In this episode of Elevated Access, Chad Hughes sits down with Rebekah Subit, Vice President of Gas and Power at North Coast Gas Transmission, to discuss her unconventional career journey through the energy industry and the success factors that shaped her path. Rebekah shares the lessons she learned from beginning her career with a biology degree and an environmental role supporting interstate natural gas pipelines to positions in electric transmission siting, business development, and executive leadership. Rebekah details how embracing uncertainty, building relationships, and continually stepping outside her comfort zone led to a successful career.

Chad and Rebekah explore the importance of adaptability and relationship building. Rebekah details how many of her biggest career opportunities arrived before she felt fully qualified and why learning to say “yes” anyway became a defining part of her professional growth. She discusses the value of networking and mentorship, including through organizations such as the Women's Energy Network. She emphasizes that long-term success in the energy sector is built on trust, reliability, and genuine connections. For professionals working in anything from energy infrastructure to Right of Way, her perspective offers practical guidance on navigating change and building a meaningful career.

They also discuss the future of the energy industry, including the growing demand for power generation, natural gas infrastructure, data centers, and emerging technologies. Rebekah explains why she is excited about helping communities grow through energy development and why she believes the industry plays a critical role in improving quality of life. She closes with advice for professionals at every stage of their careers: stay curious, seek out mentors, treat everyone with respect, and don't wait until you feel completely ready before pursuing new opportunities.

"Most of the growth in my career has come at times when I haven't felt ready at all." - Rebekah Subit

About Rebekah Subit:

Rebekah Subit is Vice President of Gas and Power at North Coast Gas Transmission and an accomplished energy industry leader with more than 14 years of experience supporting natural gas and electric utility infrastructure. Throughout her career, she has worked across environmental permitting, interstate natural gas pipelines, power generation, electric transmission siting, business development, and strategic energy development, building a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping today's energy landscape.

A graduate of Marshall University with a degree in Biology, Rebekah began her career supporting environmental compliance and FERC-regulated natural gas pipeline projects before expanding her expertise into electric generation and transmission development with American Electric Power.

Prior to joining North Coast Gas Transmission, Rebekah held business development and client leadership roles with TRC Companies, where she worked closely with utility, energy, and infrastructure clients across North America. Rebekah is also an active supporter of professional development and mentorship through her involvement with the Women's Energy Network and other industry organizations.

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Rebekah Subit | Vice President, Gas and Power, North Coast Gas Transmission: Website | LinkedIn

Chad Hughes | CEO, Entrepreneurial Leader, Author: Website |LinkedIn

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In this episode of Elevated Access, host Chad Hughes sits down with Ron Vermeulen, founder of LandSolutions, to explore how a career in the right of way and land profession can shape skills that extend far beyond the industry. Ron shares his journey from early days in surveying to enrolling in the land agent program at Olds College, and eventually building a career across major organizations, including Amoco and Gulf Canada. His story highlights how adaptability and a willingness to step outside comfort zones can open doors and accelerate professional growth in land acquisition and right-of-way careers.

One thing Chad and Ron focus on is the transferability of skills developed in the land profession. Ron reflects on his experience leading process improvements, building cross-functional relationships, and navigating organizational change, particularly during his time in corporate environments. These experiences strengthened his confidence, communication abilities, and leadership approach, all of which became foundational when launching LandSolutions. Their conversation shows how technical expertise combined with strong interpersonal skills can elevate both individual careers and organizational performance within the right of way industry.

Ron also shares insights into his current chapter, where he has “retooled” rather than retired. From nonprofit leadership with the Tanzanian Children’s Fund to helping launch a family-run business, Hazel’s Ice Cream, Ron demonstrates how the people skills and service mindset developed in land continue to create impact in new arenas. His perspective offers valuable guidance for professionals at any stage, whether entering the industry or transitioning into a new phase, reinforcing that the skills built in right of way, land acquisition, and stakeholder engagement can support a lifetime of meaningful work.

“If you know somebody needs something and you can help, you have a responsibility to put those two things together.” — Ron Vermeulen

About Ron Vermeulen, P. Land, Founder (retired):

Ron Vermeulen founded LandSolutions in 2000 with a clear vision for the company. One where a noticeably different working culture and approach to business created sustainable long-term results for clients. He dedicated his 30+ year career to the land and public involvement in the energy sector. This commitment to the sector ignited his vision for a land company to operate with more impact as he worked his way up through the ranks at exportation and production (E&P) companies, in both surface land, public involvement, and joint interest. This company is LandSolutions as we know it today.

During his career, Ron was actively involved in many committees and Board positions while also providing guest instruction at Olds College, the University of Calgary, SAIT, Mount Royal College, as well as several industry-related educational initiatives. Ron still actively contributes as a member of our board and offers his time and energy to numerous charitable and community-based organizations. Ron has his Professional Land Designation (P. Land) - 1996, is a Life Member of CALEP (Canadian Association of Land and Energy Professionals), Honorary Life Member of LEMAC (Land and Energy Management Association of Canada), CALEP Merit Award Recipient, and CALEP Herb Hughes Memorial Award Recipient.

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Ron Vermeulen | P.Land, Founder (retired): LinkedIn

Chad Hughes | CEO, Entrepreneurial Leader, Author: Website |LinkedIn

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In this episode of Elevated Access, host Chad Hughes is joined by Jake Farrell of Omaha Public Power District and Mindy Leadholm of Washington County Public Works to preview the upcoming International Right of Way Association International Education Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. As conference co-chairs, Jake and Mindy share their professional journeys into the Right of Way industry, highlighting how mentorship, education, and association involvement helped shape their careers and leadership paths within IRWA. Their stories reflect a common theme across the profession: many find their way into Right of Way unexpectedly but stay because of the relationships, impact, and opportunities the industry offers.

The conversation also explores the importance of IRWA Region 3 and the chapters that make up the Midwest corridor, including Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas City, and St. Louis. With increasing demand for electric transmission and large-scale infrastructure development, the region is seeing significant growth in energy infrastructure and land acquisition activity. Jake discusses how rising electrical loads driven by AI and data center expansion are creating new transmission needs across the Midwest, while Mindy shares insights from the public sector side, working on roadway easements and community-focused projects.

Jake and Mindy also provide an inside look at what attendees can expect at the 2026 IRWA International Education Conference in Omaha. From the “Gateway to the West” conference theme to unique events like the welcome reception at the Henry Doorly Zoo and the Finnegan Fun Run crossing two states, the conference is designed to highlight both professional development and the culture of the Midwest. With more than 70 education sessions, networking opportunities, and a strong regional volunteer effort behind it, the event promises valuable learning and connection opportunities for Right of Way professionals across the industry.

“Come with a mentality of curiosity. Omaha has a lot to offer, and if you come looking for it, you’re going to find it.” — Jake Farrell

For more information on the IRWA 72nd Annual International Education Conference in Omaha from June 26 to 29, 2026, visit their website.

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About Jake Farrell:

Jake Farrell, SR/WA, is the Manager of Real Property and Land Management for Omaha Public Power District. Jake has been a member of the IRWA for ~20 years, and has served in all leadership roles at the chapter, region, and international levels during this time. Jake was the international president of the IRWA in 2021-2022. He is currently one of the co-chairs of the 2026 IRWA International Education Conference in Omaha this coming June!

• Jake Farrell on LinkedIn

About Mindy Leadholm:

Mindy J. Leadholm, SR/WA - Mindy is a Property Acquisition Manager for the Washington County Public Works Department in Minnesota. She’s worked at Washington County for 18 years and has been a member of IRWA for all of those 18 years. Within Chapter 20, Mindy is a past Chapter Education Chair (2011 – 2020), Secretary (2014 – 2015), Treasurer (2015 – 2016), President Elect (2016 -2017), President (2017 – 2019), and Director (2019 – 2020). Within IRWA Region 3, Mindy is a past Secretary/Treasurer (2020 – 2021), Region Vice Chair (2021 – 2023), and Region Chair (2023 – 2025). She is currently one of the co-chairs of the 2026 IRWA Education Conference in Omaha later this year.

• Mindy Leadholm on LinkedIn

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Chad Hughes | CEO, Entrepreneurial Leader, Author: website | linkedin

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