Inside SMECO: Stories of Grit, Growth, and the People Who Power a Community | #11
SMECO Connects
What if you could understand a company's culture just by hearing its people speak? This episode takes you behind the scenes at SMECO—from chief linemen on assignment in Guatemala to the creative force behind their employee stories, and even to the leadership shaping rates and safety. Sanja Cox and co-host Tom dive into what makes SMECO's team exceptional, through real conversations with the folks who keep the lights on and the stories alive. You’ll hear from John, a former journalist turned media lead; Jim, the safety director who found a true team in Southern Maryland; and Eugene, a...
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Leading With Strength and Heart: A Candid Mother’s Day Conversation | #10
SMECO Connects
What does it mean to lead, nurture, and protect—at home and in the workplace? This heartfelt Mother’s Day episode of SMECO Connects brings together Charles County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Navarro and SMECO CEO Sonja Cox for a powerful conversation about womanhood, leadership, and the evolving challenges facing families today. From raising daughters and managing billion-dollar organizations to tackling school safety and mental health, these inspiring women reflect on the resilience and responsibility of motherhood—both personal and professional.
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Lighting the Way Forward: How SMECO is Helping Maryland Go Green | #9
SMECO Connects
Lezael Rorie, newly appointed VP of Distributed Energy and Sustainability at SMECO, joins us to unpack the surprising truths behind high energy bills, solar integration, EV adoption, and Maryland's bold push for greener buildings. From the real reason your winter bills spike to tools that reveal exactly when your kids are gaming past bedtime, this conversation offers practical insights and lesser-known programs that could save you serious money—and energy.
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How a Utility is Powering Careers and Strengthening Southern Maryland—One Apprentice at a Time | #8
SMECO Connects
Think you know what it takes to keep the lights on? This conversation with Jason Atherton—SMECO’s longtime lineman-turned-trainer—might surprise you. From climbing poles to guiding the next generation, Jason shares what makes SMECO’s apprenticeship program more than just a training track—it’s a launchpad for real careers in Southern Maryland. With roots in farming, a passion for mentorship, and a program built to grow talent from the ground up (literally), this episode shines a light on the people behind the power, and the values SMECO is working to uphold in your community. ...
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How Do You Restore Power Safely and Fast? Meet the Team Behind the Work | #7
SMECO Connects
Ever wondered what it takes to bring the lights back on after a major storm? From Air Force discipline to leading storm operations for an electric co-op, Brian Lazarchick shares the intense coordination, safety-first mindset, and evolving technology behind large-scale outage restoration. You’ll hear how tree-trimming cycles, outage maps, and a committed team help reduce downtime—and why preparation starts long before the first raindrop falls. This conversation might just change how you see every utility pole on your street.
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Powered from Within: From Helping Customers to Shaping Community | #6
SMECO Connects
What if you could inspire the next generation, support struggling families, and uplift your entire community—just by showing up every day with purpose? That’s exactly what Natalie Cotton has done. In this conversation, we dive into Natalie’s unexpected rise through SMECO, from a job-hunting newcomer to the powerhouse behind its community engagement efforts. Learn how her team supports teachers, invests in students, and turns donations into real change. Trust us—you won’t look at your local utility the same way again.
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Wired for Change: Leading a Co-op in a Shutdown | #5
SMECO Connects
When Sonja Cox stepped into the CEO role at SMECO, she had big plans—then COVID hit. In this compelling conversation, Sonja shares what it was like to lead through an unprecedented crisis, from ensuring employee safety to keeping the lights on for thousands of customers. She reflects on the challenges of running a top-tier electric cooperative, the lessons she’s learned, and the passion that keeps her going. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead in uncertain times, this episode is for you.
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How Linemen Keep the Lights On—Stories from the Front Lines | #4
SMECO Connects
Think power outages are just an inconvenience? For the linemen who restore electricity, it's a high-stakes mission. In this episode, we sit down with seasoned lineworkers to uncover the grit, danger, and teamwork behind the job. From grueling storm recoveries to the unbreakable brotherhood that keeps them safe, this conversation sheds light on the unsung heroes of our power grid. Whether you're curious about the life of a lineman or just want to appreciate the next time your lights flicker back on, you won’t want to miss this. This episode features interviews in celebration of...
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The Future of Energy Generation in Maryland: Navigating Demand, Data Centers, and Clean Energy | #3
SMECO Connects
In this episode, we dive into Maryland’s evolving energy landscape with a focus on the state's generation deficit, growing demand for electricity, and the complex debate surrounding energy generation solutions. From the impact of data centers and electric vehicles to the push for nuclear and renewable energy, we explore how Maryland is addressing these challenges. Join us as we discuss the capacity auction, the role of small modular reactors, and the regulatory hurdles in bringing new generation online. Get a glimpse into how the state is working to balance energy needs, environmental goals,...
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Grid Safety and Security: Protecting Our Power System | #2
SMECO Connects
In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Sonja Cox, along with co-host Tom Dennison, dives into the critical topic of grid safety and security. Joining them is Jason Scott, the Preparedness and Security Director at SMECO, who shares his expertise on protecting the power grid from both physical and cyber threats. Jason discusses his background in law enforcement, the security measures SMECO has in place, and the importance of collaboration across the PJM grid. The conversation also touches on the regulatory requirements, the impact of grid failures on daily life, and the advancements in...
info_outlineIn this episode of SMECO Connects, host Sonja Cox, along with co-host Tom Dennison, dives into the critical topic of grid safety and security. Joining them is Jason Scott, the Preparedness and Security Director at SMECO, who shares his expertise on protecting the power grid from both physical and cyber threats. Jason discusses his background in law enforcement, the security measures SMECO has in place, and the importance of collaboration across the PJM grid. The conversation also touches on the regulatory requirements, the impact of grid failures on daily life, and the advancements in technology aimed at enhancing security. Tune in to learn how SMECO is safeguarding our energy infrastructure and keeping our community safe.