2020 40 Under 40: Maurice Moss, 36

As utility counsel at City Utilities of Springfield, Maurice Moss knows that his work impacts the everyday lives of his fellow residents.

“Every negotiation and every decision impacts a person directly, which gives me purpose and drive,” he says.

One way he’s helped is by avoiding a rate increase for customers. He was selected by 16 utility companies and CU to represent them in negotiations regarding a pipeline rate dispute. It centered around $230 million of capital expenditures, and the final settlement resulted with CU avoiding a $6 million rate impact.

He also is guiding the utility toward the future, as it moves to renewable energy sources from fossil fuels.

Off the clock, Moss is a board member for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield Inc., a member of the Energy Bar Association and volunteers with Springfield Public Schools’ African American Male Empowerment groups and the Equity and Diversity Advisory Council. He holds a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.

What was your first job? On our family farm in southeast Missouri.

What is your best productivity hack? I tend to be the most productive when I have the most pressure to perform.

What did you learn the hard way? Never announce your moves before you make them.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Make no little plans.