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Women make extraordinary things possible at Entergy Mississippi
03/28/2022
Pictured above (clockwise from top left) Shelia Mance, Amanda Shook, Tammy Wooten-Moorehead, Lisa Murphree, Beulah Rogers and Bertha Johnson.
A Women’s History Month spotlight on some support employees who help keep the lights on
Women have played vital roles in Entergy Mississippi’s growth and success since the founding of the company nearly a century ago. In recognition of Women’s History Month, we’re shining the spotlight on administrative and clerical support employees whose multifaceted skills and service-oriented work ethic are helping build the premier utility.
“These employees are among the most versatile workers at Entergy and approach their duties with the highest levels of care and professionalism,” said Robbin Jeter, vice president of distribution operations. “They’re at least one step ahead of everyone else in understanding their department’s needs and making sure our customers are satisfied with their service. We are fortunate that they’re part of the Entergy Mississippi team.”
So, what drives these dynamic women to do their best every day?
“Solving customers’ problems and getting their lights back on is what keeps me motivated,” said Bertha Johnson, a senior specialty clerk in Pearl who hired on full time with Entergy Mississippi in 2005. “I’m always learning new things and looking for opportunities for self-development. I enjoy working with team members to make positive things happen.”
“Any time I can help a customer resolve an issue is rewarding,” said Lisa Murphree, a specialty clerk for distribution operations in Kosciusko. “When I started in 2019, I had no idea of the complexities of this job. I’d worked in law offices for 20 years, which required a whole different skill set. The first two weeks was overwhelming, but I resolved to learn at least one new thing every day. Now I’m more confident in the work I do.”
Caring for customers is just one aspect of their jobs. They also support employees and departmental operations by performing a variety of tasks, such as filing, accounting, budgeting, data entry, contract management, report preparation, and records management—not to mention making sure that everyone receives their paychecks on time.
“One of the tasks I enjoy most is finishing payroll and making sure there’s a payday for all of our hard work,” said Tammy Wooten-Moorehead, senior specialty clerk for distribution operations in Senatobia, who has been with Entergy since 1989. “Also, most of the orders now require assistance and clarification to be completed by field workers, which I’m able to provide.”
“Admins are the backbone of their departments because they not only handle their roles and responsibilities but also a lot of routine tasks, day in and day out, that keep everything running smoothly for others,” said Amanda Shook, an executive assistant for public affairs and economic development in Jackson since 2016. “Knowing I work for such a great company and management who truly care about their employees keeps me motivated.”
“We’re a group of hardworking, dedicated individuals who make extraordinary things possible daily,” said Shelia Mance, a senior specialty clerk for the construction group in Jackson. Over her 21-year career with Entergy, Mance has appreciated the contributions she’s been able to make to the company’s safety culture.
“What I enjoy most is the people and the safe environment we’ve created through our camaraderie and shared respect,” Mance said. “No one person can make it happen, but we can as team.”
In addition to performing important daily tasks, these individuals are usually the meeting and event planners for their departments and provide support for special projects as well as community events. Entergy’s community focus has a special appeal for Beulah Rogers, an associate analyst in McComb whose nearly 32-year career has included administrative support roles.
“Back when I was in the customer service group, I arranged annual low-income summits for the Southern Region,” Rogers said. “It involved getting all of the nonprofits in south Mississippi under one roof and inviting the public to come out and apply for assistance. It became so popular that the customer service managers in Jackson took my idea and expanded on it.”
“I want to represent my co-workers and the McComb office in a positive manner, and that takes having pride and belief in what I do,” said Rogers, who will retire from Entergy this year. “Some days have been really challenging, but I've grown from those challenges and plan on taking what I’ve learned at Entergy to the next chapter of my life.”
As part of the company’s focus on diversity, inclusion and belonging, Entergy created two Employee Resource Groups— the Women’s ERG and the Administrative ERG—to ensure that employees in these groups have opportunities to make an impact on issues affecting the entire workforce. Learn more about the company’s diversity strategy here.
