Registration Now Open!

ACEC/NC – PENC
Environmental Education & Networking Event

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

11:00am – 3:00pm

Jane S. McKimmon Center

NCSU Campus, Raleigh

11:00am                            Registration and Networking

11:45am                             Welcome and Lunch

12:15pm                  “Creating a New Vision for NCDENR”

Mitch Gillespie – Assistant Secretary for the Environment, NCDENR

Secretary Gillespie recently resigned as a member of the state House of Representatives to serve as Asst. Secretary of NCDENR. As a legislator, he served as a leading state budget writer and steered the legislation passed in 2012 that launched a modern regulatory program to manage oil and gas exploration in North Carolina. Gillespie also served as chairman of the state Environmental Review Commission, which studies and recommends actions related to protecting the environment and public health.  Secretary Gillespie will discuss the new vision for the department and upcoming legislative initiatives.

1:15pm                   “Engineering a Response to Natural Disasters”
                                                  Michael Sprayberry – Deputy Director, NC Department of Public Safety,
                              Division of Emergency Management

                              Director Sprayberry will discuss ways that engineers can become involved 
                              in emergency planning and response – especially how to help mitigate and respond 
                              to natural disasters.  He will also share what his department sees on the horizon 
                              in terms of expected frequency and magnitude of events that will require emergency
                              response and will solicit feedback from the group on innovative ways engineers can
                              continue to work with the department in the future.

2:15pm                                      “The Potential for Wind Energy in NC”

Brian O'Hara, President, Southeastern Coastal Wind Coalition

Just last week, Governor Pat McCrory announced his support for developing offshore wind farms in NC citing the potential to strengthen industries that could benefit from wind power expansion and the need to bring jobs to the state. 

Brian O’Hara, a recognized leader in the U.S. offshore wind industry who has led development, policy, and advocacy efforts in the Southeast since 2009, will explain the basics of an offshore wind project, why NC is well-positioned to become a leader in this industry and where we are now in terms of developing this vast energy resource.  Brian has over 15 years of combined experience in offshore energy, project development, project management, engineering, and finance. Prior to entering the offshore wind industry, Brian gained first-hand operational experience in ExxonMobil’s international offshore drilling group. He also led development teams and finance efforts in the real estate industry, gaining a depth of experience in permitting, entitlements, and environmental studies. He holds an MBA and master’s in engineering from Stanford University as well as a BS in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech where he graduated in the top 0.25% of the university.