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Utilities Lead Team

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Utilities Lead Team

The Utilities lead team is responsible for guiding the department’s strategic planning and development. They ensure the staff are trained and supported to provide the best service to the University of Michigan.

NameTitle
Brian HallDirector of Utilities
Malcolm BamblingSenior Manager, Central Power Plant
Don NortonManager, NCRC Central Energy Plant
Michael SwansonSenior Manager, Utilities Services
Scott WellsSenior Manager, Electrical Operations
Kimberly GaussBusiness Manager, Utilities

Director of Utilities

Brian Hall

As Director of Utilities, Brian oversees all aspects of the production, procurement and distribution of the critical Utility Systems to campus. This includes steam, electricity, natural gas and potable water as well as campus wide sanitary and storm sewer collection.

Brian was Senior Manager of Electrical Operations from 2016 to 2020, responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the university’s electrical distribution and outdoor lighting systems. His responsibilities also included managing the building substation replacement program, electrical distribution master planning, and maintaining the electrical metering and billing system.

Prior to joining U-M, Brian worked 19 years in the automotive industry, primarily at Ford and Visteon manufacturing plants. Prior to his experience in the automotive industry, Brian worked at Toledo Edison’s Bay Shore Generating Station where he supported the plant’s preventative maintenance program and substation operations.

Brian is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ohio and holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toledo.

Senior Manager, Central Power Plant

Malcom Bambling

As Manager of the Central Power Plant, Malcolm is responsible for the team that operates and maintains the production of electricity, heating steam, domestic hot water and compressed air for the Central Campus and the University Hospital.

Malcolm has been with the Utilities department for 6 years. Prior to joining Utilities, he worked as Operations Manager for E.ON UK. Malcolm has over 30 years experience in operating, maintaining and managing facilities in the energy production sector in Australia, United Kingdom and Europe. He holds a Masters in Business Administration from The Open University, London.

Don Norton

Manager, NCRC Central Energy Plant

Don Norton

As the Manager of the NCRC Central Energy Plant, Don is responsible for the team that operates and maintains the production of electricity, heating steam, chilled water, and compressed air for the NCRC.

Don has been with the Utilities Department for 19 years. He started his career as an Outlying Boiler Circuit Operator and worked his way to a Group Leader for the Outlying Boilers crew. In 2011, Don transferred to NCRC to assist in the maintenance of the Powerhouse and Chiller. In 2017, he became the Maintenance Planner for the Central Power Plant.

Don holds a State of Michigan Boiler Repair license for the University of Michigan.

Senior Manager, Utilities Services

Mike SwansonAs Utility Services Manager, Mike is responsible for the teams that operate and maintain utility services on campus. These systems include thermal utilities (steam tunnels and direct buried thermal systems), water utilities (domestic water, sanitary, and storm-water systems), outlying boiler systems, and is responsible for the revenue metering for these systems.

Mike has over 30 years of experience in energy and utility systems and has been with the University Utility Department for 29 years, originally with energy management for his first 7. Mike has developed and supported a number of key initiatives over the years including the development of the department’s enterprise management system (EBS), records integration group and GIS, thermal metering systems, and its original energy management program. Mike also manages the university’s natural gas purchasing and hedging programs.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, and an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology.

Senior Manager, Electrical Operations

As Manager of Electrical Operations, Scott oversees the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the University’s electrical distribution and outdoor lighting systems. Scott is also responsible for engineering support for the Power and Lighting shop as well as the monthly electrical campus billing and real-time monitoring. Previous to his work with Power and Lighting, Scott was an energy engineer for F&O. He has been with Utilities since 2005.

Prior to joining U-M, Scott worked as energy engineer/consultant for Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center for 11 years.

Scott is a licensed Professional Engineer in Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Missouri Science and Technology University.

Business Manager, Utilities

Kimberly Gauss

Kimberly is responsible for providing high-level administrative support to the Director of Utilities. Additionally, she manages the hiring and onboarding processes for the department, supports events and department initiatives, coordinates special projects, and provides broad organizational support.

Kimberly has been with the University for 16 years. Prior to joining Utilities in 2015, Kimberly worked as the Assistant to the Department Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Arts from Eastern Michigan University.

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