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2026 ERO Women’s Leadership Conference

February 25, 2026 - February 26, 2026

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

Please click here to register.

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

Cut off date for reservations is Feb. 7, 2026

Agenda

Day 1 – Wednesday, Feb. 25

Time Agenda item
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Women’s Leadership Reception and Networking

Day – Thursday, Feb. 26

Time Agenda item Speaker(s)
8:00 – 9:00am Breakfast
9:00 – 9:15 a.m. Welcome Joanna Burkey, Independent Director, RF Board of Directors, and Principal, Flat Rock Strategic Advisors
9:15 – 10:15 a.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, Independent Director, RF Board of Directors, and Chief Human Resources Officer, EQT Corporation
• Julia Kious Zabell, Executive Director of Weatherhead Executive Education, Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University
• Beth Dowdell, Senior Director of Corporate Services, 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
• 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. “Human performance” – Mental and physical wellbeing • Tod Podl, Physician, University Hospitals
• Niki Schaefer, Vice President & General Counsel, RF
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, Independent Director, RF Board of Directors, and Vice President of Global Government Affairs and Public Policy, Cohere
• Bluma Sussman, Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement, NERC
2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Close Joanna Burkey, Independent Director, RF Board of Directors, and Principal, Flat Rock Strategic Advisors
2:30 – 3:00 p.m. “Resource modeling” -Networking and complimentary professional head shot opportunity

Details

  • Start: February 25, 2026
  • End: February 26, 2026
  • Event Category:

Venue

  • The Aviator
  • 20920 Brookpark Road
    Cleveland, OH 44135 United States     + Google Map