NETA’s programs, standards, and industry initiatives are powered by people who give generously of their time, expertise, and perspective to serve on NETA’s Board of Directors and committees. NETA recently elected Stephanie Patterson and Ken Peterson to serve on the Board of Directors—two professionals whose leadership, service, and commitment to advancing the electrical testing industry reflect the strength of the association’s volunteer community.
Both arrive with deep industry experience, a strong connection to NETA’s mission, and a practical understanding of the work that electrical testing professionals do every day in the field. Through their work with NETA committees and their contributions within their respective organizations, Patterson and Peterson bring valuable perspective, practical experience, and a shared dedication to supporting the standards, training, and collaboration that will help move the industry forward.
As they begin their Board service, both will also take on important committee responsibilities that connect directly to NETA’s mission. Patterson will serve as Chair of the Training Committee and as a member of the Application Review Committee, while Peterson will contribute to the Promotions and Marketing Committee, Technical Resource Committee, and Training Committee. Together, their committee involvement reflects a hands-on commitment to strengthening member engagement, technical excellence, and the continued development of industry professionals. It is a mix of responsibilities that speaks to both leaders’ hands-on commitment to helping NETA grow, support its members, and strengthen the industry’s future.
In this Q&A, Patterson and Peterson share more about their paths to the Board, the experience they bring to their roles, and how they look forward to contributing to NETA’s continued growth.
STEPHANIE PATTERSON
Senior Manager, External Training and Partnerships, Qualus
NW: What inspired you to get involved with NETA, and what does serving on the Board mean to you?
Patterson: NETA’s commitment to quality, safety, and education really aligns with the work we do at Qualus. Getting involved felt like a natural extension of that passion. Serving on the Board is an opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and integrity of the electrical testing industry while helping shape its future alongside other dedicated professionals. I’m extremely honored to be presented with this growth opportunity for me and for NETA.
NW: What role do you hope to play in the Board’s work?
Patterson: My vision is to bring a strategic perspective, particularly around training opportunities, member engagement, and industry awareness. My background in power industry training allows me to connect the dots and help strengthen how NETA connects with its members and the broader market. This ensures its value and expertise are clearly understood and accessible. I will also be involved with NETA’s PowerTest and EPIC conferences—ensuring both events are purposeful learning and networking opportunities.
NW: What would you like NETA members to know about you—professionally or personally?
Patterson: I have been in this industry for 12 years, which means I’ve seen some things and learned a lot. Anyone who knows me knows that I believe in “work hard play hard.” My personal goal is to get to know more of the NETA Accredited Companies and NETA members, so if you see me at a conference, please introduce yourself! I enjoy collaboration, connecting with others, sharing ideas, and finding ways to make a positive impact both within my organization and the industry as a whole.
KEN PETERSON
VP of Operations, Power Engineering Services
NW: What inspired you to get involved with NETA, and what does serving on the Board mean to you?
Peterson: My involvement with NETA grew naturally out of work, and I was inspired by other men leading the way when I began my NETA journey. Alan Peterson, Jim White, Ron Widup, Scott Bizzard, and Ken Basset were the most influential to me. After more than 35 years in the construction, electrical testing, and commissioning industry, I came to understand that the standards, certifications, and professional community NETA provides are not background noise. They are the foundation that gives this industry its credibility. Serving on the Board is an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way to an organization that has shaped my career and the careers of the people I lead. It is not something I take lightly.
NW: What role do you hope to play in the Board’s work?
Peterson: I bring a field-forward perspective. My work is rooted in operations and building a brand, and I have spent the better part of my career building programs, developing people, and running projects in the real world where standards either hold or they do not. I hope to be a voice for the technician in the field and the company trying to do things the right way, and to help NETA continue connecting its standards work to the practical realities of the industry as we grow our brand together.
NW: What would you like NETA members to know about you—professionally or personally?
Peterson: Professionally, I am a NETA Level 4 Senior Certified Test Technician and VP of Operations at Power Engineering Services, a NETA Accredited Company and Quanta Services operating company based in Texas. I have been involved with NETA events and committees for years, including presenting at PowerTest, and I care deeply about workforce development and certification advancement in this trade. On the personal side, I am someone who believes the work matters, and the people doing it matter more. I am known for chasing steep ski runs, driving on racetracks, and going on some fun 10-k runs when I am not chasing project deadlines, so don’t forget to have fun between projects!