Kurt Sangster
Valparaiso,IN
Summary
At NiSource, I lead Electric Generation operations and now Major Projects, through strategic planning, risk mitigation and financial management. My leadership fostered a culture of safety, driving reliable operations and operational excellence. Skilled in budget and team management, I delivered significant financial performance improvements, establishing a legacy of success and resilience.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director Major Projects
NiSource
01.2025 - Current
- Improving execution efficiency on large scale utility projects ($350M+ annually), in the areas of new transmission lines, new generation and maintenance capital through planning, resource allocation, and efficiency reviews.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Developing high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth. Enhancing team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations. Cultivating a positive work environment that fosters employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosting overall team morale.
- Managing budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
Vice President Electric Generation
NiSource / NIPSCO
06.2019 - 01.2025
- Led cross-functional teams (380-400 employees) to successfully operate large scale utility generating assets (2,000MW +); coal, natural gas, hydro, wind, solar and battery storage resulting in safe, and reliable energy to customers.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams during times of significant change.
- Established and directed successful programs focused on the continued operations of natural gas assets and the development of new renewable assets while planning to cease operations of coal fired assets.
- Delivered strong financial performance despite challenging economic conditions by executing prudent risk management strategies throughout all aspects of business operations.
- Managed financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing return on investments.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
Director Electric Generation Operations
NiSource / NIPSCO
06.2018 - 06.2019
- Developed high-performing teams (about 200 employees) by providing mentorship, and guidance.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Enhanced a culture by promoting continuous improvement through fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Vice President Major Projects
NiSource
01.2013 - 06.2018
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, and regulators to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects (approximately $800M+ annually), resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Negotiated high-value contracts that maximized financial stewardship while mitigating risks for the organization.
- Delivered strong financial performance by executing prudent risk management strategies throughout all aspects of project execution.
Director Major Projects
NiSource
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Negotiated multiple favorable contracts, materials and service, on $500M Flue Gas Desulfurization projects, with vendors for reduced costs and improved quality.
- Cultivated high-performance team, selecting and mentoring candidates for key leadership roles in developing a new Major Projects department.
- Pioneered adoption of sustainable project management practices.
Education
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering And Energy Processes
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Carbondale, IL08.1995
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Carbondale, IL12.1992
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Operations management
- Project management
- Employee development
- Organizational development
- Budget management
- Contract management
Affiliations
- Chairman, National Maintenance Agreement Owners Committee
Certification
PMI - Project Management Professional (PMP)
Timeline
Director Major Projects
NiSource
01.2025 - Current
Vice President Electric Generation
NiSource / NIPSCO
06.2019 - 01.2025
Director Electric Generation Operations
NiSource / NIPSCO
06.2018 - 06.2019
Vice President Major Projects
NiSource
01.2013 - 06.2018
Director Major Projects
NiSource
01.2010 - 01.2013
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering And Energy Processes
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
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