WALTER THOMPSON
Sycamore,IL
Summary
Seasoned electric utility professional with over 35 years of leadership experience across engineering design, operations management, construction oversight, and client relations. Proven track record in managing large-scale electric distribution projects, developing high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence. Expertise includes grid modernization, renewable energy interconnections, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance. Committed to safety, quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement within fast-paced utility environments. Certified Notary Public with a background in handling various types of legal documents. Experience includes witnessing and authenticating signatures, administering oaths, and verifying identities to deter fraud. Strong organizational skills coupled with an understanding of real estate laws, loan signing procedures, and ethics pertaining to notarial duties. Previous roles have demonstrated success in providing high-quality service while maintaining confidentiality and integrity at all times.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Notary Public
QUASAR MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT LLC
Sycamore, Illinois
04.2025 - Current
- Conducted client consultations to assess notarization needs and provide tailored services.
- Executed notarization services for a variety of legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Verified the identity of signers through identification checks and documentation review.
- Maintained meticulous records of all notarizations performed to ensure traceability and compliance.
- Scheduled appointments with clients to facilitate timely notarization services.
- Communicated effectively with clients to clarify notarization processes and requirements.
- Provided guidance on the correct completion of documents requiring notarization.
- Attended continuing education seminars in order to maintain active status as a Certified Notary Public.
- Affixed stamp or seal on documents as proof of witnessing event or deal.
Director of Distribution Design Engineering
K&A Engineering
Oak Brook, IL
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Directed strategic distribution engineering initiatives, leading multi-disciplinary teams across large-scale electric utility projects.
- Drove operational excellence, proposal strategy, client expansion, and technical innovation to achieve 20% increase in contract awards.
- Developed corporate design standards to enhance quality assurance, safety compliance, and cost-efficiency across all projects.
- Assisted or lead proposal teams for 200+ proposals.
- Managed budget oversight for distribution operations, achieving a 15% reduction in operating expenses through strategic planning.
- Analyzed distribution metrics and KPIs to identify areas for improvement, leading to a 30% increase in on-time deliveries.
- Developed and implemented a performance evaluation system to assess staff productivity and set improvement targets.
Senior Manager of Distribution Design Engineering
K&A Engineering
Oakbrook, IL
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Oversaw distribution design projects, resource planning, and proposal pursuits for key regional clients.
- Introduced operational improvements resulting in higher design throughput and reduced cycle times.
- Built and nurtured strong client relationships, enhancing customer retention and project pipeline growth.
- Conducted thorough engineering analyses and evaluations to ensure compliance with safety and design standards.
- Provided guidance and direction to subordinates regarding job duties and responsibilities.
- Directed and supervised team of 15 employees in daily operations.
Manager of Distribution Design and Interconnections
K&A Engineering
Portland, ME
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Led all aspects of distribution design engineering and renewable energy interconnection projects.
- Standardized processes for interconnection applications, accelerating approval timelines by 15%.
- Mentored junior engineers and reinforced a culture of safety, quality, and compliance.
- Led regular team meetings to discuss project status, challenges, and solutions.
- Monitored project metrics and KPIs to assess performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
- Recruited and hired qualified candidates to fill open positions.
- Led team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions to continuously improve performance.
- Oversaw daily operations, maintaining efficiency and quality standards.
- Conducted performance reviews for team members.
- Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance.
Distribution Designer Engineer 3 (Major Projects)
TRC Companies
Orlando, FL
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Designed and executed overhead and underground electric distribution systems.
- Delivered accurate engineering calculations, estimates, field surveys, and GIS updates to support construction readiness.
- Monitored contractor work to ensure compliance with utility standards and safety codes.
- Led design reviews and provided constructive feedback to peers to enhance project outcomes.
- Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to deadlines.
Work Planner
ComEd (Exelon Corporation)
Elgin, IL
01.2013 - 03.2017
- Developed detailed maintenance work packages, preventive maintenance plans, and construction modifications.
- Utilized Primavera scheduling and collaborated across departments to optimize field execution efficiency.
- Conducted site walkdowns, scheduled outages, and coordinated resources across transmission and distribution projects.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to optimize resource allocation for various projects, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Prepared detailed reports on project performance metrics and resource utilization for senior management review.
- Facilitated scheduling of maintenance outages and construction activities, minimizing disruption to service delivery.
- Utilized advanced scheduling software to create and manage project timelines and resource assignments.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential project delays and developed mitigation strategies.
- Executed project schedules using Primavera, ensuring alignment with resource availability and operational priorities.
- Prepared reports detailing project status updates, cost estimates, resource allocation. for senior management review.
- Coordinated with other departments to develop strategies for effective planning and implementation of projects.
- Identified potential risks associated with each project and developed mitigation strategies.
First Line Supervisor (FLS)
ComEd (Exelon Corporation)
Rockford, IL
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Supervised day-to-day operations for multiple electric crews performing construction and maintenance work.
- Directed Capital/O&M activities, ensured work order readiness, enforced compliance with safety and operational procedures.
- Played a key leadership role during storm responses and emergency restoration efforts.
- Performed daily safety audits.
- Field review and gave feedback for all work orders.
- Led training sessions for new employees, focusing on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Facilitated communication between crews and upper management to align project goals and expectations.
- Developed and maintained schedules for project timelines and crew assignments, ensuring effective workflow.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate activities across multiple teams.
- Reviewed work orders and provided actionable feedback to improve project outcomes.
- Monitored daily operations to identify problems, investigate root causes, develop corrective action plans and implement improvements as needed.
- Supervised a team of 20-45 employees to ensure tasks were completed according to established standards.
- Trained new employees on company policies, job duties, and performance expectations.
- Fostered a positive and motivating work environment, leading to an increase in team morale.
- Conducted training in equipment operations and safety procedures, briefing employees of hazards associated with work.
- Prepared reports on project progress including results from safety audits or reviews.
- Provided guidance and direction on safety topics including emergency response plans, hazardous materials handling, personal protective equipment, lockout, tagout procedures and fire prevention, protection measures.
Design Engineer
ComEd (Exelon Corporation)
Crystal Lake, IL
01.2000 - 01.2008
- Produced design layouts, drawings, and bills of materials for electric distribution infrastructure.
- Supported new business development, customer engagement, and field coordination efforts.
- Ensured full compliance with company and industry engineering standards.
- Performed field inspections to verify design implementation and adherence to safety regulations.
- Coordinated with regulatory agencies to secure necessary permits for construction projects.
- Managed project documentation and ensured timely updates to engineering databases.
- Participated in cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.
- Reviewed and approved engineering designs to ensure quality and compliance with company standards.
- Provided technical support during construction phases to resolve design-related issues promptly.
- Generated technical drawings, assembly instructions and bill of materials.
- Sketched outline designs and used CAD programs to create detailed designs and specifications.
- Prepared estimates and budgets.
- Created Joint Work (JWA) agreements
- Installed underground conduit systems, aerial cable systems, manholes, handholes, pedestals, cabinets.
- Provided technical support for troubleshooting installation issues on OSP systems.
- Conducted site surveys to identify any obstacles which may impede the successful completion of projects.
- Reviewed blueprints and diagrams of proposed installations to ensure accuracy before commencing work activities.
- Worked overtime to respond to emergencies and fix unsafe conditions.
Meter Reader
ComEd
DeKalb, IL
01.1990 - 01.2000
- Performed accurate meter readings and field audits; reported safety, usage, and equipment concerns.
- Assisted emergency response teams and maintained data collection accuracy under challenging field conditions.
- Storm restoration (SRP).
- Utilized handheld devices for accurate data entry and management of meter readings during daily routes.
- Executed route planning and optimization strategies to improve daily meter reading efficiency.
- Read electric meters in assigned areas to determine amount of usage; ensure accuracy of readings.
- Train new employees on proper techniques for taking accurate readings from utility meters.
- Follow established procedures for reporting issues with malfunctioning meters or damaged equipment.
Combat Medic
United States Army
Ft Ord , CA
07.1984 - 07.1987
- Delivered emergency medical care in both field and clinical environments.
- Earned the Army Achievement Medal and graduated Honor Graduate from Jungle Expert Training.
- Administered emergency medical treatment in high-stress combat environments, stabilizing patients for transport.
- Performed detailed patient assessments to evaluate injury severity and determine immediate care needs.
- Managed medical supplies and equipment, ensuring readiness for emergency response in field operations.
- Documented patient care activities and treatment outcomes in compliance with military health protocols.
- Conducted training exercises for soldiers on first aid techniques and battlefield medicine.
- Implemented trauma response protocols to enhance team readiness and effectiveness in emergency situations.
- Executed patient triage in chaotic environments, prioritizing care based on injury severity.
- Monitored vital signs and patient conditions, adjusting care strategies as needed during treatment.
- Educated soldiers on preventative health measures to reduce injury risks in combat scenarios.
- Conducted health assessments on individuals prior to deployment into hazardous areas.
- Provided fast and accurate emergency response to injured Soldiers, providing first aid, and Buddy Care.
- Deployed to forward operating bases to accompany battle personnel on patrol, engagements and scout missions to provide needed medical attention.
- Inserted IVs and administered oral and injectable medications.
- Attended training sessions, maintained required certifications and kept current in lifesaving techniques and technologies.
Education
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Kishwaukee Community College
Illinois12-1989
Skills
- Distribution Design & Engineering
- Strategic Project Management
- Electrical Utility Operations
- Leadership Development & Team Building
- Grid Modernization & Interconnections
- Capital & O&M Budget Management
- Regulatory Compliance (NESC, OSHA)
- Work Management Systems (WMS, GIS)
- Client Relationship Management
- Safety Audits & Risk Mitigation
- Proposal & Pursuit Strategy Development
- Primavera P6
- TED
- Pragma Cad
- Asset 8
- Notarization services
- Document verification
- Performance evaluation
- Team leadership
- Loan document signing
- Notarial acts execution
- Project management
- Engineering design standards
- Leadership development
Awards Affiliations
- Army Achievement Medal
- Honor Graduate - Jungle Expert Course
- Member, DeKalb High School Barb Booster Club2017-2019 President and Vice President roles
Timeline
Certified Notary Public
QUASAR MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT LLC
04.2025 - Current
Director of Distribution Design Engineering
K&A Engineering
01.2023 - 01.2025
Senior Manager of Distribution Design Engineering
K&A Engineering
01.2022 - 01.2023
Manager of Distribution Design and Interconnections
K&A Engineering
01.2020 - 01.2022
Distribution Designer Engineer 3 (Major Projects)
TRC Companies
01.2019 - 01.2020
Work Planner
ComEd (Exelon Corporation)
01.2013 - 03.2017
First Line Supervisor (FLS)
ComEd (Exelon Corporation)
01.2008 - 01.2013
Design Engineer
ComEd (Exelon Corporation)
01.2000 - 01.2008
Meter Reader
ComEd
01.1990 - 01.2000
Combat Medic
United States Army
07.1984 - 07.1987
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Kishwaukee Community College