VUSC Speakers

Leslie M. “Les” Carter is Strategic Advisor Grid Resiliency, Power Delivery Group. He has been with the Strategic Underground Program since its inception and is responsible for the regulatory, finance, data, and metrics aspects of the initiative. 

Carter joined Dominion in 2001 as Senior Financial Analyst at Dominion Telecom and has held various financial, project management, and managerial positions. In 2003, he was promoted to Manager-Financial and Business Services for Dominion Energy’s Power Delivery Group responsible for operating and capital budgeting and reporting. Switching roles in 2006, Carter became Manager-Electric Distribution System Reliability, handling reliability initiatives and programs culminating in substantial service reliability improvements. After Dominion Energy experienced significant storm related outage events in both 2011 and 2012, Carter spent 2013 leading a team charged with the formulation of an initiative to convert the most outage-prone overhead lines to underground. In 2014 the Strategic Underground Program began when Carter assumed his current role.

A native of London in the U.K., Carter earned his B.S. degree in Construction Management from Brunel University, London in 1980. Carter also received a Masters in Business Administration and a Masters in Public Management, from the University of Maryland, College Park, both in 1991. Currently Carter is a PhD candidate at the VCU Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, researching collaborative energy policy initiatives.

Steven has been proud to call Rust-Oleum home for the past eight years, working for a company that values its people and treats everyone like family. As a husband, father of two, and youth coach in baseball, football, and basketball, he understands the power of teamwork—and brings that same spirit to supporting the industry every day. He believes paint should be easy, and he’s always ready to help make it that way.

Andy Brooks is the Damage Prevention Manager for Dominion Energy and has over two decades of experience in utility safety, claims management, and underground infrastructure protection. Since 2011, he has led Dominion’s Electric Distribution Damage Prevention efforts across Virginia and North Carolina, driving improvements in locator accuracy, stakeholder collaboration, and field education. Andrew’s career spans roles in claims investigation, regulatory compliance, and field supervision, including positions with the State Corporation Commission and UtiliQuest. His strategic leadership has consistently enhanced safety outcomes and operational efficiency. Andrew holds a degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, with a focus on business and computer science.

B. Scott Crawford serves as President & CEO for Virginia 811. He has been with the Notification Center since December 2016, serving as Director of Operations and then Vice President prior to moving into his current position in July 2020. Scott holds a master’s degree in history from Old Dominion University and has an extensive background in education, having taught at the high school and college levels, as well as serving as the social studies coordinator, K-12, for a Virginia school division and as the Director of Education for the Museum of Western Virginia and then Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia. Scott has also received national recognition for the development of an interdisciplinary professional development model implemented at a Roanoke credit union and taught a business decision making seminar for a business leadership program offered through Virginia Tech at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. Scott has a strong passion for education and leveraging new and emerging technologies to enhance damage prevention efforts. Serving on the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Advisory Committee and various damage prevention task-forces has allowed Scott to forge strong relationships with a host of similarly passionate stakeholders. He feels incredibly fortunate to be a part of a team at Virginia 811 with so many talented individuals committed to damage prevention and protecting Virginia’s underground utility infrastructure.

Brandon has more than 12 years of experience as a safety professional in the utility construction industry and has spent the past seven years with MasTec Utility Services. He’s passionate about promoting a strong safety culture and takes pride in helping others work safely and effectively. Outside of work, Brandon enjoys life with his wife and their two children, who mean the world to him.

Justin Finan has served more than 16 years with the Henrico Division of Fire and is currently the Deputy Fire Marshal, overseeing inspections, investigations, hazardous materials response, and environmental crime enforcement. As a NAFI-CFEI and IAAI- CFI(V) and sworn law enforcement officer, Justin has testified as an expert witness in numerous fire and post-blast cases and serves as the County’s Hazardous Materials Coordinator.
Passionate about Community Risk Reduction, Justin has led initiatives that installed thousands of smoke alarms, CO detectors, and specialized safety devices, refining Henrico’s Smoke Alarm Initiative to reach over 90% accuracy in targeting high-risk homes. He partners with GIS and community stakeholders to drive data-informed CRR programs and develop innovative approaches to risk reduction. Beyond Henrico, he serves as 1st Vice-President of the International Fire Marshal’s Association (NFPA), sits on several NFPA Technical Committees, and serves on Virginia’s Underground Utility Damage Prevention Advisory Committee through the Virginia SCC.

Caroline serves as the Program Manager for the Office of Broadband at Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). In her role, she oversees the administration of DHCD’s more than $1 billion in state and federal broadband funding working with a wide range of stakeholders and partners to streamline, expedite and ensure the delivery of universal broadband access across the Commonwealth. Caroline has been a champion for broadband in Virginia for over 15 years. Prior to joining DHCD, she was with Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) where she managed state and federal initiatives and helped to establish some of Virginia’s earliest broadband programs. Caroline is a proud Hokie and an even prouder mom of four.

As an industry leader and President + Principal Engineer of Time For Change Engineering, Cassandra K. Moody, M.S., P.E. directs a team leveraging over 175 years of collective experience. With nearly twenty years in pipeline operations, she is dedicated to safeguarding your company’s ROI: Return On INTEGRITY. Her deep integrity management program expertise is focused on developing right-sized compliance strategies and implementing creative solutions for corrosion and pipeline threats. Furthermore, she served on the National Academy of Science committee, publishing recommendations to Congress on pipeline emergency shut down valve best practices. Beyond her technical work, Ms. Moody is passionate about investing in the next generation of engineers through dedicated training and development, ensuring critical utility infrastructure remains safe and reliable for years to come.

Cole McAndrew serves as Senior Policy Analyst for the Virginia Office of Broadband. Cole is responsible for the development of policy for the Office’s broadband expansion programs, including the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative and the Commonwealth’s allocation from the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program. He first joined the Office as a Virginia Management Fellow following graduation from William & Mary, and accepted a post-fellowship position as a Policy Analyst where he primarily worked on broadband affordability and adoption policy. Cole returned to the Office as Senior Policy Analyst after spending time in the private sector practicing cybersecurity policy. Cole lives in Richmond, VA, and is currently pursuing an MPA at VCU’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. 

David Gatling has been in the natural gas utility industry and with Virginia Natural Gas for over 43 years. He has held several leadership positions including Field Projects Supervisor and Construction Operations Manager. In his role as Construction Operations Manager, he was responsible for the design and installation of new and replacement natural gas facilities. Today, as the Manager of Asset Protection, David is responsible for damage prevention, aerial patrols, submerged crossing inspections and right-of-way maintenance for VNG. He has served a total of nine years on the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Advisory Committee and is currently serving in his fifth term representing utility operators. He has also served on various subcommittees with the VSCC and other stakeholders to improve damage prevention in Virginia.

William Vannoy serves as Deputy Chief with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, bringing 29 years of experience across operations, fire prevention and special operations. He oversees the Office of the Fire Marshal, integrating code enforcement, community risk reduction and inter-agency coordination. As a FEMA Task Force Leader with VATF‑1/USA‑1, he has led deployments in domestic and international disaster settings, focusing on infrastructure resilience. He holds a Master’s Degree from Georgetown University.

As Executive Director of the Heavy Construction Contractors Association, Debora represents member companies across Virginia, advocating for fair and equitable laws, supporting business growth, and promoting safety, education, and workforce development. She serves on the Boards of Virginia Career Works – Northern Region, the Virginia State Board of Workforce Development, and as Vice-Chair of the Virginia Utility Protection Service (Virginia 811). Dedicated to solving the industry’s workforce challenges, Debora’s goal is to advance programs that create rewarding career paths for construction workers at every level and ensure they return home safely each day.

With more than 43 years of experience in gas utility operations, Doug has dedicated his career to advancing safety, reliability, and operational excellence in the natural gas industry. He began his career as an engineer with UGI and went on to serve 21 years at Elizabethtown Gas as Vice President of Operations and 15 years at Washington Gas, where he retired as Senior Vice President of Operations. He has also supported Virginia 811 as a board member, promoting damage prevention and safe excavation practices. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside many talented professionals and contributed to industry leadership through more than 35 years of active involvement with the American Gas Association, including over a decade on its Management Committee. He has also served on the Southern Gas Association’s Management Committee and remains an active member of the Society of Gas Operators (SOGO) in the Northeast. He holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Villanova University and an MBA from Rutgers University.

Eban Grasti is a recognized leader in pipeline safety and damage prevention, guiding large-scale operational strategies that protect communities and ensure energy reliability across four states. As Enterprise Director of Operations Support for Southern Company Gas, he leads programs spanning asset protection, leak survey, and emissions management—driving performance, compliance, and innovation for 4.3 million customers. With a career built from field operations to enterprise leadership, Eban has unified safety and compliance frameworks that set new standards across the natural gas industry, integrating data analytics, AI-enabled oversight, and advanced contractor management to reduce risk and enhance operational excellence. Beyond his enterprise role, he serves on the Georgia 811 Board and previously as President of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (Chicago Chapter). His focus remains constant: building systems, partnerships, and cultures that prevent damage before it happens and safeguard the infrastructure communities rely on.

With more than 40 years of experience in the utility industry, Edward has built his career on improving field operations through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to safety. He takes a hands-on approach—observing field operations, collaborating with team members, and identifying opportunities to improve safety and efficiency.  His focus on safety, cost savings, and technology-driven improvement has delivered measurable results throughout his career.

Jacob oversees the Codes and Standards and Materials Engineering teams at Washington Gas. He began his career with the company as a summer intern in 2003 and has since led projects spanning gate station modifications, CNG vehicle delivery systems, and service regulator selection philosophy. A registered Professional Engineer in Maryland and Virginia, Jacob brings both technical expertise and long-standing commitment to operational excellence.

Juan’s career in damage prevention began in 1994 as a Locator at Byers Engineering, where he progressed through roles including Quality Assurance Coordinator, Supervisor, Manager, and Director. Since 2017, he has served as Vice President at UtiliQuest, overseeing operations in DC, FL, GA, LA, SC, TN, and VA, and managing four direct reports responsible for 1,240 employees, 502 of whom are based in Virginia. He also holds one of two locator seats on the Virginia SCC Advisory Committee, representing the interests of locating stakeholders and assisting the Commission in ensuring fair and consistent enforcement of the Act.

Lauren Govoni is the Director of the State Corporation Commission’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety. She is an attorney and an engineer, trained and qualified across the entire spectrum of pipeline safety and compliance activities relative to the transportation of natural gas and its variants. She directs the Commission’s efforts to advance pipeline safety, railroad safety, and underground utility damage prevention throughout the Commonwealth. She also leads large-scale inspections, and her role includes extensive work with other government agencies, and law-making bodies, related to the application of utility safety practices and policies. Additionally, she is an Associate Instructor at the Federal Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s training center where she assists in the training and certification of both federal and state pipeline safety inspectors from across the country. Lauren is also an adjunct professor at the William & Mary Law School where she lectures on the role of SCC in public safety. Prior to joining the SCC, Lauren assisted in managing the transmission integrity management program at Washington Gas Light Company and was formally a pipeline inspector at the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

Mark is a retired police sergeant with a distinguished career in law enforcement. Following his service to the community, he joined Washington Gas, where he has spent the past four years leading critical safety and compliance programs. In his current role, Mark directs training initiatives for first responders and oversees the company’s active shooter program.

Michelle holds a BBA in Marketing from James Madison University and is a lifelong resident of Virginia. For 13 years and counting, she has held various roles within the Ditch Witch ACE family business, but is currently an owner and the Vice President of Marketing and Administration. One of her first events with Ditch Witch ACE was a Local Damage Prevention Committee meeting in Norfolk, VA and she has been either a Chair or Co-Chair of a Virginia region ever since. Horton won the Damage Prevention Partner award in 2014 and 2018. She and other dedicated stakeholders hosted their own Virginia Damage Prevention Summit in 2024 as a grassroots effort to continue the damage prevention message. With a footprint in 5 states and 7 dealership locations, damage prevention continues to be a core value for Horton and Ditch Witch ACE.

Mr. LaMont specializes in natural gas and hazardous liquids pipeline safety regulatory compliance strategies and has over 25 years of experience. Through the application of process-driven, holistic strategies, he successfully supported numerous large and small pipeline operators in achieving their pipeline safety program goals and objectives. Subject Matter Expert responsibilities and experience include expert level pipeline safety program consulting for all aspects of Part 192 and Part 195, pipeline safety program development, mock audits, enforcement support, incident/accident investigations, root cause failure analysis, and expert witness testimony. Mr. LaMont is also a professional pipeline safety regulatory instructor and in his role with the Pipeline Safety Institute, he teaches both pipeline operators and regulators. Outside of work, Mr. LaMont is a lifelong martial artist and enjoys spending time outdoors with his family. 

Patrick brings a wealth of experience in the energy sector to his role as Director of Customer Success at Urbint. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), he spent seven years at Spire and 3 years as a consultant with ENTRUST Solutions Group. Patrick’s work now focuses on partnering with Urbint’s customers to help them deploy AI-powered technology that predicts and prevents risks, ultimately enhancing safety and operational efficiency. His combined experience in consulting, project management, and operational roles gives him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Patrick is a utility and telecommunications infrastructure professional with extensive experience in engineering, project management, permitting, and construction. He retired from Potomac Edison/First Energy after more than 30 years, where he specialized in projects ranging from residential distribution to high-voltage transmission up to 765kV. In 2019, Patrick joined Shentel to help launch GloFiber and has since spent over six years leading construction, permitting, and project management initiatives within the telecommunications sector. He is also an active member of the Damage Prevention Board (PAPUC) and the Common Ground Alliance, contributing to industry safety standards and best practices.

Scott Marshall serves as a Deputy Director for the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety. Scott has oversight and responsibility over multiple public safety efforts within the Commission. Including, the Commission’s Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Programs, the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Program, and the Division’s emergency support functions within the Commonwealth’s emergency operations plan.

Scott also serves on numerous industry technical committees including the National Fire Protection Association technical committees on Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58) and as Chairman of the Utility Gas Plant Safety (NFPA 59) technical committee. Scott also serves on the Common Ground Alliance’s best practices, regional partners, and technology committees. In addition, Scott has served on the National Academies Transportation and Research Board’s published study, “Criteria for Installing Automatic and Remote-Controlled Shutoff Valves on Existing Gas and Hazardous Liquid Transmission Pipelines”.

Scott also serves as an adjunct instructor for U.S. DOT’s PHMSA Training and Qualification Center, teaching courses such as failure investigations, root cause investigation, and propane gas safety. Scott is a certified fire and explosion investigator and a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators.

Scott earned a BSc from Old Dominion University and his MPA in emergency services management from Columbia Southern University. He has over 28 years in public safety experience largely in the fire and emergency medical services. Currently, Scott continues to serve the county of Hanover, Virginia as a firefighter and emergency medical technician.

Shawn is a distinguished leader in emergency management and homeland security, having served three Virginia Governor administrations as Homeland Security Advisor, State Emergency Management Director, and Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. He has led the development of state-level crisis policies, disaster response and recovery, and innovative programs such as Virginia’s interoperable communications system and the nation’s first state-level cyber response plan for critical infrastructure. Shawn’s leadership during Hurricane Helene resulted in the rescue and evacuation of over 1,000 residents with no flood-related fatalities. A Virginia National Guard officer, he has held key command roles and contributed to national disaster response protocols. Shawn holds degrees from Virginia Tech and Virginia Commonwealth University, is a Certified Emergency Manager, and currently serves as Manager of the Emergency Preparedness Center at Dominion Energy and Commander of the Virginia Army National Guard’s 29th Division Artillery (DIVARTY) Command.

With almost 20 years in the industry, Stephen has dedicated his career to Damage Prevention. He began on the enforcement side with the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety, where he spent five years building a strong foundation in safety and public service. He then joined NiSource’s Columbia Gas of Virginia in the Damage Prevention department. Since 2013, Stephen has held multiple roles, from Specialist to Leader, and now Manager, contributing to the development of standards and procedures, serving as a subject matter expert for DIMP, and leading initiatives to protect the public by preventing damage to facilities. Most recently, his responsibilities have expanded with the centralization of NiSource’s Damage Prevention Organization, allowing him to standardize and streamline cross-state programs while managing the Damage Prevention Programs for NiSource in Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Kentucky. For Stephen, Damage Prevention is more than a job or title—it is a lifelong passion and career focus, one he has dedicated himself to since graduating college and entering the professional workforce.

Roark has held numerous positions throughout his career in underground construction and the utility locating business. After graduating high school, he served in the United States Marine Reserves from 1995 to 2001, while working in the underground utility excavation industry.  In 1999 he starting as a locate technician in Richmond, Virginia. During his career he has worked in training, safety, quality control, claims litigation and oversaw the day-to-day operations involving many of the country’s largest utility providers. Roark has also been involved with the VA State Corporation Commission attending his first meeting in 2002 and currently serving for 13 years on the VA SCC Advisory Committee. Roark has served a variety of utility owners and individualized departments while employed within the locate industry. The area in which he has most excelled is in building partnerships with the customers by developing and implementing a sound operation by creating robust damage prevention programs.

Brandon is a seasoned Environmental, Health, and Safety professional with over 19 years of experience in industrial hygiene, safety, and environmental programs. As the Industrial Hygiene Manager at Southern Company Gas, supporting operations in Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee, he leads a team focused on occupational and process safety, risk mitigation, and safety management systems. His career spans both natural gas and electrical utility operations, including power generation, power delivery, and laboratory environments.