Major Utility Companies Environmental Panel
October 15, 2026
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago
75 W Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Directions
This Event is sponsored in part by the following:
THATCHER, ENGINEERED GEO-STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS FOR 80 YEARS
PACE ANALYTICAL SERVICES
ALS USA ENVIRONMENTAL
RW Collins Co.
The Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals (IAEP) invites you to join us for an engaging in-person panel discussion featuring environmental leaders from three of the region’s largest energy utilities: Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Nicor Gas/Southern Company Gas, and WEC Energy Group.
As the energy industry continues to navigate evolving environmental regulations, sustainability initiatives, infrastructure modernization, and stakeholder expectations, these professionals are at the forefront of balancing operational excellence with environmental stewardship.
Drawing on decades of combined experience in compliance, permitting, remediation, and environmental program management, our panelists will share firsthand perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of utility environmental management.
Panelists:
- Sara Race (ComEd) – Senior Manager, Environmental Management
- Alicia Bishop (Nicor / Southern Company Gas) – Manager, Environmental Programs
- Matt Hildreth, P.G. (WEC Energy Group) – Senior Environmental Consultant
Moderated by Brian Wozniak, Vice President with Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., the discussion will explore:
- Key environmental and operational accomplishments achieved in 2026
- Emerging priorities and strategic initiatives for 2027 and beyond
- Major regulatory, technical, and business challenges facing utility environmental programs
- What utility owners and managers expect from their environmental consulting partners
- Practical advice for firms seeking to build successful relationships with utility clients
Whether you are an environmental professional, consultant, regulator, or industry stakeholder, this event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from utility decision-makers and gain valuable insight into the evolving environmental landscape of the energy sector.
Time:
- 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Registration & Networking
- 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM: Program and Q&A Session
- 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Cocktails & Networking [heavy appetizers & two drink tickets per attendee included]
Location:
Cost:
All IAEP Members: $85; Non-members: $115
Refunds are allowed with cancellation 48 hours prior to the webinar. Substitutes permitted for corporate members only.
Registration:
Pre-registration is required at www.iaepnetwork.org
IAEP will provide a certificate for 1.5 Professional Development Hours to attendees.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
Sara Race
Sara Race is the Senior Manager of Environmental Management for ComEd, an electric utility company that serves most of northern Illinois. In her role, Sara oversees the department that manages all environmental facets for the company. Prior to this role, Sara was responsible for managing environmental compliance programs related to wetlands, avian, land use, and threatened and endangered species. In addition, she oversees the company’s stewardship and biodiversity programs, including ComEd’s prairie and pollinator program. She is currently involved working with many NGOs and government agencies to advance common stewardship and land management goals. Sara has been with ComEd since 2005 and has an MS in Environmental Management.
Prior to graduate school, Sara worked in the non-profit sector focusing on environmental education and plant science education with institutions such as the Chicago Botanic Garden and The Field Museum.
Alicia Bishop
Alicia Bishop serves as Manager of Environmental Programs for Southern Company Gas, the parent company of Nicor Gas. In this current role, she oversees the development and implementation of air, waste, land and water compliance programs for Nicor Gas. With 30 years of experience in the energy and environmental sectors, Alicia has built a distinguished career spanning environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship. Prior to her current role, she held senior environmental positions with El Paso Corporation and Spectra Energy, and a limited time at several consulting organizations. Specializing in environmental permitting and compliance for construction activities, Alicia has worked on natural gas systems in 24 states in the eastern United States. Known for her practical approach to balancing operational excellence with environmental responsibility, Alicia brings a wealth of expertise and real-world insight on navigating today's evolving regulatory and sustainability challenges.
Matt Hildreth, P.G.
Matt Hildreth, P.G., is a Senior Environmental Consultant with WEC Energy Group and a licensed Professional Geologist with more than two decades of experience in environmental investigation, remediation, and regulatory compliance. In his current role, Matt supports environmental stewardship initiatives across WEC Energy Group’s operations, drawing on extensive expertise developed through leadership positions in the utility and environmental consulting sectors. Prior to joining WEC Energy Group, he served as Remediation Team Lead at BBJ Group and spent more than a decade with AECOM managing complex environmental projects throughout the Midwest. Matt holds a Master of Science in Quaternary Geology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is recognized for his practical, science-based approach to site remediation, risk management, and environmental problem-solving.
Tickets
$85.00 IAEP Member Ticket
$110.00 IAEP Non-Member Ticket
$500.00 General Event Sponsorship
