Meet Our Community Relations Managers...Joe Caruso

This is the second in a four-part series to introduce you to the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) Community Relations Managers who also run our Visitors Centers.

Meet Joe Caruso, our Community Relations Manager for NYPA’s newest Visitor Center, the New York Energy Zone (NYEZ), located in Utica. Joe plans programs, manages the Visitor Center staff and handles the related marketing and promotion for an extraordinary facility.

How did you get started professionally?

After receiving a master’s degree in journalism, I took a job with the Utica Area Chamber of Commerce. This experience provided me with a tremendous education on the many segments of the regional community, including the tourist economy. Officially, my job was to boost membership, but promoting the resources and assets of the community were part and parcel of that. My career has usually included some aspect of community and/or economic development and promotion.

What attracted you to NYPA and why do you like working here??

I was excited to learn about the investments NYPA makes in communities around the state. At the magnitude of the NYEZ, it is truly an “EPCOT-esque” quality interactive exhibition, which promotes learning through fun.

I enjoy working here because I still get to earn something new every day. I love seeing the looks on the faces of our visitors as they experience this too!

What is something special about your region?

We are also a community on the rise, socially and economically, with a burgeoning computer chip manufacturing industry and a tournament sports facility. We cherish our historical heritage and architectural and natural beauty. The NYEZ is well-poised to serve as a partner to this growing community, as we celebrate the past, present, and future, and New York State’s part in it. ?

What is your favorite event that your Visitors Center conducts during the year?

The Wildlife Festival which is held every September is my favorite! We partner with our neighbor, the Utica Zoo and cover the Zoo admission costs so everyone can visit for free on that day. We also have a variety of fun activities through the Energy Zone and Zoo sites.

What would your colleagues be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve been privileged to work for two U.S. Senators, have walked 200 miles across northern Spain, and am a septic shock survivor, who speaks regularly to groups on sepsis signs, prevention, and treatment. I also enjoy community voluntarism, especially through the Rotary Club of Utica and GreenUtica, the Utica Parks Conservancy.

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Take a powerful journey! Click here to learn more about the New York Energy Zone.