers and support for her family, the UTC staff and the greater UTC membership."
CFO Steve Vick has been named interim CEO. Vick stated, "We have a hole in our organization that will not be easily filled. We are heartbroken right now, but the entire UTC staff and Board of Directors are dedicated to ensuring that the work Connie began within UTC will continue to flourish in support of our members and our industry."
Background: Connie Durcsak was appointed President and CEO of UTC in 2011. She was responsible for the strategic and day‐to‐day activity of all of UTC's operating units and interests and was a voting member of the Executive Committee an officer of UTC's Board of Directors.
Connie joined UTC from the Personal Communications Industry Association (PCIA) where she served as Senior Director of Industry Services responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Association's public policy program at the national, state and local levels. Before joining PCIA, Durcsak served as a Principal Consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP.
She earned a Master's degree in Business from Marymount University and a BA and BEd from Acadian University in Nova Scotia, Canada. Durcsak was recently honored by Fierce Energy as one of the 15 most influential people in energy.
Connie is survived by her husband, David, and two daughters. No arrangements are known at this time. Please honor the privacy of the family during this difficult time and refer any questions to the Utilities Telecom Council staff.
About UTC
Founded in 1948, the Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) is a global trade association representing the communications and information technology interests of electric, gas and water utilities, pipeline companies and other critical infrastructure. The Council serves as the source and resource for our members to deploy technology and solutions that deliver secure, reliable and affordable mission critical services. With offices around the world, UTC provides information, products and services that help members:
- Manage their telecommunications and information technology more effectively and efficiently
- Voice their concerns to legislators and regulators
- Identify and capitalize on opportunities linked to deregulation worldwide
- Network with other utility leaders, telecom, technology and IT professionals
Serving the industry for more than 60 years, UTC's Mission is to shape the future of utility mission critical technologies by driving innovation, fostering collaboration and influencing public policy. www.UTC.org
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