Jay Hermanson
Anchorage,AK
Summary
Experienced energy, engineering, and construction professional with over 32 years of direct, hands-on involvement in infrastructure development, construction management, energy planning, and infrastructure development projects across Alaska, the Lower 48, and internationally. Skilled in executing complex technical projects in the Arctic, remote and Indigenous communities, managing field teams, developing energy systems, and securing funding for mission-critical infrastructure. Known for working side-by-side with engineering, technical staff, construction, and community stakeholders, and contractors to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
NorEnergi Consulting
06.2024 - Current
- Hands-on consultant supporting Alaska-based electrical utilities with project development, energy systems, and infrastructure
- Works directly with community leaders, engineers, and contractors to bring projects from concept to execution
- Program manager in support of development and launching of a single load bearing area (SLBA) for two confidential electric utility clients located on Alaska’s Railbelt
- Lead developer on the development of power purchase agreements (PPA), financing plans, and pricing strategies for two confidential rural electric clients
General Manager
Kuna Engineering
04.2018 - 05.2024
- Jay led the start-up operations of a multi-discipline engineering and professional services company, providing leadership, operations management, and business development
- Jay spearheaded the company’s growth, increasing revenue by 70%; employee headcount by 65%; and top quartile earnings before taxes (as a percentage of revenue)
- Jay led the programmatic/operational oversight, strategic development and branding of the Facilities, Civil Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Construction Services/Project Delivery, Geomatics/Surveying, and Environmental Services business lines and has had oversight of up to 76 employees
- Central to his role is mentoring and developing professionals of all experience levels, ages and backgrounds
- Personally launched the company and led day-to-day operations, including field project oversight
- Rolled up sleeves to work directly with engineers, surveyors, and construction managers to successfully deliver over $100 million annually of total installed cost
- Managed energy, civil, and MEP engineering projects across Alaska
- Mentored junior staff by working alongside them on technical assignments
Regional Business Development Manager
WHPacific
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Traveled throughout Alaska and the Pacific West meeting clients and scoping project needs on-site
- Personally coordinated teaming arrangements and managed proposal development
- Delivered client-ready project plans and actively participated in implementation
Program Manager – Energy & Rural Infrastructure
WHPacific & NANA Pacific
01.2004 - 01.2012
- Designed and implemented renewable energy, rural utility, and infrastructure projects across Alaska
- Developed energy audits, resource assessments, and cost-benefit models hands-on
- Led permitting and construction planning efforts directly with client and regulatory staff
Project Manager
Catholic Relief Services
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Jay developed and implemented organizational development programs, infrastructure development, micro-finance, food security, monitoring and evaluation, and contract compliance
- Mr
- Hermanson was responsible for the oversight of a division of over 100 people, over 200 local communities, and supply chain management of project resources
- Day-to-day operations was conducted in French and included managing USAID-funded infrastructure projects across 200+ villages
- Supervised local field teams and directly handled logistics, procurement, and training
- Conducted all daily operations in French
- Coordinated environmental health programs, working with local stakeholders and field staff to roll out initiatives country wide
Director/Program/Project Manager
ALAA
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Program management for an Alaska based environmental health program
- Collaboration with private industry, state government, and federal government entities and coalition building
- Ambient air quality (PM 10/2.5) technical support
Project Manager
US EPA
01.1994 - 01.1995
- Personally developed and ran solid waste programs for Native villages, including community-based training
- Hands-on permitting and environmental technical support
- Supported the permitting of community-based infrastructure projects
- Hands-on technical assistance to village entrepreneurs and cooperatives
- Delivered community economic development programs directly in rural settings
Education
MBA -
University of Alaska Anchorage
01.2001
BA - Business Administration & Economics
Washington State University
01.1990
Skills
- Employee performance evaluations
- Staff management
- Verbal and written communication
- Training and mentoring
- Strategic leadership
- Community engagement
- Program management
- Stakeholder management
Accomplishments
I am a community focused engager and currently President of the Anchorage Rotary Club- the largest and oldest Club in the state. I have served on the Board of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation; Chugach Electric Association Member Advisory Committee; and have led 7 development teams and over 100 Alaskans to Kribi, Cameroon
Civic And Community Involvement
- Launch Alaska, Adviser, 01/01/20 - 01/01/24
- Chugach Electric Association, Member Advisory Committee, 01/01/21 - 01/01/23
- Anchorage Rotary, President, 01/01/24, VP, Treasurer, Committee Lead, 01/01/18 - 01/01/24
- Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, Board Member
- Anchorage Community Theater, Treasurer & Board Member, 01/01/14 - 01/01/18
- Cameroon Service-Learning Leader, Led 5 community-based projects bringing 75 Alaskans to Africa
- Peace Corps Volunteer, Small Enterprise Development, Senegal, West Africa, 01/01/90 - 01/01/96
Core Competencies
Actively led on-the-ground engineering and construction efforts for utility, industrial, and rural infrastructure projects. Personally managed crews, performed QA/QC, and ensured daily project deliverables were met on schedule., Built Kuna Engineering from the ground up, taking the lead in recruiting technical staff, shaping company operations, and directly managing key engineering projects. Drove revenue growth by 70% and expanded the team from 25 to 72 employees., Personally developed project scopes, budgets, and implementation plans. Coordinated permitting, procurement, and field mobilizations for energy and infrastructure projects. Delivered results through hands-on project management and problem-solving., Worked directly with business and community leaders, utility managers, and regional corporations to design and implement renewable energy and community development projects. Created energy plans for rural Alaska that included direct data collection, stakeholder meetings, and implementation of roadmaps., Personally wrote successful grant and loan applications for rural infrastructure and energy systems through AEA, BIA, and USDA programs. Worked closely with clients and lenders to structure viable project financing packages., Built strong, trust-based relationships by working directly with clients and community members in the field. Resolved conflicts face-to-face and ensured alignment between technical plans and community priorities.
Languages
French
Professional Working
Timeline
Principal
NorEnergi Consulting
06.2024 - Current
General Manager
Kuna Engineering
04.2018 - 05.2024
Regional Business Development Manager
WHPacific
01.2012 - 01.2018
Program Manager – Energy & Rural Infrastructure
WHPacific & NANA Pacific
01.2004 - 01.2012
Project Manager
Catholic Relief Services
01.2000 - 01.2004
Director/Program/Project Manager
ALAA
01.1996 - 01.1999
Project Manager
US EPA
01.1994 - 01.1995
BA - Business Administration & Economics
Washington State University
MBA -
University of Alaska Anchorage
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