Technical Advisory Council

Elizabeth is currently working for LHP Engineering Solutions (LHPES) as the leader of Application Lifecycle Management initiative and leader of the Program Management Office. She works with customers to understand their business and technical needs and then recommends and delivers solutions. She keeps abreast of new technologies in the automotive, commercial vehicle and power generation markets. Prior to LHP, Elizabeth started a consulting firm: E Carey & Associates Consulting LLC. She started this consulting firm at the start of year 2016 focusing on partnering with clients to build successful teams and partnering with leaders to develop and execute new business opportunities (includes: strategy, process mapping, execution plans, project management). A good example of the work she did was for the Community Education Coalition in Columbus, IN to conduct a workforce needs assessment in IT for Region 9. She worked with various employers, educators, industry partners, local government agencies to develop a strategy and roadmap addressing the gaps in K-12 and postsecondary education. Previously, Elizabeth was Executive Director, Electronic Control Systems April 2009 – Jan 2016. Her focus was on leading the electronics and controls strategy, technology plans, sourcing and execution to the plans. Examples include: introducing telematics technology; use of mobility technology for servicing products; adding analytics/modeling for prognostics; addition of multi core microprocessors etc. Prior to this position she was Chief Technical Officer of Cummins Power Generation starting in January 2003. She was responsible for leading a global and diverse engineering business group to deliver products meeting or exceeding cost, quality, and delivery requirements. Directly responsible for the advanced research and development work, ten-year technical plan (example technologies: acoustics modeling, structures, power electronics, alternators, electronics and controls), product development, and engineering functional excellence (identifying and improving process, developing talent, identifying and or developing tools to support the function). Elizabeth was the Sponsor of the Power Generation Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) where she drew on her long personal history of volunteerism to guide Power Generation’s CSR focus. Elizabeth was also the Sponsor of the Women’s Affinity Group at Cummins Power Generation. She joined Cummins Inc. in 1993 as the Director of Electronic Controls. In 1998, Elizabeth led the development of the high horse power natural gas engines and functional responsibility for high horse power diesel and natural gas engine design and analysis. Elizabeth started her engineering career with the Aerospace Corporation in California for eight years, followed by five years with TRW Space and Defense. Her focus was on software development, test and simulation for various government projects. While at TRW she also led the development of a multi-million dollar proposal for which TRW was awarded. Elizabeth has also served as member, counsel and board member to several entities, including the Society of Women Engineers, the Society of Automotive Engineers, KPIT, University of Minnesota Advisory Group, IvyTech Advisory Group. Elizabeth’s undergraduate studies were in Mathematics and Statistics from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her graduate studies were in Electrical Engineering - emphasis on controls from the California State University, Long Beach. In year 2012 she became a certified coach from iPEC. Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. She became a certified MBTI facilitator in March 2016. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys running, cycling and sailing with her husband.

Dr. Cathy Choi joined Cummins in June 2017.  Cathy is the Executive Director of Technology Development and Integration where she is responsible for guiding, developing and integrating new technologies which includes controls and performance of engines, generator sets and parallel systems into Power Generation, Distributed Generation, Prime Movers and Hybrid Systems, and Digital Analytics.  Cathy is also responsible for long term Technology Planning and new platform work prior to architecture phase. Before joining Cummins, Cathy gained 3 years’ experience in the oil/gas recovery industry (oil exploration and drilling and oil/gas well stimulation), and 18 years’ international experience in Diesel and Gas Engine Systems. Cathy earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she specialized in diesel engine combustion and emissions formation and alternative fuels research.

As Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Wayne Schug is responsible for coordinating MISO’s ongoing strategy in support of the company’s continuing Value Proposition. In addition to strategy, Mr. Schug is responsible for business development, risk management and executive leadership support. Under his leadership, MISO and its stakeholders undertook an exhaustive analysis of the proven benefits the regional transmission organization provides, published annually since 2007 in MISO’s Value Proposition. Mr. Schug continues to oversee annual updates and additions to MISO’s Value Proposition, which many organizations in the industry now emulate. Mr. Schug also was instrumental in working with MISO executive leadership, the Board of Directors and stakeholders in creating and implementing MISO’s corporate strategy and strategic planning process as well as the company’s first comprehensive business contingency and disaster recovery planning effort. Mr. Schug directed the evaluation and business case development of MISO’s Ancillary Services Market, which began in 2009. Mr. Schug also was responsible for leading the negotiation and filing of a Joint Operating Agreement with PJM, which serves as a model for MISO’s seams agreements with neighboring entities. In his previous areas of responsibilities with MISO, Mr. Schug directed the company’s stakeholder relations, corporate communications, performance management and other functions. Mr. Schug has more than 25 years of experience in the utility industry. Prior to joining MISO, Mr. Schug was Director of Electric Delivery at Indianapolis Power & Light, an investor-owned utility. Mr. Schug was responsible for all distribution-related planning, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance activities for IPL’s service territory and was responsible for both customer service delivery and asset management. Mr. Schug has held committee and task force responsibilities for the Edison Electric Institute and the Indiana Electric Association. He is a former Board member of the Electric League of Indiana and the American Red Cross of Central Indiana. A native of Indiana, Mr. Schug graduated from Purdue University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Mr. Schug also has a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University School of Law.

John E. Waters has been developing sustainable “engineered” solutions since his early work on the first electric car, GM’s EV1. John was the inventor for the battery pack for the EV1, Electric S-10, and multiple electric drive platforms spanning from commercial buses to race cars to golf carts. Along with his “plug-in” colleagues in industry, John discovered how the electron can be utilized for superior performance, reduced costs and lower (system) emissions to both the transportation and built environment sectors, improving the lives of individuals, communities, and nations. John is also active in bringing sustainable energy, housing and transportation solutions to “off-grid” communities around the world. Since the early days of developing the EV1 battery pack, John’s interests led him to develop sustainable energy storage solutions in large format lithium-ion batteries for Delphi, forming the EnerDel joint venture, and launching Bright Automotive as the founding CEO. John also created and led Rocky Mountain Institute’s (RMI) practice in sustainable transportation and consulted with multiple Fortune 1-to-100 companies in sustainable transportation solutions. At RMI (and inspired by Amory Lovins), John launched his passion for whole-system design in energy, economics, quality of life, the built environment, and transportation – all to improve the quality of life for people groups and social systems. John is also a Senior Fellow at the Sagamore Institute, previously a member of Duke Energy’s “Thought Leaders Council”, and advises multiple “plug-in” start-up companies. Prior to RMI and being the VP of Business Development for EnerDel, Inc., John was responsible for the design, testing, and production of multiple lithium battery products, including certified solutions for the iBot® and Segway®. Mr. Waters holds seven U.S. patents, two international patents, two defensive papers in battery pack designs, and has received numerous industry awards.

David McKinnis serves as Associate Vice President in the Office of Industry Partnerships, developing holistic corporate relationships that encompass recruiting, research, philanthropy, online learning, campus presence and student engagement. McKinnis has a long history of corporate engagement at Purdue. From late 2019 to 2020 he served as Interim Associate Vice President in the Office of Industry Partnerships. From 2015 to 2019 he was a special adviser in the Office of Corporate and Global Partnerships, developing and expanding some of Purdue’s largest research partnerships. From 2000 to 2015 he led the Purdue University Technical Assistance Program (TAP) that now engages with over 1,500 employers per year in business, industry, health care and government. And from 1986 to 2000 he was Associate Director of the Technical Assistance Program. Prior to joining Purdue, McKinnis spent 13 years in manufacturing leadership roles for Landis + Gyr and Caterpillar in Lafayette, Indiana, and at Thermotron Industries in Holland, Michigan. EDUCATION: PhD Industrial Engineering '99, Purdue University MS Management '73, Purdue BS Engineering Science '72, Purdue