Tom Ott, a member of Williamson’s board of trustees since 2016, died May 27, announced William Bonenberger 7W9, board chairman.
Bonenberger said, “Tom Ott was an incredible trustee and an even more incredible human being! He loved Williamson, the students, and our mission as much as anyone I’ve ever met. Long before becoming a trustee, Tom served Williamson as a consultant for our Power Plant Technology Program and Energy Island Project, most of it done pro-bono. Tom was one of the catalysts behind our new Electric Technology Program and was instrumental in working with our administration to create the curriculum. As trustees, we all greatly valued Tom’s opinion on any important policy question because we knew he was a man of deep faith and conviction, and would pray on it before offering it. Williamson lost a great family member with Tom’s passing and heaven gained an angel. God’s speed Tom!”
President Michael Rounds said, “We were sad to hear of the passing of our trustee and dear friend, Tom Ott. We appreciate Tom’s years of service on our board and his commitment to Williamson. He was a key advisor to our power plant director and program and was instrumental in developing our new electrical program. He was a wonderful person and I don’t think I have ever met a more faith-filled man. I am sure he is with the Lord in paradise now. Please keep his wife Andi and the rest of Tom’s family in your prayers.”
Ott shared his vast knowledge of the power industry for many years with Williamson and, as project manager, was instrumental in developing the Energy Island, an upgrade of the school’s power plant. As a trustee he served on the Buildings and Grounds and Personnel Committees.
As project manager for the Energy Island Project, he was a force that kept the project moving forward even when things slowed down because of a lack of finances. He also worked hard to save money by locating the most inexpensive equipment.
In 2005, he founded his own company, Industrial Energy Programs Co., LLC, and served as owner and president. His company offered industrial customers options of services from consulting to completed projects. The company also specialized in electrical distribution and back-up power customized to the customer’s needs.
Earlier, he was vice president of industrial sales at Alliant Energy Integrated Services; vice president, manufacturing national accounts, at Sempra Energy Solutions; senior director at Enron Energy Services, Industrial Group; founder and president of Palisades Energy Services; and president of Stone and Webster Energy Services. He began his career as project manager at ITE Imperial Corp.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical and industrial engineering at Drexel University and took additional courses at the Wharton Business School, Cornell University Business School, and at Northeastern’s Executive Development Program. He was a certified Professional Engineer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, a professional planner in New Jersey, and a Certified Cogeneration Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers.
In 2020, he received the board’s Isaiah Vansant Williamson Award for exemplifying in his life and work the ideals of the founder of Williamson College of the Trades.
Tom Ott’s funeral service is Friday, May 31, at:
Calvary Baptist Church
300 Georgetown Road
Carney’s Point, NJ 08069
Family viewing: 5:30-6:00
Public viewing: 6:00-7:30
Funeral service to follow.
