Page 7 - TX811 2023 issue 1

Vote for Damage Prevention Hero of the Year
Doug Meeks
Damage Prevention Manager
You may recall from the Spring edition that Ketha Molina, Senior Damage Prevention Manager was named “Damage Prevention Hero of the Quarter” by Infrastructure Resources, an international damage prevention organization dedicated to saving lives through education. Since the award was announced at their 2022 Global Excavation Safety Conference in Phoenix, four other Damage Prevention Heroes have been recognized from across the United States and Australia. Entering 2023, elections
are being held to determine which of these five damage prevention professionals will take the coveted “2022 Damage Prevention Hero of the Year”. Competition is stiff for this prestigious award, but Ketha is at the pinnacle of her career serving her fellow Texans. We feel that her best has yet to
be realized, so it seems fitting that she should take the top prize, not only for what she has contributed but for where she is leading the state of Texas in reducing damages to underground infrastructure.
Serving as vice-president, Ketha has made significant contributions during 2022 to transform the Damage Prevention Council of Texas from a grassroots organization of 23 chapters to a national model for other Common Ground Alliance Regional Partners to aspire to be. Ketha has also grown Leading Women of Damage Prevention from a statewide organization dedicated to the advancement of women in construction to national status, adding board members from Georgia, Kentucky, & Indiana.
Ketha’s leadership and commitment to worker safety over the years prompted the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) to recognize her with their 2022 Hall of Fame award. Hall of Famers have a “demonstrated history of career achievement, sustained commitment to the advancement
of the profession, and significant contributions to ASSP, as well as conducting themselves with professionalism among their peers.” ASSP doubled down further, recognizing Ketha’s dedication to worker safety and leadership with the 2022 President’s Award for special service to the Society during the president’s term.
Texas811 is seeking your support and your vote to allow Ketha to bring this internationally recognized award back home to Texas. Voting is open until February 14, 2023, when the results will be tallied and awarded at the opening reception at the Global Excavation Safety Conference in Tampa, Florida. You can learn more about all five candidates for this prestigious award and cast your vote at www.dpcoftexas.org. Vote Ketha, vote Texas!
Start the New Year with CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy training is focused on making sure your leadership
and field personnel understand the 811 state laws, safe digging best practices, and other tips to help your projects be completed damage free without the delays and expenses
of cutting a natural gas line. Most importantly, it is critical we cover how to stay safe in the event of a cut natural gas line.
Our training also covers the steps to prevent natural gas ignition, explosion, and inherent risks should blowing gas from a damaged pipeline occur in your community.
To schedule your training session, email
PublicAwareness@CenterPointEnergy.com
2023, Issue 1
Texas811 • 5