Vice President Human Resources & Chief People Officer
Jeff Willman
Senior Vice President, Operations
Ed Bukovac
Vice President Water Operations
J.P. Ghio
Vice President Energy Operations
Melissa Lawson
Vice President Customer Operations
Sara Mamuska-Morris
Vice President Capital Programs & Engineering
COMPANY VISION:
Enhance the well-being of our customers, communities, and employees by providing unparalleled service now and for generations to come.
COMPANY MISSION:
We fulfill the Promise of the Trust to provide essential utility services for our customers and communities, maintain the lowest possible rates with sound financial management, and create the greatest long-term benefit through a unique business structure.
ENGAUGE
Engauge is published by Citizens Energy Group, Corporate & Public Affairs Department, under the direction of Shannon Stahley, Director of Corporate & Public Affairs. It is distributed to the company’s employees and retirees, and to other interested parties upon request. The Corporate & Public Affairs Department welcomes any ideas, comments, or suggestions from readers on how this publication might better serve you. Please email alowe@citizensenergygroup.com or call 317.927.4336.
Editor: Adam Lowe
Contributors:
Ben Easley
Alex Haberfield
Susan Harris
Melissa Hehmann
Staci Turner
Terri Zaichek
Graphic Arts:
Wayne Stohs
Joel Bustamante
Bryan Bolinger Receives Healthy Citizen Award
We proudly recognize Bryan Bolinger for the Healthy Citizen Award for his commitment to personal health and well-being. Bryan was nominated by his supervisor, Brandon Carter, who had this to say:
“Bryan has been with Citizens for nearly a year and has really impressed me. In his interview, he mentioned wanting to work for an organization that supported healthier lifestyle opportunities through benefits, wellness resources, and a positive work environment— and he has fully embraced those opportunities.
“In his previous role, frequent travel made it difficult to maintain healthy routines. Determined to make a change, Bryan set clear goals for himself and took meaningful steps to improve his wellbeing. He has proactively scheduled and attended doctor’s appointments to get important health matters in check, hired a personal trainer for accountability and guidance, completely changed his diet, and joined a gym that he consistently attends multiple times each week—often working out before reporting to work at 7:30 AM
“His dedication and discipline have paid off in a big way. Through his consistent effort and commitment, Bryan has lost 50 pounds and made a remarkable transformation in his health.”
Let’s congratulate Bryan on making a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. He is most deserving of the Healthy Citizen Award!
A Healthy Citizen is an individual nominated by a coworker who believes they have made a significant wellness achievement and should be recognized for their accomplishments. Winners are recognized in Engauge and receive a monetary award.
Examples of a significant wellness achievement:
• Accomplishes significant health improvement
• Actively participates in onsite events and programs
• Supports and encourages healthy behaviors
• Models a healthy lifestyle
• Participates in community events related to health and wellnessParticipates in community events related to health and wellness
We’re recognizing 15 individuals who retired from Citizens Energy Group in 2025. Combined, our retirees provided more than 450 years of service to Citizens!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
May
6
Health & Wellness Fair
–
Langsdale - Garage Area
Mini Marathon Pit Station
May
2
For the 13th year, Citizens will support a pit station inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the first turn, helping replenish runners with water. All employees who participate are eligible to receive 25 Well Points for this event.
Throughout May – Virtually on Citizens Connect
Vendors will be on site to answer your questions about your benefits. Donate old eyeglasses to the Lion’s Club, join the workshops in the Board Room, donate blood at the Blood Mobile, or get an optional glucose screening with Verve Health. . Participate in the fair in person or online and earn 50 Well Points!
Greatest Spectacle in Pickleball
May 15-17
The annual Greatest Spectacle in Pickleball tournament, now part of Citizens family of events, is returning for its fifth year to benefit the Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation™. Registration is $65 and $10 per event. To guarantee T-shirt size, please pay by Wednesday, April 22. Final registration is Wednesday, May 6.
Summer Celebration
May 29
Citizens employees are invited to join colleagues, family, and friends for an evening of fun, including a picnic, baseball game, and fireworks! The game will be held on Friday, May 29 at 6:00 PM. Tickets will be available for sale via iTrust.
Safety Day Events
Westfield – June 3
Thermal – June 4
Meter Readers (Langsdale) –June 9 (7:00 – 9:00 AM)
Belmont – June 10
General Office – June 16
Underground – June 23
Langsdale – June 25
All times are 11:00 AM-1:00 PM unless noted. Employees are invited to enjoy food and fun at any of our Safety Day events. You’ll earn tickets for activities and a chance to win great prizes. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for our June safety-themed issue of Engauge. More details including schedules will be posted on iTrust.
For More Information, Email Darren Baker: dbaker@citizensenergygroup.com
Citizens employees are invited to take part in the 2026 Indiana Sports Corp Corporate Challenge presented by Elevance Health at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on June 26. Citizens will compete against other similarlysized o rganizations from across the state in this corporate sports tournament. From cornhole to total body fitness, home run derby, pickleball, football toss, bucket golf, running and cycling, obstacles courses, soccer shootout, yoga, and Zumba, there is truly something for everyone!
Employees must register via iTrust. Family members are invited to enjoy the spectacle and participate in family-friendly activities throughout the day. Registration is free!
For More Information, Email Alex Haberfield: ahaberfield@citizensenergygroup.com
Submit Graduate Info June 30
For More Information, Email Adam Lowe: alowe@citizensenergygroup.com
Each summer, Citizens recognizes current employees and their family members who graduate from high school or college. To be sure you and/ or your loved ones are included in the graduate section of the July/August Engauge, complete the graduate announcement form on iTrust by June 30. Please be sure to attach a photo of each graduate!
CELEBRATING OUR 2025 RETIREES
Congratulations to the 15 individuals who retired from Citizens Energy Group in 2025! Annually in Engauge, we recognize the prior year’s retirees for their service to the Trust. Thank you for your commitment to delivering operational excellence and outstanding customer service during your careers at Citizens. We wish you all the best in your retirement. Combined, our 2025 retirees dedicated more than 450 years of service to Citizens!
John “Joe” Anderson, Steam Distribution Operator
Retired in January after more than 37 years of service.
Joe started with Citizens in 1987 as a Utility Service Specialist at Citizens Coke Plant.
From the Coke Plant to Langsdale to Perry K, Joe held positions including Utility Service Specialist, Machine Operator B, Valve and Hydrant Mechanic, and most recently, Steam Distribution Operator. Joe took great care throughout his career to pass on his years of experience to new Steam employees.
Jill Casky, Executive Assistant
Retired in September after more than 22 years of service.
Jill Casky retired after more than 22 years of service, supporting the efficient operations of Citizens and doing her part to ensure the delivery of essential utility services for our customers and communities.
John Cooksey, Plant Operator
Retired in December after more than 41 years of service.
John retired in December 2025. During his more-than-40-year career with Citizens, he worked in multiple capacities including Water Apprentice, Maintenance Relief Operator, and Plant Operator.
Robert Daily, Plant Operator II
Retired in December after more than 48 years of service.
Robert retired in December 2025. Robert came over with the Veolia acquisition in August 2011 as a Plant Operator. At the time of his retirement, he was a Plant Operator II in the Water Production department. Robert worked for the Water utility for more than 48 years total.
Charles Hadden, Technical Specialist II Gas
Retired in January after more than 33 years of service.
Charles retired in February 2025 after more than 33 years of service. Charles worked in multiple capacities in CP&E, including as an Engineering Analyst, Technical Specialist II, and a Technical Specialist II Gas.
Anthony “Tony” Linville, Systems Engineer II – Microsoft
Retired in December after more than 28 years of service.
Tony began his career with Citizens in 1997 and was involved in multiple high-profile projects including Windows server upgrades, and disaster recovery testing. He recalled preparing Citizens infrastructure for Y2K: “We spent months preparing, and when midnight finally arrived, most of the IT team was present to watch the clock turn. Nothing happened - which meant success. In our line of work, success often goes unnoticed; the business simply comes in, logs into their PCs, and gets to work without disruption.” Tony is spending his retirement taking woodworking classes, learning new languages, taking fishing trips, and spending more time with his grandchildren.
Lisa Oaks, Safety and Security Administrator
Retired in January after more than 24 years of service.
Lisa joined Citizens in 2001 and held positions including Administrative Assistant for Customer Service, and later for Security, as well as Security Administrative Coordinator. She assisted with many security projects throughout her career, including the acquisition of water and wastewater. Lisa also played a major role in coordinating Safety Day events since their inception. Sadly, Lisa passed away on July 11, 2025.
Michael O’Gara, Steam Distribution Operator
Retired in January after more than 14 years of service.
Over the course of his career, Michael held positions including Turbine Boiler Auxiliary Operator, Water Attendant, Stock Person, and most recently, Steam Distribution Operator. He was well known and well respected on his team and made a big impact on the areas in which he served.
Curtis Popp, Vice President Customer Operations
Retired in September after more than 30 years of service.
Over his 30-year career with Citizens, Curtis served as a Project Engineer, Delivery Service Support Manager, Manager of Gas Control, Manager of Mid-Stream Assets, Director of Treasury, Director of Shared Field Services, and Vice-President of Engineering and Shared Field Services. As Vice President Customer Operations, Curtis was a leader in a wide array of vital projects, including the Voice of the Customer initiative and developing Eight Best Practices of Owning the Customer Experience.
Robert “Tommy” Reese, Contact Center Supervisor
Retired in June after more than 22 years of service.
Tommy began his career at Citizens in 2003 as a Customer Relations Team Leader and was promoted to Contact Center Supervisor in 2011. Tommy was a key part of the Contact Center, providing oversight of the operation of the area.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Tommy was honored with a nomination for the Rose Award in May 2025—a fitting tribute to the positive impact he made on his colleagues, the organization, and our customers.
In retirement, Tommy will spend time with family, travel, take up pottery, and maybe even learn Spanish.
2025 RETIREES
Timothy Salts, Steam & Chilled Water Distribution
Retired in December after more than 27 years of service.
Tim was well known in the Thermal Division as a go-to about almost anything. His time working in Perry K Maintenance and then Steam Distribution led him to interact with everyone. Tim began his career with Citizens in 1998 as a Millwright at the Coke Plant. He moved to Thermal in 2000 where he held positions as Plant Welder, Millwright, Plant Maintenance Supervisor, and the last 12 years as Steam Distribution Supervisor.
Beth Smith, Market Development Analyst
Retired in January after more than 22 years of service.
Beth retired in February 2025 after more than 30 years of service. During her tenure with Citizens she worked in multiple capacities, including roles in Quality & Performance Improvement, Performance Excellence, and Human Resources.
Brian Thomas, Valve & Regulator Mechanic
Retired in February after more than 44 years of service.
Brian started with Citizens in 1981 as a Fitter “B” Hauler, a position he held through 2007. He also worked as Gas Service Specialist and Leak Survey Inspector. Brian had been a Valve & Regulator Mechanic for Gas Operations since 2015.
In his retirement, Brian plans to spend more time with his family, including his four grandchildren. He’ll be spending his free time getting in more games of golf and plans to travel.
Mark Wild, Engineer IV
Retired in December after more than 22 years of service.
Mark retired in December 2025 after more than 22 years of service. During his tenure, Mark worked in multiple Engineering capacities in Thermal, Wastewater, and CP&E.
Michael Williams, Large Piping Specialist
Retired in January after more than 35 years of service.
Michael Williams retired after more than 35 years of service, closing out his career as a Large Piping Specialist. We thank Michael for his hard work and dedication to the Citizens mission.
This retiree list reflects Citizens retirees who achieved 85 points toward receiving their pension. Points are determined by age (triggered at a minimum of 55 years of age) and tenured years of service, totaling at least 85.
Benefits Corner
It can also indicate noise, aging, other health
happening. In general, you are over the age of 50 options: comfort of professional will work with you to hearing loss is detected.
When should I get my hearing checked?
When should I get my hearing checked?
Hearing changes can come on so gradually that you may not even notice it’s happening. In general, you should have your hearing screened every three to five years, and tested annually if you are over the age of 50 or experiencing any of the following:
Hearing changes can come on so gradually that you may not even notice it’s happening. In general, you should have your hearing screened every three to five years, and tested annually if you are over the age of 50 or experiencing any of the following:
• Consistent exposure to loud noises
• Consistent exposure to loud noises
• Difficulty understanding in noisy environments or in groups
If you have noticed changes in your hearing, rest easy. Citizens Energy Group has teamed up with Amplifon to offer you quality hearing health care.
Hearing aid options from the top brands with average savings of 70% off MSRP.*
• Difficulty understanding in noisy environments or in groups
• Asking people to repeat themselves or feeling like they are not speaking clearly
Virtual services
• Asking people to repeat themselves or feeling like they are not speaking clearly
• Ringing in your ears
• Ringing in your ears
• How can I check my hearing?
Getting your hearing checked is now easier than ever with inperson and at-home options:
How can I check my hearing?
Online Hearing Quiz – determine need from the comfort of home using our top-rated quiz
Personalized coaching – enhance adjustment and use of hearing aids
On-demand virtual visits – convenient care for nonclinical support
• Online Hearing Quiz - allows you to confirm if hearing loss is detected from the comfort of home using our CNET top5 rated quiz.
60-day risk-free trial
Getting your hearing checked is now easier than ever with in-person and at-home options:
• In-person hearing evaluation at a network clinic near you. A hearing care professional will work with you to complete an in-depth evaluation of your hearing and propose solutions if hearing loss is detected.
Find your right fit by trying your hearing aids risk-free
• Online Hearing Quiz - allows you to confirm if hearing loss is detected from the comfort of home using our CNET top-5 rated quiz.
Complimentary aftercare
One Year follow-up care - ensures smooth transition to your new hearing aids
• In-person hearing evaluation at a network clinic near you. A hearing care professional will work with you to complete an in depth evaluation of your hearing and propose solutions if hearing loss is detected.
Two Year battery support - battery supply or charging station to keep you powered
Take the first step: amplifonusa.com/lp/citizens
Three Year warranty - coverage for loss, repairs, or damage
See reverse for your benefit information
Employees and spouses can stay up to date on benefit changes, deadlines, and more with Citizens Connect. Scan the QR code to create your own account. Go to Settings and add your phone number or email address to get started.
VOICES of the CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Owning the Customer Experience is a cornerstone of Citizens success, and it is vital to fulfilling our promise as a Public Charitable Trust. We are thrilled to offer this column, Voices of the Customer Experience, dedicated to shining a spotlight on employees who strive to ensure our customers – both external and internal – receive the best experience possible. Their commitment, hard work, and passion for excellence not only drive our business forward but also create a positive and lasting impact on everyone with whom they interact. Join us in celebrating these outstanding individuals who truly embody the spirit of Citizens! Want to celebrate an employee who has delivered an exceptional customer experience? Leave an impression on Citizens Success Academy, or email Adam Lowe at alowe@citizensenergygroup.com.
Evan Sipes
UTILITY HELPER
Julun Staggs
UTILITY HELPER
During challenging winter weather conditions, Utility Helpers Julun Staggs and Evan Sipes demonstrated outstanding awareness, teamwork, and compassion by assisting an elderly driver in distress. Evan Sipes was stopped at a traffic light just behind the driver when he witnessed a box truck traveling at a high speed. To avoid the oncoming truck, the elderly driver swerved and slid into an icy snowbank. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Evan immediately contacted Julun and asked for assistance. Working together, Julun and Evan attempted to break through the ice and shovel the vehicle free while ensuring the driver remained safe. A police officer soon arrived on scene to help, and ultimately a tow truck was dispatched to fully remove the vehicle. Thanks to their quick thinking and willingness to step in, the driver was not left alone in dangerous winter conditions. Julun and Evan’s actions exemplify going above and beyond—showing care for the community, teamwork under pressure, and a strong commitment to doing the right thing.
John Morgan
CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST
VI (CAPITAL PROGRAMS & ENGINEERING)
“John went above and beyond in representing Citizens assets in a way that was both educational and inspiring for young students from St. Richard’s Episcopal School. Hosting more than 20 6th graders and guiding them through multiple facilities, including the drop shaft, DigIndy Art Project sites, and the pump station, reflected strong preparation and enthusiasm for public outreach. Thank you for representing Citizens so well, John.” – CSA Impression for Inspirational Leadership from Shannon Stahley, Director of Corporate and Public Affairs
Allison Walker
ENGINEER II (CAPITAL PROGRAMS & ENGINEERING)
“Well-run meetings! Allison, your positive demeanor and cando attitude is appreciated and a welcome addition to the CLWSP [Citizens-Lebanon Water Supply Program] work. Keep up the great work “Modeling the Way” to internal and external partners in meetings and other interactions! It is a delight to see you modeling the Citizens core values.”
– CSA Impression for Citizens Values in Action from Bruce Cooley, Engineer V.
Rebecca Schaefer
DIRECTOR SUPPLY CHAIN (PURCHASING)
“I was impressed with Becky Schaefer’s effective planning and organizing of the in-person material inventory process for Whitestown. Becky’s approach was methodical, clear, and concise - making it easy to follow given the overwhelming volume of materials to review. I would consider Becky’s leadership a major contributor to the success of the event.”
– CSA Impression for Planning & Organizing from Justin Burnett, Supervisor AMR and Meter Shop
Kenya McMillin
COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER
ENGAGEMENT MANAGER (CORPORATE & PUBLIC AFFAIRS)
“Kenya - Thank you for presenting to the Strategic Planning team (Customer Satisfaction pillar) on the IURC complaint process. Your passion for our customers was so evident, and the information that you shared will help us provide recommendations for future initiatives. Well done!”
– CSA Impression for Customer Focus from Susan Harris, Director Quality Systems
Welcoming the Next Generation BUILT ON TRUST
TRUST
Generation of Citizens Leaders
At Citizens Energy Group, leadership is not defined by your title, job description, or the position you hold. It’s a value, an expectation, shaped by experience, strengthened through collaboration, and sustained by trust—trust in one another, trust with customers, and trust rooted in Citizens mission as a Public Charitable Trust. We prepare and empower all employees to be leaders at work and within the communities we live, and to inspire, innovate, and continuously improve our processes, services, and ourselves.
As our organization looks ahead to change – new developments, evolving infrastructure needs, acquisitions, and the natural transitions that come with leadership retirements –Citizens remains intentional about preparing for what’s next. That preparation takes many forms: long-term planning, leadership training, and continuous upskilling across the organization. But at its core, it reflects a belief that strong leadership is built over time and from within.
In response to those changes, over the past six months, Citizens has welcomed five new officers. They’re not new to Citizens, but they are new to their roles. Combined, they bring nearly 90 years of service at Citizens with them.
For Jeff Willman, Senior Vice President, Operations, leadership at Citizens has always been inseparable from collaboration and long-range thinking. Early in his career, he helped lead a team tasked with converting the Perry K Steam Plant from coal to natural gas while also improving the overall Steam business. “That experience helped me understand the importance of collaboration and teamwork in all that we do at Citizens,” Willman said. It was an early lesson that complex challenges are best solved together.
That perspective deepened after the 2012 drought, when Willman helped lead the development of Citizens first 50-year water supply plan. “The plan was an initial step toward positioning Citizens as a leader in Central Indiana water supply and Indiana water policy development,” he explained. “The experience helped me understand that our leadership responsibilities extend well beyond Citizens and into the broader communities we serve.”
Willman believes that understanding Citizens mission is something that can only come with time. “As a Public Charitable Trust, Citizens is a mission-driven organization that’s focused on improving the quality of life for our beneficiaries,” he said. “From a distance, it’s hard to understand that all of our decisions and actions must clearly align with that single mission.” That clarity, he noted, shapes not just strategy, but everyday interactions.
Leadership, for Willman, also means staying connected to people and purpose. “One of the best parts of my job is unplanned visits with our frontline field and plant employees,” he said. “The words ‘Thank you for your service’ can mean more when not expected.” Those moments reinforce his belief that delivering excellent service should be both meaningful and human.
Ed Bukovac, Vice President, Water Operations, follows a leadership philosophy that was shaped by a challenging customer experience. After a major water issue affected an entire neighborhood, Bukovac drove through the area expecting anger. What he encountered instead was something more troubling. “They were skeptical of what we were telling them, and it was clear they no longer trusted us,” he said.
The experience left a lasting impact. “Anger passes, but losing trust means we’ve fundamentally failed the customers who count on us,” Bukovac reflected. “From that moment forward, I made it a personal commitment, and a commitment for my team, that every decision we make and every action we take must reinforce trust.” That commitment continues to guide how he leads. Bukovac also challenges a common misconception about Citizens. “I once had a college friend ask if there were any job openings at Citizens because he was ‘stressed and wanted a more boring job,’” he recalled. Initially frustrated by the comment, he later reframed it. “From the outside, ‘boring’ is actually a compliment. If our work looks uneventful to the public, it means we’re doing it right.”
He added, “What you only understand by being part of Citizens is that the appearance of ‘boring’ is earned. It’s built through the hard work, dedication, and commitment of every single team member, day after day.” That quiet reliability, he believes, is a cornerstone of customer trust. Leadership development at Citizens is intentionally designed to help individuals grow into responsibility. Melissa Lawson, Vice President, Customer Operations, credits the organization’s investment in leadership training as transformative. “Citizens offers an outstanding leadership training program known as the Leadership Challenge,” she said. One component in particular left a lasting impression. “My first experience with a 360-degree review at Citizens was truly transformative—it was the best gift I had ever received.”
For Lawson, feedback became a powerful tool for growth. “Through this process, I discovered that when someone provides feedback, they are genuinely giving you a gift,” she said. “Their input reflects how much they care about your development both as a person and as a leader.” Participating in additional 360 reviews over time only reinforced that lesson. “Each one has presented me with many more ‘gifts,’ shaping who I am today.”
Those experiences deepened her commitment to both colleagues and community. “These experiences have not only molded my leadership style but have also deepened my commitment to giving back—not only to the community we serve but also to every person who works alongside me each day to uphold the Promise of the Trust,” Lawson said.
She is especially passionate about ensuring employees feel valued. “The contributions made by our team at Citizens have a profound effect on both our customers and the overall quality of life within our communities,” she noted. “For this reason, I believe our teams should take immense pride in what they accomplish.”
That sense of pride and purpose also resonates with Sara Mamuska-Morris, Vice President, Capital Programs and Engineering, whose career at Citizens has followed a non-linear path. One of her most formative experiences came during her time in Corporate Development, where she helped build what became Kinetrex Energy. “That experience significantly shaped my leadership approach,” she said. “It pushed me beyond my traditional engineering foundation and reinforced the importance of collaboration, negotiation, and finding solutions that create shared value.”
Mamuska-Morris believes Citizens uniquely brings customer focus to life. “One lesson I believe can only truly be learned by spending time at Citizens is what customer-focused service really means in practice,” she said. “Every decision we make, regardless of role or function, has an impact on our customers.”
Looking ahead, Mamuska-Morris is focused on leadership continuity. “A question I am actively asking my leadership team is, ‘How do we build a stronger bench?’” she shared. “We have many employees who are relatively new to the organization, and it is critical that we are deliberate about developing future leaders.” Her own varied career path, she said, gave her perspective she wants others to experience.
“One lesson I believe can only truly be learned by spending time at Citizens is what customer-focused service really means in practice. Every decision we make, regardless of role or function, has an impact on our customers.”
— Sara Mamuska-Morris VICE PRESIDENT, CAPITAL PROGRAMS AND ENGINEERING
For Abed Darwish, Vice President, Information Technology, leadership development began early through trust and inclusion. As a young employee selected to serve on a cross-functional strategic growth team, he initially felt intimidated. “I was the youngest and least-tenured employee on the team,” he said. “But I was chosen for my unique views, thoughts, and ability to challenge the process.”
That experience helped him see the full scope of Citizens impact. “It helped me realize just how impactful, intricate, and far-reaching Citizens is,” Darwish said. He also credits the organization’s culture for encouraging meaningful relationships. “Take advantage of our officers’ open-door policy,” he advised. “There is so much to be gained by building those connections.”
Darwish believes Citizens Trust-based model sets it apart. “Not having shareholders is a major benefit to those we serve,” he said. “We will always do the ‘right thing’ for the communities and customers we serve, even when it isn’t the easiest path.”
Together, these leaders reflect what it means to be Built on Trust at Citizens: anticipating change while honoring our roots, investing in people while serving the community, and developing leaders who understand that trust is earned through everyday actions. As we welcome them into their new roles, we do so with confidence—knowing they are prepared not only to lead, but to uphold the mission that defines Citizens today and for generations to come.
CITIZENS FOR GOOD
Since its establishment in 1887 as a Public Charitable Trust, Citizens has always operated solely for the benefit of its customers and community. Today, as a broad-based utility service company serving 900,000 individuals, our dedication to service remains. If you have volunteered for a Citizens-sponsored event, if you’ve dropped off donations for care packages, or if you volunteer in your community on your own time, chances are you may have heard of Citizens for Good.
Citizens for Good recognizes the efforts of both Citizens as a company, and the many individual employees working here, that make Central Indiana a better place to live, work, and play. Volunteerism is part of the fabric of Citizens, and as an organization, we cultivate a culture of corporate social responsibility where employees embrace the philosophy of community involvement and understand how their efforts help Citizens enhance the wellbeing of customers, communities, and fellow employees.
We offer a wide variety of volunteering, service, and giving opportunities that encourage employee contributions, while meeting their interests and capacities for involvement:
1. Employees have opportunities to volunteer at Citizens-sponsored events such as Sharing the Dream, Community Resource Day, Bowen Day of Service, and the White River Cleanup.
2. Citizens also offers philanthropic support to community organizations like Servants at Work (SAWs), HVAF, Gleaners, and Westminster Food Pantry, and this support often brings with it opportunities for employees to volunteer directly.
3. Employees volunteering with their favorite community organizations have the opportunity to earn $250 grants to their preferred non-profit, donated on their behalf.
NEW TO VOLUNTEERING?
United Way offers these five tips to help you navigate the world of opportunities available to you:
1. Define your goals: What are you hoping to accomplish? Do you want to make a difference in your community? Learn new skills? Meet new people?
2. Do your research: Some opportunities may require more time or effort than others. Learn about necessary commitments and what fits for you.
3. Get involved in what you care about: If there is something you’re passionate about or interested in, try to find an organization that aligns. Doing something you love is a great way to sustain your efforts.
4. Talk to people who have done it before: Ask friends and family members if they’ve had any good volunteer experiences. Ask colleagues about their experiences volunteering.
5. Be patient: It can take time to find the perfect volunteer opportunity. If the first experience doesn’t work out, keep your head up and try something new. There’s something out there for everyone.
VOLUNTEERING IN ACTION
James No joined Citizens Energy Group in June 2013 as an Accountant. Since August 2023, he has served in the role of Senior Accountant for Water and Wastewater. As a Senior Accountant, James helps close the books every month and reconcile ledger accounts, along with helping at audits at year’s end.
James has volunteered with Westminster Neighborhood Services since 2023. On February 20, he volunteered at Westminster’s 10th Annual Food Fight fundraiser, which Citizens supports as a title sponsor. James spent a busy day setting up auction tables, running food to guests, and helping with postevent cleanup efforts. The event raised $101,490, surpassing its goal of $100,000.
Citizens Energy Group is a proud supporter of The STEM Connection. On February 4 and March 5, employees from Environmental and IT visited The STEM Connection to assemble 456 STEM kits to support Pike Township schools. STEM Kits are hands-on educational sets designed to teach kids criticalthinking, problem-solving, and coding skills through play. The team worked as an assembly line building each box, attaching labels, packing STEM kits, weighing them, and getting them ready to ship.
Citizens has a close partnership with The STEM Connection and the work they do with Indianapolis-area schools, providing rural education (growing plants, nature hikes, natural wildlife education) in an urban environment.
Special thanks to our Citizens volunteers (L-R): Cheryl Carlson, Stacy Caldwell, Alex Kurivial, Rachel Holsinger, Catherine Parsons, Kari Maxwell, Jennifer Gill, Mckenzie Wiseman, Holly Henderson, John Harvard, Nathan Jeffery
St. Richard’s Episcopal School Students Tour Citizens Facilities
On a frigid January day, a school bus full of 6th graders from St. Richard’s Episcopal School rolled through Indianapolis to get a new perspective on a system most people never notice. What began as a class reading assignment became a real-world lesson in engineering, environmental stewardship, and civic responsibility during a field trip to learn about Citizens Energy Group’s wastewater infrastructure. There’s never a dull moment when it comes to teaching young people about the intricacies of where human waste goes, but what may seem like an opportunity rife with jokes turned into an event filled with insightful questions and learning opportunities.
And one “SIX SEVEN” moment.
The students had been reading A Long Walk to Water, a book that explores global challenges around access to clean water. For Chris Kennedy, Director Wastewater Plant Operations at Citizens, the tour was an opportunity to help the students connect those lessons to what happens beneath their own city. “It was incredible to help them connect what they are reading to the real challenges and solutions surrounding water here in Central Indiana,” Kennedy said.
One highlight of the day was a full driving tour tracing the path of the DigIndy Tunnel System, from the most upstream drop shaft near the Indiana State Fairgrounds to the Pump Station at the Southport Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. “It was the first time I’d ever given a full driving tour from end to end,” Kennedy said, noting how rewarding it was to watch students recognize drop shafts they pass every day without knowing their purpose.
The curiosity on the bus never slowed. Students, and even chaperones, asked thoughtful questions throughout the visit. Mike Miller, Manager of Engineering, said that engagement from student visitors is always striking. “I am always surprised at their ability to understand and take in complex concepts related to our business,” he said. Miller added that sparking interest in engineering and science is a personal motivator. “If we can help influence the influencers and provide meaningful experiences for not only the students, but for the adults, we have a better chance of driving a few of these students toward STEM-related studies.”
The tour also delivered some memorable laughs, including a moment in the pump station when a student asked how deep the elevator goes. The answer, 267 feet, drew instant “SIX SEVEN!” reactions from the kids, and knowing chuckles from the adults.
For Liz Love, MD Lead Teacher at St. Richard’s, the experience made a lasting impression. “Students were amazed by the scope of the project,” she said, especially learning that the depth of the DigIndy system is comparable to the height of the Statue of Liberty. “The whole experience really helped drive home the reality of what it actually takes to provide clean water to Indianapolis and to protect our natural resources.”
As the bus headed back to school, a spontaneous chant of “Drop shaft! Drop shaft! Drop shaft!” erupted when another drop shaft came into view. Sometimes, the smallest details or the moments of spontaneous humor are the ones that lead to the most engaging learning opportunities.
Quality Corner
CLASS Belt Certifications
YELLOW BELT
Gas Supply Ranking Model
• Project Leader: Tevin Robinson (Gas Supply) ∞ Executive Sponsor: Jonathan Miller
• Tevin’s project improved daily gas supply ranking accuracy by analyzing three predictive methods – Gas Daily Demand (GDD), Balance of Month (BALMO), and Next Month (NM) – and implementing a Hybrid model that selects the best prediction for each scenario. The new process is automated, updated semiannually with fresh market data, and monitored against benchmarks to ensure continued performance.
• Benefits: This hybrid approach increased first-rank prediction accuracy from 71.30 percent to 74.72 percent, enabling quicker, more reliable decision-making and resulting in an estimated cost avoidance of $13,481.45 over two years.
• Project Leader: George Reners (Information Technology) ∞Executive Sponsor: Kim Rogers
• Team Members: Mary Anderson, Eric Novelo, Tracy Andrews
• George’s project enhanced the technology asset management by improving the accuracy and efficiency of the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) for IT assets including servers, desktops, and laptops. The initiative introduced a daily review of Device42 reports by the Support Center, ensuring prompt identification and resolution of discrepancies between Device42 and the CMDB. A new standard operating procedure was developed to clarify and standardize update processes, reduce errors, and establish accountability. The project also aligns with the PC refresh and decommissioning phase, supporting efficient removal of outdated hardware and accurate recording of new assets
• Benefits: More than 1,300 desktops and laptops decommissioned and 1,256 new assets added, all accurately reflected in the CMDB. The process reduced manual report updates and minimized discrepancies, with most changes now captured efficiently and only about 4 percent of assets marked as “missing”.
• Team Members: John Harz, Scott Griffith, Jessica Small
• Jerome’s project successfully established a consistent, standardized method for tracking certifications and licenses within the Health & Safety business area. The project addressed the need for uniform oversight by replacing inconsistent or ad-hoc tracking approaches with a single, controlled method.
• Benefits: Consolidating license and certification tracking into Oracle eliminates the need for business areas/employees to track their information through other methods. The process ensures data uniformity, enhances accessibility, and facilitates real-time auditing by managers and supervisors. This supports seamless information transfer as employees progress through their careers.
• Lamont’s project implemented and formalized system monitoring using CheckMK as part of IT operational oversight. Monitoring practices were established, documented, and successfully transitioned into sustained operations. CheckMK was integrated with PagerDuty through integration keys created in April 2025, enabling alerts to be delivered via email, text message, phone call, and PagerDuty logging. Escalation procedures ensure alerts are routed to the next responder if they are not acknowledged. With the addition of the Server team, a subject matter expert now receives multichannel alerts, replacing the previous emailonly notifications generated by CheckMK.
• Benefits: PagerDuty automatically contacts oncall personnel after hours through multiple communication methods, enabling faster incident detection and response and reducing business risk. As of January 20, 2026, four alerts have been added to the system.
ADVANCED YELLOW BELT
Plumber Submission Requirements
• Project Leader: Kevin Hackett (Wastewater Collections) ∞ Executive Sponsor: Joe Nagy
• Kevin’s project developed a new website to manage plumber submissions more efficiently. The site required detailed information for each submission and automated status updates, significantly reducing the time spent on follow-ups. Overall, the project streamlined the submission process, resulting in significant time savings and improved efficiency.
• Benefits: Since launching the new site, the time involved managing plumbers submissions has been cut down by about 60 percent, and there have been efficiencies in every step. Only six customers per week now need dedicated assistance (reduced from 20 per week), with six site visits per week (down from 12 visits), for a total of four hours per week total time spent (down from 12 hours).
Jerome Mayden
Stormwater Utility Credits for Marion County
• Project Leader: Beth Noel (Environmental Stewardship) ∞ Executive Sponsor: Cheryl Carlson ∞ Team Members: Ann McIver, Chris Kehl, Katrina Schaler, Paul Werderitch
• Beth’s project developed and implemented a standardized, repeatable process for identifying, applying for, and securing stormwater utility credits for Citizens properties in Marion County. This included reviewing property eligibility, compiling required documentation, submitting applications, and establishing clear work instructions and documentation protocols to ensure ongoing compliance and future renewals.
• Benefits: Secured stormwater utility credits for calendar years 2026, 2027, and 2028, reducing annual stormwater fees by approximately $57,550 after application fees. This equates to a 50 percent reduction in assessed stormwater fees for eligible properties, delivering substantial and recurring cost savings.
January/March Yellow Belt Training Recently Completed Just Do It (JDI) Projects
NEW EMPLOYEES
Jackson Bales Chilled Water
Patrick Ballance Corporate Support Services
Darius Bates Corporate Support Services
Justin Battle Corporate Support Services
Corbin Boerner Corporate Support Services
Christopher Brown Corporate Support Services
Jordin Brown Corporate Support Services
Eric Buntain Corporate Support Services
Austen Burris Corporate Support Services
Tracey Butler Corporate Support Services
Kecheng Chen Corporate Support Services
Esteban Cortez Corporate Support Services
Mason Darling Corporate Support Services
Isaiah Fuller Corporate Support Services
Just Do It projects are a great way to continuously improve something where the solution is already known. This doesn’t mean it necessarily has to be a quick or simple project; it just doesn’t go through the DMAIC process. But Just Do It projects can make a big impact in efficiency and savings. All completed Just Do It projects can be found on Quality’s CI Activities and Completed Projects page.
• Streamline Annual Steam IURC Reporting – Christina Clark (Accounting)
• Improve Tracking of Monthly Gas Purchases – Christina Clark (Accounting)
• Streamline Alarm Point to Point Data Entry – Michelle Bennington (Gas Supply)
• Reduce Hedge Accounts Costs – Jonathan Miller (Gas Supply)
• Bonded Contractors – Krista Sinclair (Underground Engineering & Construction)
• Atrazine Monitoring Program Updates 2025 – Matt Gozun (Water Quality)
Nicholas Herbertz Corporate Support Services
Deon Hoyle Corporate Support Services
Andrew Hughey Corporate Support Services
Randall Jones Corporate Support Services
Luke Magee Corporate Support Services
Brent McBride Corporate Support Services
Andrew Merder Corporate Support Services
Michaelis Water
Brandy Nichols Steam
Kitana Parrish Corporate Support Services
Brayden Polley Corporate Support Services
Mikayla Smith Corporate Support Services
Yerisbel Vargas Corporate Support Services
Devin Warren Corporate Support Services
Daniel Collins Sr. on March 29, 2026. Daniel retired on June 1, 2004, after 32 years of service.
Ivan
on February 27, 2026. Ivan retired on March 1, 1996, after 34 years of service.
on March 24, 2026. Tom retired on May 29, 2015, after 35 years of service.
West Corporate Support Services
Lori Williams Corporate Support Services
Cole Wills Corporate Support Services
Andrew Wilson Corporate Support Services
Lacy Wooden Corporate Support Services
(From left to right) Jared Garner, Stephen Botkin, John Rhorer, Matt Sandlin, Dustin Abramson, Tiberius Duncan, Zachary Strunk, Brandon Nettrouer, Randy Rollins, Lynn Lafara, Arlene Jeffers, Edwin Morris, Jeff Ford, Korlon Kilpatrick
