Some leaders of the A. I. E. E.

Severn D. Sprong, Manager of the Institute 1909–1912 and one of its Vice-Presidents 1912–14, is a native of Renssalaer County, New York. After completing the work of the common schools, he continued his studies for several years under special tutors. In 1893 he finished the General Electric Test and from then until 1898 served in various subordinate capacities in utility and special work. He then became Superintendent of the Electric Department of the Consolidated Gas Company of New Jersey at Long Branch, holding this position until 1900, when he was made Chief Engineer of the Central Electric Company, covering erection of central high-tension generating stations, transmission lines and four substations, — at Rahway, Perth Amboy, New Brunswick and Bound Brook, — replacing steam generating stations. Two years later he was chosen Assistant Chief Electrical Engineer of the New York Edison Company, remaining there until 1906, in responsible capacity engaged on the design of Waterside Station No. 2, numerous substations and transmission and distribution systems; also in the Williamsburgh Generating Station and several substations of the B. R. T. System, Brooklyn. From 1906 to 1909 he was associated with the design and construction of substations, transmission and distribution, and in charge of operations as Assistant Electrical Engineer for the United Electric Light & Power Company. Then for three years he was Chief Electrical and Mechanical Engineer for J. G. White & Company in charge of responsible direction of design and construction of numerous steam, hydro and transmission and distribution systems in the United States and Canada, also acting as advisor on various other projects along these lines. From the completion of this service until 1922 he was Chief Electrical Engineer for the Brooklyn Edison Company, in responsible charge of electrical engineering stations, substations, transmission and distribution, and all el- ctrical construction of stations, substations, and street transmission and distribution; he was also in charge of the Meter Department and the purchase of all electrical machinery and equipment. From 1922 until 1925 he was Vice-President and General Manager of the Orange County Public Service Corporation, the Orange County Hydro Electric Corporation, Pike County Light & Power Company, and the Cape May Illuminating Company, in executive control of these properties including their development and operation, as well as the construction of hydroelectric plants. He was also President of the Port Jervis Traction Company during this period. This entire group of properties included also three gas plants and the distribution systems.