Speakers

Aaron Zaug is an accomplished electric utility leader with more than three decades of experience across the electrical industry, including over eight years in advanced control room and grid operations. He currently serves as Senior Manager of Electric Distribution Control Center & Grid Operations at Fort Collins Light & Power, where he provides strategic and operational leadership for a control center responsible for managing 140 distribution feeders and seven substations. In this role, Aaron directs real-time grid operations, including switching orders, clearances, tagging, grounding, and outage restoration. He serves as a key decision-maker during both routine and emergency conditions, ensuring system stability and rapid response to high-impact events. His technical expertise spans SCADA, OMS, ADMS, and DERMS platforms, enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous system optimization. Aaron is also deeply committed to workforce development, leading training programs that enhance operator performance, technical proficiency, and operational readiness. His leadership style emphasizes safety, accountability, and cross-functional coordination, ensuring alignment between field crews, engineering teams, and public stakeholders. Prior to his current role, Aaron held leadership and operational positions in municipal utilities, electrical contracting, and business ownership. His diverse background includes managing multi-utility communications and dispatch operations, overseeing electrical construction projects, and founding an award-winning product company recognized by the South Dakota Governor'''s Giant Vision Award. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Arts & Science in Entrepreneurial Studies from South Dakota State University and has completed advanced leadership training. He continues to expand his technical credentials, including ongoing NERC certification. Known for his systems thinking and community-focused approach, Aaron is dedicated to advancing grid reliability, operational excellence, and public service in the energy sector.