At Chesapeake Utilities, our values come to life every day through employees who step up for customers, support their colleagues and make a difference in the communities we serve.

Four employees who exemplify that spirit were recently honored as the inaugural recipients of the Spirit of Chesapeake Award, the Company’s highest recognition for values-driven excellence: Amy Shea, Juan Roman, Rick Shelby and Ed “Eddie” McGowan.

The recipients were recognized Oct. 15 at the Omni Amelia Island Resort for demonstrating care, integrity and excellence and reflecting the best of who we are as One Company.

“When we celebrate recipients of the Spirit of Chesapeake Award, we are celebrating more than individual achievement,” shared Jeff Sylvester, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Chesapeake Utilities. “We are reinforcing the culture we want to create and sustain across our Company.”

Our Values

Care

We care.
We put people first. Keep them safe. Build trusting relationships. Foster a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Make a meaningful difference everywhere we live and work.

Integrity

We act with integrity.
We tell the truth. Ensure moral and ethical principles drive our decision making. Do the right thing even when no one is watching.

Excellence

We are committed to excellence.
We achieve great things together. Hold each other accountable to do the work that makes us better every day. Never give up.

Amy Shea: A Trusted Resource

Amy Shea, special billing analyst I in Customer Operations, brings persistence and care to supporting customers and colleagues, taking on difficult challenges and working to find the right solution.

“Amy has become a trusted resource for colleagues across the organization, with many employees turning to her for guidance and support.”

Juan Roman: Helping Others Succeed

Juan Roman, service technician III in Propane Operations, has demonstrated a commitment to professional growth while delivering exceptional customer service, supporting teammates and mentoring the gas apprentice in Jacksonville.

“Through his willingness to invest in himself, support others and consistently represent Sharp Energy professionally, Juan has made a meaningful impact on both our customers and our operation.”

Rick Shelby: Always Ready to Help

Rick Shelby, construction and maintenance technician II in Gas Operations – North, is someone colleagues count on when circumstances are challenging. His broad operational knowledge and willingness to step in to help keep important work moving.

“Rick Shelby is the person people turn to when the need is urgent, the answer is unclear or the work falls outside normal boundaries.”

Ed “Eddie” McGowan: Building Trust When It Matters

Ed “Eddie” McGowan, operations assistant I in Gas Operations – South, is known for the personal attention he gives customers and colleagues. His nominators highlighted his ability to bring patience, compassion and follow-through to every interaction.

“Eddie has a remarkable ability to make people feel heard, respected and valued. He builds trust when it matters most.”

The Spirit of One Company

The Spirit of Chesapeake Award grew from the Company’s long-standing Hidden Heroes recognition program, sponsored by the Women in Energy Employee Resource Group. Hidden Heroes provides employees an opportunity to recognize colleagues whose dedication, hard work and positive impact might otherwise go unnoticed.

Amy, Juan, Rick and Eddie work in different roles and parts of our organization, but their nominations share a common theme: They put Chesapeake Utilities’ values into action.

Their commitment to customers, colleagues and communities demonstrates what the Spirit of Chesapeake is all about.

Congratulations to our inaugural Spirit of Chesapeake Award recipients: Amy Shea, Juan Roman, Rick Shelby and Ed “Eddie” McGowan.