Neil Csonka
Chesterton
Summary
Results-driven operations and maintenance leader with 25 years of experience in electric utility, industrial maintenance, and military technical operations. Expertise in managing diverse teams, overseeing capital and O&M budgets, and ensuring the reliability of electrical infrastructure. Skilled in substation operations, asset management, maintenance strategy, and emergency response, with a solid background in technical troubleshooting and quality assurance from military service.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Substation Operation Performance Manager
Northern Indiana Public Service Company
Valparaiso
11.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented maintenance strategies and best practices to enhance equipment reliability, system performance, and operational readiness.
- Led project management teams responsible for planning and executing major capital construction initiatives, supporting system reliability, asset modernization, and long-term growth objectives.
- Partnered with engineering, operations, and maintenance organizations to identify asset risks, prioritize work activities, and support long-term reliability objectives.
- Managed substation warehousing operations and led electricians in receipt, testing, inspection, and quality control of new substation equipment, ensuring compliance with technical specifications for safe deployment.
- Led project management teams in planning and executing major capital construction initiatives to support system reliability and asset modernization.
Superintendent- Substation Power Engineering
Northern Indiana Public Service Company
Valparaiso
09.2015 - 11.2025
- Led team of substation engineers in testing, commissioning, and lifecycle performance of critical transmission and distribution assets, enhancing operational reliability across Northern Indiana.
- Managed multi-million-dollar capital and O&M budgets, optimizing resource allocation for successful project outcomes and timely execution.
- Partnered with engineering, operations, and maintenance organizations to prioritize asset investments and mitigate system reliability risks.
- Utilized equipment performance data and condition assessments to inform asset management decisions, contributing to long-term reliability strategies.
- Develop supervisors and engineers through targeted training, mentorship, and succession planning initiatives that strengthen organizational capability
Substation Operations Manager
Northern Indiana Public Service Company
Valparaiso
06.2014 - 09.2015
- Directed substation operations across seven service areas, providing leadership and oversight for 80+ union electricians and 12 supervisors responsible for maintaining critical electric infrastructure.
- Coordinated workforce planning, resource allocation, and outage management to enhance safety and reliability of maintenance and operational activities.
- Led emergency response and storm restoration efforts, minimizing outage durations and restoring service to customers safely and efficiently.
- Fostered a culture of safety and accountability through employee development and performance management initiatives, driving continuous improvement in operations.
Substation Operations Supervisor
Northern Indiana Public Service Company
Michigan City
12.2008 - 06.2014
- Supervised union electricians and technical personnel in maintenance, testing, and repair of substation equipment, ensuring safety and reliability of system operations.
- Planned, prioritized, and coordinated daily work activities and maintenance schedules, enhancing reliability and operational performance.
- Enforced safety standards and coached employees, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
Maintenance Supervisor
United States Steel Corporation
Gary
12.2006 - 12.2008
- Supervised maintenance personnel in inspection, repair, and preventive maintenance of heavy industrial equipment, ensuring safety and reliability in production operations within fast-paced steel manufacturing environment.
- Planned and coordinated maintenance activities, managed workforce resources, and partnered with operations teams to minimize downtime and enhance equipment reliability.
- Led safety and troubleshooting initiatives while driving continuous improvement that increased equipment availability and supported operational efficiency.
Avionics Technician / Shop Supervisor
United States Marine Corps
Havelock
10.2001 - 10.2006
- Led team of 25 Marines in avionics maintenance operations, achieving aircraft mission readiness and fostering personnel development while maintaining strict adherence to quality assurance and safety standards.
- Diagnosed, repaired, and maintained advanced electronic and avionics systems, ensuring high operational readiness in demanding, mission-critical environments.
- Coordinated maintenance activities and inspections to enhance equipment reliability and support operational objectives under tight deadlines.
Education
MBA - Master of Business Administration
Indiana University
IN01-2013
Bachelor of Science - Electronic Systems Technologies
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Carbondale, IL10-2006
Skills
- Equipment maintenance
- Project management
- Budget management
- Operational efficiency
- Technical training
- Risk assessment
- Asset optimization
Timeline
Substation Operation Performance Manager
Northern Indiana Public Service Company
11.2025 - Current
Superintendent- Substation Power Engineering
Northern Indiana Public Service Company
09.2015 - 11.2025
Substation Operations Manager
Northern Indiana Public Service Company
06.2014 - 09.2015
Substation Operations Supervisor
Northern Indiana Public Service Company
12.2008 - 06.2014
Maintenance Supervisor
United States Steel Corporation
12.2006 - 12.2008
Avionics Technician / Shop Supervisor
United States Marine Corps
10.2001 - 10.2006
MBA - Master of Business Administration
Indiana University
Bachelor of Science - Electronic Systems Technologies
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale