Related News
Related News
-
National Preparedness Month: Older adults take control in 1, 2, 3
We know older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the extreme weather events and emergencies we face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, depend on electricity for medical needs, or live in rural areas.
Find Out More -
Women in STEM: EWEB Engineer Laura Ohman's second degree brings a lifetime of benefits
EWEB Engineer Laura Ohman shares how getting her second degree was one of the most difficult and rewarding things she's ever accomplished.
Find Out More -
Bethel neighbors boost emergency preparedness during Emergency Water Station event
Staff gave out about 300 emergency water containers to enthusiastic community members eager to learn more about the water station.
Find Out More -
Stay cool during extreme heat events
With temperatures forecasted to reach over 100 degrees over the next several days, we've prepared some tips and tricks to help you stay cool.
Find Out More -
Women in STEM: Meet our servant leader and maker of tough decisions
Karen Kelley, Chief Operations Officer at EWEB, describes herself as a "servant leader," offering support and mentoring to four division managers at EWEB.
Find Out More -
EWEB establishes multipronged resiliency policy
Disaster recovery and prevention are being embedded in all operations and processes.
Find Out More -
Women in STEM: Meet the water quality specialist who ensures the safety of Eugene's drinking water
Brenda Casarez began working at EWEB in 2009, collecting samples from all over the water system testing for different contaminants.
Find Out More -
EWEB will close College Hill Reservoir site for Fourth of July
EWEB will continue the annual closure of its College Hill Reservoir over the Fourth of July holiday. For the past several years, EWEB has restricted access to the reservoir surface around the Fourth of July to ensure people do not set off fireworks which can damage the roof and potentially impact drinking water quality.
Find Out More -
EWEB and City finalize sale of former riverfront headquarters
The two buildings on 4.4 acres will transformed into Eugene's new City Hall. EWEB and the City signed closing documents and officially handed over the site keys on Tuesday.
Find Out More -
EWEB begins major water pipeline upgrades
This summer, EWEB is launching several construction water pipeline projects to enhance the reliability and earthquake resiliency of drinking water service for Eugene residents.
Find Out More -
Currin Substation - the origin of the name
Hugh Currin was hired as an engineer at EWEB in 1923. Later, he became the chief engineer for the utility.
Find Out More -
EWEB Safety Tip: Celebrate responsibly with balloons
If your graduation celebration involves balloons, make sure they are secured with a weight. Otherwise, they can float away and come into contact with overhead power lines.
Find Out More -
EWEB programs make electric mobility more accessible
Electric mobility seems to be everywhere these days, but does availability equal accessibility? Here at EWEB we’ve determined that the answer is ‘no’ and are working to bridge that gap through EV car shares, community grants and electric bike rebates.
Find Out More -
Lead Green annual summary
In Eugene, we take pride in knowing we have one of the cleanest power portfolios in the nation. Roughly 90% of Eugene's power comes from carbon-free hydroelectric energy. And EWEB has a long history offering robust conversation programs. But we wanted to do more, so we launched Lead Green, a suite of programs for climate innovators looking to support renewable energy and take action on climate change. In the year since Lead Green was launched, we've accomplished a lot we can be proud of.
Find Out More -
EWEB Education Programs Invest in Eugene’s Future
Learn some of the many ways EWEB customers support local schools and help inspire kids to explore the wonders of watershed health and clean energy resources.
Find Out More - Show More
Powered by People Like Chris
December 09, 2019
Chris describes a lot of his ten and a half years with EWEB as a "hoot," which seems especially fitting given Chris himself could accurately be described as a hoot. He is a smiling, laughing, downright jovial individual. All of that makes it near impossible to imagine him in the job he had prior to EWEB.
"I was in a job where I had to fire people all of the time. It was not fun," says Chris. "It's going to sound corny, but I remember when I came into EWEB for an interview, I almost had this child-like wonder of what a neat place it was. I had a sense that I really wanted to work here," he continues.
Like a lot of staff featured in our Powered by People profiles, Chris got his start with EWEB as a Customer Service Analyst and has worked his way around the utility over the years.
"When I started, I worked on the phones and in the atrium. Sometimes, I would get borrowed by credit and collections or email communications. It was an absolute blast. I'd show up and just go where I was needed."
Often EWEB forms horizontal teams to involve diverse perspectives when addressing problems or projects. It was on one of these teams that Chris first worked with his now supervisor, Sarah.
"I didn't know anything about risk management," says Chris. "But when a position opened up in the group, I knew I'd kick myself if I didn't take the chance. I had told myself if an opportunity came up to work with Sarah again, I'd take it. So I did a ton of research and I landed the best job in the utility."
When asked how he would describe that "best job" Chris boils it down to simple terms. "I help make sure we are making intentional decisions. That it's not just 'it's always been this way, so that's the way it is.' It's fine to take risks-just need to understand the potential consequences and how it could impact others."
In his role as an Enterprise Risk Analyst, Chris works with staff throughout the utility, not only spreading his knowledge and advice, but his good nature and sense of commitment.
"It's a great gig. There's tremendous value in knowing our collective efforts go into delivering on-demand electricity and high quality water. We juggle matching what we do with where customers find value too-whether it's in affordability or protecting the environment. An amazing amount of work goes into that. I have tens of thousands of bosses. It's really cool and I have every single intention in being here another 25 years. No doubts. I enjoy the heck out of my job."
Thank goodness, since all of us at EWEB find Chris is not only a hoot, but a blast and we enjoy the heck out of getting to work with him. Just passing the man in the hall will brighten your day.
Thank you Chris for your role in providing customers with vital services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.