Smart was recognized during the Knowledge, Innovation, Technology and Excellence Awards in Newport Beach, Calif. in November.
The KITE Awards honor the utility industry’s innovators in IT and customer service as well as operations executives.
Smart’s long-term goal has been to improve information technology functions, making sure day-to-day operations are aligned with NYPA’s overall mission. While initiating a major operations-network upgrade begun in 2013 and continuing through 2016, Lena embedded IT expertise into NYPA’s various business units resulting in increased communication and security.
"There were many great nominees this year, but these winners stood out as pioneers in their categories - helping to mold more intelligent utilities through their work in improving operational efficiencies, integrating new technologies, and improving relationships with customers,” said Mark Johnson, vice president of Energy Central. “Not only that, but they’re setting trends for the rest of the industry to follow. They are guiding their peers to higher standards of excellence.”
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