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Phil Vavala is Regional President of Atlantic City Electric. He was spotlighted in the fourth quarter edition of the NJUA member newsletter.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA and am a degreed electrical engineer. I’ve worked for Atlantic City Electric since the late 1990s and have held a variety of positions in engineering, operations, and executive leadership.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Wilmington, DE. My great grandfather moved there from Trenton, looking for work in the 1920s. Since working for Atlantic City Electric, I’ve developed a fondness for South Jersey, the people, culture, food, and the Jersey shore.
Any siblings, spouse, children, pets?
I have one older sister, and have been married for 30 years to my wife, Katherine, with three adult children, Phillip, James, and Elizabeth. Fritz, our Dachshund, keeps us all very busy with his antics.
How did you get into this field?
I always wanted to be part of an important effort that benefited society. Electric utilities are such an important part of society, right behind agriculture and water in terms of basic needs.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career?
Like any engineer or operations person I could point to a substation project or a major storm restoration. But when I think about the last 30 years, I’m most proud of the impact I have had on growing and developing our next generation of leaders in the energy sector. As a leader, it's one of the most important things I can do to ensure the longevity of the business, and be sure that it is in very good hands into the future.
What drew you to working at your company?
Prior to graduating from Drexel, I had worked as an intern in the electric utility industry and enjoyed the people, the work, and the mission.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the utilities industry this year?
It's about striking a balance between reliability, economic enablement, energy resource adequacy, and overall customer affordability. At times these four issues are at odds, and working with our key stakeholders to drive solutions that benefit all areas is absolutely critical.
How do you relax?
I enjoy working in the garage, the yard, or hiking. Anything where you get physical activity combined with making or doing something that doesn’t involve sitting behind a computer!
If you were only allowed to listen to one singer/band for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Ella Fitzgerald of course….
Can you be found on social media?
(23) Phillip Vavala | LinkedIn
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