• UAI News

  October (2022) Member Spotlight: Maggie Peacock (SERC Reliability Corporation)

  Posted by Kevin Praet (Adm) on October 5, 2022 at 3:10 am

  @Maggie is an active UAI member and provides outstanding influence and contributions to the UAI community through any of our multiple channels, including, but not limited to engagement on UAI Connect, volunteering with UAI, involvement and/or leadership in monthly Community Conversations, and/or speaking at UAI events, plus so much. As thanks, we are featuring her in the UAI Member Spotlight. Maggie Peacock is the Manager of Analytics and Data Management at SERC Reliability Corporation. She has a passion for data and in supporting data-driven decision making with a focus on data protection, integrity, and usability.

   

  Kevin: How did you get into the utility analytics industry?

  Maggie: I consider myself a “home grown” analytics’ professional as it was something I stumbled into while working in the hospitality industry early in my career. I can still remember the first time I used data to identify a problem and find a solution it involved an access database, tens of thousands of hotel room complaints, a toilet, and a Barbie doll! From this situation I discovered a passion for data which became my focus so while switching from hospitality to utility was more chance than design it is the ability to use data to support and drive decision that fuels me.

   

  Kevin: What project have you enjoyed working on most in your career?

  Maggie:  In 2021 I had the opportunity to lead a team in the development and implementation of a Data Management program. We are about half way through the plan with a 2024 end date. In the past 2 years we have made tremendous progress in building our capability in data strategy, data governance, and our current focus area of data operations.

  Not only was this new territory for the company but it was also new territory for me. There were more times than I’d like to admit where I felt inadequate or unqualified but I was always able to find the support or resource I needed to move the project forward. Actually, UAI and the resources made available to me as a member was one of my go to sources when I was stuck and needed guidance or input!

  I’ve enjoyed the challenge of building a program that fits our organization’s needs. Figuring out the role for Analytics and Data Management that complements our IT and Security program, supports our Legal and Regulatory requirements and facilitates our company’s ability to use good data to make informed decisions.

   

  Kevin: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you work through it?

  Maggie: Women represent approximately ~22% of the utility industry and ~26% of tech-related jobs and as an individual with one foot in each industry I have at times faced specific challenges in getting and keeping my seat at the table. However, I have been fortunate to have encountered across my career two absolutely amazing female mentors who have provided me guidance, motivation and served as role models. It was because of these women that I was inspired to move into a management role and pay forward their time and effort into the next generation of leaders.

   

  Kevin: If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice before entering the utility analytics industry, what would it be?

  Maggie: Invest in stocks earlier? Lol but really it would be that it is okay to fail and in analytics it is practically a requirement!

   

  Kevin: What would you like to talk to fellow colleagues and members about in UAI Connect? Or, what issues or topics would you like to see more discussions on in UAI Connect?

  Maggie: I love the current content and conversations that are occurring in the UAI communities! However as our data management program moves into its third year I am looking towards the future and recognize that it is time to increase and enhance our tools and analytical capabilities. This was reflected in the preliminary results for our company in the AMA and something I look forward to advancing.

   

  Kevin: Thank you so much for sharing with us and for being a highly engaged member of UAI!

  Do you have any final thoughts, ideas, or comments you would like to share with your fellow UAI members?

  Maggie: Thank you to all the members for the support you have provided whether you know it or not your responses to a message thread or as a question during a community presentation has helped me in so many ways.

  While I know COVID is something that is still with us now and into the future I am looking forward to the opportunity of attending UAI Week in person. My company joined UAI after I attended the 2019 UAI week so most of my interactions have been virtual. I am looking forward to meeting in person many of the people I have only met via virtual meeting or seen as a name in a message thread. See you in October!

  ​

  ——————————
  Kevin Praet
  Membership Coordinator
  Utility Analytics Institute (UAI)
  Boulder CO
  315-440-3033
  ——————————

  Kevin Praet (Adm) replied 2 years, 1 month ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
• 0 Replies

Log In to Reply