Damir Novosel

President of Quanta Technology

Damir Novosel is president and founder of Quanta Technology and was president of Quanta Energized Services. Previously, he was president of KEMA T&D U.S. and vice president of ABB Automation Products. Dr. Novosel is an adjunct professor at North Carolina State University. Damir, a recognized industry business and technical leader, served on various boards and is presently a member of the Sandia National Laboratories Energy and Homeland Security External Advisory Board, S&C Advisory Board, and Mississippi State University Industry Advisory Board. Dr. Novosel developed and implemented several pioneering concepts and methods that helped improve reliability, security, and resilience of electrical power systems. He holds 18 US and international patents, published over 200 articles and reports, contributed to 8 books, and is regularly invited to be keynote and plenary speaker at industry events.

Damir, a member of the US National Academy of Engineers and IEEE Fellow and Life Fellow, served on the IEEE Standards Board and on several IEEE standards committees, as well as IEEE Smart Cities chair. He was IEEE Power Energy Society President, VP of Technology, chaired Executive Advisory Council and Industry Technical Support Leadership Committee, and received the IEEE PES Meritorious Service and Leadership in Power awards. Damir is CIGRE US National Committee VP of Nominations and received the CIGRE Philip Sporn, Attwood Associate, and Distinguished Member awards.

Damir holds PhD, MSc, and BSc degrees in electrical engineering from Mississippi State University (where he was a Fulbright scholar), the University of Zagreb, Croatia, and the University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, respectively. Dr. Novosel was selected as Mississippi State University Distinguished Engineering Fellow and received the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Ben Patton

Class of 2025

Ben Patton is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Renewable Energy Systems, along with a minor in Renewable Energy Assessment. During his time at NC State, he served as the team lead for the Solar District Cup for two consecutive years and helped establish the university’s first Solar District Cup club, serving as its inaugural president. His academic interests center on solar energy, power systems and sustainable infrastructure. A defining theme of Patton’s journey — academically, professionally and personally — has been the importance of context. Whether designing renewable energy systems, leading multidisciplinary teams or navigating the challenges of chronic illness and major surgery, he learned that understanding the full picture often matters as much as the details themselves. Context shapes perspective, guides problem-solving and helps determine what truly matters. Patton hopes to carry that mindset into a career in renewable energy and is deeply grateful for the family, friends, mentors and teammates who helped him reach this milestone.