Introduced to the field of electricity and electrical engineering during his high school years, Keith Zerangue was intrigued by the industry; however, he desired to enter a more challenging profession. After earning his Bachelor of Science in industrial technology, electricity and electronics from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1981, he was encouraged by his grandfather, who was a municipal employee, to delve into civil service. Mr. Zerangue subsequently completed an Engineering Aide II test and was put on a waiting list for job openings. Following one week of waiting, an agent informed him that Lafayette Utilities System was hiring.
As such, Mr. Zerangue was employed by Lafayette Utilities System in Louisiana in 1981, first as an engineering aide II. He was then promoted to engineering aide III, engineering aide specialist I, engineering aide specialist II and electric distribution engineering coordinator – a position he held from 2006 until his retirement in 2018. Accruing 37 fruitful years in the field, Mr. Zerangue was certified in electrical theory and wiring.
While his career has been abound with highlights, Mr. Zerangue cites that his proudest moments were the tasks he completed in commercial services throughout Lafayette, Louisiana. He notes that numerous businesses were being built and required electrical power; therefore, he and his colleagues visited each construction site and installed electricity. During this time, the Lafayette region possessed other utility companies, which subsequently expanded to the Louisiana coast that were then incorporated into the city municipality. From that point forward, Mr. Zerangue and his colleagues reached contracts with those utility companies, as well as coordinated and transferred services to his employer, Lafayette Utilities System. In addition to these accomplishments, he is also especially proud of powering several large commercial complexes and shopping centers, such as Costco Wholesale in 2018.
Impressively, Mr. Zerangue is renowned for being a former president of the Acadiana Electrical Engineering Association. Throughout his career, he has received myriad certifications of recognition and plaques for his contributions to the Lafayette Utilities System. Attributing his success to his enjoyment and passion for his industry, he intends to continue enjoying his well-deserved retirement in the future. He would also like to watch his grandchildren grow up and attain success in their endeavors.
