Rusty Vance currently holds the position of Manager of UAV Flight Operations at Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).

Rusty is leading efforts to establish operating procedures and policies, including standard flight operations, ground operations policies, and safety policies. Rusty ensures compliance with FAA requirements in addition to company procedures, he is the lead UAV flight operations liaison for the Utility and fosters vital supplier relationships.

Rusty has 12 years in the electric utility industry and started his career in transmission line operations. During his career at PG&E, he has filled the roles of Towerman, Electric Safety Specialist, and Transmission Line Supervisor. He has an extensive background in utility operations and emergency management and filled Incident Command leadership roles on many major wildfire and storm restoration incidents. In 2019 Rusty left PG&E to work for Quanta Services, where he served as a Director of Operations, Aviation, and Regional Director before returning to PG&E in mid-2022. At Quanta Services, he oversaw large aviation operations for utilities across the western US, developed safety programs, coached and led operating unit organizations, and focused on business development, customer relationships, and experiences.

Before entering the electric utility industry, Rusty spent ten years as a Firefighter/EMT at Cal Fire and Red Bluff City Fire Department. He is heavily involved with his community and works actively with local non-profits supporting first responders.