Q&A with Tyler Episcopo: From Fire Science to Leading in Indiana’s Energy Sector
Tyler Episcopo is a Gas Operations Supervisor at CenterPoint Energy, where he leads safety and infrastructure efforts that impact homes and businesses across Indiana. In this interview with See Yourself IN, Tyler shares how his passion for service shaped his career—and how Indiana's advanced industries continue to offer meaningful, future-forward job opportunities. To watch Tyler's full video conversation, click here.
Q: Are you from Indiana?
Tyler: Yes—I’m from Corydon, Indiana. It’s a small town in Harrison County, where I first discovered a passion for serving others. I joined the fire service when I was 15 and have been involved with it ever since. That early experience taught me discipline and leadership, which still shape how I show up at work today.
Q: Did you always plan to work in the energy industry?
Tyler: Not at all! In high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I got a degree in Fire Science from Vincennes University, but when I graduated, I wasn’t old enough to be hired as a firefighter in Indiana. That pushed me to explore other options, and I landed a job with Miller Pipeline, a contractor for CenterPoint Energy. That’s how I got my start in the natural gas industry.
Q: What is your role at CenterPoint Energy today?
Tyler: I’m a Gas Operations Supervisor. I lead a team of eight employees who handle measurement and regulation for our natural gas systems. That means ensuring the gas we purchase is safely and accurately delivered to homes and businesses across the state. My number one responsibility is safety for both my team and our customers.
Q: What keeps you in Indiana?
Tyler: Family. Corydon is home for me, and I have deep roots here. I’m open to opportunities across the state, but Indiana is where I want to be. There’s a strong sense of community here, and I’ve found a fulfilling career in one of Indiana’s advanced industries.
Q: What skills have been most important to your growth?
Tyler: Leadership, hands down. I’ve always felt a natural calling to help others; over the years, I’ve developed that into a leadership mindset. That means being self-aware, understanding the values of those around me, and creating space for my team to grow.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in an advanced industry?
Tyler: Start by looking inward. Leadership starts within—you have to be the kind of leader you’d want to follow. You also have to be adaptable and disciplined. Know what you want, create a plan, and keep showing up. Surround yourself with people who hold you accountable and challenge you to be better.
Q: What excites you about working in energy?
Tyler: I love that what we do is meaningful. CenterPoint Energy is at the heart of Indiana’s energy infrastructure, and we’ve been modernizing our systems—replacing old pipelines and installing smart meters—to deliver energy more safely and efficiently. Being part of that innovation is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: Can you share three lessons that have shaped your career?
Tyler: Leadership starts within. Ask yourself, would you want you leading you? And remember: no one’s going to give you permission—you have to take the initiative to earn your seat at the table.
Set the standard. Operate at the level you expect from others, and recognize that you’re only as strong as your team.
Don’t quit. The only way to fail is to give up. Be someone disciplined enough to keep going. Success is your responsibility.
Looking for careers in Indiana’s advanced industries?
Visit the See Yourself IN Resources page to learn from other professionals like Tyler and discover how your career can power Indiana’s future.