Building Business Continuity Across the Utility Enterprise
Utilities are rethinking business continuity as an enterprise capability that extends far beyond maintaining documentation. This panel will explore how leading organizations are integrating business continuity, emergency management, vendor readiness, and critical-function recovery to ensure that payroll, billing, customer service, supply chain, and executive decision-making continue during major disruptions. Panelists will share lessons on governance, business impact analyses, exercises, and metrics that transform continuity from a compliance requirement into a practical operating discipline.
Panelists:
Tonya Ngotel, Manager, Emergency Preparedness, Omaha Public Power District (OPPD)
Tonya Ngotel is the emergency preparedness manager for Omaha Public Power District in Southeast Nebraska, she leads the efforts of the emergency management, business continuity & FEMA recovery teams. Tonya has responded to multiple complex disasters including wildfires and severe weather and brings strategic focus and a collaborative mindset to any crisis. Bringing over 20 years of experience in emergency management and leadership to OPPD. She earned a master’s degree in public health with an emphasis in emergency planning at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a bachelor’s degree from Doane University.
Mona Freels, Executive Director of Emergency Management, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP)
Mona Freels, CEM, is Executive Director of Emergency Management at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), a role she has held since February 2025. With over 30 years in emergency management, she previously spent more than six years at San Diego Gas & Electric, including as Emergency Operations Services Manager and Manager of Emergency Planning, Response, and Compliance Services. Earlier roles include Senior Homeland Security Coordinator for the City of San Diego, Emergency Management Coordinator at Heartland Fire & Rescue, and COO of 211 San Diego. She holds degrees from National University and Antioch University, plus a Cyber Executive Program certificate from the University of San Diego.
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