Clear Path Utility Solutions team
Ryan Korpela
President of Clear Path Utility Solutions
Ryan Korpela is at the forefront of utility line clearance, power line and pipeline ROW clearing, and environmental services industries with an impressive 30-year track record. Currently spearheading Clear Path Utility Solutions as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), he has been instrumental in driving business activities, managing a suite of utility consulting and professional service contracts, ensuring paramount safety and compliance, and collaborating with clients to guarantee that project objectives are meticulously realized.
Throughout his career, Ryan has taken on a number of major projects, notably the PG&E Fire Management with Clear Path Utility Solutions, Great Northern Transmission Line, and the Minnesota Power Transmission & Distribution. His extensive project experience extends to BP Pipeline assessments, ATC transmission lines, and Xcel Energy’s transmission maintenance, among others.
His tenure as Vice President of IVM has seen him oversee pivotal areas such as client relations, business development, contract management, and subcontracted consulting. Further underlining his multitasking capabilities, Ryan also imparts his industry insights as an adjunct instructor at the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. A testament to Ryan’s commitment to operational excellence is his comprehensive list of responsibilities. From ensuring on-ground safety and procurement to quality control, scheduling, and reporting, Ryan is the linchpin ensuring projects run smoothly. His acumen extends to liaising with a wide range of professionals, from environmental agencies and safety experts to utility representatives and corporate liaisons.
Ryan’s credentials are underscored by an impressive array of certifications. As a PMI Project Management Professional and a graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Project Management program, his project oversight skills are well-recognized. His commitment to safety and excellence in arboriculture is highlighted by his certifications as an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, ISA Certified Utility Specialist, TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professional, and BCSP Safety Management Specialist.
Moreover, Ryan’s continuous dedication to professional development shines through with training from the Dale Carnegie Leadership Program, Arbormaster’s courses, and Electrical Hazards Awareness Instructor certification, among others.
In summary, Ryan Korpela’s extensive experience, combined with his rich academic background and unwavering commitment to safety, make him an invaluable asset in any utility clearance and arboriculture project.
Mike Tilly
Vice President of Business Development
Michael Tilly, P.E., is a seasoned executive in the Electric Power Industry, harnessing a rare blend of strategic foresight, entrepreneurial acumen, and technical proficiency. With over three decades of dedicated service, he brings a rich tapestry of experience spanning capital and resource management, strategic business development, and in-depth knowledge of vegetation management intertwined with power infrastructure.
Mike is focused on the strategic development of long-term client relationships in a widely expanded geographic footprint by creating best-in-class service experiences for all of our programs.
Starting his journey with an academic foundation in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and further augmenting his knowledge with an MBA from The George Washington University, Michael’s education has been the foundation of his innovative contributions to the industry. As a registered Civil and Environmental Professional Engineer, he leverages his technical expertise to lead transformative initiatives.
As the founder and President of ProForce, LLC, he rapidly carved a niche in the Electric Power Industry. Under his stewardship, ProForce burgeoned into a market leader in both transmission and distribution vegetation management, amalgamating construction and maintenance facets seamlessly. Michael’s keen eye for evolving industry needs led to the expansion of ProForce’s services into civil constructions tailored for renewable energy sectors, like wind farms and solar installations.
Beyond vegetation management, Michael’s strategic leadership at ProForce expanded its reach into powerline construction services across both distribution and transmission markets. The entity’s eventual acquisition by a private equity firm, AEA Investors, and subsequent integration into Pike Electric’s operations stands as a testament to the value he brought to the table.
His earlier stint as Vice President at Camp Dresser & McKee saw him at the helm of business development strategies for environmental programs across the southern states. This role, combined with his recent endeavors in Electric Utility Consulting through MT Engineering & Svcs, Inc., further emphasizes his comprehensive understanding of the industry’s ecosystem.
Steve Tankersley
Founder & Board Member
Stephen Tankersley, a recognized subject matter expert on Utility Vegetation Management (UVM), helps guide gas and electric utility operations, suppliers, and contractors to achieve long-term success.
Steve founded Clear Path in 2015 after a nearly 40-year career at a major investor-owned utility where he led one of the largest VM programs in the country. Steve has been very active in the UVM industry having authored many articles featured in industry publications, presented at industry events across the country, recognized by the UAA with the 2012 Utility Arborist Award for significant contributions to the industry, and presented with the 2015 UAA Presidents Award, and served on various industry committees such as the NERC VM Standards Development Team, EE Vegetation Management Task Force, and UAA Research Committee.
Daran Santi
Chief Strategy Officer
Daran Santi joined Clearpath in 2020 after completing a 40-year career at a major investor-owned utility. During his career, Daran worked in all facets of Contract Management from Procurement, Contract Negotiations, Contract Management, Invoice Management, and Project Management. He has worked across all lines of business but was mainly focused on Overhead and Underground Electric Construction and Vegetation Management.
Daran has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from St. Mary’s College and a Certificate in Purchasing from UC Berkeley.
Willie Butler
Vice President of Vegetation Management Services
William Butler, residing in Grass Valley, CA, is an esteemed professional in Arboriculture and Emergency Management, bringing forth an impressive 15-year tenure in Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) and Emergency Response roles within California. With recognized expertise in hazard tree identification and removal mitigation, Mr. Butler combines a robust understanding of tree species across the Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) system with a proven ability to manage specialized projects for utilities’ Integrated Vegetation Management programs.
As the VP of Clear Path Utility Solutions Project Management group, Mr. Butler has been instrumental in directing resource management, framing sales forecasts, fostering client relations, and offering senior leadership oversight. This role follows his successful stint as the CEO of Butler Enterprises, where he ran a Vegetation Management Consulting business. Within this period, he took on pivotal roles as a Contract Arborist during the Butte Fire Calaveras and as a linchpin for PG&E during multiple major fire incidents, including the Tubbs, Carr, Camp, AWRR Paradise/Magalia, North Complex, Dixie, and Salt Fire operations. His leadership was crucial in strategizing and executing plans for the safe removal of over 250,000 hazardous trees affected by these fires.
His impact during the PG&E Camp Fire operations was particularly noteworthy. As the Operations Chief, Mr. Butler managed tree contractors supporting restoration activities post-fire and marshaled 2000 personnel in his group. He played a pivotal role in the safe removal of over
110,000 hazard trees and was instrumental in developing and managing underground vegetation support during rebuilding efforts.
Additionally, his leadership was crucial during the PG&E Utility Defensible Space Program, where he orchestrated the application of fire retardants around high-risk PG&E assets in Tier 3 areas, managing vegetation clearing around key transmission towers.
William’s prowess is further enhanced by his strong rapport with various government agencies and his excellent team-building and communication skills. His adeptness with Vegetation Management applications, combined with his hands-on experience managing large-scale teams and coordinating emergency response efforts, makes him an invaluable asset to any large-scale vegetation management or emergency response project.
Mr. Butler’s extensive training and certifications, such as his status as an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, underline his commitment to his profession. In addition, his understanding of environmental processes and endangered species protection showcases his holistic approach to vegetation management in utility spaces.