Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU)

This week at BPU, we leaned into what makes public utilities personal - connection. We kicked off at Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS's CivicConnect, where Jeremy Ash, Abbey Frye, Nicholas Moreno, and Carlos Quijas represented BPU in a room full of civic doers and neighborhood leaders. Midweek, Jeremy stepped into our makeshift studio with Paul Ciampoli to record an episode of American Public Power Association (APPA)'s Power Now - slated to air April 14th at 11 a.m. central. Tune in for a convo on community roots, leadership in public utilities, and why hometown utilities matter more than ever. In Washington, Steve Nirschl represented BPU and Wyandotte County alongside the American Water Works Association during meetings with our congressional leadership, advocating for critical water infrastructure and funding for public systems. We wrapped the week up at Banneker Elementary with the Learning Club, where our employees helped bring books to life for students as they developed crucial reading and comprehension skills. #ThePowerofCommunity isn't just our tagline. It's how we show up every day for each other, for Wyandotte County, and for our industry. Service before self. 👊 #BPU #LinkedInPhotoDump #PublicPower #CommunityEngagement #KCK #WYCO #LeadershipinAction #PowerNow #APPA #CivicConnect

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🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Leigh Mulholland, CPA, CCEP 🌟 As Chief Compliance Officer at BPU, Leigh Mulholland leads a broad portfolio of mission-critical functions, including Regulatory Compliance, Environmental Policy & Compliance, Enterprise Risk, Internal Audit, and Insurance for electric and water operations. With a deep understanding of complex systems and policy, Leigh’s leadership helps ensure BPU delivers safe, clean water and reliable electricity daily to the community. “Our team works collaboratively across departments to meet regulatory requirements and strengthen internal and external trust,” Leigh says. “That partnership is essential to delivering the services our community relies on.” Her approach to leadership and mentorship has been shaped by strong women throughout her life and career—including two former managers who mentored her, sponsored her growth, advocated for advancement, and opened doors to new opportunities. “And my greatest inspiration is my mom,” Leigh shares. “As a working mother, she taught us there were no limits—only possibilities. She inspired us to reach for the stars through hard work and determination.” Now, Leigh pays it forward by mentoring and sponsoring other women, believing firmly in opening doors and removing barriers for the next generation. “That’s what Women’s History Month is all about—recognizing women's impact and continuing to make space for future voices.” She sees enormous value in having more women in the utility industry, especially as the field navigates rapid change. “With growing demand and a shifting regulatory landscape, the utility sector needs diverse thinking. Women bring fresh ideas, help solve complex challenges, and drive innovation—building a stronger, more resilient future for the communities we serve.” Thank you, Leigh, for your leadership, mentorship, and commitment to moving the industry forward. #WomensHistoryMonth #bpu #LeadershipDevelopment #representationmatters #TeamBPU

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Ashley Culp 🌟 As Human Resources Manager at BPU, Ashley Culp is dedicated to shaping a workplace that fosters growth, inclusivity, and opportunity. She oversees talent acquisition, talent management, and employee relations, ensuring that BPU’s workforce reflects the community it serves. “I believe that contributing to the community where I live is the most meaningful way to help shape its future.” For Ashley, Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the progress women have made and the work still ahead. “As a professional woman and mother of two daughters, Women’s History Month holds profound significance for me. I want to ensure future generations grow up in a world that embraces understanding and celebrates diversity.” She draws inspiration from the strong women in her life, recognizing that leadership is built on the support and resilience of those who came before. “I come from a lineage of remarkable women who have paved the way for my journey. My inspiration comes from the many women who have shared their struggles and encouraged me to aim higher.” Ashley is also passionate about the role of women in the utility industry and believes diverse leadership drives real progress. “A diverse organization is key to success. More women in leadership foster innovation, inclusivity, and diverse decision-making—driving meaningful progress in the utility industry.” Thank you, Ashley, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive workplace! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #Leadership #RepresentationMatters #TeamBPU

We're #hiring a new Supervisor of Electric Distribution Engineering in Kansas City, Kansas. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Our team proudly shares that BPU’s Nearman Water Treatment Plant received the 15-Year Directors Award from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Partnership for Safe Water. This recognition is awarded to utilities that voluntarily go beyond regulatory requirements to achieve excellence in water treatment and public health protection. Fewer than 25 percent of participating utilities nationwide have achieved this milestone. This means 15 years of continuous improvement, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to delivering safe, clean, and reliable drinking water to Wyandotte County. During last week's Board meeting, Board President David Haley and our Director of Water Processing Steve Nirschl accepted this award on behalf of BPU and the dedicated team making this possible daily. We are honored to bring this award home for our customers and continue providing the high-quality water our community deserves. #bpu #TeamBPU #WYCO #SafeWater #communityowned #waterquality #AWWA

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Katie Burke 🌟 As Claims Examiner at BPU, Katie Burke is committed to serving customers and employees by navigating claims with responsiveness, safety, and problem-solving at the forefront. Whether addressing challenges or finding solutions, she is key in ensuring that BPU remains a reliable, community-focused utility. “Women’s History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions, struggles, and achievements of women throughout history, as well as in my own life and career,” Katie shares. “Working in a male-dominated industry, this month highlights the importance of advocacy and mentorship for women.” For Katie, strength and resilience have been modeled by the influential women in her life—her mom, grandmother, and daughters. “They have each instilled in me wisdom, determination, and a strong work ethic. I am thankful every day for their support and guidance.” She believes that having women in the utility industry is essential for progress. “Individual perspectives drive problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making. When we bring different voices to the table, we create stronger solutions and better business outcomes.” Thank you, Katie, for your dedication to BPU and for being a leader in your field! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #RepresentationMatters #Leadership #TeamBPU

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Ashley Galvan 🌟 As a Senior System Water Operator at BPU’s Nearman Water Treatment Plant, Ashley Galvan has dedicated nearly a decade to ensuring our community has access to safe, high-quality water. For Ashley, this career is more than just a job—it’s a way to give back to the community she was born and raised in. “I strongly believe in and shape my actions around the Water Division’s mission: ‘To have available upon demand to all of our customers good quality water and to provide that water in the most efficient manner possible.’ Water treatment is a career that isn’t talked about enough, and I hope to change that. I think more people would love this field as much as I do if they knew about it.” Ashley credits the strong women in her life for shaping the person she is today. Her great-grandmother, who will soon celebrate her 100th birthday, worked in healthcare well into her 80s and overcame challenges as a first-generation Mexican-American. “Even when all the cards were stacked against her, she succeeded. She has shown me what true passion and resilience look like, and I will carry that with me for the rest of my life.” Her mom has been her greatest supporter, instilling in her the belief that hard work and determination can take her anywhere. Women’s History Month, to Ashley, is a time to honor those who paved the way for progress and gender equity. “Because of the women before me, I can work in a male-driven industry. I owe them immense gratitude for their fearlessness and commitment to change.” She is passionate about increasing representation in the utility industry. “When we host grade school and high school tours at the Nearman Water Treatment Plant, I want those kids to meet people they can relate to. I hope seeing someone like me in this career will inspire the next generation of women to consider this path.” Thank you, Ashley, for your dedication to BPU and the future of our industry! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #Leadership #RepresentationMatters #TeamBPU

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Claudia Vazquez-Puebla, MBA 🌟 As our Talent and Recruitment Specialist at BPU, Claudia is dedicated to connecting local talent with the many career opportunities the utility industry offers. Though she’s only been with BPU for four months, she is already making an impact—helping individuals see the possibilities for their future and ensuring BPU continues to reflect the community we serve. For Claudia, service and leadership have always been rooted in compassion and perseverance. She draws inspiration from Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Princess Diana, two women known for their selfless dedication to others. “Both of them served the homeless, the sick, children, and the elderly. Their work was about more than charity—it was about dignity, kindness, and lifting others.” Her greatest influences, however, come from home—her mom and grandmothers, whose unwavering faith and commitment to their values continue to inspire her. Women’s History Month, to Claudia, is a time for reflection and recognition. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to learn about women's incredible contributions to society. I try to carry their perseverance, passion, and charisma in everything I do—to inspire others to do good.” She sees the utility industry evolving, creating new opportunities for women as technology advances. “This is an industry that will always persist through time, and now, more than ever, there is space for women to grow, lead, and innovate.” Thank you, Claudia, for your passion, leadership, and commitment to empowering the next generation of talent at BPU! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #leadershipdevelopment #RepresentationMatters #TeamBPU

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Desiree' Fergus 🌟 As a Senior System Operator at BPU, Desiree Fergus is critical in ensuring the community's safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electricity. Whether monitoring the electric grid, responding to outages, or coordinating with field crews, every decision she makes directly impacts thousands of people. “Being a system operator is about more than managing the grid—it’s about keeping essential services running 24/7 and making real-time decisions that protect public safety.” She credits her mom as her greatest inspiration, shaping her approach to leadership and problem-solving. “My mother taught me patience, resilience, and attention to detail—essential qualities in troubleshooting and system management.” With the utility industry evolving, Desiree believes bringing more women into the field is key to driving innovation. “As new technologies and sustainability efforts reshape the industry, having a range of perspectives fosters creativity and adaptability in solving challenges.” Thank you, Desiree, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to keeping our community powered! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #Leadership #RepresentationMatters #TeamBPU