Heyeck to receive Leadership in Power Award

(Story by Kenneth J. Walker)

Mike Heyeck, senior vice president, AEP Transmission, is the 2013 recipient of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Power & Energy Society (IEEE PES) Leadership in Power Award. The award recognizes exceptional contributions to the promotion of the electric power engineering profession.

In its citation, the IEEE PES specifically credits Heyeck — “For his inspiring vision of a safer, more efficient and reliable electric power system, his personal involvement with new technologies and his energetic support of power engineering students and professionals.”

Mike Heyeck

“I am honored by this industry recognition,” Heyeck said, “but this is not an award just for me. It also represents AEP’s support of furthering the engineering profession, in particular young engineers through our co-op program. AEP has also been supportive of my role as president of the U.S. National Committee of CIGRE (International Council on Large Electric Systems), for which we have established the ‘Next Generation Network’ to enable young professionals to advance their careers with mentorship by industry executives. The legacy these executives leave with these young professionals is priceless.”

Heyeck, an IEEE member since 1975, has been a consistent and strong advocate of AEP Transmission’s Engineering Co-Op Program. About 30 power engineering students annually participate and over 50 have been hired full-time from a dozen universities. He also was active on The Ohio State University Industrial Advisory Board for the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department where AEP supported the High Voltage Test Lab and an endowed professorship.

“His leadership and vision have contributed to developing the educational direction in electrical engineering at Ohio State into the next decade,” said Stephen Sebo, professor emeritus, Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Ohio State University.

Award selection is done through a competitive, vetted nomination process based on documented testimonials from industry members.

“Mike communicated a vision for a better grid and worked to provide opportunities for power engineers to turn the vision into a reality by supporting the research and development of new technology, college power engineering programs, serving on industry panels and committees, and challenging experienced engineers to pass on their legacy to the next generation,” said Wade Smith, president, AEP Texas (formerly vice president – Transmission Engineering & Project Services) and one of Mike’s award nominators.

Dan Recker – managing director, Transmission Projects Engineering described Mike as “an engineering visionary and innovator both inside and outside of AEP. His technical insights, innovative vision and advocacy for extra high voltage expansion catapulted AEP Transmission into the national discussion and helped shape the direction of grid expansion in the U.S.”

The Leadership in Power Award, established in 2007, is not awarded every year. Past recipients include Terry Boston – president & CEO of PJM (2011); James Greer – senior vice president Asset Management and Engineering, Oncor Electric Delivery (2010); James Kelly – senior vice president, Southern California Edison (2009); and Robin Hurst – senior vice president Power Delivery, Alabama Power (2008).

“I’ve been a beneficiary of Mike’s mentorship and sage advice, as have many others, and through his 20 years of steadfast support for our engineering co-op program, through good times and bad, he has substantially contributed to building the next generation of engineers,” concluded Recker.

The award will be presented on July 23 at the IEEE PES General Meeting in Vancouver, Canada.

Heyeck has elected to retire effective June 1, 2013, after 37 years of service. His last day at AEP is May 3, 2013.