Five Questions for a Solar Decathlon Organizer: Chuck Kurnik, Site Operations Manager
Thursday, September 26, 2013By Alexis Powers
Chuck Kurnik is the site operations manager of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013. Before the competition, we asked him five questions to learn more about him and his role.
Chuck Kurnik, Solar Decathlon 2013 site operations manager, and Ian Metzger, deputy site operations manager, relax at the All-Team Meeting Sept. 22. (Credit: Carol Anna/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)
1. When was your first U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon?
I joined the Solar Decathlon organizer team in May 2013 as the site operations manager. Before this, I was the “deputy” site operations manager since September 2012.
2. What would you say is the most important thing you contribute to the competition?
The site operations team is responsible for ensuring that the physical location of the competition is capable of supporting the decathletes throughout the assembly, operation, and deconstruction phases of the event. My job is to coordinate things like the arrangement of team lots, the movement of delivery trucks, and the interconnection of the houses to the Solar Decathlon village microgrid. This position is a great combination of work I enjoy, my past experience, and work I’m good at.
3. What does a typical day during the competition look like for you?
This is my first one, so I can’t wait to find out!
4. Which technological innovation has you most excited for a clean energy future?
I am excited about the possibility of living in smart houses.
5. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy adventures with my wife, Trish; riding my mountain bike; and making music.
Alexis Powers is a member of the Solar Decathlon communications team.