Monthly archive

Vladimer Korganashvili

Job Title: 
Head of System Automation
Organization: 
Georgian State Electrosystem (GSE)

Vladimer Korganashvili received his first bachelor’s degree in 2008 from Georgian Technical University in Power Energy and Telecommunications with a specialization in the management of fuel/power affairs. In 2010, he received a second bachelor’s degree from Georgian Technical University. From 2010 to 2013, he served as a relay protection and automation department engineer for Georgian State Electrosystem (GSE). Since 2013, he has served in the System Automation department as head of the system automation section of GSE. He holds certifications in Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSS/E) local training and Computer-Aided Protection Engineering (CAPE) training in Germany.

Profile Type: 
Speaker

Alexander Didbaridze

Job Title: 
International Projects Technical Manager
Organization: 
Georgian State Electrosystem (GSE)

Alexander Didbaridze received his diploma in electronic and control engineering from Moscow State Technological University in 1994. Upon graduating, he worked for nearly 11 years as an instrumentation and control (I&C) chief engineer for Gardabani Thermal Power Plant, a design and commissioning engineer for Enguri Dam Drain System, and an I&C engineer for Wood Group and Capital Turbines. From 2006 through 2011, he was the manager of the SCADA and emergency control system projects implemented by Georgian State Electrosystem (GSE). He has been involved in other projects linked to telecommunications systems and fiber-optic stringing on overhead lines. Since 2011, he has been the International Projects Technical Manager at GSE.

Profile Type: 
Speaker

Geoffrey Holmes

Job Title: 
Director of Business Development
Organization: 
Carbon Engineering

Geoff has worked on direct air capture of CO2 since 2008, both in an academic capacity and at Carbon Engineering. Geoff has led much of CE’s air contactor design work since 2010, has been involved with several generations of prototyping and testing, and has published on air contactor design and optimization in the UK Royal Society journal among others. Geoff now serves as CE’s Director of Business Development.

Robert Chapman

Job Title: 
Senior Vice President, Energy Delivery and Customer Solution
Organization: 
Electric Power Research Institute

Rob Chapman is Senior Vice President of Energy Delivery and Customer Solutions, at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He provides executive oversight for EPRI’s broad portfolio of Power Delivery and Utilization R&D, including Integrated Grid and Energy Systems (IGES), Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure (TDI), and Electrification and Sustainable Energy Strategy (E&SES). The research and analysis spans across a large segment of the energy industry. His knowledge of the cross-EPRI research synergies, his relationships with EPRI’s membership, and his understanding of the industry perspectives provide him with the right combinations of skills and experience to lead this sector.

Chapman joined EPRI in 1999 as the Director of North American Technical Advisory Services and transitioned to Vice President of Member & Technical Services in 2006 and Vice President of E&SES in 2019.

Prior to joining EPRI, Chapman was Director of Western Sales for Pacific Gas & Electric Energy Services during which time he led efforts to establish premium power services for technology companies in the Silicon Valley, California.

Chapman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and has completed executive business courses at The University of Chicago.

Profile Type: 
Speaker

Dr. Karen Wayland

Job Title: 
Chief Executive Officer
Organization: 
Gridwise Alliance
Dr. Karen Wayland is a recognized expert in national energy and environmental policy and served in leadership positions at the highest levels of government and nonprofits. Through her business, kW Energy Strategies, she has been providing strategic consulting on grid modernization policy, coalition building and communications for major clean energy companies, national environmental organizations, local officials, and foundations. At the U.S. Department of Energy during the Obama Administration, she established a team for Secretary Moniz to conduct analyses and develop strategies for DOE’s work with states, local authorities, served on leadership team for the Quadrennial Energy Review (QER), and was the primary author of the QER “Modernizing the Grid” chapter and policy recommendations. She also served as Senior Advisor for Domestic Energy Policy to the Deputy Secretary Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall. Dr. Wayland worked on energy and climate legislation for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senator Harry Reid when he was Majority Whip. She has extensive experience working with nonprofit organizations, including as CEO of the Clean Energy Project, Legislative Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, Director on the Board of Center for Sustainable Energy, and Distinguished Associate at former Secretary Moniz’ think tank Energy Futures Initiative. She has been the Policy Advisor to GridWise Alliance for the last year. Dr. Wayland is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at Boston University Institute for Sustainable Energy and an Equity in Energy Ambassador at the US DOE. She holds a Master of Science from the University of Connecticut and a Dual Ph.D. in the fields of geochemistry and resource development from Michigan State University.
Profile Type: 
Speaker
Credentials: 
Ph.D.

President Biden's Infrastructure Plan & Electric Utilities

May 14th, 2021
It is the goal of the Biden administration to shape a future electric industry that is carbon-free with abundant storage. How will this massive push be accommodated, and who will benefit?

2020-21 USEA Volunteer Awards Presented at Annual Membership Meeting

May 10th, 2021
Last Thursday, at USEA’s Annual Membership Meeting and Public Policy Forum, USEA Senior Director Will Polen and Program Director Marjorie Jean-Pierre announced the recipients of the USEA 2020-2021 Volunteer...

USEA 2020 Annual Report

May 7th, 2021
USEA's 2020 Annual Report is now available. This year's report features recaps of our flagship events, the work of our international programs, letters from Acting Executive Director Sheila Hollis and Executive Chairman Vicky Bailey, and a dedication to former Executive Director Barry Worthington. This digital version includes interactive links.

USEA Newsletter: May 2021

May 7th, 2021

Inside this issue:

  • Promo for 2021 Annual Membership Meeting & Public Policy Forum
  • Business Opportunity for USEA Members
  • USEA 2020 Annual Report
  • Industry Spotlight: Nuclear Energy
  • Women In Energy: Paola Hartung

David Marventano

Job Title: 
Senior Vice President, Government Relations
Organization: 
Fluor Corporation

David Marventano serves as senior vice president of Government Relations for Fluor Corporation, where he is responsible for the strategic development and management of Fluor's government affairs program and for advising company management on matters relating to legislation and public policy issues of interest to Fluor.

Prior to joining Fluor in 2003, Mr. Marventano served as staff director of the Energy & Commerce Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. There, he was responsible for legislative and political strategy relating to matters on energy, environment, health, telecommunications, the Internet, and general commerce and trade.

Previously, Mr. Marventano held leadership roles on the staffs of Reps. Billy Tauzin and Bill Paxon, and worked for the Securities Industry Association as its vice president and senior director for Government Affairs.

He began his professional career in Albany, New York, on the staff of Assemblyman Michael F. Nozzolio and worked in the legislative counsel's office for Assembly Minority Leader Clarence “Rapp” Rappleyea.  

Mr. Marventano holds a bachelor's degree from State University of New York, Oswego, and a law degree from Union University, Albany, New York.

Profile Type: 
Board

Pages