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To her Engineering division teammates, Betsy Caruthers is best known as an “other duties as assigned” champion. To Alyeska’s Executive Leadership team and her coworkers across TAPS, she’s now also known as the Atigun Awards President’s Choice Silent Runner of the Year.

Betsy is described as one of those workers who “is rarely out front but always where she is needed,” and arrives with a positive attitude and a willingness to support teammates in often-complex assignments. She successfully guides and executes various engineering initiatives while also handling those “other duties,” which most recently included leading the company-wide organizational Management of Change (MOC) project and Alyeska’s process safety focus.

In this Atigun Awards Q&A, Betsy shares what being a “Silent Runner” means to her, remembers an epic line trip, the many Alyeska leaders who helped put her in the right positions to grow and succeed, and more.

How do you feel about receiving the Silent Runner honor? And what does that title mean to you, especially in a workplace surrounded by people who take pride in working hard behind the scenes and supporting others?

It means so much to know that my management sees the work I do behind the scenes and felt it was worthy of this acknowledgment. Being recommended for this honor makes me feel appreciated, supported, and grateful to be part of a team that values the effort I put in every day.

To me, the Silent Runner title feels like something many others are just as deserving of – especially in a company filled with people who quietly work hard, support one another, and make things happen behind the scenes.

There are so many individuals at Alyeska who are deeply deserving of this recognition. Every day, I’m surrounded by people who show up, give their very best, and do it without expecting any spotlight or acknowledgment. Being counted among them is truly an honor. It reminds me how fortunate I am to work in a place where quiet dedication is not only valued but shared by so many.

At first, I wasn’t sure John Kurz had the right number – I genuinely hesitated before answering because I thought it might be a mistake. … Once I realized why he was calling, I was honestly stunned – I had that moment of, ‘Wait … me? Are you sure?’ The fact that I was recommended for this award meant more to me than the award itself. Knowing someone took the time to see what I do and nominate me was unexpected, and it meant a great deal.

Tell us about your job and your favorite part of your work? And specifically, what are some Silent Runner qualities in the work you do?

As the MOC supervisor, I oversee the Management of Change program, ensuring it aligns with organizational goals and meets all regulatory requirements. I guide and support the MOC coordinators, and drive performance improvements. My role also involves collaborating with cross‑functional teams and supporting training and reporting initiatives so that our processes remain strong, clear, and dependable.

My favorite part of this role is being able to help people navigate change. I love working with teams across the company – listening, problem‑solving, and helping them understand not just what needs to happen, but why. Seeing those moments of clarity when a process or requirement “clicks” for someone is incredibly rewarding.

The Silent Runner quality of my work comes through in the way so much of what I do happens quietly in the background. Much of the effort – reviewing changes, catching gaps before they become problems, planning improvements, supporting teams, and keeping the MOC process moving smoothly – isn’t always visible, but it plays a critical role in keeping our systems safe, compliant, and effective. I take a lot of pride in being able to do that, even when the work isn’t visible.

Do you have a favorite day or time on TAPS? Many people do, from completing big projects to seeing epic northern lights or wildlife. Tell us about yours!

One of my favorite memories on TAPS was a pipeline trip with Julia Redington and Verne Griffis. It was truly a privilege to make that trip with Verne – someone with so much experience and such deep knowledge of the pipeline. Spending that time with him, hearing his stories, and seeing the system through his eyes made the trip even more meaningful.

My favorite moment of the trip involved Julia casually asked Verne if he wanted her to drive as we were pulling into PS04, as if he might need help navigating the last few feet up the driveway. It was one of those perfectly timed moments that still makes me laugh.

The trip also included a helicopter ride, which allowed me to see the pipeline in a way very few people ever get to experience. Seeing the line from above was incredible, a reminder of both the scale of TAPS and the dedication it takes to keep it operating safely.

What made the experience truly meaningful was witnessing firsthand, and making connections with, the people who work on the line. Their commitment, resilience, and hard work left a lasting impression on me and deepened my appreciation for the folks who live that reality every shift.

Is there anyone you’d like to recognize who has helped you along the way or supports your work?

I’ve been incredibly lucky to be surrounded by people who have shaped me both personally and professionally. Betsy Haines took me under her wing and showed me, through her own example, what a truly great manager looks like. Dave Heimke created a team where family came first, and because of that, we learned the value of being fully present, committed, and grounded in what matters most. Scott James opened the door to PSM (Process Safety Management) and MOC for me – first by inviting me to sit in on a PS01 PHA (Process Hazard Analysis), and then by bringing me into the MOC governance team – an opportunity that opened doors I never imagined for myself. I’m deeply grateful to Tom Marchesani for his constant encouragement and the confidence he gave me to speak up and be heard.

And I’m especially thankful for my coworkers, specifically Julia Redington, Jessie Hannan (now my manager), and Theresa Sheldon, who have been my sounding boards, my support system, and the steady sources of perspective I’ve leaned on time and again.

Is there anything you’d like to add that we didn’t discuss above? If so, please share!

I’d also like to add that I couldn’t do what I do without the incredible work of my team. Their hard work, consistency, and reliability make it possible for me to support the organization the way I do. They show up every day, handle the details that keep the process moving, and ensure work is closed in a timely and dependable way. I’m deeply grateful for their dedication – it truly makes all the difference.