About this event
RF is proud to serve as the host Regional Entity in 2026 for the ERO Women’s Leadership Conference!
This event will be held in-person for the first time and feature a tour de force of dynamic speakers discussing topics including how to ascend the corporate ladder and navigate career challenges, how to nurture your mental and physical well-being, and more.
It will immediately follow our 2026 Internal Controls Workshop, making for a power-packed week in Cleveland. Both events will be held at the Aviator, a beautiful event space overlooking the scenic Rocky River and located just minutes from the Cleveland Airport. You won’t want to miss this year’s event!
Expect:
- Panels focused on professional development with insights tailored to the energy sector
- Networking
- Professional head shot photo opportunity
- Additional resources
Registration
Registration for this event has closed.
Event location
The Aviator, 20920 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44135
Accommodations
Hilton Garden Inn – Cleveland Airport
4900 Emerald Ct SW
Cleveland, OH 44135
Phone: 216-898-1898
To make a hotel reservation, please use the online link: click here
Room Block Details:
Group Name: ReliabilityFirst
Room Rate: $149.00 plus taxes
Agenda
Wednesday, Feb. 25
| Time |
Agenda item |
| 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. |
Women’s Leadership Reception and Networking |
Thursday, Feb. 26
| Time |
Agenda item |
Speaker(s) |
| 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. |
Breakfast |
|
| 9:00 – 9:15 a.m. |
Welcome |
Joanna Burkey, Founder, Flat Rock Advisory, and Independent Director, RF Board of Directors |
| 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. |
“Human performance” – Mental and physical wellbeing |
• Tod Podl, Physician, University Hospitals
• Niki Schaefer, Vice President & General Counsel, RF |
| 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. |
“Resource modeling” – Networking break and complimentary professional head shot opportunity |
|
| 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. |
“Security and resilience” – How women in the energy sector are ascending the corporate ladder and navigating challenges |
• Lisa Barton, President & CEO, Alliant Energy
• Christine Martin, President, PPL Electric Utilities
• Diane Holder, Vice President of Engineering & Strategic Engagement, RF
• Chris Guiney, Partner, Practice Leader – Energy, Telecommunications and Infrastructure, CarterBaldwin Executive Search |
| 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
Lunch |
|
| 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. |
“Resource diversity/resource mix” – How the unique attributes of women can be leveraged to optimize success |
• Sarah Eppink, Leadership Coach and Talent Development Consultant, and Principal and Founder, Aisling Group
• Lesley Evancho, Chief Human Resources Officer, EQT Corporation, and Independent Director, RF Board of Directors
• Julia Kious Zabell, Executive Director of Weatherhead Executive Education, Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University |
| 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. |
“Power transfer and relying on neighbors” – The value of networking and mentorships |
• Sara Patrick, President & CEO, MRO
• Holly Hawkins, Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, SERC
• Mèlika Carroll, Vice President of Global Government Affairs and Public Policy, Cohere, and Independent Director, RF Board of Directors
• Bluma Sussman, Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement, NERC E-ISAC |
| 2:15 – 2:30 p.m. |
Close |
Joanna Burkey, Founder, Flat Rock Advisory, and Independent Director, RF Board of Directors |
| 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. |
“Resource modeling” -Networking and complimentary professional head shot opportunity |
|
Webex details
The event is focused on in‑person networking, but we are offering a virtual option by livestreaming the panel sessions, with interruptions for breaks and networking activities.
Webinar link: https://reliabilityfirst.webex.com/reliabilityfirst/j.php?MTID=m0902ab3973da83633a6b3e60b3636537
Webinar number: 2317 307 8331
Webinar password: 0123456
Join from a video system or application by dialing [email protected]. You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number. Webinar password for video system:
0123456
Join by phone:
1-650-479-3207 Toll
1-855-244-8681 Toll Free
Access code: 23173078331
Global call-in numbers: https://reliabilityfirst.webex.com/reliabilityfirst/globalcallin.php?MTID=m64f9a193f38b92df89081056f630ff3f
Toll-free calling restrictions: https://cisco.com/go/tollfree-restrictions
Webinar password for audio: 0123456
Reference materials
ERO Women’s Leadership Conference speaker biographies
