SMECO Connects

What if your electric bill could help fight climate change?   In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Tom Dennison sits down with Bennett Rushkoff, a longtime SMECO member who signed up for Rider G—SMECO's 100% renewable energy option. Bennett shares how a simple decision to join the program transformed not only his household energy use but also his outlook on personal impact and community change....

In this inspiring episode of SMECO Connects, host Tom Dennison and co-host Natalie Cotton sit down with Robert Riddick and Shawn Coates of the Morgan State University Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter. From scholarships that open doors for first-generation students to hands-on service projects that uplift neighborhoods, these proud Morgan graduates show what it truly means to come back and give bac...

When disaster strikes, how do you rebuild trust and power at the same time? In this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison revisit the storm room days of Hurricane Irene and explore how relationships—with government, community members, and even linemen in the field—remain at the heart of SMECO's mission. Tom shares how his background as a reporter shaped his approach to connec...

What's it really like to build a family and a life around one of the most demanding jobs in the world? In this episode of SMECO Connects, Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison sit down with Rachel, a third-grade teacher, mom of three, and proud wife of a SMECO lineman. Rachel opens up about the unseen sacrifices linemen and their families make—missed birthdays, long nights without sleep, and storm calls that...

What does leadership look like when your mission is service, not profit? In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Sonja Cox and co-host Tom Dennison dive deep into the unique culture of a member-owned electric cooperative. Sonja shares her journey from working in an investor-owned utility to leading SMECO as CEO, highlighting how accountability, community focus, and a people-first culture set co-op...

What does it take to break cycles of poverty and homelessness in Southern Maryland? In this powerful episode, Sasha Kenneth, Executive Director of the Three Oaks Center, shares her personal journey from Trinidad to leading one of the region's most vital nonprofits. From her own story of resilience to the community-wide fight for affordable housing, Sasha opens up about the challenges, victories, a...

Ever wonder who's on the other end when you call SMECO? In this episode of SMECO Connects, guest host Tom Dennison sits down with Kia Steward and Dan Wallace to spotlight the people powering the co-op's customer experience. Kia shares her 11-year journey from the call center to regional services, and Dan opens up about the challenges and rewards of helping members through everything from storm out...

What if your biggest struggle became your greatest gift? In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Sonja Cox and co-host Tom Dennison sit down with Ashley Knight, a Patuxent High School math teacher and 2025 SMECO Outstanding Teacher honoree. Ashley opens up about how failing early math classes gave her the drive to inspire students, the unconventional teaching methods that reignited her passion aft...

In this episode of SMECO Connects, Tom Dennison and Natalie Cotton sit down with Evelyn McCauley, a rising senior who just returned from the NRECA Youth Tour. Evelyn shares her surprising nomination story, the friendships she formed, and the unforgettable moment of asking tough questions to elected officials in Washington, D.C. Along the way, you'll hear: How a guidance office summons turned into...

What happens when a young engineer takes on the future of the electric grid? Alex Santiago, SMECO distribution and commercial design engineer, joins hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison to share how he's shaping the way power reaches homes, businesses, and entire communities—while tackling the biggest energy challenges of our time. From the pride of powering your local Chick-fil-A to navigating the st...

One wrong move around electricity can change — or end — your life. In this episode of SMECO Connects, Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison sit down with Blaise Higgs and Joe Patterson, two seasoned members of SMECO's safety department with over 35 years of experience each. From gripping real-life accident responses to the hidden dangers most people never think about, they reveal what it truly takes to keep...

The workforce is shifting fast—can your organization keep up? In this episode of SMECO Connects, Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison are joined by Rhosheeda Proctor, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at SMECO, and Yvette Turner, Lead Business Engagement Specialist at the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland. Together, they explore how today's workforce is being reshaped by generational shifts, hybrid...

Beth Kennedy and Tammy Gardner didn't just build long careers at SMECO—they helped shape it. Starting in entry-level roles, they climbed to become senior leaders overseeing finance and customer care. In this episode, they share the behind-the-scenes stories of their journey, how the utility industry has transformed, and what it really takes to lead through change. In this episode, you'll learn: Wh...

What happens when nearly seven decades of experience step into the room? In this special episode, SMECO legends Ronnie Wise and Roger Schneider share their remarkable journeys from entry-level roles to senior leadership—charting a course through decades of industry change, innovation, and growth. From handwritten outage tickets to SCADA automation and managing 300+ employees, they've seen it all....

Ever wondered why your electric bill spikes in summer and winter? In this episode, Smeco's VP of Rates and Energy Procurement Eugene Bradford pulls back the curtain on how your monthly bill is built—from competitive power market purchases to the poles and wires that deliver electricity to your door. He walks us through load forecasting, rate classes, and the rising costs driven by renewables manda...

What does it take to climb a 40-foot pole in record time — with your reputation (and bragging rights) on the line? In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Sonja Cox and co-host Tom Dennison sit down with linemen John King, Doug Hancock, and apprentices Cameron Russell and Josh Morris. Together, they pull back the curtain on the electrifying world of the Lineman's Rodeo — a high-stakes competition...

What happens when a cybersecurity pro leaves a federal career to build a construction company from the ground up—with zero industry experience? Meet Allison Drury, CEO of CAD Industries, a woman-owned underground utility business shaking up a male-dominated field. From buying her first drill after landing the job to leading complex projects for the National Zoo and regional governments, Allison pr...

You might wonder why an electric company is doing a podcast about mental health, but as a cooperative, we care about what's going on in the community and with our members and how we can help them find resources they may need. That's why this week's episode is so important. Karl Webner, Clinical Program Manager at the Saint Mary's County Health Department, joins the podcast to talk about the Health...

Ever wondered why your electric rates change—or who decides what's fair? We're diving deep into the role of the Maryland Public Service Commission with SMECO's top legal experts, Mark McDougall and Damon Krieger. With decades of experience navigating energy law and utility regulation, they break down how policies are shaped, what workgroups really do, and how evolving legislation is reshaping the...

What happens when safety becomes more than a policy? Join Sonja Cox and co‑host Tom Dennison as they sit down with Jim Trainor, SMECO's safety director, to explore how a cooperative safety program evolves—from online pandemic training to hands‑on field audits. Discover why safety isn't just about line workers, how "stop‑work authority" empowers employees, and what it takes to build a true culture...

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...

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 organi...

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-...

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...

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 preparatio...