DANE WOLFE
Columbus,OH
Summary
Dynamic technologist with 17 years experience within the utility industry, specializing in grid modernization and smart grid technology implementation and support. Experienced fiber and wireless telecommunications engineer. Knowledgeable in distribution and transmission processes and procedures including, but not limited to, EMS, SCADA, ADMS, OMS and GIS systems and protocols. Experienced with Schweitzer Engineering Labs, Cooper, Siemens, GE, Schneider Electric and ArcGIS systems and tools. Passionate about process improvement and facilitating healthy corporate culture. Highly skilled at communication and navigation within the complex utility industry. Proven leadership skills in implementing and supporting grid modernization and smart grid technologies, as well as innovating new tools, processes and standards to increase reliability and streamline implementation and support of systems.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Product Operations
ARMADA POWER
05.2021 - 09.2024
- Management of field operations, installation and maintenance of frequency response and demand response capable load control devices
- Training of internal and external personnel
- Provided onsite training to utility personnel nationwide and in Canada.
- Process creation and documentation
- Created training manual, safety manual, project scheduling and installation tracking documentation
- Support of engineering teams in load control hardware and software design
- Network design and support
- Management of warehouse facilities, inventory and shipping/receiving
- Development of tools and test procedures
- Customer support during design, installation and post installation project phases
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Optimized inventory management to minimize costs and ensure product availability.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
IT Network Consultant- Telecom Project Delivery Engineer
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER SERVICE CORP
05.2016 - 05.2021
- Facilitate communications between multiple business units, engineering departments, project managers and external contractors in order to meet project deadlines and budgets
- Responsible for an average of 100 subprojects (~30 master projects) per rolling 90 day period
- Continued in role as Smart Grid domain expert outside of normal job duties, repairing relationship between distribution and telecom business units
- Consistently build solid relationships with internal/external customers and vendors improving process efficiencies
- Provide oversight and technical training to internal personnel and external contractors
- Provided crucial assistance in establishing a Smart Grid Command Center
- Training and knowledge based materials to field personnel and command center employees
- Assist in defining standards and procedures
- Assisted in streamlining standards for fiber optic installation and termination
- Collaborated with engineers and standards bodies to create standards for implementation and support of next generation AMI and Distribution Automation (DA) technologies
- Assisted in redefining standards for antenna mounting for mesh, GPS and cellular networks
- Assistance and oversight of implementation and support of a multitude of technologies including but not limited to: Single and multimode fiber construction, 2nd through 5th generation AMI backbone infrastructure, Mesh and cellular DA radios, Enterprise network equipment, Carrier Ethernet devices and multiplexers, WiMAX and Microwave data systems
- Responsible for accurately reporting time on multiple projects and in properly accounting for time and materials between Capitol, O&M and leased blanket expenditures
- Heavily involved in updating test equipment and procedures
- Created a standalone cellular test tool to allow for drive tests as well as mobile/remote spot checks of cellular connectivity
- Automated, the data is collected on a server allowing for KMZ exports and creating coverage maps while reducing administrative overhead
- Worked closely with vendors to bring new equipment to the test tool committee and provide modern automated options in capturing and recording test data
Meter Revenue Operations Field Engineer "Contract"
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER- AEP OHIO
01.2014 - 05.2016
- Created troubleshooting and repair processes as well as provided training on AMI and DA network devices
- Defined troubleshooting procedures for AMI and DA systems
- Created training and knowledge based documentation for field personnel and supervisors
- Provided hands on training sessions for Ohio, Indiana and Michigan field personnel and Command Center employees
- Acted as field resource for on the job training and to problem solve unusually complex issues
- Developed and managed AMI and DA remediation efforts in order to improve network reliability
- Created processes to remedy AMI coverage "holes" and problematic communication areas
- Assisted in creating a process to track AMI meters that had been "swapped" between premises
- Provided oversight in testing and installing AMI backbone devices to increase communications reliability
- Developed process and timeline to replace all AMI gen 2 backbone devices with gen 4 devices
- Provided contractor and employee oversight to guarantee successful project completion
- Developed a plan to test, implement and install backbone network equipment to remedy poor communications of existing DA systems in geographically difficult regions
- One particular network was improved from approximately 70% reliability to 85% and eventually 99% in a region that had been consistently unreliable for over 7 years
- Designed and built custom test tools and test harnesses to improve operational support of AMI and DA networks
- Designed and built mobile meter bases and test harnesses for AMI network testing
- Designed and built simple LED indicators for DA radios for ease of use, efficiency and to keep from damaging power leads
- Designed and built custom cable continuity testers to verify all possible combinations of cables used in DA installations
- Assisted engineers in selecting inexpensive test tools to verify faulty RF cables and antennas
- Assisted in creating process to verify and remediate firmware upgrades through automated reports, back office blanket updates and field support of problem devices
- Generated reports to keep supervisors, managers and directors informed of project progress, issues and issue resolutions
Electrical Laboratory Technician "Contract"
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER- DOLAN LABORATORY
08.2007 - 01.2014
- Test lead ARRA- AMI Interoperability test bed
- Responsible for creating and executing test cases to generate a report to the US Department of Energy on AMI device and network interoperability
- Required end to end testing from the AMI meter, AMI backbone network, AMI head end system and interfaces to back office systems (DMS, OMS, etc.)
- Required collaboration with Distribution meter engineers, network analysts and IT/Telecom personnel
- Designed and built testbeds to support smart grid technology testing
- Designed and built the AMI testbed
- Designed and built the Home Area Network (HAN) testbed
- Designed and built the Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) testbed
- Assisted in designing and building the DA testbed
- Assisted in designing and building the Community Energy Storage (CES) testbed
- More information on these testbeds can be viewed here http://www.dolantechcenter.com/Focus/SmartGrid/default.aspx
- Created test cases, implementation procedures, technology documentation and technical training materials
- Designed and built interactive, educational displays and provided Q&A tours
- Although the intent of the laboratory is primarily testing and vetting of cutting edge technologies, the purpose of the Smart Grid group was also education
- Tours were provided to the DOE, legislators, utility commissioners, employees and the general population
- Designed and built multiple displays to assist in visualizing how AMI, DA, HAN, PEV and CES systems operate and the benefit to both utilities and the consumer
- Provided engineering support to multiple business units and operating companies
- Assisted in the vetting and selection of all available AMI technologies at the time in order to select which technologies were to be used in AEP Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Appalachia, Texas and Oklahoma
- Assisted in implementing AMI, HAN, CES, PEV and DA systems in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan
- Assisted in testing and remediating AMI and DA systems in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Oklahoma post installation
- Assisted EPRI and Ford with early PEV charging stations and vehicle charging behaviors
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electronics Engineering Technology
DEVRY UNIVERSITY
Associate of Applied Science - Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Skills
- GRID MODERNIZATION SYSTEMS AND TOOLS
- PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
- TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION AND DAY 2 SUPPORT
- CUSTOMER SUPPORT
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND DELIVERY
- NETWORK TROUBLESHOOTING
- TECHNICAL PROBLEM SOLVING
- TECHNICAL WRITING
- RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
- STRATEGIC PLANNING
- VERBAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
- CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION
- PROBLEM SOLVING
- TIME MANAGEMENT
Timeline
Director of Product Operations
ARMADA POWER
05.2021 - 09.2024
IT Network Consultant- Telecom Project Delivery Engineer
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER SERVICE CORP
05.2016 - 05.2021
Meter Revenue Operations Field Engineer "Contract"
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER- AEP OHIO
01.2014 - 05.2016
Electrical Laboratory Technician "Contract"
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER- DOLAN LABORATORY
08.2007 - 01.2014
Associate of Applied Science - Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bachelor of Science - Electronics Engineering Technology
DEVRY UNIVERSITY
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