Manager powers forward to lead team in energizing our community

Mikayla Mays, Manager of UIO Work Planning & Process Control, has found success as a leader of CPS Energy’s Underground Integrated Operations (UIO) team. Much like our crews who work on the overhead lines, UIO crews install and maintain underground electric lines and infrastructure throughout our service area. We’re shining a spotlight on Mikayla during Women’s History Month and sharing how her leadership positively impacts the lives of our customers.

As a manager, Mikayla makes sure UIO team members have the tools and equipment they need to safely complete jobs that send power flowing to homes and businesses.  

She recently helped lead a project to connect the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital in the Medical Center to our energy services. Mikayla is particularly proud of her team for installing transformers and equipment to power the state-of-the-art hospital that will provide compassionate care to expectant moms and babies for generations to come. 

“Being able to count on the support of my team for such an important initiative is very rewarding,” she said. “It brings me joy knowing that we played a part in providing power to a hospital that will serve our customers and provide them with the treatment and care they need.” 

Prior to joining our company, Mikayla heard from family, friends and neighbors who are CPS Energy retirees about their rewarding careers and they encouraged her to apply. She decided to apply in 2021 and was hired as a UIO Scheduler. About a year later, a manager position became available. With prior leadership experience, she was confident she would be a good fit for the role. Once again, she applied and got the job. 

Mikayla said she’s often the youngest manager and sometimes the only female leader in meetings; however, she feels welcomed and empowered to share her thoughts and ideas.

“I feel that I offer a new perspective to the company from the outside looking in. It’s given me the opportunity to bring different ideas to the table and help make our processes more efficient.” 

Working as One Team and demonstrating Excellence are two of our company values that she takes to heart.

“A piece of advice that is short and sweet that I live by that might sound a little cliché and it’s, ‘work hard’. I always do more than what is just expected of me,” she said. “It’s not always easy to take the high road, but the results are what make me realize the outcome is all worth it. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far.”