PRINEVILLE, OR, January 12, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Chris Ott, EE, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Ott has established a distinguished career in electronic engineering and utilities, currently serving as principal engineer at Power Engineers/WSP USA since 2023. In this capacity, he leverages his expertise to lead innovative projects and guide teams in designing and implementing advanced utility solutions. He is also a Technical Director and physical security subject matter expert at WSP USA, a role he has held since 2023. In these positions, Mr. Ott is most proud of his ability to assist utility partners in designing and engineering safer, more resilient and more secure installations while identifying opportunities to reduce project costs. His efforts have contributed to significant savings for ratepayers by keeping the grid safe, protected and strengthened.

Prior to joining Power Engineers, Mr. Ott worked at Portland General Electric in Portland, Oregon, from 2014 to 2023, in corporate security. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in safeguarding critical infrastructure and developing strategies to mitigate risks across the organization. His leadership extended to active participation in the PGE Military Veterans Business Relations Group from 2015 to 2023 and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council Physical Security Working Group from 2014 to 2023.

From 2010 to 2014, Mr. Ott served as an engineer and project specialist at Convergint Technologies in Portland, Oregon. There, he managed complex engineering projects focused on security systems integration for utility clients. His earlier experience includes serving as a project manager, project lead, and field engineer at Allied Fire & Security in Eugene, Oregon, from 2009 to 2010, where he oversaw field operations and led teams on large-scale security installations.

Mr. Ott began his technical career at Protec Inc. in Portland, Oregon, from 2005 to 2009 as an apprentice, field engineer and lead technician. He developed foundational skills in electronic systems installation and maintenance during this period. Additionally, he worked as an armed transport officer with Brinks Armored Car in Portland, Oregon, from 2005 to 2006 while in college.

His professional journey is deeply informed by his military service with the United States Marine Corps. From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Ott served as a basic marine utility electronics specialist, then advanced to an electronic and utility expert for Rapid Response Command Control IIIMEF from 2002 to 2003. He then held the roles of platoon sergeant and section chief in 2003, followed by maintenance chief for the United States Marine Corps Special Operations from 2003 to 2004. He continued his commitment as a member of the Marine Individual Ready Reserve with the United States Marine Corps Special Operations from 2004 to 2006.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ott has demonstrated expertise in electrical, electronic engineering and utilities, earning recognition for his innovative contributions. He is a co-inventor of Meerkat, a digital twin threat-vulnerability risk mitigation assessment tool, with four patents pending as of 2025. This groundbreaking project exemplifies his commitment to advancing security technologies within the utility sector.

Mr. Ott's professional affiliations include membership in The American Legion since 2006, reflecting his ongoing dedication to supporting veterans and community initiatives.

His academic background includes earning a Bachelor of Applied Science in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Oregon in 2006. This educational foundation has been instrumental in equipping him with the technical knowledge required for his achievements across multiple sectors.

Mr. Ott holds several industry certifications that have furthered his expertise: Lenel Onguard Certified by LenelS2 (2021), certified in law enforcement investigation and interviewing by The Reid Institute (2016), certification in command and control systems and operational security from Department of Homeland Security ICS (2015) and operational security for control systems from United States Department of Homeland Security (2014). These credentials have enabled him to address complex challenges at the intersection of engineering and security.

He attributes much of his success to collaborations with innovative groups and values thoroughly vetted technology before implementation. Drawing on insights gained during his service with the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Ott understands both how critical infrastructure can be disrupted or neutralized and how best to defend against such threats.

Among his honors are being named a Kentucky Colonel by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2024 and receiving the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Ott was born in Inglewood and enjoys spending time on his ranch and horseback riding with his family, including his spouse, Katie, and their child, Lane.

Looking ahead, Mr. Ott aims to bridge gaps among engineers, security teams and land acquisition groups within the utility industry by fostering improved communication and collaboration across these sectors. With a unique blend of engineering acumen and security experience, he continues to strive to build a more resilient grid through enhanced cooperation among all stakeholders.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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