SJI Celebrates Women’s History Month by Recognizing the Advancement and Accomplishments of Several Employees
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South Jersey Industries News
FOLSOM, NJ, March 31, 2022 – SJI is committed to fostering a work environment where all employees feel included, empowered and supported in their efforts to develop and advance their careers. With that, in addition to celebrating Women’s History Month, SJI is proud to recognize the advancement and accomplishments of several of its own dynamic women employees.
“Women play a vital role in our organization’s success as well as in our efforts to foster an inclusive work environment,” said Mike Renna, President and CEO, SJI. “Placing women in leadership positions enables us to expand upon our definition of success and what we are capable of as One SJI, leading our employees, customers and communities to a better today and tomorrow.”
Currently, women account for over 38 percent of the company’s workforce, including 38 percent of its leadership roles and 30 percent of its Board of Directors.
(SJI recently published a video detailing its commitment to empowering its women employees and supporting their career development. To learn more, please visit the link above.)
Below is a snapshot of recent advancements and accomplishments by SJI’s women employees:
Donna Schempp Appointed to President, SJI Renewable Energy Ventures (SJI REV) and Senior Vice President of SJI Enterprises Group
SJI recently named Donna Schempp as the first female leading a clean energy-focused role at SJI as the president of SJI Renewable Energy Ventures (SJI REV) and senior vice president of SJI Enterprises Group, the holding company for SJI’s non-regulated clean energy business entities. In her role, Schempp provides strategic oversight and fully aligns project development and execution across SJI’s collective renewable energy initiatives. Schempp is also the first woman to lead SJI’s non-utility businesses.
“As our organization continues to seek innovative ways to support New Jersey’s vision of a clean energy future, I am thrilled to lead SJI REV in support of these ongoing opportunities and work alongside the rest of the senior leadership team to continue the organization’s long-term success in this area,” said Schempp.
SJI Names Karen Phillips Senior Vice President of Human Resources
In addition, SJI has also named Karen Phillips senior vice president of Human Resources. In her role, Phillips will continue to provide strategic HR leadership while collaborating with the senior leadership team to attract, retain and develop exceptional talent and foster an inclusive workplace culture.
“At SJI, our employees are our greatest asset,” said Phillips. “I look forward to supporting the continued evolution of the employee experience at our organization, ensuring that all employees, at every level, feel supported and empowered to excel in their position.”
The Women’s Leadership Initiative Announces its Inaugural Trailblazer Award Winner
To ensure the continued growth of its women employees, SJI supports the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), an employee resource group dedicated to providing women with opportunities to network, volunteer and build their skills. Recently, WLI named Lisa Cottman, Senior HR Specialist, the recipient of its Inaugural Trailblazer Award. Cottman received the award for upholding the company’s Collective Ambition and empowering and supporting other women throughout the organization.
For more information about SJI and its subsidiaries, please visit sjindustries.com.