Leader in Energy Technology Peter M. Kelly III Joins Illinois Tech’s Board of Trustees
CHICAGO—Peter M. Kelly III (ME ’01, M.Eng. ECE ’04), a licensed professional engineer with more than 20 years of power industry experience, has been elected to the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) Board of Trustees.
Peter Kelly worked in the Chicago construction industry until his late 20s, when he left to attend Oakton Community College and then Illinois Tech as a commuter student in Armour College of Engineering. He graduated in 2001 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering, two courses shy of a double major in electrical engineering, and later returned to Illinois Tech to obtain his master’s in electrical and computer engineering and a certificate in power engineering while working in the engineering industry.
“Between my bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and certificate, I’ve been able to participate in three industry-leading programs at Illinois Tech,” says Kelly. “I am a huge believer in Illinois Tech’s commitment to advancing the engineering in Chicago and lifelong learning, and I am thrilled to be able to give back to an institution that has given me so much over the years.”
Peter Kelly’s career in the electric power industry includes includes 10,000 megawatts of installed new power plant design with clients throughout the world including Israel, China, Saudi Arabia, and the Americas in his previous role as senior vice president at Sargent & Lundy. He has now shifted focus to lead the group at Middough Inc. developing electrical power projects across major industries outside of traditional energy applications, such as refining, metals, petrochemical, and agriculture industries.
Middough Inc. is a top engineering, architectural, and management firm that provides a full range of traditional and specialized design, technical, and management services worldwide. Founded in 1950, Middough teams with world-class clients to deliver high-tech processes and facilities to a broad spectrum of commercial, process, institutional, life science, and manufacturing industries.
Peter Kelly has led complex projects at operating plants and implemented new facility design using advanced class combined cycle, environmental control retrofits, waste-to-energy, biomass, energy storage, solar, environmental retrofit, and carbon capture (CO2) projects. His current work is in advancing America’s energy transition with a particular focus on carbon capture, energy storage, hydrogen energy, and other disruptive energy technologies.
“Peter’s passion for enriching the greater Chicago community is evident in his ongoing efforts to enhance the strong history of collaboration between Illinois Tech and industry partners,” says Raj Echambadi, president of Illinois Tech. “Advocates like Peter, who are committed to advancing our ability to support and develop a strong Illinois Tech community, particularly in the engineering field, are invaluable to our standing as Chicago’s tech university.”
Peter Kelly has worked to support the university’s mission to produce a diverse group of excellent engineers and technical professionals. He works closely with Armour College of Engineering professors to bridge the gap between industry and the university, including now working alongside professors and mentors who taught him during his time studying at Illinois Tech.
“Peter Kelly has been a tireless advocate for Illinois Tech,” says Ernie Iseminger, vice president for advancement at Illinois Tech. “For more than 20 years, Peter has been a champion for our shared priority of creating engineering opportunities for students and their families, right here in Chicago.”
About Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology, also known as Illinois Tech, is a private, technology-focused research university. Illinois Tech is the only university of its kind in Chicago, and its Chicago location offers students access to the world-class resources of a great global metropolis. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. One of 22 institutions that comprise the Association of Independent Technological Universities, Illinois Tech provides an exceptional education centered on active learning, and its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Illinois Tech uniquely prepares students to succeed in professions that require technological sophistication, an innovative mindset, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Visit iit.edu.
