This month’s viewpoint is a bit different from the norm. I typically share my thoughts on our monthly theme or cover story topic. But I’m not going to discuss how emergency power systems have performed of late, following the extreme weather events that have pounded large areas of the country over the last six months. You can form your own opinion on this topic after turning to page 20 and reading this month’s cover story, “Taking Emergency Power by Storm.” Instead, I’ve got some exciting personnel news to share with you.
I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Ellen Parson as Director of Content for EC&M. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ellen for most of my tenure on EC&M. She’s been my behind-the-scenes partner who keeps our team running like a well-oiled machine. In her new role, she will now step to the forefront and oversee the editorial content of the magazine, website, and electronic newsletters. She will also manage the EC&M editorial staff based in our Overland Park, Kansas, office. Ellen has 20 years of experience working with electrical engineers.
Ellen has 20 years of experience working with electrical engineers, O&M professionals, and contractors. She has significant experience interacting with the largest electrical design firms and electrical construction companies in the country. In addition to producing highly engaging content for EC&M throughout the years, Ellen has led our team’s efforts on the social media front and served as the liaison working with our wide-ranging community of technical authors and experts.
I will continue to serve EC&M from a technical advisory/consultant capacity, guide the strategic direction of the brand, and collaborate with Ellen on high-profile editorial projects as I’ve done now for nearly two decades. However, I’ve also stepped into a new role at our company. As the new Senior Director of Content for our portfolio of Buildings brands, which includes EC&M, I will also manage our mechanical and plumbing properties — Contractor, Contracting Business, and HPAC Engineering — as well as our electrical distribution brands, Electrical Wholesaling and Electrical Marketing.
As you can imagine, this is an exciting time for Ellen and me. It’s also an exciting time for anyone who works in the electrical industry. As buildings grow smarter and building systems become more intertwined, collaboration and adoption of new technologies will be the key to growth. My new role will allow me to leverage my involvement with the mechanical and plumbing markets and share insights with you on the advancements taking place in these market sectors too.
But rest assured, one thing will not change. As you know, electrical subject matter experts with deep industry and technical knowledge are staples of EC&M. We will continue to feature the voice of the electrical contractor, engineer, operations/maintenance professional, educator, trainer, and inspector prominently in our articles. This community has always been a central part of our reporting and content strategy, and it will continue to be so in the future.
So join me in congratulating Ellen on her promotion, and look for her face on next month’s Industry Viewpoint.
