Leadership

In February 2024, the UTC commissioners appointed Jeff Killip to serve as the agency's Executive Director and Secretary. Working with the commissioners, this role guides the commission’s overall direction and daily operations

Jeff most recently served as Chief of the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). He has also held many executive leadership roles, including with the Washington Department of Labor and Industries Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Jeff practiced law for about 20 years, mostly in criminal and civil prosecution and enforcement. He began his legal career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as Assistant Regional Counsel. Later, he returned to school to earn a Master of Public Health (MPH). 

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in geology from Colgate University, a Juris Doctor degree from Seattle University School of Law with a focus on environmental law, and an MPH from Johns Hopkins University. He was born and raised in the New York City area and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and family. Jeff is also an avid runner, triathlete, and Seattle Mariners fan.

Lawrence Banks joined the UTC in May 2025 as Chief Information Officer. Lawrence leads the Information Services Division, which provides secure, reliable hardware, software, and technology services for commission staff and external customers.

Before joining the commission, Lawrence served as chief information officer for the Department of Commerce and as Deputy CIO and Interim CIO for the Employment Security Department. During more than 18 years with Washington state, he also worked as a Data Privacy Manager and as a Virtual and SAN Storage Administrator.

Before his state service, Lawrence worked as a contracted network and systems administrator for clients such as the Washington State Employees Credit Union and the Weyerhaeuser Company. He served in the U.S. Air Force and earned a degree in computer systems from the Community College of the Air Force. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Grace College in Indiana.

Neiri Carrasco joined the UTC in July 2022. She brings more than 17 years of leadership experience in regulatory services, nonprofit management, and higher education. Neiri is committed to creating equitable, sustainable solutions that protect the public and support strong communities.

As Regulatory Services Director, Neiri leads the commission's economic analysis and policy guidance. The division helps balance the needs of customers with the needs of utility and transportation providers. Her oversight includes energy rates and services, energy transformation, energy planning, telecommunications, and solid waste, water, and transportation. In this role, Neiri supports regulatory compliance, encourages innovation, and promotes strong, effective operations across the agency.

Bridgit Feeser was appointed Director of Consumer Protection in November 2023 after serving as assistant director since May 2016. Bridgit oversees the consumer protection, consumer complaints, compliance investigations, and public involvement programs.

Bridgit has more than 30 years of experience working in Washington State government, including 21 years with the Department of Revenue (DOR). At DOR, she spent nine years in the Human Resources Division as a Labor Relations Manager and Senior Human Resources Consultant. Before that, she spent 10 years in the Taxpayer Services Division, where she provided consumer assistance, information, and education.

Bridgit holds a bachelor’s degree in management and business from The Evergreen State College.

Michael Furze joined the UTC in October 2025. He provides strategic leadership and oversight for statewide policy work in the regulation of utility and transportation industries. This division guides the agency’s policy agenda and gives expert advice to the commissioners, administrative law judges, and executive leaders on complex regulatory and legislative matters.

Before joining the UTC, Michael served as director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office. He also spent nearly 10 years at the Washington State Department of Commerce, where he led the State Energy Office. Earlier in Michael's career, he developed New Mexico’s weatherization assistance program and later helped expand that work in Washington.

Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree in community and regional planning from the University of New Mexico.

Evan Gaffey has served as the Operations Director since January 2025. Evan leads agency‑wide operations and enterprise risk management in the Administrative Services Division. He works with the Finance, IT, and compliance teams to make sure regulatory and safety staff have the tools and support they need to protect Washingtonians.

Before joining the UTC, Evan worked at the Washington State Department of Health, where he led statewide work on risk, privacy, and compliance. Evan has also held senior roles in education agencies and currently serves in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

Evan is a member of the Washington State Bar, holds a J.D./M.B.A. from Quinnipiac University, and is certified in public‑sector risk and privacy management.

Kathy Hunter joined the UTC in 1989 from the Department of Licensing as a Forms and Records Specialist. Kathy's held positions in several UTC divisions over the years and now leads the Transportation Safety Division. The Transportation Safety staff work to protect people across Washington by making sure transportation services are safe, available, and reliable.

Kathy also serves as the Washington Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator and represents the region at a national level, including on the National Advisory Council. She is a past vice president of the Association of State Rail Safety Managers and continues to serve on its executive committee.

In 2019, Kathy was honored with the Washington State Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award following a rail derailment accident. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Visual Communications from Western Washington University.

Amy Neal joined the UTC in February 2024. Amy leads the Human Resources Division, which manages the strategic and day‑to‑day work that supports all UTC employees. The division offers guidance on state and federal laws, training, and the full range of services that help the agency recruit, develop, engage, and retain a strong workforce.

Amy has more than 25 years of experience in state service, with nearly 20 of those in human resources. She has served as the Human Resources Manager for the Office of Financial Management and as a Senior Human Resource Business Partner for the Department of Corrections (DOC). At DOC, Amy played a key role in the agency’s emergency response during COVID-19, helping set up new procedures for facilities that operate 24/7. She has also held roles at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and the Department of Labor & Industries.

Amy Reynolds joined the UTC in January 2025. Amy has 25 years of public service experience and has held leadership roles in communications and change management at several state agencies. She leads the Communications, Strategy, and Innovation Division, which supports the staff and public through media relations, internal communications, project management, process improvement, strategic planning, social media, website management, graphic design, plain talk, and more.

Among her successes, Amy is especially proud of her work to help launch the award-winning COVID-19 exposure notification tool. WA Notify helped save hundreds of lives in Washington during the pandemic. Amy holds a master’s degree in public administration from The Evergreen State College.

Dennis joined the commission in 2011 and has served as Acting Director for Pipeline Safety since September 2025. The Pipeline Safety Division has two primary focuses. To educate the public about safe digging practices and requirements to prevent pipeline damage. The division is also responsible for ensuring that regulated hazardous gas and liquid operators maintain a safe and reliable system while meeting their safety requirements for regulated utilities. This is accomplished through rigorous inspections, investigations, and enforcement.

Most recently, Dennis served as Chief Engineer. He has previously worked for contractors, consulting engineers, public works, and the Washington State Department of Ecology. Dennis holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in Washington.

Shambricia Spencer joined the UTC in 2025 with more than 20 years of experience leading equity work in the nonprofit sector. She is known for helping organizations build a stronger, more inclusive workplace where people can grow and do their best work.

As Equity Director, Shambricia leads the commission’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work and makes sure it aligns with the agency’s strategic plan and legal requirements. The division helps shape the commission’s vision for an anti‑racist and inclusive workplace.

Working closely with commission leaders and Human Resources, Shambricia supports projects that improve the employee experience, strengthen hiring, retain diverse talent, update policies, and bring equity into daily decisions. Shambricia's work helps the agency make steady, measurable progress toward a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

Connor Thompson joined the UTC in February 2024. He leads the Administrative Law Division, which oversees hearings, drafts orders, works with commissioners on decisions, takes part in rulemaking, reviews complaints, and issues penalties.

Before joining the UTC, Connor worked as a faculty member at the University of Houston Law Center, researching transformative energy technologies, the energy transition, and the associated legal frameworks. Before that, he was in private practice working on energy issues and representing clients before the Kansas Corporation Commission.

Connor holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wyoming.