Service Awards

Mark Williams / 25 Years

Mark Williams recently celebrated 25 years of service with GUC. As Chief Credit Officer, Mark mostly works with past due residential accounts and supervises two Customer Contact Representatives. He and his team have the goal of working with customers who have fallen behind with their bill to get them caught up and back on track. “You are never quite sure of the challenges you’ll face each day,” said Mark. “I enjoy helping our customers.” In his free time, Mark enjoys movies and working out. Most of the time, you’ll also find Mark with a cap on his head – sometimes it’s Duke, sometimes it’s GUC, but a cap is pretty much the law for him.

Tyrell Johnson / 25 Years

Tyrell Johnson, Operator III at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), has celebrated 25 years with GUC. He monitors wastewater treatment operations, making sure they are safe and protect the environment,. This includes treatment, disinfection, and quality control of the treated wastewater before it is returned to the river. Along with 12 other Operators, Tyrell is responsible for operating and monitoring large equipment, like pumps and the belt filter press for biosolids. When Tyrell joined GUC in 1994 as an Operator I, there were 10 remote pump stations, and now he works with 39 stations. “We really have some great people here at GUC. They are co-workers, but they are also my friends. We always help each other,” said Tyrell. “GUC is a great organization, and I have really enjoyed my 25 years here.”

Tyrell's wife, Lisa, is a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Gas Department. They have been married for 18 years. They love to travel. In his free time, Tyrell also enjoys creating custom-made knifes. “There is something special about taking a piece of raw steel and a piece of wood to make a tool that lasts over 300 years,” he said.  He also likes to fish, watch the “Say Yes to The Dress” on TV, and listen to Jazz. Tyrell is also an active member of the Knights of Columbus charity organization.

5 years
Durk Tyson, Gas Systems Engineer

10 years
Glenn Crumpler, Gas Systems Supervisor

Accomplishments

Congratulations to Customer Service & Billing Supervisor Colleen Sicley on obtaining a certification from the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Customer Service Management Certification Program. This certification program provides practical training and guidance on how to build and sustain a culture of outstanding customer service. To obtain a Public Power Customer Service Manager Certificate, Colleen completed the program’s five required courses, passed an online exam, and successfully submitted a “Bridging the Gap Between the Office and the Field” project plan to improve customer service operations at GUC.

Promotions

Joshua Setzer, Water Resources Systems Maintenance Crew Leader

Sympathies

Our deepest condolences to Water Treatment Plant Operator Brooks Nobles on the recent passing of his grandfather, Charlie Cletus Jackson, Jr.

Our sympathies also go to Water Treatment Plant Maintenance Mechanic Tripp Morgan on the passing of his grandmother, Faye Elizabeth (Hall) Smith.

Our condolences to Gas Service Worker Justin Oakes on the recent passing of his father-in-law, Samuel House Register.

Our condolences also to the family of retiree Ella House, who recently passed away. Ms. House retired from GUC as a Customer Contact Representative.

Thank You's

Ms. Board called to compliment Gas Service Worker Enrique Basabe Benitez for being prompt and very courteous during her recent gas connection appointment. She said she was very impressed with the knowledge and level of customer service provided by Enrique.

East Carolina University Director of Facilities Services/Chief Sustainability Officer, Griffin Avin, sent an email to express his deep gratitude for the fast and professional response of the GUC employees who assisted with cable repair/test for the emergency power transformer at ECU Health Sciences Campus. The crew who did the work included Underground Maintenance Crew Leader Kevin Willoughby, Underground Lineworkers Edward Baxter, Daniel Dilda, and Brandon Butler, and Generator Technician Jay Pigford. “We put out a call for help and they were quick to respond and helped us out of a critical situation,” he wrote.

John Marion with Marion Express, Inc. sent a thank you letter complimenting Gas Chief Utility Locator Will Prescott, and Gas Utility Locators Angie Taylor, Cody Adams, David Moore, Jeffrey Upright, Wayne Yates, and Joel Wetherington. “I work all over the southern US, and GUC staff have been some of the best locators I’ve worked with,” wrote Mr. Marion.

Ms. Joyce Carraway sent a message complimenting Gas Systems Crew Leader Alton Hardee, and Gas Systems Technicians Curtis Dixon and Timothy Beddard for demonstrating excellent customer service during the installation of her natural gas service. Ms. Carraway stated that she was very impressed with their work.

New Hires