From RMEL Executive Director Rick Putnicki

THANK YOU & FAREWELL FROM RICK PUTNICKI

Hello, and happy new year! As many of you are aware, I am retiring from RMEL as the Executive Director and transitioning the position in the coming weeks. The past 12-plus years have been an incredible journey filled with growth, challenges and, most importantly, the privilege of working with outstanding individuals like you.

As I reflect on this chapter of my life, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the industry and the remarkable professionals who make up our association. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the dedicated Board of Directors, the Education Committee members, and all those who have served selflessly to propel RMEL forward. Your passion and commitment have been the driving force behind our many achievements, and I am confident that you will continue to guide the association to even greater heights in the years to come.

To each member of the association, I am grateful for the privilege of serving you as the Executive Director. Your enthusiasm, expertise and collaborative spirit have made this role a true joy. I am confident that the future holds boundless opportunities for our industry, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing your continued success – both individually and within your respective organizations.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize those very special people that accompanied me on this journey. I was once told, "If you surround yourself with good people, great things will happen." Without a doubt, I truly believe that to be fact! So many of our successes were due in part to a staff that provided an unwavering commitment and dedication to their role, recognized their purpose and, most important, placed serving the membership as the top priority. Thank you, Kathryn Hail, Ciara Cole, and James Sakamoto for bringing our vision to fruition. 

Lastly, I must express my deepest appreciation to two extraordinary individuals who have been the bedrock of my support throughout these fulfilling years: my wife, Susie, and our daughter, Caitlin. Their encouragement and steadfast support have been my guiding lights. As I embark on this new chapter in life, I am profoundly grateful for the love they have showered upon me.

As I step into retirement, I will carry with me cherished memories of those people whose paths I crossed and will be forever grateful with the knowledge of knowing that our industry is in capable hands. Thank you for allowing me the honor of being part of this incredible community. I look forward to staying connected and witnessing the bright future that lies ahead for the electric energy industry.

Growing up in the Putnicki household, there were some non-negotiables. One emphatic requirement, “Whenever you get something, you leave it better than when you got it.” I hope you can review your time with RMEL, and nod your head, “Yes!” Thank you!

Wishing you all continued success and prosperity! Please stay in touch! 

-Rick

 

In the coming weeks, we will be announcing an open house hosted at the RMEL office to celebrate Rick's career, retirement, and wish him well on this next chapter. Please stay tuned for additional details coming soon! 

UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2024

We are pleased to have already added several new events to look forward to in 2024! As we regularly add programs to our calendar of events, please be sure to visit the RMEL Events and Education Calendar webpage for the most up-to-date list of offerings, and reference the below Upcoming Event List in this newsletter to learn more and register. Our education committees, made up of RMEL members, strives to organize timely, important and thoughtful educational and networking events, and we are looking forward to a full year of these opportunities curated by our members, for our members. We hope to see you soon at an upcoming event! 

RMEL AS YOUR RESOURCE

As always, please consider RMEL a resource to you and your organization. Please share those development opportunities with your peers, workgroups and your professional network! Also, do not hesitate to reach out to us with topics or workshops you would deem beneficial to our industry.