Kristian Koellner
About Kristian Koellner
Kristian Koellner serves as the Vice President of Transmission Asset Optimization at LCRA, where he focuses on enhancing transmission operations through data analytics and strategic planning. He has extensive experience in the energy sector, having held various engineering and supervisory roles at Salt River Project and LCRA over a career spanning more than two decades.
Current Role at LCRA
Kristian Koellner serves as the Vice President of Transmission Asset Optimization at LCRA, a position he has held since 2018. In this role, he manages Transmission Operational Intelligence, utilizing data analytics to enhance transmission operations. He leads the Transmission Planning team, focusing on strategic development and future-proofing the transmission network. Additionally, he directs Survey, GIS & Technical Services, integrating advanced geographic information systems to improve transmission asset management. Koellner is also responsible for overseeing Transmission Customer Relations, ensuring effective management of relationships with key stakeholders and customer satisfaction. He oversees Transmission Cost Estimating, ensuring accurate budgeting and financial planning for transmission projects.
Previous Experience at Salt River Project
Before joining LCRA, Kristian Koellner worked at Salt River Project in various engineering roles. He began as an Engineering Intern in Distribution Planning from 1994 to 1997, followed by positions as Associate Engineer in Power Quality from 1998 to 1999, and Engineer in Power Quality from 1999 to 2002. He then served as Senior Engineer in System Protection from 2004 to 2008 and as Engineering Supervisor in System Protection from 2010 to 2015. His experience at Salt River Project spanned multiple aspects of power quality and system protection, contributing to his expertise in transmission asset optimization.
Education and Expertise
Kristian Koellner studied at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSE) from 1993 to 1998. His educational background provides a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles, which he has applied throughout his career in various engineering roles. His expertise includes transmission asset optimization, system protection, and power quality, which he has developed through extensive experience in the energy sector.
Career Progression at LCRA
At LCRA, Kristian Koellner has held several key positions since joining the organization. He served as Manager of System Protection & Stability for 10 months in 2015, followed by a role as Director of Transmission Planning from 2015 to 2018. His career progression within LCRA reflects his growing responsibilities and contributions to the organization, particularly in the areas of transmission planning and operational optimization.