Our Team

Mark Henderson

President

Mark's Bio

Sabina Fjodorova

Chief Operating Officer

Sabina's Bio

Michael Strano

Managing Consultant

Michael's Bio

Tammy Schmidt

Vice President, Consulting

Tammy's Bio

Debi Yakemchuk

Vice President, Professional Services

Debi's Bio

Laura Ng

Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Laura's Bio

Lucas Cugalj

Vice President, Managed Services

Lucas' Bio

Jay Lee

Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture and Solutions

Jay's Bio

Jacquelyn Beaty

Senior Director, Managed Services

Jacquelyn's Bio

John Forsyth

Director, Sales

John's Bio

John McClean

Director, Business Development and Sales

John's Bio

Tyler Whalen

Director, Business Development and Sales

Tyler's Bio

Taylor Torgerson

Director, Strategic Services

Taylor's Bio

Jessica Idnurm

Director, Consulting

Jessica's Bio

James Preslie

Director, Consulting

James' Bio

Brent Williams

Director, Consulting

Brent's Bio

Cathy Collins

Director, Training and Resource Management

Cathy's Bio

Thomas Essman

Director, Project Management

Thomas' Bio

James Douglas

With more than 30 years of experience in the utility sector, James is known for his exceptional negotiation skills and abilities to forge and maintain major client relationships.

James Douglas is the founder and President of Util-Assist. In 2005, in response to the provincial smart meter mandate, James brought together utilities to form the OUSM (Ontario Utilities Smart Meter) working group to evaluate products and present recommendations to utilities and government bodies. This project involved the installation and integration of 1.7 million smart meters province-wide, along with associated billing and software systems. James also worked with Ontario’s Independent Electric Systems Operator (IESO) on the creation of rules for the centralized repository for the smart meter marketplace.

With his successful track record, James has successfully grown the business to over 150 employees with customers throughout the world. James’ expertise is regularly sought in utility strategic planning and enterprise solutions.

Prior to founding Util-Assist, James held senior leadership positions at utility solution companies. In these roles, James managed the implementation of Ontario’s first smart meter project and successfully navigated retail and utility customers through Ontario deregulation.

James studied Economics at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a frequent speaker at business and technology forums.

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Mark Henderson

A passionate and energetic leader, Mark sets the corporate strategy and shapes the Util-Assist culture as President.

Mark has more than 35 years of executive business experience, including 20+ years in the utility industry where he held leadership and c-suites roles. He has a wealth of experience with utility regulated and unregulated business strategies, AMI deployments, smart grid initiatives, distribution automation, asset investment planning, and mergers and acquisitions. With his utility operations and engineering background, he launched several energy services and sub-metering businesses. Mark is the former president of GridSmartCity and previously served in senior executive roles at Alectra Energy Solutions, PowerStream, and Barrie Hydro.

Mark is an internationally renowned speaker and a passionate and energetic leader who will continue to advance Util-Assist’s digital innovation mandate.

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Sabina Fjodorova

Sabina is responsible for Util-Assist’s external and internal financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, taxation, human resources, and risk management.

Sabina supports utilities by partnering finance with business priorities to promote growth and efficiencies. Sabina is a Certified Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University (Hon). Her previous experience includes Alectra Utilities (formerly PowerStream) and Deloitte LLP where she specialized in audit and special engagements for public sector entities such as hydro utilities, municipalities, hospitals, and non-profits.

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Michael Strano

As Managing Consultant, Consulting, Michael oversees Util-Assist’s commitment to delivering world-class professional services to our customers.

Since joining Util-Assist in 2005, he has become known as an educator, leader and technical guru, helping utilities keep pace with technological advances. He possesses an exhaustive knowledge of AMI systems and is passionate about the potential for smart grid to drive transformation. A strategic thinker, he is currently working closely with utility clients to deploy and integrate leading edge next generation AMI solutions that will revolutionize operations and customer service.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Honours) from McMaster University and has a master’s degree in education.

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Tammy Schmidt

As Vice President, Consulting, Tammy brings decades of experience to ensure Util-Assist meets delivery goals and organizational targets while building and motivating a strong team to scale and grow Util-Assist's professional services division.

Since 2006, Tammy has been instrumental in establishing Util-Assist's project standards and best practices. With a focus on advanced metering projects, she has managed utility procurements and smart grid technology implementations for a vast range of systems and services, including AMI, meter installation, MDM, CIS, system integration, field tools, edge computing, and more. Tammy is also Util-Assist's specialist in contract and SOW development, providing expert guidance to protect utilities with solid contractual agreements. With her strong communication skills and approachable nature, Tammy is a key liaison between internal and external stakeholders.

Tammy studied at Florida International University, earning a bachelor of science degree.

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Debi Yakemchuk

As Vice President, Professional Services, Debi provides executive leadership to Util-Assist's PMO, client delivery quality assurance, and overall strategic and long-range goal planning functions.

Debi has oversight over Util-Assist's business performance and process improvement. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, she ensures we have the right resources in place to support our long-term growth plans and profitability goals by leading our business units to cost out workforce requirements, maximize resource utilization, and analyze overall workforce capacity to balance current capabilities with future demands. She executes strategies to mitigate long-term financial risks relative to short-term operational requirements.

Debi provides leadership for Util-Assist’s client delivery workforce allocation, presales planning, bid management, commercial operations, and select process improvement initiatives. She continually applies her 20 years of management experience, 10 of which entailed leading complex, large-scale smart meter deployments.

Working cross-functionally with all Util-Assist departments, Debi is a valued and trusted resource for our consulting, business development, and project management teams.

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Laura Ng

As Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Laura develops and executes effective strategies for external and internal communications, ensuring that messages are aligned with Util-Assist’s mission to “simplify solutions.” Laura heads up a team that is integral to all consulting projects. The team develops business cases for smart grid technologies, transforms utility business and technical requirements into requests for proposals (RFPs) and works with utilities to re-engineer business processes to keep pace with industry changes. Laura also oversees corporate branding, marketing collateral and website development.

Laura possesses a varied background that allows her to see the big picture while never losing sight of the details. Prior to joining Util-Assist, she worked at software companies and consulting firms and held management positions in project management, writing and publishing, and quality assurance. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Toronto.

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Lucas Cugalj

As our Vice Present, Managed Services, Lucas leads Util-Assist's external and internal financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal IT support. With almost two decades of progressive senior management experience serving both the private and public sectors, he is a resourceful leader with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects.

Lucas works with each Util-Assist business unit to provide financial and IT support that meets business needs. He adapts, develops, and implements programs, policies, and services, such as strategic business plans, financial and budget services, and technology development and support, to improve and enhance our overall operations. Lucas centres his efforts on a collaborative approach, allowing him to successfully lead diverse teams of engineers, accountants, technology professionals, and administrative staff.

Lucas is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified General Accountant, and holds a bachelor's of accounting (co-op) from Brock University.

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Jay Lee

As Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture and Solutions, Jay leads enterprise-wide IT architecture and design activities, change impact analysis, and transformational planning for Util-Assist customers. With over 20 years of utility industry experience, he possesses an ideal mix of technical, business, and soft skills with a proven ability to deliver technology solutions that enable client success.

Utilizing lean principles, Jay focuses on creating and delivering enterprise software products and services that enhance the customer experience and offer our clients more value while using fewer resources. A strong believer in the continuous improvement model, he collaborate with customers as well as product, engineering, sales, and customer success teams to identify opportunities for implementing new technological innovations, and develops and presents business cases in support of those opportunities.

Jay earned a bachelor's of applied science, computer engineering from the University of Waterloo as well as an executive MBA from Ivey Business School. He holds a master's certificate in leadership from York University and also finance and accounting certification from the University of Toronto.

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Jacquelyn Beaty

As Senior Director, Managed Services, Jacquelyn oversees Util-Assist's four Managed Services lines of business: CustomerAssist, PowerAssist, SecureAssist, and SyncAssist.

Jacquelyn has worked in the utility industry since 2011 and has demonstrated success in project management, process development, change management, strategic planning, and customer relationship management. Through strong communication, teamwork, and documentation skills, Jacquelyn has played a pivotal role in leading numerous utility projects to a successful outcome while ensuring that the projects were delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

In her current role, Jacquelyn is accountable for the successful delivery of all of Util-Assist’s Managed Services engagements for our CustomerAssist, PowerAssist, SecureAssist, and SyncAssist lines of business. Jacquelyn provides leadership, direction, and guidance to our Managed Services teams to ensure high standards of delivery and that each project receives the attention needed to be successful.

Through innovations in workflow design, strategic planning, and resourcing, Jacquelyn optimizes daily Managed Services operations for our utility partners, helping them achieve project goals more efficiently.

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John Forsyth

As Director, Sales, John offers a wealth of experience from his over 30 years in the utility industry. He is a proven sales executive, with a history of success in selling high-value, long-term technology services and solutions to the utility industry.

John has led sales and business development efforts for technology-based solutions and services with respect to grid modernization, smart meters, meter data management, smart cities, customer experience and distributed energy resources.

John has also played strategic roles in marketing, sales strategy, proposal development, and negotiating and closing deals with utilities across North America. With more than 15 years in senior management positions at various Ontario utilities, John has a solid understanding of internal utility operations and the challenges utilities face as the industry evolves.

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John McClean

John is Director, Business Development and Sales with a focus on growing PowerAssist, SecureAssist and other Util-Assist managed services across North America.

John is the former Vice-President of Centralized Operations Services for Alectra Utilities with 35 years of experience in electric utility operations, generation, transmission, and distribution. John focused on leveraging technology, scale and process improvements to advance utility operations in areas that included system control, protection and control, station sustainment, network metering, and emergency preparedness. During his time at Alectra, John collaborated with Util-Assist on several innovative initiatives, including PowerAssist and SecureAssist.

John sat on numerous provincial and federal committees including the IESO-led Emergency Preparedness Task Force, the CEA Service Continuity Committee, and the CEA Security Infrastructure and Protection Committee and was the Chair of the IESO-Smart Metering Entity MDM/R Steering Committee. John is a graduate of Bismarck State College (Bachelor of Applied Science – Energy Management).

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Tyler Whalen

As Director, Business Development and Sales, Tyler strategically pursues new business opportunities, develops key client accounts, and nurtures client relationships across North America in support of Util-Assist’s CustomerAssist managed billing services line of business.

Beginning his career with Util-Assist in 2014, Tyler has been a key contributing member to our organization as well as our overall growth. Having rapidly advanced through a number of progressive roles within Util-Assist’s managed billing services, from billing coordinator to billing supervisor to product manager to his current role, Tyler has developed business process expertise for the full suite of meter-to-cash processes, including Customer Information System (CIS) applications, analytics, collections, cash applications, and reporting.

Tyler is committed to providing outstanding client service and demonstrates a senior-level acumen for the ongoing care and growth of key client accounts. Tyler’s attention to detail and thorough understanding of every aspect of utility billing operations ensures that he is able to evaluate and recommend improvements to business processes that drive value for Util-Assist’s clients.

Taylor Torgerson

As Director, Strategic Services, Taylor leads strategy development and provides operational oversight to Util-Assist's PMO and quality assurance functions while supporting our overall strategic growth plan.

With almost two decades of project and operational experience in the utility sector, Taylor previously worked for a major AMI/MDM technology vendor where she led multiple multi-year and short-term projects involving the technical deployment of systems including hardware, communications, hosting, advanced security, and proprietary software. In addition to project management expertise, Taylor’s background also spans across areas such as contract and SOW development and negotiations, utility analytics, software quality assurance and testing. Taylor is a skilled liaison and a proven leader with a strong reputation of directing and inspiring teams, implementing improved processes, solving complex issues, and leading organizational change management processes.

In addition to being a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Taylor holds professional certificates for Global Advanced Project Management from California Institute of Technology, Mastering Project Management from Villanova University, and Engineering Certification from the University of Wisconsin in Electrical Distribution Principles and Applications.

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Jessica Idnurm

As Util-Assist’s Director of Consulting, Jessica is responsible for leading our growing team of practitioners and utilities technology subject matter experts.

Jessica ensures implementation and integration projects are properly staffed, requirements are met from end-to- end, and statements of work are translated into quality deliverables. Jessica joined Util-Assist in 2014 as a project manager when she managed a variety of projects. These projects included CIS conversions and implementations as well as AMI and MDM procurements.

Jessica was promoted to Director, Customer Service in 2016 with a focus on call centre and operations services. She transitioned to client-based consulting work in December 2018 before assuming the role of Director of Consulting in February 2020. As a director, she leads a team of consultants and business analysts who provide a diverse range of subject matter expertise to utility clients throughout Canada and the US.

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James Preslie

As Director, Consulting, James is an immensely talented SAP IS-U consultant and AMI specialist with almost two and a half decades of IT implementation experience, including over 15 years in the utility sector. He has a progressive career history as a Developer, Integration Lead, Solution Architect, and Senior SAP IS-U Consultant on multiple AMI/smart meter deployment projects, and has designed, prototyped, and implemented SAP AMI solutions to support up to two million smart meters.

James possesses a highly detailed understanding of the functional configuration, enhancements, technical integration, and business processes offered by the SAP IS-U AMI solution. In his current role, James provides AMI subject matter expertise for both SAP and non-SAP AMI projects, leads workshops to gather business requirements and develop new AMI business processes, and designs interfaces, enhancements, reports, and business processes related to deployment, data synchronization, on-demand requests, and remote reading of electric, gas, and water smart meters.

James holds a bachelor's degree in economics as well as a bachelor's degree (honors) in computer science from Queen's University.

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Brent Williams

As Director of Consulting as well as a Data Analytics Practice Area Leader, Brent leads Util-Assist's data analytics consulting practices.

Joining our Senior Leadership Team in 2021, Brent is an accomplished management consulting and managed services/product management professional with a career portfolio showcasing management of enterprise digital threads in highly regulated, energy utility, and defense technology industries.

Brent leads, directs, and coaches Util-Assist's data analytics team in guiding Util-Assist customers through enterprise analytics implementation, information management, and governance framework strategies. He has deep technological, operational, and business acumen in utility data management and analytics, utility system communications, and product lifecycle management.

An industry evangelist, Brent studied project management at the University of Toronto, computer engineering technology at Seneca College, and is certified as an Engineering Technologist by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).

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Cathy Collins

As Director, Training and Resource Management, Cathy oversees a team of project managers working on client engagements. She ensures that project management best practices, procedures and policies are followed during all Util-Assist project engagements.

Working in the utility sector since 2009, Cathy has gained in-depth knowledge of the day-to-day operations of local distribution companies. She has been instrumental in assisting numerous utilities manage conservation, customer experience and AMI integrations over the past years. Cathy is consistently recognized by management and peers for exceptional productivity and commitment to meeting project timelines and building client relationships.

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Thomas Essman

As Director, Project Management, Thomas is responsible for creating, organizing, and implementing various Util-Assist project management strategies and programs to ensure our projects are done on time and within the allocated budget.

Before joining Util-Assist, Thomas worked for a major installation vendor on multiple smart meter deployments across North America, giving him keen insight into the challenges of managing AMI metering projects. Thomas has over 10 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in IT, HR, and operations with a strong focus on utility field service operations.

Thomas collaborates with other Util-Assist directors, managers, and personnel to understand all project parameters. He guides and aids personnel through project plans, conducts research and uses found data and results to better develop projects and strategies. He crafts new project management office policies, and improves upon Util-Assist's overall project management operations and program components.

As an AMI deployment subject matter expert, Thomas is driven towards developing efficiencies by way of automation and technology while channeling human potential through strong leadership and motivation.

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Our Team

Mark Henderson

Sabina Fjodorova

Michael Strano

Tammy Schmidt

Debi Yakemchuk

Laura Ng

Lucas Cugalj

Jay Lee

Jacquelyn Beaty

John Forsyth

John McClean

Tyler Whalen

Taylor Torgerson

Jessica Idnurm

James Preslie

Brent Williams

Cathy Collins

Thomas Essman

Contact Us

James Douglas

Mark Henderson

Sabina Fjodorova

Michael Strano

Tammy Schmidt

Debi Yakemchuk

Laura Ng

Lucas Cugalj

Jay Lee

Jacquelyn Beaty

John Forsyth

John McClean

Tyler Whalen

Taylor Torgerson

Jessica Idnurm

James Preslie

Brent Williams

Cathy Collins

Thomas Essman

Stay Current in the Industry with Util-Assist Insights

Our Team

Mark Henderson

Sabina Fjodorova

Michael Strano

Tammy Schmidt

Debi Yakemchuk

Laura Ng

Lucas Cugalj

Jay Lee

Jacquelyn Beaty

John Forsyth

John McClean

Tyler Whalen

Taylor Torgerson

Jessica Idnurm

James Preslie

Brent Williams

Cathy Collins

Thomas Essman

James Douglas

Mark Henderson

Sabina Fjodorova

Michael Strano

Tammy Schmidt

​Debi Yakemchuk

Laura Ng

Lucas Cugalj

Jay Lee

Jacquelyn Beaty

John Forsyth

John McClean

Tyler Whalen

Taylor Torgerson

Jessica Idnurm

James Preslie

Brent Williams

Cathy Collins

Thomas Essman

Debi Yakemchuk