Beginning in August, the voting membership of the IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) will have the opportunity to elect our future leadership. The offices of president-elect, secretary, and treasurer for the period 2016–2017 will be decided. The candidates are presented together with their photos, biographies, and candidate statements.

President-Elect

Erich W. Gunther

Erich Gunther is the Chairman, Chief Technology Officer, and Co-founder of EnerNex, an electric power engineering and consulting company. He has more than 30 years of experience in the design and development of innovative solutions to a wide array of power system problems, most notably in ways to take advantage of communications networks and advanced technologies to improve the efficiency, operating practices, and security of the electric power system.

Mr. Gunther served as chair of the Intelligent Grid Coordinating Committee, currently serves as the chair of the harmonics working group, is a member of the IEEE smart grid steering committee and served as a member of the PES Governing Board from 2010 to 2014. He has been privileged to participate in the successful launch of the IEEE’s smart grid activities and transition of those activities to the PES. Erich is a recognized expert in the IEEE distinguished lecturer program and speaks at IEEE PES events and chapter meetings around the world sharing best practices in the disciplines of smart grid and power quality.

Prior to EnerNex Mr. Gunther was the Vice President of Technology Development for Electrotek Concepts.   He holds 1 U.S. patent, coauthored 2 books, and has published over 100 articles in numerous publications. Erich received his Master of Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is a private airplane and helicopter pilot, an amateur radio operator (WG3Q) and an IEEE Fellow.

Candidate Statement

Society’s dependency on electric energy for our livelihood and personal well-being continues to increase at a high rate. Every aspect of society benefits from the rapid evolution of electric power infrastructure capability, reliability, cost effectiveness, and safety. You, my fellow members of the PES, are on the front lines of this wave of innovation and deserve to have the best possible information, tools and leadership to help you to meet this challenge of rapid technology evolution and complexity. My goal is to ensure that we succeed together through activities that include:

• Improving access to information, tools and services to facilitate more efficient use of your time in the technical and related activities you support
• Active engagement with government and industry organizations to accelerate the application of what you create
• Provide access to educational activities that foster skill enhancement and professional advancement

I am proud to be a member of the PES and I look forward to working with you to maximize the impact we have on improving electric power infrastructure for the betterment of society.

Bruno Meyer

Bruno Meyer is managing director of ARTERIA, the telecommunications subsidiary of RTE.

Since 1990, he has held several managing positions at EDF, ranging from power systems simulation to Transmission & Distribution technology, power system design or energy economics. He was also in charge at EDF of customer satisfaction surveys. At RTE he was deputy director of Key Accounts for 2 years.

As managing director, Meyer has proved to be a results oriented executive with acknowledged successes (33% growth in income and 85% in profit over the past 4 years). And he still is committed to encouraging innovation and cooperation.

He has been involved in IEEE PES since 1990: member of the Governing Board (2005 to 2008), participation to conferences, working groups and committees, publishing papers, Chapter chair as well as Regional Rep for Europe, Middle East & Africa. He always was attentive to promote IEEE activities, and has encouraged young professionals to join the Society.

He is a member of the International Steering Committee of IEEE Powertech.

He is a Fellow of the IEEE (2008).

Throughout his career, he has promoted international cooperation between utilities, manufacturers, consultants and academics. He was involved in projects in Europe, the USA, Canada, Brazil, China, Japan and Africa, always stimulating innovation in a multi-cultural environment. He has also shown leadership by launching new projects and products.

Meyer’s fields of expertise include power systems, Smart Grids and telecommunications.

He has degrees from Unicamp (B.Sc.1979) Sao Paulo (M.Sc. 1981) and Edinburgh (Ph.D.1984). He has received the CIGRE Technical Committee Award in1999.

Candidate Statement

Active in PES since 1990, it is an honor to be nominated for president-elect. If elected, my first duty would be towards our members. I would work for their benefit, with the help of the Governing Board. My strategic focus would be on three points:

• The IT and telecommunications revolution. Innovations are changing the world at an incredible pace. I will make sure that our industry seizes the potential for change and for a better efficiency.
• Increase the global footprint of PES. Improve the strength and leadership of our society. Favor interactions with stakeholders and with policy makers, in order to contribute to the design of the future.
• Attract new members, enhance existing programs and develop new ones aiming at young members. Retain existing members; focus on the value of membership. Favor growth in Regions outside the USA.

Thanks to my 30 years’experience in power industry, 20 of which as a manager, I will meet the challenge to preside this great organization and bring the most value to PES members.

Saifur Rahman

Professor Saifur Rahman is the founding director of the Advanced Research Institute at Virginia Tech where he is the Joseph R. Loring professor of electrical and computer engineering. He also directs the Center for Energy and the Global Environment . He is a Fellow of the IEEE and an IEEE Millennium Medal winner. He is the founding editor-in-chief of the IEEE Electrification Magazine. He was also the founding editor-in-chief of IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy. He served as a vice president of the IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) from 2009 to 2013 and currently serving as a member of the Board of Governors of the IEEE Society on Social Implications of Technology (SSIT). In 2006 he served on the IEEE Board of Directors as the vice president for publications. He served as the chair of the US National Science Foundation Advisory Committee for International Science and Engineering from 2010 to 2013. He is a Distinguished Lecturer for the IEEE Power & Energy Society, and has lectured on smart grid, energy efficiency, renewable energy, demand response, distributed generation and critical infrastructure protection topics in over 30 countries on all six continents. He has a PhD in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech.

Candidate Statement

IEEE PES, as a global organization, provides platforms for knowledge development and knowledge sharing among members of the academia, industry and government.  As a former member of the governing board of this society for over ten year spanning the 90’s 2000’s, I have seen how fast it has grown and how well it has positioned itself to serve members in all segments of the society. If chosen as the president-elect for 2016-2017, I hope to develop business models for educational and training products for new systems and technologies in smart grid, advanced power generation, transmission and distribution, and environmental mitigation. PES is fortunate to have a very active member base associated with almost 200 chapters globally, and I have visited many of them during my over 40 years as a member of PES. I would like to see that this very rich resource that our society has – both in terms of content and knowledgeable people – is shared with members in all corners of the world through online delivery, and face-to-face regional and international meetings.

Secretary

Jessica Bian

Jessica Bian is a visionary leader and architect. She has spearheaded electric industry’s reliability metrics and grid risk assessment. She is currently with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Prior to FERC, she was the Director of Performance Analysis at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Under her leadership, a total of 18 industry-wide reliability indicators and three composite indices were established first time to determine the reliability, adequacy, and associated risks to the interconnected North American bulk power system. In spring 2012, she steered multiple technical industry groups and directed completion of the first-ever industry-wide State of Reliability report. It marked a major step forward in benchmarking the North American grid reliability. She is widely recognized as a pioneer and trusted world leader in the field.

Before joining NERC, Bian was with PJM Interconnection and ERCOT, responsible for real-time operations support, resource economic dispatch and operator training simulator projects. She started her career at Westinghouse Electric; was involved in generator design and Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) applications.

Bian has led or participated in numerous PES technical committees since 1995. She holds two patents and published over 70 articles in transactions, journals and proceedings. She received the 2014 IEEE PES Wanda Reder Pioneer in Power Award for her technical accomplishments and being an inspiring role model to young women engineers in power. She earned her Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Tulane University, M.Sc. degree from Electric Power Research Institute, Beijing, China, and B.Sc. degree from Taiyuan University of Technology, China. She is a senior member of the IEEE.

Candidate Statement

The PES is the home to the world’s most innovative and hard-working leaders in the power and energy field. The industry is experiencing significant changes, including the increased availability of natural gas, the growth in renewable, demand-side and storage technologies, and new environmental requirements. My goal is to be a catalyst of action and a messenger of the future, empowering PES members to adapt the changes and creating opportunities for young engineers to advance their professional careers. Successfully addressing these challenges will require every member to join together in developing creative, socially responsible solutions—that simultaneously honor the unique interests of each.

I shall use my team motivation and effective leadership skills to help each member maximize the benefits from involvement with this undisputed internationally leading technical association.  I welcome the opportunity to continue my service to PES as Secretary.  Specifically, I would bring my thoughtful, yet optimistic approach to the role, as well as my commitment to work toward bringing together members’ voices for the betterment of society.

Henry Louie

Henry Louie is the Vice President of Membership & Image of the IEEE Power & Energy Society, and has been on the PES Governing Board since 2010. Dr. Louie has been involved in in the creation of IEEE Smart Grid, PES Scholarship Initiative, PES Resource Center, PES Webinar Series and IEEE Smart Villages. As VP of Membership & Image, he has grown PES membership by 20% and has fostered diversity through the creation of Women in Power, Young Professionals, Platinum, and Social Media committees. Louie is the past Chair of the PES Seattle Chapter, member of the PES Long Range Planning Committee, past member of the PES Nominations & Appointment committee, and is currently the Secretary of the PES Working Group on Sustainable Energy Solutions for Developing Communities.

Dr. Louie is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Seattle University in the United States, and co-founder of Kilowatts for Humanity, a non-profit organization bringing off-grid electricity service to the energy impoverished. Dr. Louie’s industry experience includes positions as a Business Development Manager for 3TIER, and as a Field Engineer for Power Engineers.

Dr. Louie is a 2015/2016 Fulbright Scholar to Zambia, where he will be teaching and researching electrification in rural communities. He received the 2013 IEEE Region 6 Northwest Area Outstanding Educator award. Dr. Louie is a Senior Member of the IEEE and in 2014 was named a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE for this talks related to energy poverty.

Dr. Louie received his B.S.E.E. from Kettering University, his M.S. from the University of Illinois and his Ph.D. from the University of Washington.

Candidate Statement

As one of the longest-serving members of the PES Governing Board, I have the experience and perspective to effectively serve as Secretary. I will work with the President to set an agenda for the Society that emphasizes support and development of programs that benefit our members, and increase PES’s international activities and membership.

Under my leadership as VP of Membership & Image, PES has become larger and more diverse than it has ever been before. PES has greatly expanded our benefits to members, including the Resource Center, Scholarship Plus Initiative, and webinar series. As Secretary, I will continue to support these activities and encourage the development of appropriate and impactful new programs.

As a past Chapter Chair, I understand the importance of a local PES presence. As Secretary, I will make supporting Chapters worldwide a priority. While living in Zambia, I will enthusiastically create chapters and grow membership in Africa.

My contributions to PES have been a highlight of my career, and I look forward to continuing to serve the Society.

Treasurer

Juan Carlos Miguez

Juan Carlos Miguez graduated from the Universidad de la Republica (Montevideo, Uruguay) in 1969. He worked 3 years with Siemens in Germany in the design of data switches. Back in his country, he developed the country’s Telex network and launched a project for designing and building data switches locally. It was a major success, applied first for Telex and later for X-25.

In 1979, Juan Carlos moved to Salto Grande, a newly built 1890 MW hydroelectric facility jointly owned by Argentine and Uruguay. For 25+ years, he was responsible for SCADA and EMS. His group also designed, developed and operated the extensive company’s data network. He was promoted to Manager for Engineering and Planning in 2007 until retirement.

From 1967 to 2013 he has also been teaching Electronics, Electromagnetic Theory and Data Networks in Uruguayan engineering schools.

In 1989, he founded the Uruguayan IEEE Section. Since then he has volunteered every year and served on the IEEE Board of Directors (1998 to 1999). Active in the MGA and other Boards, he has given ample proof of leadership, vocation to serve and dedication to work “for the Benefit of the Humanity”.

After a tenure as Chapter Representative, he served for 6 additional years (2006 to 2011) as Region 9 Representative in the PES Governing Board, getting first-hand knowledge of the Society, its strengths and problems.

Recently, he has been successfully promoting technical conferences in Latin America. He was the General Chair of PES T&D LA 2012 and ISGT LA 2015, the first international IEEE conferences in Uruguay. In 2012, he nominated and secured approval for the hydroelectric “Rincon del Bonete” as the first IEEE Milestone in the country, the fourth one approved in Latin America.

Among other qualifying jobs in the IEEE, he was Region 9 Treasurer in 2012 and 2013, having direct and recent experience with IEEE monetary issues. Presently he serves in the IEEE Life Members Committee.

Candidate Statement

The Technical Societies constitute the core and the strength of the IEEE; to participate in one as dynamic and successful as Power and Energy gives me legitimate pride.

I have volunteered actively for 27 years in many IEEE Boards and Units, from founding the Section in my country to serving in the IEEE Board of Directors, also including 6 years of experience on the PES Governing Board. In all my roles, I have worked hard turning ideas into achievements, giving proof of leadership and gaining a solid knowledge of the Institute.

If you elect me, I am confident that my experience in the Industry and in the IEEE will allow me to fulfill the role of Treasurer. I will dedicate my time, skills, and knowledge to support the ideas and projects that flourish in the PES community of volunteers, which I believe are the lifeblood of the Institute. I will always strive to get things done and to support the strategic goals of the Board for the benefit of its Members and Humanity.

Christopher E. Root

I have been on the PES Governing Board in various roles since 2007. I joined the board as a member at large and have been elected Secretary and Treasurer. I am extremely active in the Board activities and try to bring a utility executive prospective to the Board. I am a Senior Member and have been a PES member since 1983. I am the Chairman of the PES “Leadership in Power”Award. I have a good understanding of how the Society works from both a procedural basis (from being Secretary) and financially (from being Treasurer). Understanding the financial picture of the Society is not an easy task which takes one term as Treasurer to fully understand.

I currently am the Chief Operating Officer of the Vermont Electric Power Company. I have been dealing with large budgets for over 20 years. This has been invaluable in understanding budgets and the budgeting process. This is critical in being Treasurer of PES.

I was instrumental in reinvigorating the Boston PES chapter and now have started a new PES chapter in Vermont.   I think I bring a utility as well as a practicing engineer perspective to the Board. I try to view the Society from both a local chapter view as well as a global view.   I have had an opportunity to meet with chapter representatives from around the world and these experiences have been helpful in making decisions at the Governing Board.

I have a BSEE from Northeastern University with a focus in Power Systems and a MEng from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Power Systems. I have also attended the Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development.

I am a Registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Candidate Statement

I believe that PES is a very strong society in both financial and in leadership areas. As Treasurer, I can attest that the Society continues to grow in both membership and revenues. The increased revenues continue to be reinvested in the membership. Whether it be in scholarships and student opportunities around the world or in improving our education venues, it is critical to reinvest in our member’s needs. PES needs to continue to grow its web offerings for education and technical information opportunities.

I have tried to take both a local chapter and global perspective at the Governing Board. I believe that both are very important. Support for our local chapters is critical to develop local interest in PES from professionals. Our technical committees provide an important service to the world and our industry. We must continue to review their efforts and support them.

I ask you to return me to Governing Board as Treasurer. I believe it is important to have a utility executive on the Board to bring this perspective to PES leadership.