Utility Analytics Institute Announces 2026 Strategic Advisory Board
Press Release
Denver, CO — March 31, 2026 —The Utility Analytics Institute (UAI) proudly announces the 2026 members of its Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) a select group of utility analytics professionals and thought leaders dedicated to helping advance utility transformation through analytics.
The UAI SAB serves as a guiding voice to ensure UAI remains deeply connected to the needs of its members. From evolving data governance strategies to organizational development and analytics use case exploration, the SAB plays a vital role in shaping UAI’s membership experience, content strategy, training offerings, and event programming.
We are thrilled to collaborate with this diverse and accomplished group of utility leaders. Their insights, leadership, and commitment to progress will help ensure UAI continues to provide valuable and relevant support to our community.
Gina Weber, Managing Director of UAI
2026 UAI Strategic Advisory Board Members
- Sreenivas Badri, Sr. Director, Grid and Market Solutions, ERCOT
- Bobby Besharati, Sr Manager, Advanced Analytics, Exelon
- Scott Bowman, Manager, Asset Performance Analytics, ENMAX Power Corp
- Sean Douglass, AI Business Manager, Entergy
- Eugene Hamrick, Director, Enterprise Analytics & Innovation, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
- Ines Paternina Jadid, Manager, Data and Analytics, Orlando Utilities Commission
- Jack Lint, Director, AI & Analytics, NiSource
- Marwan Madi, Director, Digital Innovation & Transformation Office, NYPA
- Siham Naseef, IT Manager, Austin Energy
- Jason Pegg, Manager, Architecture, Analytics, Internal Technology, Avista
- Michelle Pittman, Director, Asset Systems & Data, National Grid
- Josh Poduska, Interim Director of Enterprise Data Science & AI, Pacific Gas & Electric
- Josh Power, Delivery Excellence Lead, Digital Grid Operations, Oncor Electric Delivery
- Jake Smith, Director of Information Mgmt, Salt River Project
- Nick Whatley, Director, Enterprise Data & Customer Analytics, Southern Company
The SAB supports the UAI by offering guidance on emerging industry trends, influencing member-exclusive product and service strategy, supporting workforce development, and strengthening connections across the utility analytics ecosystem. Members serve on sub-committees focused on UAI events, content, training, and membership services.
About Utility Analytics Institute (UAI)
UAI is a utility-led membership organization focused on advancing analytics in the utility sector. Through collaborative communities, in-depth resources, and professional development opportunities, UAI supports utilities as they drive transformation through data and analytics.
For more information about the UAI Strategic Advisory Board, visit: https://utilityanalytics.com/about-utility-analytics/
Press Contact
Leslie Cook
Manager, Membership, Engagement & Training
Utility Analytics Institute (UAI)
lcook@utilityanalytics.com | www.utilityanalytics.com
About the Author
Leslie Cook, Manager, Membership, Engagement & Training Utility Analytics Institute (UAI)
Leslie Cook is a strategic program director, dynamic business leader, and expert facilitator with 30 years of professional experience. Leslie’s peers describe her as a passionate, authentic, action-oriented leader with a goal driven attitude and enthusiasm for creating connections and collaborations. She excels at developing and managing frontline programs that position companies and their products for sustainable revenue growth and delivering customer-focused solutions that demonstrate product value, build long-term loyalty, and foster client engagement and retention. Cook’s background includes extensive work with associations and institutes in program development and management, marketing communications, event management, branding, and sales/new business development. She holds a BA in public relations from Texas Tech University and served in various program director and marketing roles for the Utility Analytics Institute (An Endeavor Business Media company), Financial Planning Association® (FPA®), HDI (an Informa company), and the Global Semiconductor Alliance (formerly Fabless Semiconductor Association). When she is not out facilitating cutting-edge programs or creating unforgettable member experiences, Leslie can be found traveling the world and also enjoying all that Colorado has to offer, from hiking, swimming, and outdoor excursions with her fur babies, to antiquing for the best mid-century modern finds and blown glass of all kinds. She also leverages her high attention to detail and project management skills when dabbling in home remodeling and interior design, two of her favorite pastimes.
