In October 2020, Frank Reynolds was appointed as president and CEO of UIL Holdings Corporation, the AVANGRID subsidiary that oversees its natural gas and electric companies in Connecticut and Massachusetts. A longtime Connecticut resident, Frank talks about on his life, career and inspirations.

How long have you been with the company and what is your current role and responsibilities?

I started my utility career at Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) more than 20 years ago as part of a rotational program for new engineers. I’ve since held a wide range of positions, first at SCG and then at its parent companies. I currently oversee AVANGRID’s electric and natural gas companies in Connecticut and Massachusetts, as president and CEO. My responsibilities include making sure our companies are performing well operationally and financially, and also successfully meeting our core obligation to provide safe, reliable to our customers equitably and at a reasonable cost. We’re also pushing forward with a lot of exciting and innovative projects to improve how we connect with our customers and to enable new technologies, whether it’s electric vehicles or green hydrogen, to help our states meet their clean energy goals.

What is your personal and educational background?

I was born in Jamaica, but my family moved to the United States when I was 4 years old. I grew up in Connecticut and I currently live outside of Hartford with my wife and two daughters. I earned my bachelor’s degree in industrial technology engineering (power transmission) from Central Connecticut State University. I received my MBA (Finance) at the University of New Haven. I’ve also completed coursework and executive education programs at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and at IMD in Switzerland.

What experiences in life helped prepare you for your current role?

I spent 20 years in the Connecticut Army National Guard, retiring in 2004 with the rank of Major. I got catapulted into leadership from day one. When I showed up for basic training, I was 17 years old and my hair was pretty far from military standards. The drill sergeant wanted to teach me a lesson — so he made me a squad leader. He figured that was the hot seat. He picked some other recruits as squad leaders, too, but I was the only one of the four to graduate as a squad leader, so that really started me down the leadership track.

Who has been a big influence on your life and career?

Other than the drill sergeant? My dad. My mom passed away a year after we moved here. My dad’s work ethic at that time really left an impression on me. There was a time he had three different jobs. He worked 11 to 7 at night at one job, then 8 to 4 in the day at another. He had a part-time job on the weekends. He was sleeping maybe four hours a night. Sometimes, it was my job to walk down the hallway to wake him up to go to work. We didn’t live in a very big house, but it was the longest walk ever for me — I knew how tired he was.

What do you like about working with your current team?

The team is exceptional at what they do. I’m surrounded by extremely smart people — they always say that’s what you want to do as a leader. Beyond being smart, even working in a virtual environment, it’s obvious that they enjoy doing their job. We’ve faced a lot of challenges, but they’re up to it. They have a great attitude. They’re very positive and extremely customer-focused on all fronts.

What are some of your activities outside of work?

I’m active with several business and industry groups. I’m on the board of directors for the American Gas Association and the advisory board for the University of New Haven. In Massachusetts, I serve on the 1Berkshire Board and the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council. I also volunteer with a number of organizations. I’m part of a fraternity (Omega Psi Phi) that’s involved in community-based activities. We recently sponsored a forum on energy assistance programs available in Connecticut. It was a way to reach out to a different audience, mostly African American and city-based. Aside from that, I try to keep in shape — run, exercise, and pretend to golf, when I can.

How do you think about community, from your perspective as a leader?

I think of community in terms that intersect with our mission as a company: We provide safe, reliable and cost-effective service. I think about providing energy equity for our customers across the spectrum. I think about clean energy, decarbonizing and protecting our environment. I think about enabling new technologies that connect to our grid and modernizing our gas infrastructure. I also think about the opportunities that our company provides for folks within our community, creating jobs, supporting careers, developing a great workforce. I think about the businesses and economic wellbeing generated by our presence in the community. A lot of the impact we have on the community really grows out of what we do, and it’s a big responsibility.

How does AVANGRID support an inclusive workplace?

AVANGRID is absolutely on a journey, and there’s always work to be done. But there’s a lot that has taken place over a short time around inclusivity. The leadership team over the last couple of years has done a lot of work around new hires and recruiting, and has established resource groups to support those employees who haven’t always been well represented or supported. There’s also been a real effort by the executive team — led by CEO Dennis Arriola and Chief Human Resources Officer Peter Church — to open up dialogue about things that have been happening in the country. More so than ever in my more than 20 years with the company, this level of conversation has really given employees something to hold on to. Folks feel like it’s a safe space, and we can talk about it.