Angela Speir Phelps, Executive Director and Senior Director of the Consumer Energy Program aspeir@georgiawatch.org
In 2002, Angela Speir Phelps became the first woman elected to the Georgia Public Service Commission and the second Republican woman elected to a statewide office in Georgia history. A Georgia native, Angela grew up in Dekalb County and graduated from Agnes Scott College with a B.A. in Biology. She is also a graduate of CEO International.
After graduating from Agnes Scott, Angela served as the Assistant Administrator of the medical complex at the United Methodist Children’s Home providing medical aid and counseling to abused children. She first ran for public office in 1992 as a candidate for the Georgia State Senate.
Angela’s victory in 2002, winning the statewide election to the Commission, led to many victories for consumers. She championed fairness, transparency, and accountability while serving on the Commission. She fought for open government and passed an “ex parte” rule to prohibit private conversations between commissioners and utility lobbyists. Angela’s efforts on behalf of the people of Georgia have been recognized in many publications across the country and she has been awarded numerous distinctions and honors for her service to the people of Georgia. Georgia Trend magazine recognized Angela as one of their 100 Notable Georgians. She received the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Hero of Open Government Award and has been named one of Georgia’s Most Influential Women by the Georgia Informer. Angela was recognized by WSB as a “Political Role Model” for her ethics, integrity, and dedication to Georgia. The Council on Aging awarded her their Community Service Award for her efforts on behalf of senior adults. Angela is also the 2009 recipient of the Common Cause Democracy Award. The award is given in honor of her noble service and fight for good government.
On January 1, 2009, Angela joined the team at Georgia Watch – in July she became the group’s executive director. She also serves as the senior director of the Consumer Energy Program.
“Georgia Watch’s Phelps builds legacy of service,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, December 4, 2009.
Helen O’Leary, Senior Counsel and Director of the Consumer Energy Program
holeary@georgiawatch.org
Helen O’Leary served the state of Georgia as a regulatory attorney for 18 years before being selected to join Georgia Watch in April 2012. During this time, she spent four years as an assistant attorney general with the Georgia Department of Law. While there her client assignments included the Georgia Public Service Commission, which she represented in administrative matters before the agency as well as in legal actions filed in state courts.
After being recruited to work directly for the Commission, Helen spent over 6 years in its employ—first as its executive secretary and later, at the request of commissioners, as its in-house energy attorney. In this capacity, she was lead counsel in numerous billion dollar electric and natural gas rate cases, electric integrated resource planning proceedings, and fuel cost hearings.In addition to her work with the Commission, Helen served as legal counsel for a number of other state agencies, most recently the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance where she worked in its mortgage and money service business division for over 5 years.
Originally from New York, Helen graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelors of Arts in Economics in 1986 and received her Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law in 1989. She is a member of the bar in Georgia as well as New York.
Karla Johnson, Outreach Coordinator
Karla joined Georgia Watch, a statewide consumer advocacy organization, as grassroots coordinator in January 2012. Karla is a true native of Georgia, having lived in Atlanta her entire life. The daughter of a truck driver, Karla knows the importance of hard work and perseverance. She also understands non-profits have been the catalyst for civic participation and the voice of the people. Karla received her Bachelor of Arts from Clayton State University, where she studied communication and media studies.
Karla worked for the State of Georgia for ten years, first at the State Board of Workers Compensation and then at the state capitol, where she earned majority of her tenure. Whether tasked with the job of signing-up students to serve as a page at the capitol or aiding in the passage of a bill or resolution, Karla has a solid understanding of the practices and policies under the Gold Dome. She has worked through the years with many legislators and advocacy groups and brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience and relevant expertise to her role as grassroots coordinator. Within her role, Karla works hard to engage everyday people in matters that impact their lives by speaking at community outreach events. Karla is also a member of Leadership Georgia, class of 2012.
Liz Coyle, Communications Director
Liz joined the team at Georgia Watch in February 2012, as communications director. Born in New York City but raised in Atlanta, she graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Comparative Literature. She brings to her position more than 25 years of experience as a communications professional. Since 1984, she has consulted with a broad spectrum of organizations including multi-national consumer products companies, public utilities, non-profit associations, and local governments. Previously, she was director of community education for PEDS, a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to making metro Atlanta safe and accessible for all pedestrians.
A champion of community causes, Liz has served in numerous volunteer roles as a neighborhood leader and advocate for children. She is a past president of the Council of Intown Neighborhoods and Schools (CINS), where she worked to foster the development of safe, quality education in Atlanta Public Schools, helping to secure resources, identify critical issues, and seek solutions to problems. Liz was vice chair of Neighborhood Planning Unit F and is a past president of the Atkins Park Neighborhood Association. Currently, Liz is chairman of the Historic Fourth Ward Park Conservancy board. Additionally, she serves on the F.R.E.S.H. (Fulton Roundtable Expanded Service Headquarters) Community Advisory Board for Fulton County District 6.
From the early days of its inception, Liz has been a follower and supporter of the Atlanta BeltLine. She is a founding member and chair of the BeltLine Network, an alliance of organizations including Park Pride, Georgia Stand-up, Concerned Black Clergy, Trees Atlanta, Georgia Conservancy, Community Housing Resource Center, AHAND, Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, and Sierra Club, all working to ensure the BeltLine lives up to its vision to connect Atlanta and its citizens through transit, trails, parks and economic development. Additionally, Liz was the citizen representative on the board of directors of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. from September 2006 to August 2009.
Liz lives in Atlanta with her two sons and her “daughter,” beloved 11-year old beagle, Penny.
Matthew Massey, Court Watch Fellow
Matthew is Georgia Watch’s Court Watch Fellow. He is a third-year law student at Emory University, where he is a managing editor of the Emory Law Journal. Matthew has worked in a variety of public sector capacities, including as a legal intern with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission in Atlanta and as a law clerk with the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Matthew also served as the Criminal Justice Student Leader for the Emory Legislative Policy Group, which successfully worked with members of the Georgia State Senate to pass legislation supporting statewide mental health courts. Matthew graduated from the University of Virginia in 2009 with B.A. degrees in Economics and Psychology. During undergrad, Matthew spent time on Capitol Hill as a Congressional intern, worked with the UVA Center for Politics, and served as a volunteer firefighter.
At Georgia Watch, Matthew will be reporting on cases that impact consumers and businesses throughout Georgia. His reviews will be available in Georgia Watch newsletters and in a comprehensive report at the end of the year.
