Curtis was hooked at the age of 13 when cleaning off a line truck for the first time. Interest continued in the industry, gaining experience working summers for his fathers’ construction company. Curtis experienced the military side of utility construction as a Navy Seabee from 1989-1994, then also obtained a construction management degree from the University of Nebraska – Kearney.
Later rejoining the family business, he found a liking for rural utilities. Curtis joined Southwest Public Power District 15 years ago, and now serves as General Manager for the last 9 years.
Curtis finds the abundance of opportunities to use technology and re-invent solutions fascinating. Tasks that used to take his team days, can now be accomplished in seconds. Enabling the staff to be more productive by use of technology makes coming to work a blessing and very enjoyable.
As one of the first in the state of Nebraska, Southwest Public Power District utilizes sUAS technology for substation and transmission line maintenance optimization, as well as storm patrol and outage restoration.
He lives in Palisade, Nebraska with wife Shelly, and two 125lb golden retrievers. Both sons are married and anxiously awaiting their first grandchild around Thanksgiving. Hobbies in his spare time include walleye fishing and trapping.