New to Cherryland’s engineering department, Chris Vermeulen brings an international perspective to his work. Born in South Africa, Chris received his college degree in New Zealand before moving to the United Sates and later settling down in Michigan. We sat down with Chris recently to ask him about how he made his way to Cherryland Electric Cooperative.

Q: Please tell us about your background— where you grew up and how you eventually got to the Traverse City area.

A: I was born in South Africa, raised there for 10 years and then immigrated to New Zealand in 1999. After completing my engineering degree, I took a ‘gap’ year to travel the world and get abetter perspective.

In the summer of 2012, I ended up working on a dude ranch named Sundance Trail in Colorado, where I met my lovely wife. After working on the ranch, she came with me to South Africa where I had already acquired an engineering position.

After two years, we moved to Traverse City, where we got married in December, 2014.

I have a deep love for sports going back to before I could walk (I was kicking a ball around literally before I could walk). Growing up, I did athletics (track and cross country) and played hockey nonstop for more than 15 years. I am quite a relaxed, easy going person but always keen for a challenge.

Q: Tell us about your education.

A: I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and graduated with honors in 2011.

Q: How about your hobbies? What do you like to do when you’re not working?

A. I love the outdoors, so anything outdoors: hiking, camping, target shooting/hunting, white water kayaking, rock climbing… I like anything sports wise, especially if it involves a ball of any shape or size. I also enjoy building model-sized remote controlled aircraft where I can use my 3D printer and utilize my degree.

Q: How did you get interested in engineering? Did it come naturally?

A: I was always asking ‘why?’ and after having something explained to me, I followed up with ‘but what if?’ So engineering really did come naturally.

Q: What is your role here at Cherryland?

A: In a nutshell, my role is to assist with SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) operations, helping to update the existing network by conducting phase balancing studies, reviewing protection schemes and so forth. All of the above roles ultimately result in reduced power outages and the lowering of operational costs for the members of Cherryland Electric Cooperative.

Q: What’s it like working for a cooperative?

A: I really do enjoy the close working relationship that everyone has here at Cherryland. It’s like being in one big, happy family where everyone is member focused. Having been employed at Cherryland for less than a year, I can honestly say that I already feel part of the family, and that I am privileged to be a part of such an awesome group of people.