More than a Consultant. We are your Partner
Let us introduce our Alabama Power client team—an experienced and dedicated group ensuring Alabama Power remains a top priority at Kleinschmidt. With decades-long relationships and a deep understanding of your needs, this team is committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service.
Leading the charge are Kelly Schaeffer, Steve Layman, Steve Poteet, Steve Parker and Nick Ciomei bringing extensive expertise in hydropower, regulatory, ecological restoration, and structural engineering. While they guide our efforts, they are backed by a talented team of engineers and scientists—passionate, knowledgeable, and ready to support Alabama Power’s projects with skill and dedication.
We value our partnership with Alabama Power and look forward to continuing to provide the expertise and collaboration needed for success.
Kelly Schaeffer
Principal Consultant
With over 34 years of experience, Kelly is a powerhouse in the world of FERC hydroelectric processes and NEPA! She’s been a key player in shaping Alabama Power’s hydro projects, bringing expert strategy and facilitation to FERC relicensing efforts like the Harris and Martin Projects. Known for her knack for stakeholder engagement, Kelly makes navigating complex regulations feel like a breeze—all while keeping Alabama Power’s hydroelectric operations running smoothly and in full compliance.
Steve Layman
Regional Vice President
As the Southeast Region Vice President at Kleinschmidt, Steve brings 32 years of expertise as a senior aquatic ecologist and fisheries biologist—basically, if it swims, he knows about it! He’s a key partner to Alabama Power, leading ecological assessments and keeping hydropower licensing projects running smoothly. From managing project delivery to diving into environmental studies, Steve has played a big role in projects like the Wallace Dam Pumped Storage Project. With his deep knowledge and passion for aquatic ecosystems, he helps ensure hydropower and nature work hand in hand!
Steve Poteet
Senior Engineering Advisor
With 43 years of experience in mechanical engineering, Steve is a true hydropower guru! He’s all about keeping dams running safely and efficiently, specializing in the rehab and modernization of hydropower facilities. Working closely with clients, he tackles dam safety reviews and mechanical assessments with expertise. When it comes to keeping the power flowing and the turbines turning, Steve is your go-to resource.
“We really couldn't ask for a better consultant.”
- Alabama Power Company
Steve Parker
Systems Engineering Section Manager
A senior mechanical engineer with over 21 years of experience, Steve has managed major rehabilitation projects, focusing on hydroelectric turbine/generator rehabilitation. His expertise includes project management, engineering, and site supervision for projects like the Unit Turbine Rehabilitation at Hoover Dam.
Nick Ciomei
Engineering Technical Director
As an Independent Consultant and Program Manager with 14 years of dam safety experience, Nick has worked with Georgia Power on dam safety inspections and emergency action plan exercises. He is a FERC-approved Independent Consultant, conducting safety inspections and creating dam inundation maps for hydroelectric projects.
Kenneth Odom
Senior Engineering Advisor
Kenneth recently served as the subject matter expert for dissolved oxygen enhancement at Southern Company’s hydropower projects, where he led modeling and analysis efforts, guided daily operations, and recommended system improvements. He was also part of the FERC relicensing team. Most notably, he managed the engineering and construction of a $50 million dissolved oxygen enhancement project across three hydropower facilities on the upper Coosa River for Alabama Power Company.
Jason Moak
Senior Scientist
Jason has been involved in numerous FERC relicensing projects, where he has prepared Environmental Impact Statements, particularly concerning fisheries and water quality. He has also managed and implemented aquatic resource studies for various hydroelectric projects, including the R.L. Harris Hydroelectric Project on the Tallapoosa River in Alabama, where he prepared and implemented study plans for baseline aquatic resource and water quality assessments.
Sandra Wash
Licensing Coordinator
Sandra specializes in developing FERC relicensing, surrender, and amendment applications, compliance documents and land use & permitting for hydroelectric projects. She has worked on projects like the FERC Relicensing of the R.L. Harris Hydroelectric Project for Alabama Power.