Richard Koch
Akron,Ohio
Summary
Adaptable Geospatial expert with expertise in cartography and intelligence gathering. Innovative and creative with first-rate problem-solving skills. With a history of successful projects spread across the electric industry. Accomplished at providing technical feedback on all organizational levels. Skilled conference presenter. Idea generator and thought leader.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
GIS Specialist | Sr Technician Specialist
FIRSTENERGY
Akron
01.2015 - 02.2024
- %Defined and implemented ESRI Utility Network requirements, enhancing utility network management
- Led GIS to GIS to Oracle ADMS, and GSI Distribution Design Studio integration, improving data accuracy and system interoperability
- Directed DER and DERMS modeling, optimizing distributed energy resource management
- Supervised contractor teams, ensuring accurate input of DER assets.
- Developed targeted training programs for contractors, improving data entry quality and efficiency
- Initiated collaborations with internal and external stakeholders, leading to integrated vegetation management solutions
- Spearheaded development of a tree outage prediction tool, enhancing outage response strategies.
- Enhanced GIS data accuracy 25 percent by implementing quality control procedures and addressing discrepancies promptly.
- Increased project efficiency by 20 percent designing and automating GIS workflows using Python scripting and ModelBuilder tools.
- Enhanced decision-making processes by creating visually compelling maps, charts, and graphs for presentations and reports.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to integrate GIS components into various projects, optimizing resource allocation and planning efforts.
- Leveraged advanced geospatial analysis to identify trends, patterns, and relationships within complex datasets.
- Directed clients in understanding spatial data through user-friendly web mapping applications and interactive dashboards.
- Trained colleagues on GIS software usage, boosting team productivity and fostering collaborative work environments.
- Evaluated emerging technologies in the field of geospatial sciences to ensure the adoption of best practices within the organization.
- Increased data accessibility by converting various formats into standardized GIS-compatible files for seamless integration into projects.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and guidelines to ensure compliance across all GIS-related tasks.
- Developed custom cartographic products tailored to client specifications, delivering high-quality visual representations of complex information.
- Performed ongoing maintenance on existing GIS datasets to ensure their relevance, accuracy, and completeness over time.
- Consulted with stakeholders to define project objectives, scope, and deliverables related to spatial data analysis requirements.
- Facilitated communication between technical staff and non-GIS users through clear documentation of procedures and methodologies employed in projects.
- Optimized system performance by troubleshooting hardware/software issues related to the organization''s geographic information systems infrastructure.
- Improved internal collaboration by developing an organized repository for shared spatial data resources used throughout company projects.
- Provided technical support to end-users, assisting in the resolution of GIS-related issues and ensuring a smooth project workflow.
- Contributed to the development of geospatial data standards and best practices within the organization, promoting consistency and interoperability across projects.
- Enhanced team's knowledge of industry trends by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars related to geospatial technologies.
- Complied with state and federally-mandated regulations for FERC, NERC, and NEC construction.
- Combined remotely collected and on-site data acquisition to generate unified geographic mapping information.
- Provided technical recommendations and support documentation to aid in GIS process improvement.
- Designed standardized protocols for data collection, creating cohesive database input guidelines to streamline intelligence retrieval and exploitation.
- Contributed to centralized GIS portal and ArcGIS database, correctly inputting data on new job sites and revising data on changing conditions.
- Developed requirements for the application of GIS solution data.
- Trained and mentored fifteen junior analysts between 2015-2024.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to complete high-priority projects on time and within budget.
Advanced Distribution Specialist
OHIO EDISON
05.2005 - 01.2015
- Mapping of production engineering jobs
- Initial FE GIS conversion GE Vision to Autodesk
- Led implementation of Autodesk Industry Model into GISDesign product
- Gathered requirements, planning, testing, training, and deployment support
- Taught classes in advanced mapping, workflow, and program usage post go-live.
- Streamlined distribution processes for internal and external customer satisfaction.
- Trained new team members on distribution procedures, improving overall productivity and efficiency within the department.
Mapping Contractor
ADECCO GROUP - (CONTRACTED TO OHIO EDISON)
11.2000 - 05.2005
- Mapping of Networks and field assets , Mapping of production engineering jobs
- Land base input and updates.
- Identified areas for cost reduction, leading to significant savings without compromising quality.
- Drove process improvements by identifying inefficiencies and recommending solutions for optimization.
- Mentored junior staff members in industry best practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the team.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology with a Concentration in Software Engineering
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
PHOENIX, AZ07.2014
Skills
- AutoCAD, ESRI ArcGIS Pro, Distribution Design Studio, SQL, Arcade, Python, MS Office
- Geospatial Datasets
- Satellite Imagery
- Aerial Imagery
- Mapping
- Network Modeling
- Analytical Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Active Listening
- Decision-Making
- GIS Project Management
- Team building
- Relationship Building
- Problem-solving abilities
References
- Martin Shalhoub, Executive Vice President - Digital Solutions, E Source
- Robert Krisher, Product Engineer (Utility Network), ESRI
- John Piersol, Consultant (planning and protection), FirstEnergy (retired)
Timeline
GIS Specialist | Sr Technician Specialist
FIRSTENERGY
01.2015 - 02.2024
Advanced Distribution Specialist
OHIO EDISON
05.2005 - 01.2015
Mapping Contractor
ADECCO GROUP - (CONTRACTED TO OHIO EDISON)
11.2000 - 05.2005
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology with a Concentration in Software Engineering
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX