Michael Gilbertson

When I graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, I didn’t know what my future had in store. Over the years, I have grown professionally and gained a comprehensive understanding of wind farms, solar, and power systems. I have served in multiple key positions at Florida Power & Light (FPL) and NextEra Energy Resources.

Most recently, I served as FPL’s smart grid and innovation manager, where I was responsible for developing and implementing advanced technologies to enhance reliability and decrease maintenance costs. My expertise includes managing high-voltage field equipment and leading large-scale restoration projects, where I honed my skills in complex projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

I also served as operations leader at NextEra Energy, where I oversaw the operation and maintenance of high-voltage wind turbines and solar equipment. My responsibilities included managing technicians, coordinating with various departments, and leading emergency restoration projects. Leveraging my electrical engineering training and transmission systems experience, I have been instrumental in ensuring the stable and reliable operation of bulk electric systems. My certifications, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Coordinator Operator and Six Sigma Green Belt, underscore my commitment to excellence.

Even the best-executed plan can bring misfortune, and our ability to recover quickly demonstrates resilience. My preferred approach to resilience has always been to reiterate and reiterate again quickly. Companies often fail to see market disruptors or don’t take proper action to advance during these challenges.

My approach to sustainability is to prioritize the long-term impacts of your decisions. It’s important to use resources efficiently and evaluate environmental, economic, and social factors. I also recommend promoting green energy initiatives and working to minimize our carbon footprint.

We must be forward-looking, humble enough to change, and prepared to put in old-fashioned hard work. The market is always changing, and if you want to remain a leader, you need to change with it. My biggest piece of advice is to look at disruptors as opportunities.

While at NextEra, I managed the operation and maintenance of high-voltage field equipment — including transmission, substation, collection, and protection and control — across 44 wind and solar sites. In this role, I oversaw and coordinated a team of high-voltage technicians across seven states. Effective communication was essential for all planned work, maintenance, and restoration projects, involving coordination with power generation, technical services, off-takers, control rooms, and construction teams.

My team and I coordinated the construction and operational integration of 12 new substations and wind farm projects, from initial planning to daily operations. In addition to routine site operations, I led several major power restoration projects addressing damage from wildfires, tornadoes, icing events, and rerouted rivers. Notably, the largest emergency restoration I handled involved repairing 77 transmission poles following a severe icing event.

One of the most significant projects I worked on was the Horse Hollow Generation Tie-in in Abilene, Texas. This project involved constructing a 227-mile transmission line within nine months to support five wind farms with more than 500 wind turbines, delivering more than 750 megawatts of power. Working on a project of this scale with such a tight timeline was challenging. To support the project, we also established and operated a new NERC-certified system control room.

I leverage my renewable energy, power systems, and smart grid technology experience to drive innovation and enhance operational efficiency. I have developed and deployed substation monitoring robots, augmented reality, and image recognition software, significantly improving operations and maintenance processes. These innovations align with Gannett Fleming’s commitment to pioneering solutions and building resilience. My work not only supports clients’ immediate operational needs but also lays the foundation for a smarter, more reliable energy future.

I have a good friend who works here, and she has been bragging about Gannett Fleming’s positive work culture. She said the people are wonderful, the work is challenging, and management makes sound decisions. During my interview process, I enjoyed meeting with team members including Power Director Jim Juras and Power Business Development Director Jay Parikh. The more I talked with them, the more I became convinced that Gannett Fleming was where I wanted to work.

Being a new employee, I am already experiencing the unique company culture and collaborative work environment, and I can tell that Gannett Fleming was a great choice for me.

At least a couple of times a year, for the kids’ birthdays, we all go to an escape room. It’s always fun because everyone gets to participate and adds value. The children find everything lower to the ground, and the grandparents solve most of the puzzles. We do a great job of making it fun for everyone, and we love doing it. As a family, we have gotten good and rarely fail to escape. We have not forgotten the Alcatraz escape room!

I meet up with some good friends and play a couple of games of tennis or soccer. I love both sports and enjoy being active. Swimming is also a passion. Living in Florida, I often enjoy swimming in the ocean as well.

If I don’t have the energy to run around, I usually watch or read about historical events. My favorite subjects are early American, Italian, Spanish, Egyptian, and Greek history. During my life, I have had the opportunity to travel to all these countries, and it only refreshes my interest. The Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica are two of my favorite places to visit.

I love pineapple on pizza, especially on alfredo pizza! My favorite is alfredo pizza with pineapple, pepperoni, and mushrooms. This being polarizing works out wonderfully for me because I rarely have to share!