Kevin Mara is the executive vice president at GDS Associates, also doing business as Hi-Line Engineering. He began his career 43 years ago as a distribution engineer with an electric utility, where he spent five years gaining hands-on experience in system operations and reliability. Transitioning into consulting allowed him to broaden his impact, focusing on publicly owned power systems and helping utilities navigate complex technical and operational challenges. Beyond engineering solutions, he has led initiatives to develop and deliver training programs that strengthen workforce capabilities across the industry. Today, he is a registered professional engineer in 22 states and actively contributes to shaping industry standards through volunteer roles in several committees, including the NESC Committee. His work has taken him to all 50 states, providing him with a unique perspective and deep understanding of the diverse challenges facing utilities nationwide. Mara has been on the NWPPA Board of Trustees since May 2025. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
What are the current challenges at your company?
Our company faces the challenge of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving energy industry. Publicly owned utilities are navigating complex issues such as capacity constraints, electrification, modernization, renewable integration, regulatory changes, and rising customer expectations. To meet these demands, we must continuously anticipate client needs and provide innovative solutions. This requires expanding our team with professionals who bring fresh perspectives and expertise in emerging technologies. Our continued commitment to attract highly skilled and qualified professionals is essential so we can deliver the value our clients expect.
What do you see as the current challenges in the industry?
The growing dependence on electricity in our society has increased the demand for greater reliability and resiliency. My work focuses on the distribution grid, which has the highest exposure to weather-related impacts and many component failures. The old approach of simply allowing lights to blink during temporary faults has evolved into an isolate-resort-and-repair philosophy, where isolation requires more downstream devices and greater automation across the grid. This need for reliability often conflicts with efforts to reduce wildfire risk. Public safety power shutoffs, while detrimental to reliability, have become necessary to manage liability in dry environments with significant woody fuel near distribution lines. Looking ahead, I believe we will see increased adoption of home battery systems and community microgrids to enhance reliability and resiliency. Together, these machinations require a broad spectrum of expertise ranging from technical system planning to retail rates.
How does NWPPA help your company and the industry with these challenges?
NWPPA has long been a valued partner in bringing utilities together to share ideas. Our established relationship with NWPPA provides us with opportunities to learn from its members. Further, we have partnered with NWPPA to bring professional training to its members, including the Staking Technician Certification Program and monthly technical webinars for engineers and technicians.
Any hobbies outside of the public power world?
I enjoy traveling, especially in the U.S., to our national parks, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. In addition, I restore old cars as a hobby, focusing on mechanical repairs and aesthetic restoration. What I enjoy most is the blend of technical problem-solving and creative craftsmanship. I spend time diagnosing engine issues, rebuilding components, and tracking down hard-to-find original parts. Each project feels like uncovering a piece of history, and I take pride in preserving the unique character and story of every vehicle I work on.
