Our Team

Steven B Smiley, President & CEO

Steven Smiley has degrees in economics, geography, and education, including a Master of Arts in geography and post-graduate studies in economics and environmental design.  Steven serves as President for the entire Heron Wind team and has been a long time advocate of green energy development.  Mr. Smiley has operated an energy efficiency and renewable energy economic and feasibility consulting service for over thirty years, participated in green energy technology exchange programs, and has been continuously engaged with the commercial wind industry since 1985.  Additionally, Mr. Smiley led the development of the first three commercial wind turbine installations in the State of Michigan.

Pine Kopka-Ross, Vice President—Business Administration

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Pine Kopka-Ross manages the business administration of Heron Wind and supervises the Ann Arbor Branch employees.  He oversees the day to day business operations, public relations, marketing, investor relations, human resources, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, taxes, insurance, and office operations.

Paul Caterino, Project Development Manager

Paul Caterino received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University in 1998.  He is currently a licensed civil engineer with over 10 years of experience.  His field experience includes surveying, construction staking and inspection, bridge inspection, and underwater structural inspection.  Mr. Caterino’s design experience includes design of on-site sewage disposal systems, I/I studies, sewer feasibility studies, retaining wall design, permitting, and site design.  As project analyst and development manager for Heron Wind, his responsibilities include site feasibility analysis, site development, permitting, drafting, and surveying.

Paul Fox, Design Manager

Paul F. Fox received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1979 and a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University in 1997.  Mr. Fox authored a chapter in Dudley’s Gear Handbook addressing gear arrangements.  He has extensive experience in gear design for a variety of transmission applications with duties in development, analysis, and project management.  As Design Manager for Heron Wind, his responsibilities include development and design of the Heron H57-777 gearbox and drive system.

Rick Shumaker, Projects Manager

Rick Shumaker holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Michigan Technological University and a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara.  Rick oversees the various projects underway, directing staff and services required for the current projects, and various activities related to O&M, design, and manufacturing.

Kyle Tumey, Development & Relations Manager

Kyle Tumey is a graduate of the University of Michigan.  At the Ann Arbor Branch, Kyle researches nation-wide incentive programs, policies, and manages relations with potential investors and green energy groups.  Mr. Tumey is also involved with marketing, public relations, and business development of Heron Wind.

Robert Turke, Gear Technologies & Manufacturing Manager

Bob Turke joins Heron Wind after extensive experience within the gear industry.  Mr. Turke is one of North America’s leading gear experts, and has formally managed the gear technology division of a gear and machine tool company in South Eastern Michigan.