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David W. Roop

B.S., Electrical Engineering, 1976

Induction year: 2026

David Roop is a nationally recognized leader in electric power transmission, grid reliability, and infrastructure resilience. But his path to the profession began close to home. As a child, he was fascinated by a neighbor who was an engineer and shared emerging technologies, including early home computing systems. He was equally influenced by a power company engineer who spoke about the satisfaction of work that directly serves people and communities. “These experiences piqued my interest, so I got a summer job as an electrician apprentice to gain hands-on experience,” Roop said. “That further convinced me this was a field I wanted to pursue.”

That early curiosity launched a 43-year career in the electric utility industry, including nearly two decades as director of electric transmission operations and reliability at Dominion Energy. In this role, Roop oversaw the operation of thousands of miles of transmission lines and hundreds of substations across multiple states, helping ensure the reliability and resilience of critical infrastructure until his retirement in 2020. 

Since then, Roop has remained deeply engaged in the field as a power industry consultant and adjunct professor of practice in Virginia Tech’s Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He continues to advance the profession through teaching, research, and service while mentoring the next generation of engineers. “The lessons I learned at Virginia Tech taught me to continuously learn and gave me a foundation not to ignore problems, but to take them on and solve them,” he said.

Professional roles:

  • Power Industry Consultant, DWR Associates, LLC, 2020–Present
  • Adjunct Professor of Practice, Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2019–Present
  • Director, Electric Transmission Operations and Reliability, Dominion Energy, 2001–2019
  • Director, Bulk Power Projects, Dominion Energy, 1999–2001
  • Manager, Transmission Lines, Dominion Energy, 1998–1999
  • Manager, Electric Transportation, Dominion Energy, 1997–1998
  • Manager, Conservation and Power Quality, Dominion Energy, 1996
  • Manager, Conservation, Dominion Energy, 1992–1996
  • District Manager (Urban), Charlottesville District, Dominion Energy, 1987–1992
  • Supervisory and Engineering Roles in Substation Design, Engineering and Operations, Dominion Energy, 1987–1992
  • Protective Relaying System Developer, Virginia Electric and Power Company, 1982

Boards and committees:

  • Board of Directors, Southern States LLC, 2023-Present
  • Electric Infrastructure Security Council Electric Subsector Committee, 2020-Present
  • Vice President, Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine, 2019-Present
  • Treasurer, Vice President, President, CIGRE U.S. National Committee Board, 2013-2020
  • National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Annual Meeting Forum Planning Committee, 2020
  • NAE Committee on Key Goals and Innovations Needed for a U.S. Compact Fusion Pilot Plant, 2020-2021
  • NAE Electric Power/Energy Systems Engineering Peer Committee, 2021-2024
  • NAE Energy Working Group of the President's Business Advisory Committee, 2021-2023
  • NAE Bernard Gordon Prize Committee, 2022-2024

Awards and honors:

  • Academy of Distinguished Alumni, Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2022
  • CIGRE Distinguished Member Award, 2022
  • CIGRE USNC Attwood Associate Award, 2020
  • National Academy of Engineering, 2018
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Power and Energy Society Leadership in Power Award, 2014
  • Daily Press, Recognized as one the top 100 Volunteers in Charlottesville, Virginia, 1992

What's one of your favorite memories from Virginia Tech?

My favorite memories were going on dates with my future wife, Bonnie, another Hokie, going to the Ring Dance, IEEE student chapter picnics, and the elective electrical engineering classes in my senior year.

Who influenced you during your career and/or time at Virginia Tech?

My father influenced me to work hard and treat others with respect. Dr. Skutt and Dr. Grigsby gave me an appreciation for electrical engineering by encouraging me to explore as much as possible and get involved with the IEEE, eventually becoming president of the student chapter at Virginia Tech.

What led you to your chosen profession?

In high school I had a neighbor that was an engineer, and he allowed me to play with some of the things they were developing, such as home computing. Another influential person was an engineer at a power company, who discussed how his work was satisfying by helping people. This piqued my interest, so I got a summer job as an electrician apprentice to receive hands-on experience, which further convinced me that this area was something I would like to do for a career.

How have you utilized your Virginia Tech degree in your career?

The lessons I learned at Virginia Tech have taught me to continuously learn with a foundation that allowed me to not ignore a problem, but to strive to solve it. While at Virginia Tech, I was a resident advisor and head R.A., which showed me the importance of volunteering and helping others.

What advice would you share with your younger self just starting off in your career?

I would encourage my younger self to take time to reflect on things around you such as family, friends, and the trajectory of the industry chosen. Life moves faster than you think.

How do you know if you have chosen the right profession?

When you can get up each day and going to work is not considered a chore but rather something you enjoy doing, then you have chosen the right profession. I have been blessed to have chosen the right profession.

Please note: Inductee spotlight is as of the year of their induction.