Webinar
Utility University 2025
We're excited to announce the return of Utility University, our annual webinar series for professionals in governmental utilities.
This year's line-up features timely topics and emerging trends shaping the industry. Gain practical strategies to thrive in today's rapidly evolving landscape through these insightful sessions led by subject matter specialists.
An exciting new chapter begins as Baker Tilly and Moss Adams come together under the Baker Tilly name, combining our strengths to deliver expanded reach, deeper resources and enhanced capabilities.
Together, we're bringing you sessions featuring specialists from both legacy firms, offering actionable guidance tailored to the public sector.
Good governance: Strengthening oversight through collaboration
12:05 – 1:05 p.m. EDT
Presented by: Olga Darlington, CPA, Principal, Baker Tilly
Explore the essential practices of highly effective boards. Participants will learn to describe the habits that contribute to board success, identify strategies to enhance governing board policies, define the role of audit committees, and understand the key elements that foster a strong board-management partnership. The session aims to equip utility leaders with the knowledge and tools to strengthen governance and collaboration within their organizations.
The retention equation: Compensation, growth and culture
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. EDT
Presented by: Caitlin Humrickhouse, M.P.A., SWP, Principal, Baker Tilly and Jada Kent, CCP, Managing Director, Baker Tilly
While compensation is often a primary driver in attracting new employees, it’s often not the most significant driver in retaining employees. This session will present retention and turnover data and strategies for retaining employees. You'll learn tactics related to compensation, career growth, mentoring and development, and how to prepare for turnover, reducing the negative impacts on your organization.
AI in action: A practical introduction for utilities
2:25 – 3:25 p.m. EDT
Presented by: Jordan Anderson, Director, Baker Tilly and Jessica Carius, Consulting Manager, Baker Tilly
Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the future of public sector utilities. In this session, we’ll move beyond the buzzwords to explain AI’s core concepts in clear, practical terms. You’ll see how organizations are using co-intelligence — the collaboration between people and AI — and generative AI to streamline operations, surface critical insights, and adapt more effectively to change.
Funding the future: Utility project finance and market updates
12:05 – 1:05 p.m. EDT
Presented by: Doug Baldessari, Principal, Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors
Explore current trends in municipal finance, including updates on the bond markets, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credit incentives, state revolving fund (SRF) programs, and the utility sector’s evolving approach to financing. Funding through the IRA and SRF have seen significant changes in their implementation and funding priorities under the new administration and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). These changes have reshaped the landscape of infrastructure and energy policy in the U.S., impacting funding for both immediate projects and long-term sustainability goals.
Building resilience: Key risk considerations for utility leaders
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. EDT
Presented by: Lucie Wuescher, Principal, Baker Tilly and Christian Hansen, CISA, CISSP, Principal, Baker Tilly
Utility leaders will explore key risks for 2025-2026, including regulatory shifts, cybersecurity threats, climate impacts and supply chain issues. Additionally, the discussion will explore why these risks matter and offer strategies for mitigation through planning and resource allocation. It will also highlight the vital role of internal audit in enhancing resilience by identifying emerging risks, evaluating risk management processes and ensuring crisis preparedness.
Decoding tomorrow: What future GASB standards mean for you
2:25 – 3:25 p.m. EDT
Presented by: Jodi Dobson, CPA, Principal, Baker Tilly and Ryan O’Donnell, Director, Baker Tilly
Recently issued Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements will have significant impacts on the financial reporting for governmental utilities. We will outline the requirements, highlight the changes and discuss steps to assist you in preparing for seamless on-time implementation at your organization.
Learning objectives
- Describe governance structure in the utility and habits of highly effective boards
- Recognize how to use tools such as compensation, career development and mentoring to retain high-functioning employees
- Identify practical uses for co-intelligence and generative AI in your utility
- Name the current available incentives available through IRA, SRF and other programs modified by the OBBBA
- Recognize key risks facing municipal utilities, including regulatory, cyber, climate and supply chain challenges
- Explain the reporting requirements of GASB Statements 102, 103 and 104
Who should attend
Leadership and professionals from municipal utilities, public utility districts, tribal utility authorities, and state, local and tribal government employees
