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• CL Academy: Communicating Technical Information to Non-Technical Audiences

  • Start
    28 Jan 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    29 Jan 2026
  •  
    4:30 PM
  • Location
    Online, you will receive a link and instructions

  Register

  CL Leadership & Management Academy   Communicating Technical Information to Non-Technical Audiences JANUARY 28-29, 2026 1:00 - 4:30 PM Eastern  • 6 PDH Credits Collaborative Learning, Inc. is offering an e‐learning program that you will not want to miss! This program will be presented in two (2) “live” half‐day sessions. All sessions incorporate high‐quality presentations by qualified instructors with Q&A and other opportunities for group interaction. PROGRAM OVERVIEW CL’s course presenters/facilitators bring to this course their broad knowledge and experience working with utility organizations, municipal governments, cooperatives, consulting firms, and construction contracting companies. Those who work with highly technical organizations often need to relay complex information to people unfamiliar with the subject matter and terminology. Your audience can be board members and executive managers, customers, community leaders, governmental officials and regulators. Whether the communication is one-on-one or in a group setting, and whether it occurs in a boardroom, in an office, out in the community, or in a written report, the challenge is to present the technical information so that a non-technical person can understand it. Regardless of whether the subject matter is engineering, finance/accounting, cyber-security, public safety or government regulations, this course provides practical techniques and tools for communicating effectively with those who have limited technical knowledge or experience. Participants will learn to recognize their natural “tech-speak” tendencies and then learn approaches for relaying complex technical concepts clearly—without patronizing or alienating their audience. This course provides a practical process as well as tools for planning and delivering technical information to a non-technical audience. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Purpose:  Gain understanding and skill to communicate effectively about technical subjects to a wide rnge of non-technical audiences. After completing this course, participants will be able to: Day 1: Communicate as subject matter experts in a manner that educates others without condescension. Identify the technologies and language specific to their technical role in the organization. Understand the needs, role and interests of a non-technical audience Learn a process for planning and developing an effective presentation. Effectively use PowerPoint presentations, graphics, stories, video clips and other visual tools to make complex information clearer Day 2: Adapt their communication approach to keep the information clear and concise and address the styles of the audience. Monitor their body language and other non-verbal communication to ensure they are conveying empathy rather than frustration and impatience. Recognize when they lapse into “tech-speak” and develop skills for avoiding it. Recognize the signs of when the audience is lost or frustrated and create a safe learning experience that ensures people really understand. Use facilitation techniques for ensuring audience understanding. KEY TOPICS AND PRACTICES DAY 1: Informational needs and interests of board members, executive managers, customers and others Recognizing your co-op’s technical realms and the related “tech-speak” Strategies, tools, and techniques for clear communication Using elevator pitch principles to quickly communicate technical information Effective use of visuals to simplify complex technical information Day 2: Controlling the tendency to overexplain Practice engaging the audience through dialogue Different communication styles and needs Practice making a short technical presentation and get feedback Practice using audience-driven Q&A to provide additional technical understanding Planning and preparing technical presentations for specific purposes to different non-technical audiences PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS This course will be presented and facilitated by two of our faculty members: R. John Miner is an accomplished executive manager, engineer, educator and consultant with over 45 years of experience in the utility industry. He is President and owner of Collaboration Unlimited and Collaborative Learning, Inc. since 1995 and has worked as a management consultant since 1987, providing services to clients in the electric, water, wastewater and communications utility industries.  He lives and works out of Austin, Texas and Cedar, Michigan. Dr. Betsy Aylin is an experienced executive and organization consultant with deep expertise in organization effectiveness and leadership development through experience in a broad array of industries. Betsy has over 25 years domestic and international experience working with organizations on strategic and business planning, organization change, leadership and management development, and building human resource capabilities.  She specializes in helping leaders set direction, build strong work teams, and drive results. Tom DeBell is an independent consultant who works with Collaborative Learning-Collaboration Unlimited as a management / leadership consultant, instructor / facilitator and coach. He recently completed a successful 34-year tenure in the public utility sector, primarily at Riviera Utilities in Foley, Alabama. Transitioning from this career in November 2023, Tom embarked on a new journey as the founder of an executive and leadership coaching enterprise.   Alicia Hooks is an independent consultant who works as a management / leadership consultant, instructor / facilitator and coach. She is an experienced executive with more than 30 years of experience in public service—including roles in public education, communications for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and 22 years in the electric utility industry. Alicia brings both passion and deep experience to her mission of serving people. Before joining CL-CU, she served as General Manager for the Greenville Electric Utility System (“GEUS”), Texas’ oldest municipally owned utility, in Greenville, Texas.  Alicia led a wide range of transformative initiatives across the organization. LEARNING METHODS This program is applications‐oriented, including high‐quality presentations Q&A, group interaction, and opportunities to check what you have learned. WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE? Executive Management Technical Professionals Middle Management Frontline Supervisors REGISTRATION FEE: $595 for Academy Members and CL contacts. A discount of $50 per person for any organization that registers three (3) or more people. Each participant from a participating organization is required to be a paid registrant. No group viewing is permitted unless all participants are registered.  For larger group pricing, please contact us.  Please register by January 21, 2026 Cancellations are accepted if request is made at least 10 days prior to start of the course. Within 1-10 days or "no show", the full registration fee will be charged. When possible, please send a substitute instead of cancelling. We do not charge a fee for registrant substitutions.  For assistance contact Jillian.Wolfe@cl-cu.com.

  
  

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• CL Academy: Values-Based Leadership

  • Start
    24 Feb 2026
  •  
  • End
    26 Feb 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Online, you will receive a link and instructions

  Register

  CL Leadership & Management Academy  Values-Based Leadership FEBRUARY 24 & 26, 2026 1:00 - 4:30 PM Eastern  • 6 PDH Credits Collaborative Learning, Inc. is offering an e‐learning program that you will not want to miss! This program will be presented in two (2) “live” half‐day sessions. All sessions incorporate high‐quality presentations by qualified instructors with Q&A and other opportunities for group interaction. PROGRAM OVERVIEW This course focuses on a foundational aspect of leadership that is rarely discussed in depth in most leadership programs, but which is central to guiding organizations and the people in them and served by them. Values-based leadership helps sustain organizations as they tackle significant disruptions and navigate system-level changes. Leaders who espouse and enact key organizational values create supportive work environments that attract, develop, and retain employees who are motivated by opportunities for meaningful service to others. This course provides insights and practical tools for instilling values-based leadership in your organization. It draws on the work of Richard Barrett and the Barrett Values Centre. The course will help participants understand: How an organization’s values support the fulfillment of its purpose, vision, and mission. How the collective beliefs and behaviors of the organization’s people (board members, managers and employees) are an expression of its culture. How individual and organizational values can be identified to analyze and influence their interplay and alignment. How to apply the Barrett Values Centre model to both individual and organization development How to guide culture and system-level organizational change Participants will gain in-depth insight to the way values ground, guide and impact an organization’s operation and its success. The program will also provide tools for assessing individual and corporate values to understand which values support desired outcomes and which may be limiting. It will also demonstrate how a values perspective can be used in developing people and the organization, and how organization-wide changes can be more successfully implemented. CL’s course presenters/facilitators bring to this course their broad knowledge and experience working with utility organizations, municipal governments, cooperatives, consulting firms, and construction contracting companies. LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completing this course, participants will be able to: Explain the link between organization purpose, vision, and values Use values-assessment tools to assess and guide a values focus in their organizations Identify their own individual values, how their actions align with those values, and how their values may impact the people and work they lead Recognize the values held by their organizations now and identify those that are needed for the future success Write clear and compelling values statements for their work groups or organizations Create better values alignment across their organizations, including the use of values in decision making Apply their understanding of values as cultural transformation tools to support whole-system change Act as change leaders for their work groups or organizations KEY TOPICS The importance of being a values-driven leader Tools for assessing individual and organizational values Aligning values and actions Leading, engaging and developing employees by understanding their values-level and needs  The ways organizational values impact the day-to-day operation and the long-term success of the organization The central role of values in cultural transformation and system-level change Challenges and opportunities in being a values-based leader of a values-based organization PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS This course will be presented and facilitated by two of our faculty members: R. John Miner is an accomplished executive manager, engineer, educator and consultant with over 45 years of experience in the utility industry. He is President and owner of Collaboration Unlimited and Collaborative Learning, Inc. since 1995 and has worked as a management consultant since 1987, providing services to clients in the electric, water, wastewater and communications utility industries.  He lives and works out of Austin, Texas and Cedar, Michigan. Dr. Betsy Aylin is an experienced executive and organization consultant with deep expertise in organization effectiveness and leadership development through experience in a broad array of industries. Betsy has over 25 years domestic and international experience working with organizations on strategic and business planning, organization change, leadership and management development, and building human resource capabilities.  She specializes in helping leaders set direction, build strong work teams, and drive results. Tom DeBell is an independent consultant who works with Collaborative Learning-Collaboration Unlimited as a management / leadership consultant, instructor / facilitator and coach. He recently completed a successful 34-year tenure in the public utility sector, primarily at Riviera Utilities in Foley, Alabama. Transitioning from this career in November 2023, Tom embarked on a new journey as the founder of an executive and leadership coaching enterprise.   Alicia Hooks is an independent consultant who works as a management / leadership consultant, instructor / facilitator and coach. She is an experienced executive with more than 30 years of experience in public service—including roles in public education, communications for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and 22 years in the electric utility industry. Alicia brings both passion and deep experience to her mission of serving people. Before joining CL-CU, she served as General Manager for the Greenville Electric Utility System (“GEUS”), Texas’ oldest municipally owned utility, in Greenville, Texas.  Alicia led a wide range of transformative initiatives across the organization. LEARNING METHODS This program is applications‐oriented, including high‐quality presentations Q&A, group interaction, and opportunities to check what you have learned. WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE? Executive Management Governing Boards Middle Management Frontline Supervisors Technical Professionals REGISTRATION FEE: $595 for Academy Members and CL contacts. A discount of $50 per person for any organization that registers three (3) or more people. Each participant from a participating organization is required to be a paid registrant. No group viewing is permitted unless all participants are registered.  For larger group pricing, please contact us.  Please register by January 7, 2026 Cancellations are accepted if request is made at least 10 days prior to start of the course. Within 1-10 days or "no show", the full registration fee will be charged. When possible, please send a substitute instead of cancelling. We do not charge a fee for registrant substitutions.  For assistance contact Jillian.Wolfe@cl-cu.com.

  
  

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• CL-APPA Overhead Series Part #1 (Virtual): Overhead Distribution System Principles and Applications

  • Start
    17 Mar 2026
  •  
  • End
    26 Mar 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Online, you will receive a link

  Virtual Training Overhead Distribution Principles and Applications March 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 2025 12:00-4:00 PM Eastern Plus a required orientation session March 17, 12:00-1:00 PM.   Part 1 of the two-part Overhead Distribution Series.  Learn about the characteristics and functions of overhead distribution components and the legal/regulatory/business requirements that drive today’s overhead distribution practices. Explore specific requirements and practices associated with overhead line conductors and cables, structural components, grounding, and lightning protection. Learn how to review and improve your utility’s overhead line design criteria and construction standards, make better design decisions, and enhance safety and service reliability.   Learning Environment All sessions incorporate real-time presentations from industry experts, Q&A, group interaction, and hands-on exercises.  Timing Participate in a 60-minute orientation session on March 17 from 12 Noon to 1 pm, followed by five, real-time sessions from Noon – 4 p.m. Eastern on March 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26. There will be two 10-minute breaks incorporated into each session. Delivery Method/Learning Environment This course is a Group Internet based offering (via Zoom). The class is applications-oriented, including real-time presentations, breakout sessions, in-class examples, quizzes, live polling, Q&A sessions, group discussions, and is focused on learning by doing. It’s a convenient way to attend the course, while still having the opportunity to interact with the instructors, your industry peers, and earn 18 PDH credits. Course Overview Overhead distribution continues to play an essential role for most utilities in delivering electric service to end-use customers, either directly or as the source for underground line extensions. Learn about the characteristics and functions of the various components that comprise the overhead distribution system as well as the legal/regulatory and business requirements that drive today’s overhead distribution practices.  Explore specific requirements and practices associated with overhead line conductors and cables, structural components, grounding, and lightning protection. Learn how to review and improve your utility’s overhead line design criteria and construction standards, make better design decisions, and enhance safety and service reliability.  Course Schedule and Topics Orientation Session: March 17 (Noon - 1 PM Eastern) We request that all participants attend this session, though a recording will also be made available. The session will cover: Instructor and participant introductions  Course overview, materials, and expectations Technology and logistics (the APPA document portal and homework/exercises) Zoom functionality (breakout rooms, webcams/audio, best practices, etc.) Completion requirements for continuing education credits Each subsequent session will be held from Noon – 4 p.m. Eastern.   Introduction to Overhead Distribution:  The overhead distribution system: purpose, characteristics, components and equipment The legal, regulatory and business environment for overhead distribution design, construction and operation Introduction to NESC requirements for overhead lines  Overhead Line Conductors, Cables and NESC Clearances:  Overhead line conductor/cable types, properties and applications Basic concepts of sag-tension design and its impact on clearances Introduction to NESC clearance requirements and compliance Overhead Line Physical Loading and Structures (Part 1):  Overhead line structure types and applications Basic concepts of structure loading and strength  Introduction to NESC loading/strength requirements and compliance Overhead Line Conductors, Cables, and Structures (Part 2):  Overhead line guying and anchoring Overhead line materials (wood and manufactured components) Basic line design application examples and assigned exercises Overhead Line Electrical Considerations:  Overhead line grounding Overhead line insulation and lightning protection Who Should Attend? Those who work at all levels of overhead distribution design including: Engineering managers Design engineers  Design/staking supervisors and technicians Consulting engineers Crew supervisors and senior lineworkers  Those who are relatively inexperienced in the industry or to overhead distribution, as well as those with experience who want to “refresh and update” their understanding of underlying principles, practices, and the components and equipment that comprise today’s overhead distribution system will benefit from participating. It is highly recommended that you attend this course in conjunction with  Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design  in-person course at APPA's Spring Education Institute May 4-7, 2026.  Save $300 by bundling both courses Course Level Basic (Level 1): No prerequisites, though some advance preparation is requested, including attending an orientation session on May 20 (12-1 p.m. Eastern), which will be recorded.  Technology Requirements Computer: Each attendee needs to work from their own computer, to fully participate in the discussions and exercises. Contact EducationInfo@PublicPower.org if you are participating as a group in a conference room. Zoom: You’ll need strong Internet access to run the Zoom meeting platform.  Audio/Webcam: You will need to enable computer audio to listen and speak (alternatively a call-in number will be provided) and you will also need a webcam, so you can fully engage in the small group breakout sessions and group discussions. Download the Kahoot! App: The instructors will be using Kahoot during (and after) live sessions and will provide you with the game PIN number needed for each quiz. Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and download the free Kahoot! app on your phone. 2023 NESC: Participants are required to have a copy of the 2023 National Electrical Safety Code® on hand to reference during the course (hard copy or a digital version). 2023 NESC: Participants are required to have a copy of the 2023 National Electric Safety Code® (ANSI C2-2023) on hand to review during the course. Hard copies and electronic version can be purchased from IEEE (www.ieee.org; 800/701-4333). Course Access and Materials Zoom Links: Zoom log in credentials will be sent out 24 hours before the start of Session 1. Course materials: Attendees will receive access to APPA’s secure online document portal a week before the course, where the eManuals and other course materials will be made available, allowing you to work with them before, during and after the online sessions.  Recordings: The sessions will be recorded and can also be accessed through APPA’s document portal (within a week of the last class in the program), in case you can’t attend the live versions. Recordings will be accessible for 90 days after the last course session. Note: Continuing education credits can only be issued for attending live sessions. Application Exercises/Homework Following each live session, participants are expected to either complete a quiz (to test your knowledge on key concepts) or work independently on line design application exercises (some exercises will be conducted during the live sessions).  Further instructions will be provided at the beginning of Session One. The estimated time for completing these items is up to 1 hour per class day. Accreditation The following continuing education credits will be provided, after successfully completing 90% of all five live sessions. Certificates will available in June. These sessions will be recorded, though certificates can only be awarded to those who participate in the live events (click here to review requirements). Recommended: CEUs 1.8  /  PDHs 18 Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge   NEW! Overhead Distribution Line Design Certificate:  This new program offers flexible learning options, practical applications, and a credential that showcases your professional expertise. To participate, eligible attendees (those who have completed both courses in the Overhead Distribution Systems Series) can enroll in the program for a fee of $295, then must successfully pass an online exam and provide proof of a completed line design project. Stay tuned for more details on registration and certification requirements! Instructors  Lead Instructor R. John Miner, P.E., is an accomplished executive manager and educator with over 45 years of experience in the electric utility industry. He is president of Collaborative Learning, Inc., of Austin and San Antonio, Texas and has been an APPA instructor for more than 30 years and an instructor for the University of Wisconsin for 20 years. Before forming his own company, he worked for the Austin, Texas, Electric Utility Department, Rochester Public Utilities in Minnesota, and as an assistant professor for the University of Houston. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering (with honors), and a Master of Science degree in engineering science, both from the University of Toledo.  John is a Senior Life Member of the IEEE and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Texas and Minnesota.  M. Thomas Black, P.E., is an accomplished executive manager, consultant and course instructor with more than 30 years of experience in the electric and gas utility industries. In addition to working with Collaborative Learning, Tom’s experience includes employment with both municipal and investor owned utilities across multiple jurisdictions in Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. He teaches a variety of courses on technical topics and also has extensive executive level experience in managing electric and gas utility systems, including serving as chief energy officer and energy delivery general manager. Tom has also served on the boards of RMEL and the Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Tom DeBell, P.E., is an independent consultant and course developer and instructor for Collaborative Learning with experience in the electric, water, telecommunications, and gas utility industries. Tom recently concluded a successful 34-year career with Riviera Utilities, a municipal utility in Foley, Alabama. Transitioning from this extensive career in November 2023, Tom founded an executive and leadership coaching company. During his tenure at Riviera Utilities, Tom held various pivotal roles, including engineering and management positions, culminating in his role as President/CEO. In his engineering roles, Tom developed line construction specifications, designed transmission and distribution lines, including both overhead and underground distribution, and collaborated closely with construction crews on major line projects. Tom also specialized in the design and construction of electric transmission and distribution substations, conducted system coordination studies and implemented cascading protection schemes. Erich Schoennagel, P.E., has cultivated over 45 years of experience in the electric industry. He is a former manager and engineer with CenterPoint Energy and managed the Transmission Project Engineering group. Erich served for 15 years as a member advisor and chairman of the Underground Transmission Task Force for the Electric Power Research Institute until his retirement from CenterPoint Energy. There he directed research related to underground transmission and superconductivity. He was a board member of the annual TSDOS symposium, and a former member of the American Concrete Institute 336 committee related to foundation design and construction.

  Registration Fee: $2,990 for Bundled Series, includes BOTH courses (SAVE $200) $1,495 for Overhead Distribution Principles and Applications (Must register through APPA and use code CL2025) $1,795 for Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design (Must register through APPA and use code CL2023) Group Discounts: Save $50 per person per course with a group of 5-9, $100 per person per course for 10-14, $150 for 15 or more. The more in your group, the greater the discount! More detailed information can be found where you will register with APPA. REGISTER NOW!

  WHEN REGISTERING, BE SURE TO USE PROMO CODE CL2026

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• CL-APPA OHD Series Part #2 (In-Person): Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design

  • Start
    4 May 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    7 May 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    APPA Spring Education Institute, San Antonio, TX

  Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design May 4-7, 2026  •  8:30AM to 4:30PM CT In-Person Training at APPA Spring Education Institute San Antonio, Texas Timing Participate in 4 in-person sessions from 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. Central on May 4, 5, 6, and 7. There will be two 15-minute breaks incorporated into each session. Course Overview Overhead distribution continues to play an essential role for most utilities in delivering electric service to end-use customers either directly or as the source for underground line extensions. Overhead line design is an engineering discipline that requires the consistent and proper application of engineering principles and ethics to prepare quality designs and reduce liability exposure. Learn how to enhance your line design processes and prepare designs that are safe, reliable, and in compliance with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requirements. Review industry best practices, engage with your peers, and complete over twenty-five (25) practical hands-on design exercises using line design software. Course participants will return to their work better prepared to help their organizations adopt design practices that comply with applicable professional engineering laws and regulations.  Course Topics Overhead Line Design Accountabilities and Process Overhead line design protocols and processes NESC general requirements for overhead lines Joint use, rights-of-way, aesthetics, and other considerations in overhead line design Conductor/Cable Sag, Tension, and Clearance NESC requirements for maximum conductor/cable sag determination NESC and practical requirements for maximum conductor/cable design tension Conductor/cable sag and tension calculations, sag-tension software, and application examples/exercises NESC Clearance Requirements Clearances to ground and water surfaces; buildings and other structures; and between conductors, cables and equipment Selected special clearance conditions and application examples/exercises Overhead Line Structure Loading and Strength NESC requirements for supporting structure design (loading conditions and strength requirements) Determination of mechanical forces on supporting structures Overhead line guying and anchoring design considerations Supporting structure loading application examples and assigned exercises Wood poles (types, treatments, dimensions, strength classes, and specifications) and manufactured poles (types, characteristics, NESC equivalent designs, and specifications Pole embedment designs Line Design Applications Line design exercises, software applications and discussion will be included in each day of the course. Who Should Attend? Those who work at all levels of overhead distribution design including: Engineering managers Design engineers  Design/staking supervisors and technicians Consulting engineers Crew supervisors and senior line workers  It is highly recommended that you attend this course in conjunction with the Overhead Distribution Principles and Applications virtual course (March 17-19 & 24-26). Discounts apply for attending both courses. Course Level Intermediate/Advanced: No prerequisites; tough it is recommended that participants have foundational knowledge of overhead distribution systems, their components, and basic design principles, either through attending our Overhead Distribution Principles and Applications (Level 1) course or through work experience. Level 1 foundational topics include: Introduction to overhead distribution Introduction to the NESC Overhead line conductors and cable types and characteristics NESC overhead line clearance requirements and compliance Overhead line structure types and functions including guying Basic concepts of structure loading Introduction to NESC loading/strength requirements and compliance Overhead distribution grounding, insulation coordination and overvoltage protection Accreditation The following continuing education credits will be provided, after successfully completing 90% of all five live sessions. These sessions will be recorded, though certificates can only be awarded to those who participate in the live events.    Recommended: CEUs 2.4  /  PDHs 24  /  CPEs 28.8   NEW! Overhead Distribution Line Design Certificate:  After completing both courses, enroll in the Certificate Program for a fee of $295. You can then qualify for a credential that showcases your professional expertise by successfully passing an online examination and by submitting evidence of a completed line design project.   Click here for details on registration and certificate requirements! What to Bring Computer: Participants are required to bring a laptop to work through in-class, line design application exercises and a basic engineering calculator or app. 2023 NESC: Participants are requested to have a copy of the 2023 National Electric Safety Code® (ANSI C2-2023) on hand to review during the course. Copies can be purchased from IEEE (www.ieee.org; 800/701-4333). A copy can be shared among attendees who are participating together in the same location. Line Design Software You will use Utility Line Design software programs to perform line design calculations and application exercises in class. You’ll receive complimentary software access for 30 days (from the start of the course). Application Exercises/Homework Following each live session, participants are expected to complete an online quiz to test their knowledge (required to receive a completion certificate). Participants will also be asked to work independently on line design exercises related to the topics presented  (some exercises will be conducted during the live sessions).  Further instructions will be provided at the beginning of Session One. The estimated time for completing these items is up to 1 hour per class day. Line Design Software You will use Utility Line Design software programs to perform line design calculations and application exercises, which will require you to download the program to your computer in advance of the course. We’ll provide detailed instructions on how to do so and be available to answer questions and troubleshoot as needed. You’ll receive complimentary software access for 30 days (from the start of the course).   Instructors  Lead Instructor R. John Miner, P.E., is an accomplished executive manager and educator with over 45 years of experience in the electric utility industry. He is president of Collaborative Learning, Inc., of Austin and San Antonio, Texas and has been an APPA instructor for more than 30 years and an instructor for the University of Wisconsin for 20 years. Before forming his own company, he worked for the Austin, Texas, Electric Utility Department, Rochester Public Utilities in Minnesota, and as an assistant professor for the University of Houston. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering (with honors), and a Master of Science degree in engineering science, both from the University of Toledo.  John is a Senior Life Member of the IEEE and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Texas and Minnesota.  M. Thomas Black, P.E., is an accomplished executive manager, consultant and course instructor with more than 30 years of experience in the electric and gas utility industries. In addition to working with Collaborative Learning, Tom’s experience includes employment with both municipal and investor owned utilities across multiple jurisdictions in Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. He teaches a variety of courses on technical topics and also has extensive executive level experience in managing electric and gas utility systems, including serving as chief energy officer and energy delivery general manager. Tom has also served on the boards of RMEL and the Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Tom DeBell, P.E., is an independent consultant and course developer and instructor for Collaborative Learning with experience in the electric, water, telecommunications, and gas utility industries. Tom recently concluded a successful 34-year career with Riviera Utilities, a municipal utility in Foley, Alabama. Transitioning from this extensive career in November 2023, Tom founded an executive and leadership coaching company. During his tenure at Riviera Utilities, Tom held various pivotal roles, including engineering and management positions, culminating in his role as President/CEO. In his engineering roles, Tom developed line construction specifications, designed transmission and distribution lines, including both overhead and underground distribution, and collaborated closely with construction crews on major line projects. Tom also specialized in the design and construction of electric transmission and distribution substations, conducted system coordination studies and implemented cascading protection schemes. Erich Schoennagel, P.E., has cultivated over 45 years of experience in the electric industry. He is a former manager and engineer with CenterPoint Energy and managed the Transmission Project Engineering group. Erich served for 15 years as a member advisor and chairman of the Underground Transmission Task Force for the Electric Power Research Institute until his retirement from CenterPoint Energy. There he directed research related to underground transmission and superconductivity. He was a board member of the annual TSDOS symposium, and a former member of the American Concrete Institute 336 committee related to foundation design and construction.

  Registration Fee: A $300 discount applies for attending both. $2,990 for Bundled Series, includes BOTH courses (SAVE $300) $1,495 for Overhead Distribution Principles and Applications (Must register through APPA and use code CL2025) $1,795 for Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design (Must register through APPA and use code CL2025) Group Discounts: Save $50 per person per course with a group of 5-9, $100 per person per course for 10-14, $150 per person per course for 15 or more. The more in your group, the greater the discount! More detailed explanations are on the APPA registration page. REGISTER NOW!

  BE SURE TO USE CODE CL2026 TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT

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