Steph Stoppenhagen is a Business Development Director for Connected Communities at Black & Veatch. She is recognized as a technology solutions expert, strategizing with clients to deliver value from smart infrastructure, networks and Big Data. Steph focuses on creating future technology solutions that demand eco-responsibility. With expertise in innovative technology development and team management, Steph has a track record of over 15 years in the creation, leadership and implementation of global, smart city programs. She has created transformational, high-visibility IT-based solutions for C-level clients. Her past experience includes the positions of Client Development and Technologist for CH2M, Senior Consultant for Schlumberger focused on energy and water and she was a Geo-Integration Officer and Business Consultant internationally with the US Department of Defense. Steph has a strong history with the EPA and a background in Secret Service projects. Stoppenhagen was also responsible for the ideation, the development and the patent of the methodology called SAFE™ Method (Solar Automated Feature Extraction), a process that automates the examination of Photovoltaic (PV) potential of rooftops. This method was replicated worldwide.