Our [ Board ]

Robert C Hanlon
Founder, Executive Director

Robert@utilitysquared.org | LinkedIn | South Park, WA

Personal Background: Raised in rural northeast Ohio, family roots in Cleveland, schooling in Toledo, awakening in Chillicothe, migrating west for a career in process controls and to enjoy the marvelous changes in elevation. I’ve cultivated an absolute love for the natural world while experiencing diverse ecosystems, especially the micro-environments hiding among us. Traveling is how I’ve found, and sustained my purpose, spending much time moto-packing around North America, or pushing work trips to the limit. Aspiring polymath, part-time adventurist, while broadening inner perspectives with community, I trust my passions can spark infrastructure awareness and bring equitable system change.

Connections to Infrastructure: Robert brings over 15 years’ diverse experience working with public & private organizations as a field engineer and design consultant – or more accurately, a curious infrastructure nerd. He began Utility² in 2018 based upon his master’s thesis, volunteering with other NPO’s, and organizing Infrastructure Week events between actual work projects. As a passionate infrastructure advocate, he engages communities to guide the urbanization process through awareness, education, and opportunity. He believes that only through connected, symbiotic infrastructure, can Humanity’s Modernity be sustainable. His role is developing the organization’s programs, building partnerships, and managing endeavors to drive system change and infrastructure equity.

Fun Fact: Nothing reminds Robert that everything will be ok quite like a Detroit-style pan pizza with mushrooms, pepperoni, and greens.

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Cheyenne Ness
Program Development Officer

Chey@utilitysquared.org | LinkedIn | West Seattle, WA

Personal Background: Growing up in Seattle’s neighboring cities led me toward a great appreciation for our lovely local environment. I’ve moved around within South King Co and I know that more green and gathering spaces would elevate all places and the happiness of those who reside. I found myself so fortunate and meandered through my studies from Environmental Science to Water Resource & Science Management. Post study, I’ve dabbled in Climate Reality Leadership and Citizen’s Climate Lobbying and remain in constant pursuit of empathetic change-making. Somehow or another I aim to contribute to constructing places that benefit and encourage people! I fell into Utility Squared through its vision of connecting the community to its built environment; as harmonically and in tune with natural processes as possible.

Connections to Infrastructure: My undergraduate studies focused on Civil and Environmental Engineering, where I dove into the realm of Water Resource and Science Management. From working on conservation districts mitigation projects I found that there’s room in each phase of the infrastructure’s life cycle to contribute to more sustainable development and I shifted gears in devotion to contribution. I currently work for the State Department of Transportation in environmental compliance and study Infrastructure and Planning Management at the University of Washington.

Fun Fact: From youth to early adulthood, Chey’s favorite outdoor activity is climbing trees, respectfully of course 🙂

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Jorge D Abich
Community Ecology Officer

Jorge@utilitysquared.org | LinkedIn | Berkeley, CA

Personal Background: Born in Puerto Rico, my family relocated to Miami, Florida in the 80’s. Miami presented several cultural differences, and I grew to view and accept this new culture, learning English as a second language, then eventually becoming my primary language.  I believe this shifting cultural experience enabled me to cultivate a worldview at a young age.  Throughout my life, I sought and embraced friendships with people who had different life stories, personalities, and values.  As a result, I accept all viewpoints as relative truth.  The term ‘meta-thinker or meta-cognition’ has been applied by those who know me well, for my ability to see, recognize and understand my thought process and the thought processes of those I engage with, compassionately and empathetically.  I embrace holistic thinking and see the benefits and consequences within decision making, how decisions affect all those involved, and bring this ability to my work with Utility².  I enjoy meeting new people, listening deeply, absorbing music at a feverish pace, questioning my beliefs, exploring the world (outside and within), Thai kickboxing, and biking, whether human powered or motorized.  I hope to continue to be a resource as a holistic critical thinker in Utility² efforts.

Connections to Infrastructure: Jorge has over 15 years of experience as a Landscape Architect, and is a seasoned adventurist, contributing an invaluable community-first ethos to Utility². Jorge’s experience in Landscape Architecture has varied immensely from ecological restoration, to masterplan development for cities and corporations. He has worked on projects of all scales, overseeing brownfield to greenspace sites, always moving towards, and advocating for sustainable development. His primary role is the development of programs, ensuring equity and ecology remain at the forefront of our mission towards a Green Economy.

Fun Fact: The sun is always rising somewhere.

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Ian Sobole
Treasurer

Ian@utilitysquared.org | LinkedIn | Cleveland, OH

Personal Background: Born and raised in northeast Ohio and attended Miami University in Southern Ohio for Mechanical engineering. Staying in Cleveland my entire life to be close to family fed my desire to see the rest of the world, so I travel as much as my job and wallet allows. Seeing less developed counties really gave me an appreciation for the infrastructure and systems we have in place here in the states, and the importance of bringing cultural diversity in how we build. With the abundant resources and funding we have available here I hope we can continue to push for a more sustainable future.

Connections to Infrastructure: Ian has worked as an engineer and project manager with external stakeholders ranging from suppliers, end-users, and international clients in the growing healthcare/pharmaceutical market. He contributes a refined critical analysis skillset to guide the financial direction and stability of Utility² and identify funding opportunities.

Fun Fact: There’s nothing better than an ice-cold Labatt after a hockey game.

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Sam Saini
Technology Officer

Sam@utilitysquared.org | Tampa, FL

Personal Background: I was born in America’s Heartland, raised and educated in sunny Florida, and honed my technical skills on the West Coast from Seattle all the way down to San Diego.

I prescribe to the philosophy of life being the greatest teacher of all and have travelled the United States and the world testing this philosophy while seeking adventure and unique experiences along the journey.

Never satisfied with the status quo, unable to quench my thirst for knowledge, and helplessly curious, I have spent significant time outside my comfort zone in the areas of general and landscape construction, production fermentation, private catering, and the back of house at restaurants.

I bring a broad perspective to Utility² with the hopes of enacting change on a local, community level, and eventually, a global level.

Connections to Infrastructure: Operational technology and information technology are converging rapidly as more interconnectedness is demanded worldwide. With the modernization and growth of society and the global economy, technology has been woven into the fabric of our lives. Utilities infrastructure is ultimately relied upon for technology to reach the end user, and many parallels can be drawn between the foundations and architectures of computing and networking systems and the operational infrastructure they lean on to function efficiently.

I’m hoping a broad technological background as a systems, infrastructure, support, and optimization engineer for the past 2 decades can help push the boundaries of community driven tech at Utility².

Fun Fact: Fermentation is effectively controlled rot, not a lot unlike the human body. And although I am a vegetarian, some claim I have created the GOAT fried chicken sandwich!

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