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 and the AEP African American Employee Resource Group. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Analysis from Miami University.

2020 Ohio Chapter Chair

Kernesa Samana

I am currently a Project Manager for the Telecom Department at AEP. I manage Network and Asset Health projects. I began my career at AEP as a Consultant in 2014 supporting projects and helped to define reporting processes for the newly formed IT Telecom Projects Department. I became an AEP employee in 2016. Prior to AEP I worked in Information Technology over 10 years in the healthcare field and 15 years in local government.

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I have Masters degrees in Project Management and Business Administration, and Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership.

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I joined WiNUP in 2016 and have volunteered many hours for the Ohio Chapter as a committee member for the Holiday Social, Clothing Drive, and Food Drive committees along with being co-chair for Hospitality committee for 2 years. At the International level I am the 2019 International Conference Sponsorship Chair, I was a committee member for the Professional Development committee in 2018, and co-chair of International Conference Sponsorship committee for the 2017 International Conference.

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I am married with two grown children, Sherman Jane and Jace Landon. I like to say we have 3 dogs and 2 Danes. I enjoy antiques, auctions, bullet journaling, along with spending time with my family, friends, and my fur babies.

2020 Ohio Chapter Vice Chair

Amy Dellenbach

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 two boys, 4 and 1. They keep me on my toes! My husband and I live in Lewis Center and have been married for 9 years. I also enjoy long distance running.

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2020 Ohio Chapter Secretary

Jill Lukeheart

Sheila Rettig is the Director of Information Technology Demand Management for Customer and Distribution Services at American Electric Power. Sheila’s organization includes Meter Services, Customer Operations, Customer Service Support and Distribution Support Services. She is responsible for defining and maintaining the portfolio and financial investment plans for all Information Technology solutions required to run the business unit's and the operating company's operations.

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Prior to joining AEP, Sheila worked for Hewlett Packard Enterprise as the Financial Industry Commercial Card Delivery Executive, driving product growth and innovation across a global account portfolio. She specialized in technology transformation initiatives, managing ERP and system implementations, data center and infrastructure updates and M&A integrations.

Sheila has over 30 years of IT and Professional Services experience in a variety of industries, including Banking, Financial Services and Restaurant Industry that included leadership positions at Huntington Banks, Honda of America and Wendy’s International. Sheila received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Technology from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.

2020 Ohio Chapter Treasurer

Sheila Rettig

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!

2020 Ohio Chapter Intl. Board Representative

Krista Tillman

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

2020 Ohio Chapter Immediate Past Chair

Deb Hohn