A self-described “keyboard warrior,” Community Electric’s Flynn Gladden is adding to the cache of skills that helps him conduct operations that enable CEC to serve its member-owners more efficiently and cost effectively. Gladden is an engineering technician who recently earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Old Dominion University.
His focus is computer programming – writing code – primarily to make it possible for the Cooperative to extract more and better information from its electrical systems to help CEC make better decisions that can save members’ money and improve system reliability. In recent months, he has spent considerable time at the new Copeland Substation to help make it fully operational and allow the Cooperative to remove an older, less robust delivery point (from Dominion Energy) from service.
“Copeland helps us continue our journey towards a smart grid,” Gladden says. “This is part of the transition from analog systems, enhancing our capabilities and saving our members money."
Notably, this electrical engineering degree is Gladden's second from ODU, the first being a bachelor's in chemistry before he joined Community Electric in 2021. A Navy veteran responsible for water chemistry and radiation controls on aircraft carriers, Gladden's dedication to education and career advancement is evident.
Reflecting on his journey, Gladden expresses gratitude for CEC's support in accommodating his work schedule during his pursuit of the electrical engineering degree. "CEC was extremely flexible and considerate, allowing me to finish my degree. I can't thank them enough," he says.
Gladden plans eventually to earn a professional engineering license and advance up the engineering ranks. He doesn’t have a timetable for that professional goal yet, but he’s rock-solid in his intention to remain at Community Electric the rest of his career.
While he acknowledges that his skill set could take him elsewhere, he's unwavering in his commitment to Community Electric. "I plan on working here until I retire," Gladden asserts. "Being surrounded by great people is priceless. Community Electric has the best people, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."