V2G Business, Policy and Technology Forum: Fall 2026

Tim Zgonena is a grid interconnectivity expert whose work helps advance grid efficiency, resiliency and safety through UL Solutions’ standards development and conformity assessment services. Tim has worked at UL Solutions since 1990, and in renewable energy resources, equipment and systems since 1996. Now serving as a principal engineer for Energy and Industrial Automation, Tim is a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff (DMTS) in the William Henry Merrill Society — a designation that recognizes staff members who make significant technical contributions to the safety missions of UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement and UL Solutions. He also earned an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 1906 Award for exceptional contributions to the IEC’s work in developing global electrical safety standards.

Zach is the Executive Director for VGIC, where he leads regulatory, policy, and market development efforts, covering utility rate and program design, interconnection rules and regulations, and managed charging and V2X technology in the leading VGI markets. Previously, Zach was a Senior Manager at Strategen, supporting go-to-market strategy for clients in the V2X and smart charging space. Prior to joining Strategen, Zach was a Project Manager with Bay-Area Environmentally Aware Consulting Network (BEACN) in energy strategy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics and Policy from the University of California, Berkeley.

Brian Calka is the senior vice president of Distribution Operations for DTE Electric. In this role, Brian oversees all aspects of the company’s electrical system, including engineering, field operations, vegetation management, emergency response, operational technology, asset management and regulatory functions. Prior to this role, Brian served as the vice president of Distribution Operations at DTE Electric, where he oversaw operations of the company’s electrical system, including engineering, field operations, vegetation management and emergency response. He has served in various positions throughout his DTE career, including roles in Corporate Finance, Electric Strategy and Renewable Energy. Prior to joining DTE, Brian worked at Ford Motor Company, where he held positions ranging from project management to plant floor supervision. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan. He is a trustee at Detroit-based The Children’s Foundation and a board member on several Northville youth sports organizations.

John Holmes is a Senior Principal Energy Advisor at American Honda Motor Company with over three decades of expertise in electric and hybrid vehicle research, design, diagnostics, and manufacturing, as well as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) technologies. A seasoned leader in sustainability, energy optimization, and program management, he has driven innovations in energy storage IP, product development across consumer, commercial, and industrial markets, and strategic cleantech ventures. John's career spans senior roles at UC San Diego, San Diego Gas & Electric, and multiple clean energy startups, combining technical depth with business acumen to advance transportation electrification, energy systems integration, and policy-driven market solutions.