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.
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.
John Wasmer
Executive Vice President, Clear Path Utility Solutions
John Wasmer, a local Ohio resident is a results-driven executive with a proven track record in revenue growth, operational excellence, and strategic business development. He has successfully led organizations through expansion, change management, and market adaptation. As Executive Vice President at Clear Path Solutions LLC., he drives business strategy, optimizes operations, and enhances financial performance. He specializes in aligning customer experiences with corporate revenue goals and developing high-performing teams.
With 23 years of experience, John has worked all over the US with most significant projects of statewide operations in California, managing a workforce of over 500 employees and expanding market presence. His expertise in business development, contract negotiations, and risk management has positioned him as a strategic leader in utilities, infrastructure, and disaster relief for his customers. John is committed to sustainable business growth, strong client relationships, and industry innovation.
Working with 50+ clients long-term, his primary goal is always safety and customer satisfaction. Graduating from West Virginia University, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry/Forest Resources Management, as well as an associate’s degree in public relations. John also holds an MBA from Akron University and is a Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist with his OSHA30.
John resides in Medina, OH with his wife and high school son, while his daughter is pursing Nursing at Miami University in Oxford. Born & raised in a suburb of Baltimore, MD, John and his family lived in Nashville, TN and Lodi, CA prior to moving to Ohio in 2020.
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.
Chris Houska
Director of Business Development, Clear Path Utility Solutions
Chris Houska brings nearly 40 years of experience in business development, sales leadership, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market strategy. Early in his career, he worked with Fortune 500 companies before entering the utility industry with Access Energy, later acquired by Enron, followed by roles with UtiliCorp, which became Aquila Energy. For the past 25 years, he has focused on helping SaaS startups scale successfully, driving growth through innovative strategies and disciplined execution.
Now in his second chapter in the utility sector, Chris is energized to bring the lessons of the tech world back to an industry where reliable operations and forward-thinking strategies are critical. At Clear Path Utility Solutions, he partners with utilities to connect challenges with solutions—advancing vegetation management, Risk Compliance Audits, and resiliency programs that improve reliability, optimize assets, and strengthen stakeholder confidence. Where strategy meets execution, results follow.
Chris grew up in the Cleveland, Ohio area and graduated from The Ohio State University. A lifelong Buckeye and Cleveland sports fan, he also has a deep passion for music, family, food, and good friends.