Leaders Gather to Celebrate the Carolinas Grid Engine

August 26, 2026
Categories: General News

UNC Charlotte welcomed leaders from government, industry, higher education and economic development for a reception celebrating the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas.

Chancellor Sharon Gaber joined U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, U.S. Reps. Richard Hudson ’96 and Mark Harris, Duke Energy President and CEO Harry Sideris, Board of Trustees Chairman Dontá Wilson ’97 and Vice Chancellor for Research and Interim CEO of the Carolinas Grid Engine John Daniels at the Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City on Monday, Aug. 24, for a program highlighting the importance of modernizing the electrical grid, strengthening the energy workforce and driving economic growth across the Carolinas and the nation.

Led by Charlotte, the Carolinas Grid Engine brings together more than 100 partners committed to advancing this work.

U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson ’96 and U.S. Rep Mark Harris
Duke Energy President and CEO Harry Sideris spoke on behalf of the engine’s business partners.
Chancellor Sharon Gaber with Board of Trustees Members Michael Smith (l to r), Vice Chair Sasha Weintraub and Chair Dontá Wilson ’97
Rob Keynton (l to r), dean of the W.S. Lee College of Engineering, Brian Maragno, VP for large generator product line at Siemens Energy Charlotte Hub, and U.S. Rep Richard Hudson ’96
Vice Chancellor for Research John Daniels (center) with Board of Trustees Members Henry Atkins (l) and Michael Smith
The guests represented leaders from government, industry, higher education and economic development.
Chancellor Sharon Gaber, Duke Energy President and CEO Harry Sideris and Board of Trustees Members Michael Smith, Chair Dontá Wilson ’97 and Vice Chair Sasha Weintraub pose with members of the Carolinas Grid Engine leadership team and governance board.

Learn more about the Carolinas Grid Engine.

Photos by Amy Hart