Episode 43 | IEUC Symposium Spotlight with Taylor Doyle, Gina Cannova, and Blandon Granger

by | Mar 4, 2026 | 0 comments

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Episode Summary

In this special mini episode of Elevated Access, host Chad Hughes welcomes Blandon Granger, Chair of the International Electric and Utility Committee, along with Gina Cannova and Taylor Doyle, to spotlight the upcoming IEUC Symposium taking place April 9, 2026, in New Orleans. The conversation centers on the mission of the International Electric and Utility Committee within the International Right of Way Association and its role in advancing technical knowledge, education, and networking opportunities for professionals in electric, telecommunications, water, sewer, and natural gas sectors.

Episode Notes

The group discusses the expanding demand for electric transmission projects, data center development, and grid modernization, all of which are driving new right of way challenges and opportunities. Gina outlines the educational lineup, featuring speakers from Encore, Xcel Energy, Duke Energy, SMUD, and leading industry attorneys. Topics include legal risk where construction meets right of way, federal utility relocation guidelines, infrastructure project conflicts, asset management, and real-world case studies covering eminent domain, mineral rights, conservation, and large-scale transmission development. Blandon and Taylor highlight the networking, dining, and entertainment opportunities in the host city of New Orleans. From the historic hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter to delicious local cuisine, the visit will be one to remember.

Beyond the educational and cultural content, attendees will meet peers across the electric and utility sectors. With registration nearing capacity and sponsorship opportunities limited, the committee emphasizes early registration. Scholarships are also available for utility professionals seeking support to attend. For those involved in electric transmission, land acquisition, regulatory compliance, infrastructure planning, and right of way project delivery, this IEUC Symposium offers both timely education and meaningful industry connection.

“Anybody that wants to stay ahead of trends, learn best practices, and connect with peers that are shaping the future of electric utilities in the right of way space should be there.” – Blandon Granger

For more information on the IRWA SPARK event in New Orleans on April 9, 2026, visit the Event Info Page.

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About Taylor Doyle:

With a multifaceted career and roles spanning from Project Manager to General Counsel to Business Development Lead, Taylor’s insights into the Energy Industry are both deep and broad. Taylor is passionate about his current position managing Doyle’s Business Development Department. He loves to meet and connect with fellow industry professionals and find ways to work together in improving America’s energy infrastructure. As a licensed attorney in both Louisiana and Illinois, Taylor’s core legal proficiencies include crafting client agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance, and steering corporate governance frameworks. Further, Taylor holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership Studies and is enthusiastic about his team members’ development and helping Doyle employees be better leaders. In 2017, he moved from New Orleans to Chicago, so feel free to ask him about the city, except for how cold it gets. (His Southern spirit is still in denial that winter is coming every year). When Taylor is not working, he enjoys cooking, volunteering in his community, and exploring Chicago with his wife, daughter, and dog.

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About Gina Cannova, MAI, SR/WA, R/W-AC:

Ms. Cannova is the Senior Managing Director for the O’Brien Right of Way Valuation Public sector, overseeing Transportation and Water projects, as well as Electric. She has managed and appraised numerous right-of-way projects on both transportation and utility projects over the past decade, including a 300-mile HVTL project on the West Coast. She has extensive knowledge of performing complex assignments for eminent domain in all types of real estate and has testified in over 150 Special Commissioners’ hearings in various counties within the state of Texas.

Prior to re-joining O’Brien Right of Way, Ms. Cannova was the Senior Director within the Infrastructure Practice Group for Valuation & Advisory at Cushman and Wakefield, and prior to that she was the Managing Director for Transportation at O’Brien Right of Way Valuation.

She also serves on the Planning & Zoning Commission for the City of Southlake, the Board for Chapter 36 International Right of Way Association (IRWA), the Board for the IRWA International Electric & Utility Committee, and is an approved IRWA PEAK Instructor.

About Blandon Granger, SR/WA: 

Blandon Granger is Supervisor of Real Estate Services at Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), the sixth-largest publicly owned electric utility in the United States. With over 25 years of experience in public infrastructure real estate, Blandon specializes in electric utilities and telecommunications, managing critical land rights that support renewable energy, thermal and hydro generation, electric and gas transmission, distribution, and utility operations. He currently serves as Chair of the International Right of Way Association’s International Electric and Utilities Committee (IEUC) and has a long-standing commitment to advancing technical knowledge, education, and best practices within the utility right of way industry. Blandon also served on the City of Roseville Public Utilities Commission, providing strategic guidance on utility policy and regulatory compliance.

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Chad Hughes | CEO, Entrepreneurial Leader, Author: Website |LinkedIn

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