Each year at the ElectriCities Annual Conference, we recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to public power.
At the 2024 conference:
- Linda Story from Granite Falls received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Jackie Rushing from Concord received the Distinguished Service Award.
- Mariana Greene from New River Light and Power received the Rising Star Award.
Let’s meet the 2024 Public Power Rising Star Award recipient, Mariana Greene.
The Rising Star Award recognizes up-and-coming leaders who have less than 10 years of experience and who, in that relatively short time, have made significant and sustained contributions to the electric utility industry and to public power.
That perfectly describes Mariana.
As the Public Communication Specialist for New River Light and Power, Mariana shines. She is committed to NRLP’s mission of educating and engaging customers while providing safe and reliable energy. That shows through her passion for empowering communities through effective outreach and strategic advocacy.
Since joining NRLP in October 2022, Mariana has excelled in managing communications, especially during the 2023 North Carolina Utilities Commission rate case, where she played a crucial role in addressing issues and ensuring positive media coverage.
Mariana spearheaded the creation of NRLP’s 2024-2028 strategic plan, which was crucial for the utility’s applications for APPA’s Smart Energy Provider designation and ElectriCities’ Public Power Awards of Excellence.
As NRLP’s “one-stop shop” for all communications, Mariana handles everything from marketing campaigns to fostering key stakeholder relationships. She’s a graduate of the Boone Chamber of Commerce’s Watauga Leadership Development program, and she’s active on ElectriCities’ Communications Committee, providing valuable experience and insight to the benefit of fellow member communities.
Mariana doesn’t only shine at work. She’s an Army spouse with thousands of hours of volunteer service to Army and civilian organizations. She’s involved with the App State community as a member of the Military Affairs Committee and Staff Senate, and she volunteers with the ROTC program.
Mariana, congratulations on being this year’s Public Power Rising Star.