Chris Ott is a Principal Substation Engineer, Physical Security Expert, and Consultant at WSP, with more than 20 years of experience in critical infrastructure protection, threat analysis, and risk mitigation within the power and energy industry. He specializes in the design and implementation of secure utility facilities across the United States, helping clients identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and develop practical security solutions that protect critical assets and maintain operational resilience. His expertise spans physical security planning, site selection, sabotage prevention, and regulatory compliance, providing clients with comprehensive strategies for securing essential infrastructure.
Prior to joining WSP, Chris spent nine years supporting corporate security operations at Portland General Electric, where he gained extensive experience in utility security programs and critical asset protection. He brings a unique blend of technical, operational, and security expertise, supported by a background in electronics engineering and military training in power generation, power distribution, and anti-terrorism operations. Chris is highly knowledgeable in industry standards and regulations, including NERC CIP-014, and has previously held certifications as an installer, designer, and programmer for a variety of security systems. Recognized for his ability to solve complex security challenges through innovative and practical solutions, Chris is a trusted advisor to utilities and infrastructure owners seeking to strengthen the security and resilience of their most critical facilities.