Onward and Upward, Francisco Echavarría Earns Con Edison’s LOV Award
A Dominican-American Technician Fulfills His Life-Long Dream
Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Echavarría aspired to become an electrician. He was the “MacGyver” of his family, who pulled apart toasters, old radios, and even automobiles to learn how they worked. At Con Edison, Echavarría responds when customers experience outages or other service problems.
He often serves as a translator for customers who do not speak English and helps colleagues respond to the unique needs of immigrant communities. As a 16-year employee of the company that powers New York City and Westchester County he is living a lifelong dream.
Con Edison awards its highest honor to employees who exemplify the company’s priorities: safety, operational excellence, and providing an exceptional customer experience. service, honesty, concern, courtesy, teamwork, and excellence.
“Francisco epitomizes the word integrity. It’s the fabric of who he is,” said Marc A. Ditoro, Echavarría’s supervisor. “He builds engaged workforces, where accountability, honesty and teamwork serve as leading principles. You can feel the bond among his team members, as they collaborate to overcome obstacles.”
“It’s not about the work I do,” said Echavarría “It’s about inspiring others to perform their best, y seguir pa’lante, continue onward and upward, so we can have a greater impact together.” The legacy of his father, who uplifted many in the Dominican Republic, motivates Echavarría daily.
Finding solutions in high-pressure situations has driven Echavarría’s growth within the company. His focus on safety in hazardous conditions has allowed Echavarría to remain injury-free throughout his career at Con Edison. Colleagues agree Echavarría is a role model.
He is often selected to conduct video tutorials for new hires and ongoing development courses for members of his department. His new techniques for protecting equipment have increased his team’s efficiency and cost-savings. Echavarría earned his associate degree in 2005 at the Technical College Institute in Manhattan. He supplements his degree with continual online courses in home repairs, electrical engineering, and computer technology.
Echavarría also participates in Con Edison’s learning exchange program, where he teaches those in other departments about his work and how his team is helping the company fulfill its Clean Energy Commitment.
Echavarría lives and works in the Bronx and Westchester area with his wife and two children Xavier and Amaiha. The entire Echavarría family donates time to Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes for veterans. Lending his expertise in electricity, he not only lights up communities but makes them feel a spark of support.