Celebrating 50 Years of Service - Over the past five decades, Vicky Anderson has seen a lot of change! In this month’s Q&A, she reflects on her career in the utility industry and shares more about her position as Warehouse Supervisor, which she has held since 2002.
1. What is a typical day like in your current position as Warehouse Supervisor?I oversee the daily functions performed by the stockpersons for steam, water, and gas at the Langsdale Operations Center warehouse. Our team works with our internal customers to ensure we have what they need to perform their jobs in the field. I oversee inventory transactions and the organization of material in the warehouse, as well as check on issues such as incorrect deliveries and out-of-stock items.
2. What is your advice for newer employees at Citizens?I advise newer employees to take time to learn about the many areas of the company. You’ll be surprised at how much knowledge you will gain about the overall business.
3. Do you have a few memorable moments from your career that you could share? I have fond memories from special events like company picnics, holiday parties, and volunteer projects. Also, I always enjoyed “cheese day” at the Indianapolis Water Company. Employees and retirees were able to make bulk purchases from a cheese plant. As a member of Supply Chain, I placed orders and helped distribute the cheese to employees and retirees one day a year around the holiday season. It was always great to catch up with retirees, then, too.
Other memorable moments include camping out at work during a blizzard to assist customers with frozen pipes and working extra hours to help cover during a workforce strike.
4. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen within the utility industry over the last 50 years?Technology definitely has changed in 50 years! We did not have desktop computers in the early years of my career. All customer transactions, such as work orders, were handwritten. Assets were set up in large ledgers. Bills were sent through a letter opener then sorted and balanced with calculators.
5. What are a few of your greatest accomplishments throughout your career?I’ve enjoyed working in several different positions over the years. A few of my achievements are:
- Establishing all the customer accounts when the Indianapolis Water Company took over water service for Prestwick, a large community in Avon
- Being part of the team to see the first poly pipe water main project bored
Stepping into a new position where I served as a liaison between Accounting, Construction, and Engineering to report on the costs of installing new water mains so we could apply for rate cases and show the water mains, valves, and hydrants on distribution and intersection maps
6. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy cooking, crafts, reading, traveling, volunteer work, and spending time with family (including two grandsons, Jonathon and Anthony), friends, and my dog, Buddy, a Miniature Pinscher.
