Darin L. Houchin, P.E., Chief Executive Officer
Darin has worked in the natural gas utility and pipeline business his entire career. Darin began his career as a laborer for Illinois Gas Company, a mid-sized LDC in southeastern Illinois. Shortly after receiving his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois in 1989, Darin was named assistant general manager of Illinois Gas Company. Darin currently serves as President of Illinois Gas, as well as the CEO at USDI.
I love the fact that almost every day a client tells me what a great job one of USDI’s employees did helping them out with the solution to a problem. I want to continue to make sure USDI has the best people as well as the easiest to use, most effective and most affordable compliance solutions available as we continue to be a valuable resource and partner to our clients operating natural gas systems throughout the Midwest.
C. Lindsay Enloe, P.E., President
Lindsay has 28 years of experience in the natural gas industry. He joined USDI in 1980 as a project engineer. As president, Lindsay works with individual clients to solve problems associated with their natural gas utility and oversee the operations of the company. He has served on the NACE International Board of Directors, is past president of the St. Clair Chapter of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers and has been a speaker at various seminars and meetings on topics relevant to the natural gas industry.
Over the years I have developed some wonderful relationships with our clients. I tell our new employees that our clients are not only our clients, they are our friends. I consider many of them to be extended family. While we strive to provide superior assistance with the day-to-day operation of their utility, the true treasures we receive from our clients is the ability to see their families prosper and them as individuals to grow professionally.
Lindsay has provided design services for replacement and relocation projects for natural gas utilities for 24 years. These projects have included the preparation of plans and specifications necessary to complete the bidding process for major relocation jobs and new construction jobs. These projects have included initial route determination, design of all pipeline components including main sizing, coating specification, cathodic protection design, regulator station meter station design and odorization design. Lindsay has been responsible for all aspects of these projects from inception to preparation of contract documents, construction supervision and project close-out.
Most recently he was the lead engineer on the relocation of five miles of 8” main in Morton, Illinois, for improvements to Route 98. In this capacity, he was responsible for preparation of plans, specification and bidding documents, recommending the contractor for award and supervision of onsite inspectors. He also prepared all payment estimates and change orders. This project was completed in June 2004. Lindsay is also the lead engineer for a three-mile high pressure main extension for the Village of Waterloo, where he provides services from plan and specification preparation to construction supervision. In 2003, Lindsay designed the two-mile 10” main from the Curtis Road Station to St. Mary’s Road for the Abbott Power Plant Expansion and Rehabilitation Project on the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana campus.
Lindsay received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1980 and his master’s degree in 1988, both from Southern Illinois University. He is a registered professional engineer in Illinois, Missouri and Indiana. When Lindsay isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family. His hobbies include golf, reading, and home improvement projects.
Michael Weiler, P.E. – Senior Vice President Technical Services
After working for Ameren Illinois’s Gas Transmission Engineering group for 6 years, Michael joined USDI in 2015 as an engineer.
In 2008, he received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After graduating from the U of I, Michael joined Ameren Illinois’ Gas Transmission Engineering group where he was responsible for designing and managing transmission and high pressure distribution pipeline projects throughout Illinois. Some of the projects included relocating exposed pipelines, rebuilding regulator stations, and replacing large sections of pipelines in conflict with IDOT construction activities. In 2014, Michael was promoted to Supervising Engineer of Gas Transmission where he was responsible for managing a team of project engineers.
At every opportunity, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys and his hobbies include fishing, hunting, and riding dirt bikes.
Anthony W. Everette, P.E. – Senior Vice President (Unionville, MO)
Anthony joined USDI in 2008 as an engineer. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois in 1994. Anthony worked with Darin for three years in the Olney office and was recently promoted to Senior Vice President in the Unionville office.
Anthony has provided inspection,design, operator qualification and code compliance services to USDI’s gas utility clients. Most recently he was the lead engineer for the design of the Dane Renewable Energy renewable natural gas pipeline near Sun Prairie, WI. Anthony was responsible for developing plans & specifications for the high pressure steel pipeline delivering RNG to an interstate pipeline. Duties also included inspection and supervision of onsite inspections. Anthony is also responsible for performing and directing the compliance activities required for pipelines and utilities that USDI operates out of the Unionville office. He is currently a registered professional engineer in Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Illinois.
Anthony enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and his hobbies include gardening, camping, fishing, hunting and watching sports.
Jason Brangers, P.E. – Senior Vice President (Shelbyville, KY)
After serving nearly nine years as Program Manager for the Pipeline Safety Branch at the Kentucky Public Service Commission, Jason decided to join the USDI team in 2013.
In 1995, he earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky, and became a licensed professional engineer in 2000. After graduating from UK, Jason worked for an engineering/surveying firm as well as GPS/GIS consulting firm where he began working closely with utility companies, local governments, and public safety officials. In 2004 Jason went to work for the Kentucky PSC as a Public Service Engineer in the Engineering Division’s Water/Wastewater Branch. Jason accepted the position of Program Manager for the Pipeline Safety Branch at the PSC in 2005, where he was responsible for administering the natural gas pipeline safety program for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Jason served as Kentucky’s representative to the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR), where he also served as vice-chairman (2010-2011) and chairman (2012) of NAPSR’s Southern Region.
When Jason is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. Jason is also an avid woodworker and serves as Vice-President and Program Director for KYANA Woodcrafters, Inc., a local woodworking club.
Tyler E. Enloe, P.E. – Vice President Corrosion Services, Operations Manager (Belleville, IL)
Tyler began working for USDI in 2004 as a summer intern. He began full time in 2009 after graduating with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Tyler works directly with municipal clients to solve day to day regulatory and operations problems, as well as being involved with the operations of several pipeline systems where USDI is the operator of record.
When Tyler isn’t working he enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and friends. He also enjoys playing fastpitch softball, golf, football.
David Wood – Vice President Construction Services (Unionville, MO)
David joined USDI in 2001; however he has had 29 years experience in the natural gas industry. He has been an API -1104 qualified welder for 20 years. Building pressure regulating and metering stations, as well as installing mains, and service line construction are just a few of the challenges that David looks forward to daily. In addition, David also oversees the day to day operations of seven smaller LDCs in the northern Missouri area. He assists with odorization and construction projects for our clients in the mid-west.
In his spare time David enjoys spending time with his family, sports, farming, hunting and spending time at his cabin.
Taylor Browne, P.E., – Director of Business Development
Taylor began working full time for USDI in 2012, after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in General Engineering from University of Illinois. Taylor completes many operation and maintenance tasks on both transmission and distribution clients while assisting in the creation and updates of OME, DIMP, and TIMP Plans. Taylor is a NACE Certified Cathodic Protection Technician and is part of the USDI team that performs and analyzes ECDA surveys, cathodic protection system design, surveys and troubleshooting. Beyond engineering, Taylor is responsible for USDI’s presence in the industry at state, region and national trade shows.
Outside of work Taylor enjoys traveling, golfing, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
Michael Wendling, Engineer – Manger of Operator Record Services
Mike began working for USDI in the fall of 2011. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1986, Mike spent 25 years as a Manufacturing Engineer before joining the USDI team. While with USDI, Mike has worked primarily with meeting the jurisdictional requirements of both transmission pipelines and master meter systems.
When Mike isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys. He also enjoys home improvement projects, hunting, ATV riding, and church activities.
Andrew Smith, Engineer – Operations Manager (Wichita, KS)
Andrew graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 2013. Following graduation, he worked for Halliburton in Louisiana for 3 years.
In September 2016, Andrew joined the USDI team as Gas Engineer for the Kansas branch. His work for USDI primarily consists of Municipal Gas Distribution Operation, Integrity Management Programs, and system modeling for our Kansas and Oklahoma customers.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys golfing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends.
Mike Martin, Regional Manager
(Pittsboro, Indiana)
Mike comes to USDI with a great background including military service to our country, pipeline installation with Miller Pipeline and most recently experience as a pipeline safety analyst with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Mike lives in the Avon, IN area along with his wife and children.
Homer Gardner, Director of OQ Services and Safety
Homer came to USDI in August 2015 from Baker Hughes Oilfield Services. Homer started his career in Natural Gas with Western Atlas in 1997 on the Pipeline Inspection Crew, where he traveled the US performing smart pig operations for transmission pipeline companies. Homer started performing OQ evaluations for Baker Hughes in 2004 after going to school to be an evaluator in Lafayette, Louisiana. He performed OQ evaluations under NCCER and Veriforce for Baker Hughes Oilfield Services for the Northeast district. Homer was a Firefighter and Hazmat Tech for almost 20 years. He is a certified fire instructor for the State of Illinois and a Weapons of Mass Destruction instructor from Homeland Security. When Homer isn’t working he enjoys spending time with family, fishing and playing golf.
Chase Barnes, Engineer – CAD Design Manager
Chase graduated from Missouri S&T with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering in 2019 and began working at USDI shortly thereafter. With USDI, Chase works throughout the northern Midwest in all facets of natural gas pipeline development, ranging from design and compliance to construction and operation. Chase also works with clients to solve operational problems and answer questions they may have.
In his free time, Chase loves preparing/eating food of all kinds, spending time with his wife and pets, watching baseball, and going to the movies.
Daniel Deimel, Engineer – Manager of GIS Services
Daniel graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2018. Following graduation, he worked a year in the auto industry. Daniel joined USDI’s team in efforts to aid in the expansion of 192.GIS.
Outside of work, He enjoys watching sports, spending time with friends and family, going boating and riding ATVs.
Zachary Farhat, Engineer
Zachary graduated from Morehead State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Project Management and Civil Engineering Technology in December 2018. Directly after graduation I worked in the utility industry for an electric company in design distribution. Zachary joined USDI team to aid in the Shelbyville expansion effort.
Outside of work, Zac enjoys to play golf with friends, watching sports, and spending time with his dog.
Mitch Wiggins, Engineer
Mitch graduated from Missouri S&T with his bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering in 2020 and joined USDI as a Natural Gas Pipeline Engineer shortly after. Mitch spent a summer as an intern at a geotechnical firm specializing in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) design where he was able to experience everything from soil sampling to large scale HDD inspection. Another summer internship entailed working for a major oil and gas company as a drilling and completions engineer developing strategic economic approaches to capital projects and creating safer standard operating procedures throughout his business unit. His role at USDI branches to all aspects of pipeline design, construction, inspection, and compliance.
Outside of work, Mitch enjoys hunting, fishing, working on vehicles, and spending time with friends & family.
Sarah Brand, Engineer
Sarah graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelors in Engineering Technology in 2020. Shortly after graduating, she joined the USDI team as a Natural Gas Engineer at the Kansas branch. Her work primarily consists of municipal gas distribution system maintenance and operation.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys outdoor activities, watching tv shows, and spending time with family and friends.
Richard (Rick) J. Clyne, Operations Manager (Minnesota)
Rick Joined our team in 2020 as Operations Manager Minnesota; after graduating from Hennepin Technical College in 1989 with a 2 year degree in Residential and Commercial HVAC Rick bounced around to a few different places repairing and installing; in 1991 he began a 29 year career with CenterPoint Energy (formerly Minnegasco).
His duties included appliance repair and emergency response, in 1999 he took a job in the construction department and that is where he found his passion for all aspects of natural gas transmission and distribution systems. he went back to school (Anoka Technical College); and passed his first weld test in 2000, his duties included the installation and maintenance of steel and plastic lines, valves, regulator stations, meter installations, as well as emergency repair, equipment operation, and documentation. In 2009 he took a job as Operations Field Supervisor where he managed the day to day activities of 22 construction employees. In 2011 his path landed him in the Technical Training Department where he discovered new passions; teaching, and qualification. He became a CWI in 2012 which expanded his duties to include manual revisions procedure verifications, and working with auditors.
Rick performs and manages the compliance activities required for pipelines and utilities that USDI serves in Minnesota. Rick works directly with municipal clients to solve day to day regulatory and operations problems he represents our customers in regulatory audits, reviews operation and maintenance manuals, construction and service manuals, provides services such as welder qualifications, weld inspection, and welding procedure verifications. Rick enjoys spending time with loved ones, his hobbies include: all things welding, metal detecting, hunting, fishing, building off road vehicles, working on classic cars, and winning barbecue competitions, game on
Chad Greenwood, Manager of Construction Services (Olney, IL)
Chad is a Navy veteran and has more than 20 years of experience as an API 1104 Certified welder. Chad’s experience with pipeline projects, station work, tapping and stopping and directional boring allows him to provide unique insights into the best way to complete complicated projects and often you will find Chad in the field alongside our construction crews not only leading the project but helping complete it as well. Chad’s direct number is (618) 838-2769.
Kevin Zuber, Manager of Odorization Services (Olney, IL)
Kevin has years of experience maintaining and filling odorizers of all makes and models. Kevin directs our storage and the bulk delivery of Chevron-Phillips odorants to clients throughout the Midwest. If you have an odorant or odorizer question, you can be Kevin can probably answer it. Kevin also assists with various pipeline surveys, inspections and construction projects so he brings a complete package of experience to your odorization need. Kevin’s direct number is (618) 838-0047.