On May 20th we recognized 4 young women from the Central New York region who are headed to college for STEM related majors in the coming fall. In addition to our members, we joined by representatives of several of our sponsors, the scholarship recipients, and the recipients families and teachers, as well as by our Keynote Speaker, Katie Backus, PE, Vice President of Gas Program Delivery at National Grid.  The event was held at Carrier, in East Syracuse, NY. Though this was not a record breaking year in regards to sponsorship we still received outstanding support from both long-term and new sponsors- each recipient received a $1750 scholarship.  It was a lovely evening and we look forward to continuing the tradition in 2025.

Keynote Speaker

We are pleased to share that this year’s keynote speaker was Katie Backus, PE.

Katie is the Vice President of Gas Program Delivery at National Grid.  She is accountable as the Gas Business Lead for new technologies being deployed within the Gas Business Unit.  Her responsibilities consist of translating operational business needs to the Information Technology organization and ensuring that business users are engaged and prepared to accept and effectively use the new technologies.  In addition, Katie is leading the digital delivery shift for the Gas Business Unit which involves establishing an operating model to set strategy and create an organization focused on maintaining, enhancing and re-imagining systems that support Operations.  Her career is highlighted by several positions of increased responsibility at National Grid, including Gas Engineering, Gas Asset Management, Corrosion Control, and Gas Operations.

She was born and raised in Sheldon, VT and attended Clarkson University, where she graduated with a BS in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering.  She holds an advanced degree in Business Administration from Excelsior University.  In addition, she holds her Professional Engineering license in New York.

Katie resides in Baldwinsville, NY with her husband Michael and is the proud mother two boys: Mark (11) and Luke (7).  When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cycling, reading, and traveling.