Andrew Hirvela
SUN PRAIRIE,WI
Summary
Dedicated and passionate municipal utility leader adept in electric and water operations and management with strong business acumen and strengths in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, project management, process improvement, reliability engineering and customer service. Reputation for being a strong collaborator, effective communicator, and innovative problem solver. Highly skilled at developing and leading teams to implement efficiencies, set/exceed goals, and achieve outcomes that are beneficial to the utility, our customers, and the community.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Acting Utility Manager
Sun Prairie Utilities
11.2024 - Current
- Led utility operations, ensuring compliance, reliability, and service excellence.
- Oversaw budgeting, strategic planning, and resource allocation for operational efficiency.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through proactive service improvements and innovation.
- Drove process improvements to optimize performance and sustainability.
- Streamlined internal processes for better coordination between different teams within the utility department.
- Interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
Supervisory Engineer
Sun Prairie Utilities
05.2019 - Current
- Managed infrastructure projects, system upgrades, and technology integrations.
- Developed strategic plans and performance metrics to enhance utility operations.
- Led cross-functional teams to improve efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making to drive continuous operational improvements.
- Prioritized emergency preparedness efforts by creating detailed response plans in case of natural disasters or other unexpected events.
- Presented technical findings to Commission staff and the general public, ensuring clear understanding of project status and goals.
Operations Engineer
Sun Prairie Utilities
11.2018 - 05.2019
- Spearheaded sustainability initiatives and infrastructure upgrades to enhance reliability.
- Optimized operational efficiency through automation and streamlined processes.
- Conducted system audits, maintenance planning, and performance analysis.
- Coordinated with stakeholders across Utility and City departments to gather input on potential improvements in workflows or technology implementations.
- Implemented comprehensive preventative maintenance programs for critical equipment, extending its lifespan and reducing repair costs over time.
Journeyman Electric Lineman
Sun Prairie Utilities
01.2005 - 11.2018
- Installed, maintained, and repaired overhead and underground power lines.
- Led emergency response efforts, restoring power during outages.
- Trained and mentored new employees on safety protocols and best practices.
- Completed complex installations for major power distribution projects, including substations and transmission.
- Coordinated with utility partners during joint infrastructure projects, facilitating smooth communication channels between teams resulting in successful outcomes.
- Participated in public education on electrical safety and energy conservation.
Apprentice Electric Lineman
Sun Prairie Utilities
02.2001 - 01.2005
- Assisted in power line installations and maintenance, gaining hands-on expertise.
- Developed technical knowledge in electrical distribution and system operations.
- Responded to emergencies and outages that required additional labor and assistance for repairs.
- Inspected power lines for any damage or irregularities and replaced components.
Education
Associate of Science - Electrical Engineering Technology
Madison Area Technical College
Madison, WI05-2016
Technical Diploma - Electrical Power Distribution
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI02-2001
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WIHigh School Diploma -
Washington High School
Two Rivers, WI06-1998
Skills
- Utility Operations & Asset Management – Optimizing infrastructure performance and longevity
- Infrastructure Planning & Reliability Engineering – Ensuring system resilience and efficiency
- Budgeting & Resource Allocation – Maximizing financial and operational resources
- Crisis Management & Emergency Response – Leading rapid, effective solutions in critical situations
- Innovation & Process Improvement – Driving continuous enhancements for efficiency and reliability
- Team Leadership & Employee Development – Building high-performing teams and fostering growth
- Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration – Engaging partners to align goals and drive success
- Public Speaking Proficiency - Communicating complex messages effectively
- Experience with State Agencies - Maintaining and adapting to regulatory conditions of electric and water utilities
Accomplishments
- Sustainability Taskforce Member
- Pedestrian Safety Taskforce Member
- Climate Action Plan Steering Committee Member
- Library Community Resiliency Manual Team Member
- Safety Committee Chair (2009)
- Keynote/Graduate Speaker for Leadership Sun Prairie
- Fire Department Citizens Academy Graduate
- Sun Prairie Utilities Fleet Management Program
- Sun Prairie Utilities Lead Lateral Replacement
- Developed GIS-based Hydrant Flushing Program
- Developed GIS-based Water Sampling Program
- Developed GIS-based Electric Distribution Program
- Developed GIS-based Water Sampling Program
- Developed EPA Risk and Resilience Assessment
- Re-designed DNR Water Quality Report
- Re-drafted Disaster Manual and Emergency Response
- Drafted Continuity of Operations Plan (in progress)
- Lead Lateral Inventory Project Lead
- EPA UCMR Program Lead
- APPA Engineering and Operations Presenter
- MSA Professional Services Orientation Program (2025)
- Trade Program Orientation at SPHS (2015)
- EV Sustainability in Sun Prairie (2025)
- Wastewater Operators of America Presenter (2024)
- MEUW Hurricane Relief Responder (2004)
- Strategic Planning Team Lead (2018 and 2022)
- 100-year Rebranding and Event Planning Team (2010)
- Outage Management Implementation Team(2022)
- WPPI Distribution Services Advisory Group Member
- Electric Long Range System Planning Lead
- Planning, Implementation, and Transition Team
City of Sun Prairie
Program Development and Management
Regulatory
Panels and Presentations
Sun Prairie Utilities
New Operations Facility (2023 - current)
Certification
- Journeyman Lineman Certification
- Water Operator Distribution Certification
- Water Operator Groundwater Certification
- CDL Class ABCD
- AED/CPR Certified
Timeline
Acting Utility Manager
Sun Prairie Utilities
11.2024 - Current
Supervisory Engineer
Sun Prairie Utilities
05.2019 - Current
Operations Engineer
Sun Prairie Utilities
11.2018 - 05.2019
Journeyman Electric Lineman
Sun Prairie Utilities
01.2005 - 11.2018
Apprentice Electric Lineman
Sun Prairie Utilities
02.2001 - 01.2005
Associate of Science - Electrical Engineering Technology
Madison Area Technical College
Technical Diploma - Electrical Power Distribution
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
University of Wisconsin - Madison
High School Diploma -
Washington High School
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