Opening General Session

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT

Location: CC - Grand Ballroom

Moderator(s)

Rusty Williams

President and CEO
Utilities Technology Council

Keynote Speaker(s)

Catherine Jereza

Assistant Secretary
U.S. Department of Energy
Jim Jones

Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Great River Energy
Rob Sandstrom

President of Superior Water, Light & Power & Vice President, ALLETE Cyber Technology Services
ALLETE
Anthony F. Suppa, Jr., PE

Project Manager
Public Service Electric & Gas
Boonton, New Jersey, United States
David Walter

Vice President Operations Support Services
WEC Energy Group

Speaker(s)

Anthony Vincent Bova

President & Founder
EdgeWork Method

Bringing industry leadership to the main stage, the Utility Executive Panel at the opening general session of the 2026 UTC Telecom & Technology Conference will feature insights from Jim Jones, Rob Sandstrom, and David Walter. Together, these leaders will share perspectives on the evolving utility landscape, innovation in telecommunications, and the technologies shaping the future of the industry.

In addition, the Department of Energy’s Assistant Secretary for Electricity, Catherine Jereza will share federal government energy policy perspectives and discuss agency initiatives to promote and protect utility information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure.

The session will also include special moments that set the tone for the conference ahead—featuring awards presentations recognizing industry excellence, a word from our valued sponsors, and an outgoing message from UTC Chair of the Board, Tony Suppa. Attendees will also take part in a short interactive experience led by Anthony Vincent Bova, adding an engaging and dynamic twist to the closing of the show.