Meet the Trainers

Ryan Beyers is a renewable energy professional with extensive experience in the wind industry, beginning his career in 2012. As a subject matter expert in working at heights, he brings deep knowledge of safety practices, field operations, and risk mitigation to his teaching.

Ryan holds a Bachelor’s in Fire Service Management and a Master of Science in Technology with a concentration in Training and Development from Eastern Illinois University. His educational background, combined with years of field experience, allows him to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant training to aspiring wind technicians.

Since 2017, Ryan has been dedicated to developing the next generation of renewable energy professionals, focusing on hands-on skills, safety leadership, and real-world application.

Outside the classroom, Ryan is a committed Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and a black belt, channeling his passion for discipline, perseverance, and continuous improvement into both his personal and professional life.

Ben Tomlin is a dedicated wind energy professional who began his career in 2015 and has since gained extensive experience in turbine maintenance, site operations, and team leadership. He is a graduate of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), where he completed the Wind and Industrial Maintenance program and earned his Associate of Science degree.

From 2019 to 2021, Ben served as a Site Lead for Vestas, overseeing daily operations, safety practices, and technician performance. His leadership background directly enhances his teaching approach, emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, and industry-ready skills.

Ben has been teaching since 2021, bringing real-world expertise and a passion for developing future wind technicians into the classroom.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with his family and staying active outdoors. He is an enthusiastic cyclist and a regular participant in RAGBRAI, riding his bike across the state of Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi.

Caleb Sturgeon is a renewable energy professional with extensive experience in the wind industry. He is a graduate of Iowa Lakes Community College, where he earned an AAS in Wind Energy/Turbine Technology.

Caleb worked for Mortenson Construction in multiple technical roles, including wind turbine construction, major component exchange, and generator refurbishment. He later joined NextEra Energy in 2018 as a Wind Tech 3, working at several sites and advancing to Wind Tech 1. During this time, he played an active role in training coworkers, supporting new hires through the Safety Mentorship Program and providing one-on-one instruction on safe operation of MV equipment through Padmount Transformer SME training.

In 2023, Caleb transferred to the NextEra Energy Renewable Training Center to return to his home state of Iowa. He is currently the curricula owner for several courses, with a primary focus on Medium Voltage Switching and Mid-Level Components.

Outside of work, Caleb enjoys a wide range of creative and active hobbies, including laser printing custom art, looping music on baritone saxophone and didgeridoo, biking to work, and fire-spinning with a dragon staff.

Barry Bethea began his professional career in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Crash Fire Rescue Operative. In that role, he developed and executed advanced emergency response techniques to rescue personnel during aircraft incidents—operating in high-risk, high-pressure environments where precision, teamwork, and discipline were critical. He later fulfilled a B-billet assignment as a Marine Corps Recruiter, where he honed his leadership, communication, and mentorship skills while guiding and developing future Marines.

Following his military service, Barry transitioned into the renewable energy sector with NextEra Energy Resources as a Wind Technician. In this capacity, he applies technical expertise and problem-solving skills to maintain and repair wind turbines, contributing directly to the reliability and performance of clean energy infrastructure. His ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical systems reflects both his military training and his commitment to operational excellence.

Currently residing in Iowa—though proudly carrying his Texas roots—Barry is widely recognized as a collaborative and positive presence on any team. He takes initiative to share his knowledge and field experience, fostering growth and capability among his peers. With five years of teaching experience, he brings a structured, patient, and mentorship-driven approach to both technical training and team development.

Outside of work, Barry enjoys spending time with his dog, Daisy, and visiting his local dance hall, where he showcases his line dancing skills. His balance of discipline, technical proficiency, and approachability makes him a valued professional and a trusted teammate.

Charlie Roenfanz is a renewable energy professional with extensive experience in the wind industry. He began his career in 2012 assisting in the founding and building of a wind turbine blade manufacturer.

From 2012 to 2013, Charlie worked with Global Blade Technology in every aspect of turbine blade manufacture from mold making and tooling to production and repair. In 2013, he joined NextEra as a blade repair technician on the Major Component Task Force, becoming a certified tower rescue trainer in 2015. He continued working with MCTF and Central Maintenance in blade repair, major component exchange and mid-level repairs. In 2020, he accepted a position as a lead technician on the blade repair team where he also worked to establish training, processes, and career development for the BRT.

In 2025, Charlie joined the Renewable Training Center as a senior instructor for foundational wind safety training, as well as a subject matter expert on working at heights, rigging, and tower rescue. Charlie also supports wind Basic Technical Training and works to develop and improve curricula for all aspects of safety and renewable energy support.

Outside of work Charlie enjoys spending time with his wife and three teenagers, especially while traveling and exploring food, architecture, and nature across the country and abroad. His passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others has been the foundation of both his personal and professional life.

Jesse Hisel is a technical specialist focusing towards the solar industry and foundational level training for both experienced and inexperienced technicians. He began his career in 2012 as a wind turbine technician after attending Iowa Lakes Community College for Wind Turbine Technology.

From 2015 to 2024, Jesse worked for NextEra Energy at their Generation repair and Service (GRS) facility in Story City, IA. During that time, he held a few different responsibilities but focused on repairing power electronics from the renewable industry. Working at GRS, Jesse was able to hone his skills and knowledge of not only electronics repair, but also mechanical repair, inventory compliance, heavy and light tooling usage, R&D, and administrative duties.

In early 2024, Jesse switch to a different role at the Renewable Training Center where his day-to-day tasks include instructing foundational level training for new solar technicians and helping wherever needed. Jesse is continuously developing his knowledge of all renewable industry aspects and enjoys the challenge of new technologies.

Outside of work Jesse enjoys all aspects of DIY home and vehicle ownership, and the small family that keeps him busy. To stay level-headed, he listens to metal music while creating and building things out of wood and metal in a small workshop at home. Jesse loves trying new foods and is delighted when asked about restaurant recommendations.

Scott Dunsmoor is a dedicated renewable energy professional who began his career in 2014 and has since gained extensive experience in turbine maintenance, and site operations. He is a graduate of Iowa Lakes Community College, where he completed their wind turbine technology program and earned his Associate of Science degree.

From 2014 to 2023, Scott served as a wind technician for NextEra Energy.

Scott has been teaching at the Renewable Training Center since 2023, bringing real-world expertise and a passion for developing future wind technicians into the classroom.

Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending time with his friends and family.

Trent Nylander is a Senior Technical Services Specialist at NextEra Energy. His role focuses on supporting power generation delivery through technical services, training development, and field support for wind energy assets across the NextEra Energy fleet.

He has developed expertise in wind turbine systems, including drivetrain assemblies, hydraulic power units, yaw systems, and electrical cabinets. His technical knowledge covers both mechanical and electrical systems, from generator and gearbox maintenance to control system troubleshooting and safety protocols.

Prior to his current role, Trent gained hands-on experience working directly with wind turbine systems in the field. His background in turbine operations and maintenance has provided him with practical insight into the challenges technicians face daily, which tailored his approach to training development and technical support across the fleet.

Nicholas Day is a renewable energy professional with extensive experience in the wind industry. Prior to entering the field, Nicholas served 7 years in the Iowa Army National Guard, where he developed strong leadership and technical skills.

From 2019–2021, Nicholas worked for Siemens in wind turbine operations and maintenance. He joined NextEra Energy in 2021 as a Wind Tech 3 and quickly advanced to Wind Tech 1, demonstrating exceptional technical aptitude and dedication. During his time in the field, Nicholas became a certified rescue trainer, safety mentor, and Working at Heights SME. He played a key role in generator bearing exchange projects and traveled to multiple sites across the fleet to assist with training, maintenance, and troubleshooting complex technical issues.

In recent years, Nicholas transitioned to RTC, where he now serves as an instructor specializing in safety, rescue training, high voltage, and medium voltage systems. He is currently the curricula owner for the Collection and Switching Foundations course.

Outside of work, Nicholas is devoted to his wife of 10 years and their five children. He is active in his church community and coaches youth wrestling and soccer. An avid outdoorsman, Nicholas enjoys hunting and backcountry mountain climbing with his wife. The family lives on a small hobby farm where they raise horses