WASHINTON, May 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the annual meeting of the membership of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC) last week, the Board of Directors approved new officers for the 2016-2017 board-year. The meeting was held in conjunction with UTC Telecom & Technology 2016 in Denver.
Outgoing Chairman, Ron Taylor, expressed his sincere appreciation for all the years he has enjoyed working with UTC, stating, "my career expanded as my affiliation with UTC deepened." Ron Taylor will also retire from Salt River Project after more than 43 years of service. The gavel has been passed to Matt Schnell of Nebraska Public Power District as the new Chairman of the Board of UTC.
Maynard "Matt" Schnell is the ITT Telecom Manager at Nebraska Public Power District. He has worked in the telecom industry for 38 years in management, engineering and field operations/maintenance. Matt served in the U.S. Navy aboard nuclear submarines for six years and holds a bachelor's degree in business and master's degree in administration from Doane College. At the UTC Telecom & Technology 2016 conference, he received the Connie Durcsak Visionary Award and the Meehan Award. Matt and his wife, Deb, have one daughter, Amanda.
"Take advantage of opportunities as UTC members! Take the opportunity participate in UTC activities, committees, divisions and councils. Take the opportunity to be engaged and involved in the utility technology issues that face each of our companies," said Schnell.
Additionally, the Board unanimously elected Kathy Nelson from Great River Energy as the Vice Chair and Roger Bryant from Southern Company as the new Secretary/Treasurer. Jason Griffith of American Electric Power will serve a second term as Immediate-Past Chairman of the Board, since Ron Taylor will retire from Salt River Project in the coming weeks.
About UTC
The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. www.UTC.org