My tenure with American Electric Power began in 2008. From 2008 – 2014, I worked within the IT Workforce Readiness team as a Managing Consultant. I was brought on as an AEP employee in 2014 and engaged as an IT Training Specialist Sr. at 1RP within the same team. Some of my priorities included being a Training Lead on numerous large projects and included Training Development. I was also involved in the original debut of the IT Debate Series. I was awarded Idea of the year for the IT Share Fair in 2016. Most recently I was Prosci Certified in Organizational Change Management in 2017. Currently (2018), I am engaged within the IT Processes & Methods team working with IT on various continuous improvement ideas as a Change Management Specialist.

Previously, I worked for ten years as a Manager of IT Process and Development Training at American Signature. I am a proud, blessed, 5 year Bladder Cancer Survivor! I have been married for 32 years and have two children, and a grand dog! I get my strength and energy from one of my favorite sayings – "Women are like teabags. You never know how strong you are until dropped into hot water." – Anonymous

2019 Ohio Chapter Chair

Deb Hohn

Kernesa is an analyst with the Customer Program Services Team within Customer & Distribution Services at American Electric Power.  She supports the Operating Company Energy Efficiency Managers in their work around executing EE programs. Kernesa has over 20 years of experience in project delivery and requirements gathering and has a passion for business process improvement.  She has been with AEP for over 10 years and has been a Business Systems Analyst in various lines of business. She is dedicated to her own personal growth and development as well as others, she is very active in WiNUP (currently serving as Secretary and Mentoring Chair) and the AEP African American Employee Resource Group (currently serving as Chair). She has a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Analysis from Miami University.

2019 Ohio Chapter Vice Chair

Kernesa Samana

I have a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and have been working professionally in the environmental field since 2006. I have

been working in Environmental Services since 2013. I’ve provided

environmental support for AEP generation facilities in the eastern footprint. An opportunity to support transmission projects came up in 2017, so I transitioned within my group to provide environmental support for transmission projects. I did this because I wanted to learn more about the electric utility and become better-rounded as an employee. I am still interested in environmental issues but I’m also interested in other business units and opportunities to learn and grow. Overall, I want to be challenged in my career and think

when I grow up, I may want to pursue management opportunities. I have a 3 year old son and another boy on the way in 27 days (eek!). My husband and I live in Lewis Center and have been married for 8 years. When I’m not pregnant, I enjoy long distance running.

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2019 Ohio Chapter Secretary

Jill Lukeheart

Professional Bio:  I have a BS degree in Accounting and over 24 years of experience working in corporate accounting, consolidations, financial planning, regulatory accounting and capital planning.  During my career I have held positions of increasing responsibility. My current role is Lead Capital Planning Analyst at NiSource. I have been a member of WiNUP, Ohio Chapter for 3 years.

Personal Bio: I hail from upstate New York, where I grew up and attended college. 21 years ago I embarked on a journey to Ohio for a job opportunity. I loved it so much I decided to put down roots. I am a proud single mom of a 10 year-old daughter who keeps me busy with school and activities. We reside in Dublin, OH.  When I’m not being a mom I love to work in the yard, golf, bowl, teach Sunday School, walk my dog, and hang-out with friends.    

2019 Ohio Chapter Treasurer

Lynn Guilbert

Krista started her utility career in the Allegheny Power call center located in Fairmont, West Virginia in March of 2003. In 2004, she relocated to Marietta, Ohio as a meter specialist for Allegheny Power. In 2006, American Electric Power acquired the Ohio territory of Allegheny Power. The transition from Allegheny Power to AEP resulted in a job change for her. Krista accepted her new position as a Customer Service Representative for AEP Ohio in Marietta. It was in 2008 that Krista was searching for a Women’s organization that would connect her to other utility professionals that she found WiNUP. She immediately joined and became engaged in the Mentorship program. In 2010, Krista applied and accepted a position for a Functional System Analyst for AEP and relocated to Columbus, Ohio.  As of August 2017, Krista accepted the position of the IT Application Delivery Manager of Customer Experience Mobility and Web at American Electric Power (AEP). In 2019, an unexpected opportunity came about and Krista transitioned back into the Customer organization at AEP as the Customer Processes and Systems manager working with a team that supports the Customer Information System.  Through this position she enjoys the experience of learning and growing in her leadership skills while helping support and coach her employees.  Krista grew up in the small town of Sistersville, West Virginia where she enjoyed participating in activities such as cheerleading, volleyball, playing the piano and gymnastics. She now resides in Columbus, Ohio with her husband. Her spare time is spent with her two step-daughters and 2 year old granddaughter, Bella,  that calls her “Caca”.  A name that Bella came up with on her own!

2019 Ohio Chapter Intl. Board Representative

Krista Tillman

I started at AEP January 2002 as an IT Training Specialist. I am currently the Training Lead for the Cornerstone Program which is a program that is focused on modernizing our technology platform and transforming our business processes, ultimately changing the way we think about, manage and perform our work. Other responsibilities include, establishing effective relationships with business partners and external partners, performing stakeholder analysis and identifies audience for training, defining how and when various stakeholders receive information, designing and implementing communication training plans and prioritizing deliverables within the learning program. Basically it is my role to understand users’ issues and challenges and partner to identify optimum solutions.

I have been married for 23 years to my husband Brent, who is an Attorney and CPA in private practice. We live in Westerville with our two cats – Tiberius & Dobby.

2018 Ohio Chapter Chair

Hillary Sheffer