In his 30-year career at Citizens, John Hopwood has held several different positions, but one of his favorite activities is the annual Sharing the Dream project, which he has been involved with since its inception in 2009.
1. What role have you played in Sharing the Dream?
The first several years, I led the project with former employee Jan Diggins. In the early years, I worked hand-in-hand with Corporate Affairs to select the Indy Parks site, identify needs, develop the scope, assign contractors for major parts of the project, and assist as a leader during the event. The past several years, I’ve served as a team captain.
2. What do you enjoy most about Sharing the Dream?
Without a doubt, I enjoy spending time with employees I rarely get to see otherwise. I also enjoy the sense of teamwork and camaraderie during Sharing the Dream. We laugh and joke, but always get the work done. During the project, it always feels like we are a family working together to accomplish something great.
3. In your role as Senior Manager, Fleet and Facilities Engineering, what is a typical day like?
I oversee eight employees, who I coach, develop and assist with finding solutions to problems. I review and approve contracts and fleet- and facility-related projects, and I develop and manage fleet and facility budgets.
4. What is the biggest challenge you face in your position?
The biggest challenge we’re facing right now is supply chain delays due to the pandemic. It’s difficult to deliver projects and goods on time. The delays are causing some construction project schedules to slip into the next fiscal cycle, affecting our future budgets and planning.
5. What other positions have you held throughout your career at Citizens?
At the former coke manufacturing plant, I served in the positions of Manufacturing Division Engineer, Manager of Gas Supply, and Superintendent of Gas and Steam. Then I moved on to Utility Services, specifically serving Eli Lilly, where I held the position of Reliability Engineer and Operations and Maintenance Manager for Lilly Greenfield. Before my current role, I was the Fleet and Facility Services Manager, then Integration Management Office Team Liaison, and then Energy Plant Engineering Manager.
6. What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy home improvement projects and spending time with my grandchildren. My favorite spots to live, play, and vacation are Lake Shafer in Monticello, Indiana, and Lake Seminole in Largo, Florida.
7. Can you tell us about your family?
This year my wife, Michele, and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. We have two children, Carie and Anthony. They and their spouses each have a son and a daughter, so we are grandparents of four kiddos.
Above left: John Hopwood, middle, has been actively involved in Citizens' annual Sharing the Dream event since its inception.
Above bottom right: John Hopwood with his wife, children, and grandchildren.