Meet Jessica

She’s a lifelong resident of West Virginia and an Advanced Scientist at a local utility company.

West Virginia and its neighboring states feature some of the most stunning landscapes in the nation. As a West Virginia native and environmental scientist whose work spans Maryland and Virginia, Jessica brings a perspective shaped by both her deep connection to the region and her role supporting environmental initiatives at a local electric company. She understands the conversations happening around major grid upgrades – because as a resident, she’s asked many of the same questions about what projects like Valley North mean for families, communities and the places people care about most.

Jessica recognizes that many rural communities across the Mid-Atlantic are facing economic challenges. The Valley North Project represents an opportunity to meet growing energy needs while supporting and strengthening local communities. Reliable power is essential for attracting and expanding businesses, and with it comes new job opportunities, increased tax revenue and stronger support for public services like schools, libraries, health care and emergency responders. For many rural areas,that kind of growth can make a meaningful difference—helping keep opportunity close to home, especially for younger generations.

She also views projects like Valley North as an important investment in the infrastructure that keeps everyday life running. As demand continues to grow, expanding and strengthening the grid helps ensure families and businesses have the reliable electricity they depend on in all types of weather conditions for decades to come.

Jessica’s expertise in pollinators and habitat restoration also gives her a unique perspective on how these projects interact with the environment. She highlights that transmission corridors can create valuable open pathways where native plants and wildflowers thrive, supporting bees, butterflies and birds. With thoughtful management, these areas can contribute to local biodiversity while coexisting with critical infrastructure.

For Jessica, it all comes down to balance and planning for the future: “Our communities are growing, and our energy needs are growing with them. Investing in the grid today helps ensure we’re ready for what comes next.”