Woman of the Year

2023 Woman of the Year Winners

 

Yes, winners – based on the applications received for our Annual Woman of the Year Award, the committee decided to present two awards in 2023.

Our first winner, Kris DeLair, Executive Director of the Empire State Energy Association was lauded by Rob Underwood, President of the Energy Marketers of America who stated, “Kris’s sound judgment, resourcefulness, dependability, and enthusiasm are critical assets to the marketers she represents.”  Mike Devin, President of the National Oilheat Research Alliance commented, “I could not think of a better steward for our industry.  She leads the largest heating oil state in the US at a very difficult time in our industry’s history.  She leads with intelligence, humility and is always collaborating with additional state and national associations on behalf of what is best for our consumers.”

Kris joined the Empire State Energy Association in 2006 and named the Executive Director in 2018.  She serves as both a spokesperson for the liquid fuels industry and the leader of their government affairs team representing the interests of energy marketers before New York’s governor’s office, state legislature and various regulatory agencies.  In addition, she currently serves on the Energy Marketers of America’s Executive Committee as the Northeast region’s association executive.

Prior to joining the association, she held a position as a paralegal in an Albany NY law firm.

Our second winner is Elaine Levin, President and Principal of Powerhouse.  Elaine has been praised by clients for serving and championing the industry for more than 30 years.  Her work has protected businesses and end-use customers across the country as she teaches and guides them on how to leverage financial and physical tools to expand their businesses.

Kyle Price, Executive V.P. of Tevis Energy, stated that Elaine is a trusted partner of Tevis for decades and she has led her company to be a premier trusted voice on markets and has ensured they remain committed in meeting the industry’s progressive resolutions.  From lower sulfur fuels to biodiesel and renewables, her team remains insightfully ahead of the curve.”  Another customer, Paul Rippy and Seth McCann, United Energy Plus Terminals, commented, “We have worked with Elain specifically focusing on price risk management by using energy futures and related financial  instruments.

Elaine graduated from Marymount University in Virginia summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration finance.  She has been instrumental in teaching the principals of hedging to the industry for more than 20 years with Powerhouse.

We congratulate these outstanding women and welcome them our our wall of previous winners.  We will call for 2024 nominations late Spring of 2024.