Ronnie S. Mauldin

Architecting GridCORTEX — the AI-powered utility intelligence framework for electric utilities — on NVIDIA's accelerated computing infrastructure at SoftServe. GridCORTEX is the intelligence layer above the grid: it sits on top of the systems a utility already owns, fuses their data with NVIDIA-accelerated simulation, optimization, vision, physical AI, and generative AI to answer the questions those systems cannot, and never touches the controls.

• Architecting the GridCORTEX framework across 137 utility-specific use cases, 22 operating domains, and 10 independently deployable domain agents (Operations, Resilience, Asset, Edge, Customer, Connect, Enterprise, Nuclear, ISO/RTO Markets, Robotics).
• Leading with the four beachhead domains utility executives are funding today — Connect, Resilience, Asset, and Operations — then expanding as trust and value are demonstrated.
• Defining the NVIDIA technology stack across Earth-2, Isaac ROS 2, Jetson Orin, Omniverse, PhysicsNeMo, cuOpt, RAPIDS/cuML, Metropolis/TAO, NeMo/NIM, NeMo Retriever, NeMo Guardrails, Morpheus, and TensorRT.
• Leading go-to-market strategy including Discovery Workshop → Scoped Pilot → Production Agent engagement model and NVIDIA co-sell motion across the power and utilities vertical.
• Building the GridCORTEX Robotics agent — the first utility AI agent to operate in the physical world, deploying autonomous drones, ground robots, and edge AI devices on live utility infrastructure.
• Developing the 137-use-case library with buyer, budget line, NVIDIA stack mapping, pilot design, and executive pitch for every entry across 22 utility operating domains.

GridCORTEX: 10 agents · 137 use cases · 22 domains · NVIDIA Earth-2, Isaac ROS 2, Jetson Orin, Omniverse, NeMo, Metropolis, cuOpt, RAPIDS, Morpheus. Working name pending trademark clearance.

Led growth of Wipro's utilities consulting business in grid modernization and energy transition. Focus areas included ADMS, DMS, OMS, SCADA, DERMS, DRMS, IT/OT integration, and expansion into engineering, construction, operations, and GIS-related utility opportunities.

• Drove business development by defining and executing growth strategies for strategic utility accounts and developing C-level relationships.
• Led differentiated solutions focused on digital transformation, vendor consolidation, and new operating models.
• Guided multi-million-dollar engagements from proposal strategy through delivery.
• Shaped client-facing market positioning, thought leadership, and executive advisory around advanced grid modernization.
• Mentored consulting team talent while strengthening utility modernization offerings and partner ecosystem.

Selected engagements: Architected GridVISION (flagship overlay platform), Suite 16 (16-domain utility modernization framework), and MC-LLI (mission-critical large-load infrastructure market category); National Grid DER Aggregation and GridVISION 2.0 / AI for Operations and FERC 2222; Avangrid FERC 881 initiative.

Led strategic consulting and modernization development for electric utility grid management solutions focused on digital capabilities, infrastructure optimization, and future-state operating models.

• Led consulting services to utilities through operational assessments and future-focused smart grid improvement strategies.
• Managed projects covering upgrades and implementations of ADMS, DERMS, DMS, OMS, SCADA, EMS, GIS, and related platforms.
• Drove strategic direction for offerings aligned to business goals and long-term smart utility digital grid transformation.
• Supported presales, proposals, white papers, case studies, and strategic partnerships across the utility technology landscape.

Selected engagement: Hydro One operations change management consulting, ADMS upgrade assessment, and AMI 2.0 / ADMS integration.

Directed consulting and systems integration initiatives supporting smart utility digital grid modernization. Built and led a team of senior subject matter experts delivering operations expertise, workflow strategy, presales support, and implementation guidance across major utility programs.

• Defined digital utility strategy and offering direction aligned with long-term portfolio goals.
• Oversaw projects supporting upgrades and implementations of ADMS, DERMS, and related grid operating systems.
• Guided feature development, solution packaging, market insight generation, and investment direction.
• Supported proactive and responsive RFP activities, proposals, and partner coordination with platform providers and hyperscalers.
• Established thought leadership through white papers, case studies, and modernization collateral.

Selected engagements: PSEG Long Island DER SCADA migration from T-SCADA to D-SCADA and DER aggregation; OSI DERMS implementation; Duke Energy GE OMS support and GE DMS migration/support.

Assembled and led a team of SMEs in presales, sales, deployment, and services supporting mission-critical control systems and diverse smart grid technologies including ADMS, OMS, DMS, SCADA, DERMS, EMS, GMS, GIS, and AMI.

• Partnered with smart grid teams to identify opportunities, understand client needs, and shape ADMS solution strategy.
• Monitored market trends, analyzed competitors, and provided strategic guidance aligned to emerging utility needs.
• Collaborated on proposal development, deal structuring, presentations, demonstrations, and proof-of-concept engagements.
• Worked with product management and development teams to enhance smart grid solutions and resolve defects.
• Provided consulting, training, go-live support, troubleshooting, and optimization aligned to client growth strategies.

Key accomplishments: Set new sales records each year from 2016 to 2022; devised phased digital grid strategies; created global product demonstration strategies; pioneered a cloud-based virtual server environment for ADMS demonstrations (became Schneider global default).

Selected utility engagements: Austin Energy ADMS upgrade; Puget Sound Energy ADMS; PG&E ADMS, wildfire mitigation, and operator training; CLECO ADMS; APS downtown mesh network modeling, ADMS, and DERMS (first-of-its-kind ADMS+DERMS hybrid); Xcel Energy, Liberty Utilities, Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, Nova Scotia Power, EPCOR, South Australia Power Network, Endeavour Energy Australia, and Ausgrid ADMS implementations.

Oversaw daily operations of the electric utility grid, ensuring reliable power distribution and optimized system performance. Led coordination of maintenance, upgrades, and emergency response strategies while directing integration of advanced grid technologies.

• Led NERC and ERCOT compliance audits and served as steward of operational policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Managed preparation of critical system activity reports supporting decision-making, performance analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Oversaw recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and professional development for operations personnel.
• Maintained readiness for grid disruptions by executing emergency action plans including blackstart and load shedding procedures.
• Applied engineering calculations around demand and load percentages to inform critical operational decisions.
• Fostered cross-functional collaboration and conflict resolution to maintain smooth operations across departments and utilities.
• Led modernization-related projects, stakeholder coordination, and process improvements to reduce costs and enhance resilience.

Operational differentiator: Hands-on control center experience from the era before “smart grid” or “grid modernization” were terms — when grid operations were still managed manually with EMS/SCADA, paper logs, calculations, and operator judgment before OMS, DMS, and ADMS became standard. Rare perspective on both foundational utility operations under the hood and the evolution of modern smart grid platforms — from 100% manual operations to leading the AI evolution.

Selected initiatives: Schneider ADMS implementation; GE OMS upgrade and D-SCADA implementation; GE OMS implementation; ABB EMS implementation.