Charles Byles
Flora,Illinois
Summary
A seasoned Operations & Maintenance Manager, renowned for a proactive, cost-effective leadership style that enhances maintenance management and drives reliable, high-availability power plant operations. Adept at navigating extreme market conditions to deliver increased revenue, with a track record of implementing strategic staff management, long-term planning, and optimized resource allocation. Demonstrated expertise in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to streamline maintenance, control costs, and manage inventory efficiently. Skilled in the maintenance of GE power systems, including 7EA, 7FA, 6B, and LM6000 gas turbines and generators. Committed to predictive and preventive maintenance planning, maximizing plant availability through well-coordinated outages, and supporting critical repairs. Builds cross-functional relationships to ensure seamless operations, fosters a strong culture of safety and environmental awareness, and enforces compliance with all regulations. Recognized for effective communication, decisive leadership, and inspiring teams to meet challenging objectives. Holds Secret Security Clearance (Navy) and offers exceptional leadership and engineering acumen for today's electrical power generation sector.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Company Startup and Operation
Fix-Right Hand Services, LLC
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Planned, administered, and organized the startup of a new company in Illinois specializing in home repairs and improvements.
- Company Owner and Operator of Fix-Right Hand Services, LLC. Planned, administered, and organized the startup of a new company in Illinois specializing in home repairs and improvements. Based in Flora, Fix-Right Handyman Services served Flora, Louisville, Salem, Xenia, Effingham, Olney, Cisne, and Fairfield. The company provided affordable home repair services, including door and window installation, drywall repairs, exterior and interior painting, custom deck construction, toilet repairs and installations, bathroom remodeling, fixture replacements and upgrades, garbage disposal replacements, and electrical services. The company was registered with the Florida Chamber of Commerce and fully accredited, boasting an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Operations & Maintenance Manager
NAES Corporation
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Oversaw the operation and maintenance of a power plant with eight GE LM6000 natural gas turbines with chiller power augmentation and Brush generators, delivering a total capacity of 375 MW.
- Operations & Maintenance Manager – Shelby County Energy Center, Rockland Capital. Oversaw the operation and maintenance of a power plant with eight GE LM6000 natural gas turbines with chiller power augmentation and Brush generators, delivering a total capacity of 375 MW. Directed cost management through capital planning and daily expense reduction, developed and implemented an $8M+ annual budget, and managed plant inventory and audits. Led equipment upgrades, performance testing, contractor negotiations, and federal/state compliance. Responsible for EHS programs, employee performance reviews, professional development, technical and EHS training, and handled hiring and disciplinary actions.
Operations & Maintenance Manager
ProEnergy Services LLC
05.2016 - 01.2019
- Managed operations and maintenance of a 375 MW plant with eight GE LM6000 turbines and Brush generator sets.
- Operations & Maintenance Manager – Shelby County Energy Center, Rockland Capital. Managed operations and maintenance of a 375 MW plant with eight GE LM6000 turbines and Brush generator sets. Developed and executed the annual $8M+ O&M budget, managed inventory, led performance testing, negotiated contracts, ensured regulatory compliance, organized EHS and technical training, and handled hiring and staff development. Scheduled major outages for critical equipment.
Plant Supervisor
ProEnergy Services LLC
07.2006 - 05.2016
- Directed maintenance and supervised technicians, designed maintenance programs, developed budgets, and focused on safe, cost-effective operations of a 340 MW power plant.
- Plant Supervisor – Raccoon Creek Energy Center, Ameren. Directed maintenance and supervised technicians, designed maintenance programs, developed budgets, and focused on safe, cost-effective operations of a 340 MW power plant. Led maintenance, repairs, and planned outages for a variety of plant systems. Ensured compliance with safety and regulatory standards and managed a $3.3M+ inventory. Negotiated contracts and spearheaded projects for system upgrades and cost savings, including a $600K electrical bus upgrade and $525K air system replacement. Implemented data recovery solutions and led corrosion control initiatives.
Senior Gas Turbine Combustion Technician
Aquila Inc.
07.2002 - 07.2006
- Led power dispatch and acted as lead in operations of four local and six remote GE 7EA turbines (790 MW) in the manager’s absence.
- Senior Gas Turbine Combustion Technician – Raccoon Creek Energy Center. Led power dispatch and acted as lead in operations of four local and six remote GE 7EA turbines (790 MW) in the manager’s absence. Conducted preventive/corrective maintenance, equipment troubleshooting, and staff training. Developed operating procedures, supported plant commissioning, and maintained compliance with environmental requirements. Played a key role in the startup of a 340 MW facility.
Gas Turbine Field Engineer
General Electric Authorized Field Service / Granite Services
09.2000 - 07.2002
- Managed field service for the installation, maintenance, and inspection of GE gas turbines and generators, leading teams of up to 50 personnel.
- Gas Turbine Field Engineer. Managed field service for the installation, maintenance, and inspection of GE gas turbines and generators, leading teams of up to 50 personnel. Oversaw mechanical work in new plant installations, start-ups, and commissioning. Implemented an $8M digitized inventory system, led maintenance and overhaul projects, and prepared project documentation and schedules.
Chief Engineer Officer
United States Navy
01.1997 - 07.2000
- Managed an engineering department of 130, overseeing operation and maintenance of ship propulsion and auxiliary systems with a $100K quarterly budget.
- Chief Engineer Officer. Managed an engineering department of 130, overseeing operation and maintenance of ship propulsion and auxiliary systems with a $100K quarterly budget. Coordinated alterations, training, and quality assurance, saving over $4M through innovative staff and equipment management. Led critical repairs and played a key role in crew development.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Workforce Education and Development
Southern Illinois University
Skills
- Power Plant Operations
- Maintenance/Repair Management
- Program Management
- Cost Control & Budgeting
- Regulatory Compliance
- Preventive/Predictive Maintenance
- Safety & Environmental Compliance
- Process Improvement
- Emergency Procedures & Crisis Management
- Team Leadership & Mentoring
- Training
- (CMMS) Computer Maintenance Management System
- Technical Documentation
- Gas Turbines & Generators
- Electrical & Turbine Control Systems
- Auxiliary Equipment
- Welding & Fabrication
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Data entry
- Dependable and responsible
- Microsoft office
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
Certification
- Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM), 2014
- Certified GE Gas Turbine Field Engineer
- GE Advanced Gas Turbine Speedtronic MKS Controls Maintenance
- GE Gas Turbine Speedtronic MKV Controls Maintenance
- GE MS7001EA Gas Turbine Generator Maintenance
- GE Generator Control and EX2000BR Excitation
- Multiple advanced Navy engineering and safety courses
Military Accolades
Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), Navy Good Conduct Medal (2), Coast Guard Unit Commendation Medal, Battle E (2), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3), Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (2), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Surface Warfare Officer, Commissioned to Ensign (Limited Duty Officer Program)
Timeline
Company Startup and Operation
Fix-Right Hand Services, LLC
01.2022 - 01.2025
Operations & Maintenance Manager
NAES Corporation
01.2019 - 12.2021
Operations & Maintenance Manager
ProEnergy Services LLC
05.2016 - 01.2019
Plant Supervisor
ProEnergy Services LLC
07.2006 - 05.2016
Senior Gas Turbine Combustion Technician
Aquila Inc.
07.2002 - 07.2006
Gas Turbine Field Engineer
General Electric Authorized Field Service / Granite Services
09.2000 - 07.2002
Chief Engineer Officer
United States Navy
01.1997 - 07.2000
Bachelor of Science - Workforce Education and Development
Southern Illinois University