Nate Robie is the Manager of Unmanned Aircraft Systems responsible for federal, state regulations and expanding the use of drones throughout Dominion Energy. Drone use began at Dominion Energy in 2014 with a focus on electric transmission infrastructure in Virginia. The program has since grown under Mr. Robie’s leadership to encompass the entire 16 state footprint of Dominion Energy and across all operating segments of Power Generation, Power Delivery, Renewables and Gas Infrastructure. Dominion Energy’s UAS program is responsible for training, selecting drones with the optimal sensors as well as identifying drone use cases that improve safety and efficiency. These include equipment inspections, storm damage assessment, methane detection, surveys, corporate communications, and many other areas.
In his thirteen years of aviation experience, he has held various positions from air traffic control to airport operations in the military and civilian sector. While serving in U.S. Air Force Special Operations, he utilized unmanned and manned aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and executing close air support. Prior to Dominion Mr. Robie was an Aeronautical Operations Manager at The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, where he ensured safe operations of a Part 139 certificated airport with over 1,100 daily flights. Mr. Robie has a passion for aviation and implementing innovative solutions to improve operations. Mr. Robie is also on the board of directors for Unmanned Systems Association of Virginia and board of advisors for Virginia Unmanned Systems at the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation.
