In the dynamic world of damage prevention, certain individuals emerge as catalysts for change, their dedication and leadership propelling safety standards forward. This quarter, the spotlight shines brightly on Lynsay Demko, Damage Prevention Administrator, Southwest Gas Corporation,whose profound impact on enhancing safety, efficiency, and collaboration across the utility safety industry has earned her the esteemed title of Damage Prevention Hero.
Raymond Sonnier, Damage Prevention Coordinator at Louisiana 811, passionately articulates why Lynsay is a true leader: “In the damage prevention industry, there are individuals whose dedication and leadership drive safety standards forward, reducing risks and protecting communities.” Lynsay is “a true leader in enhancing safety, efficiency, and collaboration across the industry.”
Lynsay’s unwavering commitment to process improvement has yielded remarkable results throughout her career. Her strategic vision has led to the successful streamlining of multi-state programs and the seamless integration of teams across eight different states. Furthermore, her expertise has been instrumental in developing state-specific damage prevention and public awareness programs that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. Her comprehensive knowledge spanning regulatory compliance, excavation safety, and meticulous program management has made her an invaluable asset to the industry as a whole.
Her list of notable achievements is extensive and impactful. Lynsay has directed and produced essential bilingual technical training videos focused on excavation safety, ensuring critical information reaches a wider audience. She has led over 100 safety training sessions, directly educating countless professionals on best practices. Her capabilities also extend to managing multi-million-dollar natural gas contracts, demonstrating her prowess in both operational and strategic capacities.
A testament to her influence on policy and practice, Lynsay played a pivotal role in updating the Washington State Dig Law, a critical piece of legislation that enhances safety. She also contributed significantly to the development of Oregon’s statewide damage prevention training specifically for contractors, equipping them with the knowledge necessary for safe excavation. Beyond direct training and legislative efforts, her innovative approach to communication is evident in the remarkable 830% increase in company website traffic in just one year, achieved through strategic marketing initiatives. This highlights her understanding that awareness is a cornerstone of prevention.
Kevin M. Lang, P.E., Vice President of Engineering Staff at Southwest Gas, offers a personal testament to Lynsay’s infectious enthusiasm. “Lynsay is a passionate voice in the damage prevention world. Her passion for promoting 811 and damage prevention has a way of ‘infecting’ you.”
This sentiment underscores her ability to inspire and motivate those around her, turning colleagues into advocates for safety. Lang notes his pleasure in working with her at Southwest Gas over the past several years, witnessing her impact firsthand.
Sonnier reiterates Lynsay’s core strengths: “Lynsay is a driving force in risk reduction and safety enhancement. Her collaborative approach unites stakeholders across states, ensuring damage prevention and safety remain top priorities. She exemplifies the qualities we seek in a Damage Prevention Hero.”
Shane Thacker, Director, Safety, Quality, Training & Qualifications at Southwest Gas notes, “Damage prevention at Southwest Gas relies on a strong team of damage prevention leaders who collaborate to drive results. Lynsay Demko is an integral member of that team, and her primary role is to oversee the policy and procedures related to damage prevention and ensure the team’s alignment with goals and strategy across the five operational areas.”
Thacker emphasized, “Her success is rooted in strong relationships, meeting commitments, and maintaining integrity and professionalism. She takes her role as a damage prevention leader very seriously, working diligently to align damage prevention goals within our company’s strategy and staying actively engaged in the industry to help others succeed. Lynsay is an asset; her persistence and attention to detail are crucial as she thoroughly evaluates situations to find ideal solutions. Southwest Gas is fortunate to have Lynsay on the team as we strive to achieve zero damages.”
Lynsay Demko is more than just a dedicated professional; she is a visionary leader who consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in damage prevention. Her ability to innovate, collaborate, and educate across multiple states and diverse audiences solidifies her position as a truly deserving Damage Prevention Hero. Her ongoing contributions will undoubtedly continue to shape a safer future for underground infrastructure and the communities it serves.