For Immediate Release
Women in Business Tabloid
Waverly Newspapers
Contact:
Sheila Boeckman
319.596.1013
DIANE JOHNSON KEEPS PUBLIC UTILITY ON THE PROGRESSIVE TRACK
WAVERLY, IA, October 9, 2008— Diane Johnson is a woman with a mission. Always a progressive thinker, Johnson takes a forward approach to managing Waverly Light and Power, a municipally owned utility that serves more than 4,600 customers in and around Waverly. She believes integrity, and a straightforward, open customer service process are key to running a successful, responsible utility.
Johnson joined the Waverly Light and Power team as general manager in December 2007, taking over the reins once held by Glenn Cannon, who retired last year. A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Johnson brings more than 12 years of experience in the utility industry to WLP, and has served in a number of executive roles. “Diane shares our c
ommitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency, which has made WLP a recognized leader among public utilities nationwide,” said Gene Drape, Chairman of the WLP Board of Trustees.
Johnson says she is most attracted to the quality of life and recreational amenities that Waverly has to offer. Her love of the outdoors is continuously reflected in her work at WLP. Johnson strongly supports cleaner, more efficient renewable energy sources, including wind power. An ongoing project to erect two new wind turbines near Waverly later this fall is proof of that progressive energy philosophy.
“I don’t claim to bring amazing innovation to Waverly Light and Power. Rather, I would like to be seen, and have WLP be seen, as progressive – constantly moving forward, choosing optimism, not getting stuck, and learning from the past,” Johnson said.
From environmental issues and energy regulation to workforce management, infrastructure and new technology, Johnson is committed to tackling the most critical issues facing the electric industry today. She was recently appointed as the municipal utility representative on the State Energy Efficiency Commission, which evaluates energy efficiency standards in building construction, and provides recommendations on efficiency standards for all new and existing buildings. “I strive to build relationships and act as a catalyst for change,” Johnson said.
In the aftermath of the severe weather that hit Iowa this year, Johnson continues to help coordinate recovery efforts as a member of the Infrastructure and Transportation Task Force, an arm of the Rebuild Iowa Office established by Governor Chet Culver.
Under Johnson’s leadership, Waverly Light and Power has been recognized for its community commitment. This past spring, the utility was recognized for its efforts in tree planting and preservation by the Arbor Day Foundation, and was featured in the Wall Street Journal. And, for the second year in a row, Waverly Light and Power earned the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) award for providing consumers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service, one of only five Iowa public utilities to do so.Community service is a key component of Johnson’s management philosophy. She encourages employees at Waverly Light and Power to give back, and sets an example herself as an active member of the Waverly Health Center Foundation Board, the Waverly Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Waverly Rotary Club.
Johnson says leaders that truly make a difference in their community understand their times, have a plan and execute it. “If I leave people better off than before I came, then I have done well.”
