Background:
BackgroundIn 2006, after spending half my life in New Hampshire working in automotive repair and the other half in Colorado working in electronics, from Test and Failure Analysis to Quality and Design Engineering, I joined General Electric’s® Turbine Controls Retrofit business. I began as a Test Engineer and soon transitioned into a Steam Turbine Controls Engineer role. Fast forward about 15 years, I was ready for a new challenge and was fortunate to be offered an opportunity to work with MD&A’s Turbine & Generator Controls group in Fort Collins, CO. From day one, I was able to apply my experience to an ongoing project while also gaining new insights.
What do you do here at MD&A? What aspect do you enjoy most about your role at MD&A?
At MD&A’s Turbine and Generator Controls Division, we work on every aspect of turbine and generator controls, including instrumentation, actuators, control panel hardware, software, communication links, control interfaces, and displays. We support a wide range of platforms for Gas and Steam Turbines and Exciters. With my background in GE® Steam Turbines, a large part of my work has focused on developing steam turbine software for new applications and supporting fieldwork. I have also expanded into gas turbine troubleshooting and investigative work for product development. What I enjoy most is delivering robust and elegant solutions to our customers.
What is the most interesting job/challenge you have come across onsite?
One standout and significant project I’ve worked on has been converting several boiler-fired reheat turbines to combined-cycle operation, a process that has some unique operating requirements. This required coordination with globally distributed, culturally diverse teams of designers, suppliers, customers, and grid operators. Characterizing the plant’s capability to meet these requirements was complex, but collaboration led us to a solution. The first unit was commissioned in the Summer of 2024.
What leads to a successful controls outage?
Experience and expertise.
Experience informs. Expertise executes.
Why did you choose to work for MD&A, and why have you continued to choose to work at MD&A? How would you describe our company culture?
I was familiar with several key team members and felt confident that my skills and contributions would be valued. Being part of a smaller team and an OEM alternative means having the opportunity to work on a wider variety of projects and enables ongoing learning opportunities.
What stands out most is the high level of collaboration and initiative at MD&A. Challenges are approached with determination and the expectation of finding a solution, working together across departments and divisions.
What is your personal motto?
Live like a dog: Life is short, so be present, affectionate, and appreciative. Greet each morning with excitement and enthusiasm for what it may bring. Welcome people you care about with full attention and warmth, no matter how long it’s been or how you last parted ways. And chase some squirrels—even if, and perhaps especially if, you never catch one.
