T&D Webinars

Laura graduated with a Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology in 2015. She works as an engineer for the department of Smart Grid & Technology at ComEd, an electric utility serving the northern Illinois area. She is involved in several different projects that analyze microgrid and energy storage technologies and their integration, in support of ComEd smart grid design and deployment.

Mr. Faber is a Principal with Burns & McDonnell, and is currently serving as Engineering Manager overseeing the projects for many different clients including FirstEnergy, Ameren, NIPSCO, LG&E-KU, DTE, PSEG and others. Mr. Faber has also overseen the relationship with Exelon – including work Burns & McDonnell has done with ComEd, Exelon Wind, and Exelon (FERC Order 1000 Pursuits). Prior to that, Mr. Faber served as one of the lead Project Managers for the FirstEnergy Team (50+ FTEs) – leading the design efforts and promoting quality, customer service, and technical expertise in order to provide a valued relationship to the client.

Mr. Faber's technical expertise includes protection and control, substation design (EHV/HV/MV), distribution design, and project management. He has led or been involved in hundreds of substation projects (mostly refurbishment or retrofit) from 4-kV to 500-kV in many different contracting structures – including design only, program management, and EPC. As a result of his transmission experience, Mr. Faber has developed the ability to manage a wide array of project ranging from the small to the very large and complex projects.

Amanda Olson is a Senior Electrical Engineer at Burns & McDonnell. Amanda specializes in the design of electric power substations and substation security. She has been involved with designs of a wide variety, including substations from 13.8-kV to 500-kV. Amanda has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science & Technology and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She is a registered professional engineer, a member of IEEE, and chair of the CIGRE USNC Next Generation Network.

John Hewa is chief executive officer of Pedernales Electric Cooperative, the nation's largest electric distribution cooperative. His experience spans leadership roles in the municipal, cooperative and energy research sectors. Hewa brings an innovative approach and perspective on utility management, energy delivery systems, telecommunications and grid technology solutions. Prior to joining PEC, Hewa served as the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) vice president of research, engineering and technical services. His role at NRECA included leading the Energy and Power Division, addressing technical regulatory matters at the federal level, and heading up NRECA's Cooperative Research Network, facilitating the advancement of beneficial technologies among the nation's electric cooperative network

John Hewa is chief executive officer of Pedernales Electric Cooperative, the nation's largest electric distribution cooperative. His experience spans leadership roles in the municipal, cooperative and energy research sectors. Hewa brings an innovative approach and perspective on utility management, energy delivery systems, telecommunications and grid technology solutions. Prior to joining PEC, Hewa served as the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) vice president of research, engineering and technical services. His role at NRECA included leading the Energy and Power Division, addressing technical regulatory matters at the federal level, and heading up NRECA's Cooperative Research Network, facilitating the advancement of beneficial technologies among the nation's electric cooperative network