Perceptive Power Infrastructure, LLC believes that the best team to support rural communities is a team that comes from rural communities. We are here to make solar energy more accessible to people like us.
We’re not just a company that cares – we’re a company that knows. Together we have more than seven decades of experience working with energy cooperatives, electrical companies and renewable energy. This is our passion.
We develop lasting partnerships with our customers by traveling to where they are and having real conversations. Together, maybe over coffee, we talk through their concerns, needs and goals. We get to know each other. Then, we offer the energy solutions which work best for their communities. This is the perceptive approach.
Our Executive Team
Scott Tampke, Co-Founder
Scott is more than just an entrepreneur or an electrical engineer. He’s a man who values community and family. Thirty years in the energy industry has given him the experience and knowledge to build reliable products. His diverse background includes natural gas transmission and production, coal and natural gas fired electricity production, wind generation, energy storage and solar PV. Across sectors, Scott noticed that the energy industry was lacking the transparency necessary in a market which is undergoing massive change, especially in rural areas. This inspired him to create “The Perceptive Way Process.” Scott lives in Kansas with his wife and family. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BS in Electrical Engineering.
Gary Hurse, Head of Origination
With 38 years of diverse experience with municipalities and electric cooperatives, Gary understands how to support the energy needs of individual communities. He has managed electric cooperatives in Texas and New Mexico in addition to being employed by a G&T as well as the Statewide in Texas. His successes in renewable and thermal generation project development are proven. As CEO of one EC, he developed and managed the construction of a 46 MW natural gas plant interfaced with a 28.7 MW wind farm that were interconnected in the SPP integrated energy market. Gary has a BS in Industrial Engineering & Technology, Texas A&M and an MBA from University of Phoenix.
Dane Birkeland, Senior Analyst
As part of our team, Dane is able to combine his knowledge of and passion for data science, innovation and sustainability. He came to us as an experienced data manager and analytical developer from the air freight, logistics and multinational trucking sectors. Dane oversees our data management and analytical tool development for solar, battery storage and mixed energy projects, as well as leading our case study team. He has a BA in Applied Mathematics & Statistics from Carleton College in Minnesota. He’s currently pursuing a Master’s in Biosystems Engineering from Wageningen University and Research.
Kathleen Tampke, Head of Operations
Prior to joining our team, Kathleen was a management consultant in Washington D.C. where her clients ranged from mid-sized private organizations to federal agencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked as an emergency manager for private hospitals and state and local governments. Following her COVID response work, she worked as a change management consultant for the Food and Drug Administration. In addition to being a Six Sigma Green Belt and Certified Scrum Master, Kathleen has a Master's degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Heidi Pope, Head of Marketing
Heidi has been building brands since 2002 for in-house marketing agencies and as a consultant with multi-billion dollar companies in the United States and Europe. Her expert knowledge and execution of high-impact graphic design and marketing strategy produces proven results. Her diverse background includes hands-on experience in marketing consultation, design and project management. With Wisconsin roots, Heidi has previous experience working with the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, cranberry growers and Rural Water associations.
