Service Awards
Connie McGowan / 25 Years
Connie McGowan, Tree Trimmer Crew Leader, celebrated 25 years of service with GUC recently. Connie leads a crew of five Tree Trimmers who clear vegetation from 1,236 miles of overhead electric lines throughout the GUC electric system, ensuring reliability and protecting infrastructure. “It feels like a long time, but at the same time, 25 years happened so quickly,” Connie said. He began his career as a Tree Trimmer I, moving up to II, then shifting into a position as Second Class Lineman before ultimately returning to the Tree Trimming section as a Crew Leader around 10 years ago. Throughout his career, Connie has participated in about a dozen lineman rodeos where he earned top placings in the Hurtman rescue competition. He has been dispatched on many mutual aid trips, from Florida to Edenton, but it was Chattanooga, Tennessee, after tornadoes ripped through the state, that made a deep impression. “It was the most devastation I’ve seen in one place. When I went up in the bucket, all I saw was a big, empty swipe where a tornado went through. There was nothing left. It also went through a mobile home park, and people were walking through the woods looking for the missing.” Throughout his career, he was glad to see people excel under his leadership. Being a crew leader has different stresses, depending on what’s going on. There is never a dull moment, and I have had a few people come along and do well. That’s always good to see.”
Will Prescott / 25 Years
Will Prescott, Damage Prevention Supervisor, recently celebrated 25 years of service with GUC. Will joined GUC as a Utility Locator in 2001 and was promoted to his current role in 2015. He supervises a staff of nine (plus contractors) in the Underground Locating Service (ULS). Although ULS is housed in the Gas Department, this section provides an essential service to all four of our operating departments (Electric, Water, Wastewater, and Gas). Damage Prevention Techs respond to an average of 31,804 locate requests per year. As a supervisor, Will is also responsible for conducting damage investigations. For example, if a contractor hits a GUC underground line or main, it’s Will’s job to investigate and report every detail leading up to the incident. Will received his locator certifications from Staking University, is certified as a Train the Trainer, and is also the Vice Chair of the North Carolina Utility Coordinating Committee (NCUCC). He also helps with training others in the industry through groups like the NCUCC, Carolina Public Gas Association and, most recently, the Tennessee Natural Gas Association. In 2023, he was recognized as the North Carolina 811 Most Valuable Professional for his ongoing commitment to damage prevention. One of his favorite memories during his time at GUC was during Hurricane Matthew. “When the whole Operations Center had to move due to possible flooding, it was neat to see it be moved so quickly. Everyone worked together to get it done as quickly as possible. It was great to be involved.” Will said one of the biggest ULS accomplishments over the past 25 years is how well the facilities are protected. “I cannot say enough good things about the staff and my team here at GUC.”
15 Years
Carrie Peed, Organizational Development and Training Manager
5 Years
Alex Congleton, WR Systems O/M Crew Leader I (Sewer)
CJ Forrest, Lineworker First Class
Adam Garris, WWTP Maintenance Mechanic III
Tanner Hardee, WR Systems O/M Technician III (Sewer)
Caitlyn McLawhorn, Accountant Auditor I
Promotions
Keith Clark, WR Systems O/M Supervisor (Sewer)
Paul Edwards, Gas Systems Supervisor
Briley Sutton, Gas Systems Technician II
Bradley Dunn, WTP Operator III
Kevin Keyzer, Director of Operations Support
Chris Padgett, Assistant General Manager / COO
Thank You's
Mr. Edgerton called to express his appreciation for the excellent customer service Gas Service Specialist II John Sheppard provided during the courtesy lighting of his gas logs. He stated that John was “thorough, patient, and took the time to ensure everything was safe and working properly.” He also mentioned that the experience was “exceptional” and that he was “extremely pleased” with the level of service he received. He also added that Greenville Utilities should be “very proud” to have John as an employee.
Mr. Allen called to commend Gas Systems Crew Leader I Roger Waterfield and Gas Systems Technician III Brandon Stevens for promptly coming to his residence when a potential gas leak was reported. He stated that he was “extremely pleased” with their service and that they were “very friendly and thorough when looking into the issue.”
A customer left a compliment for Customer Contact Representative II Lee Eakes for treating them with respect providing excellent customer service.
Mr. Coggins sent in a compliment commending Line Clearing Coordinator Robbie Mooring and his crew for their professionalism and workmanship when trimming trees on his land. He said as a business and property owner, he has been “very pleased” with how GUC takes care of customers. He also mentioned the guys “did a great job” and that he wanted to “commend all the gentlemen who were out there.”
A customer called to compliment Troubleshooter Crew Leader Timmy Pollard and Lineworker Third Class Chandler Fornes for installing a streetlight so quickly. He wanted to “thank them for taking care of it” and expressed how much he “really appreciated it.”
Ms. Blanton called in to give her thanks to Gas Systems Technician IV Justin Oakes and Gas Systems Technician II Logan Smith for their response to her no/low gas pressure issue. She mentioned they were “so nice, thorough, and above everything else, very professional.” She also said that they did a “fantastic job” and that she wanted GUC to know “what caliber people you have working for you – they are the best.”
New Hires
