People | People on the move IWP&DC reports on recent appointments in the industry
HYDROGRID appoints Uwe Wehnhardt as Senior Advisor to the Board
HYDROGRID has appointed Uwe Wehnhardt, former President and CEO of Voith Hydro and former Vice President of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), as Senior Advisor to the Board. Wehnhardt has decades of experience in the hydropower industry and has worked with utilities, policymakers, and industry partners worldwide on sustainable energy initiatives. “Striving for global impact means more than just adding advisors – it’s about bringing on seasoned industry leaders who drive transformative change,” said Janice Goodenough, CEO of HYDROGRID. “Uwe’s deep understanding of the global hydropower landscape and his expertise in digital transformation will be instrumental as we continue scaling across regions and across the full hydropower value chain.” According to the company, Wehnhardt will support HYDROGRID’s international growth and provide guidance as hydropower operators adopt digital tools to address environmental, market, and regulatory challenges. “Throughout his career, Uwe has stood for
both technical excellence and a clear vision of the role hydropower must play in the global energy transition,” Goodenough added. “We’re honoured to welcome him on board.”
Herbie N. Johnson Joins Colliers Engineering & Design
Colliers Engineering & Design has welcomed Herbie N. Johnson as a Business Development Manager of Sustainable Power Generation. With more than 30 years of experience in the energy sector, Johnson brings extensive technical expertise and leadership in the hydropower and solar power generation industry, positioning the firm to expand its renewable energy capabilities and better serve across the growing clean energy market. “After three decades in power generation, I’m
excited to help our clients navigate the evolving energy landscape and develop sustainable power generation projects,” said Johnson. “Colliers Engineering & Design’s commitment to innovative solutions aligns perfectly with my vision for advancing clean energy infrastructure.” An Auburn University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering,
Johnson most recently served as Technology Manager at the US Department of Energy’s, Water Power Technologies, within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. In this role, he was responsible for all activity areas and developed a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan for hydropower modernization and cybersecurity. Johnson oversaw the hydro funding program and provided technical support for pumped storage projects nationwide. Prior to his federal role, Johnson served as General Manager of Hydropower Generation at Southern Company, where he managed a $5 billion capital modernization program focused on equipment standardization and innovation. He provided leadership for all operations, maintenance, licensing, cyber and physical security for an organization of over 250 employees and a fleet of 30 hydro plants generating 2900MW of clean energy.
Del Shannon Joins Knight Piésold USA
Knight Piésold USA has appointed Del Shannon as Senior Principal Geotechnical Engineer. In this role, Shannon will lead business development efforts for the company’s expanding hydropower portfolio within its power and water business line. Shannon brings more than 35 years of
experience in dam engineering and water resources. His addition strengthens Knight Piésold’s technical capabilities and presence in the US hydropower and water infrastructure sectors. “We are exceptionally pleased to welcome
Del to our team,” said Paul Ridlen, President of Knight Piésold USA. “His extensive expertise in dam design, construction, and rehabilitation, combined with his leadership in the civil engineering profession, makes him a valuable addition to our team.” Shannon previously served as chief engineer for dams and hydraulic structures at Kiewit and has held leadership and technical roles at Schnabel Engineering, Barnard Construction, ASI Constructors, Black & Veatch, and Woodward-Clyde. His work has included roles such as Engineer of Record, project manager, construction manager, and project engineer on embankment and concrete dam projects, including one of the first design-build projects in the dam industry. He holds an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a B.A. in Journalism from Pacific Lutheran University.
10 | September 2025 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
Shannon is a past president of the U.S. Society on Dams (USSD), currently chairs its Concrete Dams Committee, and serves on the Technical Committee on Concrete Dams for the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). He is president of the Hydropower Foundation and previously led the Dams and Levees section for ASCE’s Infrastructure Report Card. His projects have received awards from USSD and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO).
Shannon’s appointment comes as Knight Piésold continues to grow its hydropower presence across the U.S., with recent awards for engineering excellence on the Klamath River Renewal Project and Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat Project. The firm is also advancing major hydropower
projects including the 2,000 MW Salt River Pumped Storage Project (AZ), 500 MW San Vicente Pumped Storage Project (CA), and 400 MW Swan Lake North Pumped Storage Project (OR).
Kevin Cooley named to Kleinschmidt Board
Kleinschmidt Associates has elected Northeast Regional Vice President Kevin Cooley to its Board of Directors. “I’m excited to welcome back a familiar face
to the Board,” said Alison Jakupca, Chairman of the Board. “Kevin previously served on the Board and has spent many years as a dedicated employee at Kleinschmidt. His knowledge of the firm and dedication to our success make his return a welcome one. “It’s a strong team, and I’m looking forward
to the great work we’ll accomplish together as a Board.” Kevin brings more than 28 years of
hydropower-specific experience. As Northeast Regional Vice President, he specializes in the evaluation, planning, design, and rehabilitation of hydroelectric projects. He manages and provides technical support for powerhouse upgrades, gates, rubber dams, concrete repairs, condition assessments, feasibility studies, and energy analyses. “As Chair of the Board, I’d like to also like
to warmly welcome the re-election of two of our long-standing Board members, Andy Qua and Josh Broder,” said Jakupca, “Their steady leadership and deep commitment to Kleinschmidt have made a lasting impact over the years, and we’re fortunate to have their continued guidance.”
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