Henk de Swardt
EASA Technical Support Specialist
 A native of Johannesburg, South Africa, he holds a bachelor of science in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Johannesburg. de Swardt worked at various companies for 16 years as an engineer, engineering manager and engineering director before accepting a position as head of ABB’s Electric Motor Design Department in its large motors manufacturing plant in Johannesburg. In that role, he integrated global ABB manufacturing technology into local operations, managed contracts and supported technical sales for motors up to 40 MW. He also conducted design verification, improved design systems and collaborated with customers to resolve technical challenges.
de Swardt moved to Orlando, Florida, USA in 2015 when he accepted a motors and generators service position with Baldor Electric Company – A Member of the ABB Group. While there, he managed the operations department, overseeing repairs, warranties and service jobs across the U.S. More recently, de Swardt worked as a chief electrical engineer for The Timken Company and led engineering teams in three separate repair workshops.
de Swardt has served on EASA’s Technical Services Committee since 2021, has authored 34 technical papers, holds 17 patents and has spoken at a variety of IEEE and other industry events.
Billy Higgs
EASA Technical Support Specialist
 William “Billy” Higgs, an electric motor professional with 36 years of experience. Higgs has traveled worldwide throughout his career and has overseen and worked on various projects in the electrical rotating equipment industry. He also brings hands-on and training experience to his EASA role.
Higgs most recently wrapped up a 19-year career with Shermco Industries in Irving, Texas, as the director of process and quality. In this position, he developed training for shop services, industrial field services and wind field services. He also conducted training online with the company’s technicians and developed training that could be monitored offline for field service technicians. Prior to this, Higgs worked as a machine services division manager for Shermco. In this role, he scheduled and supervised as many as 73 personnel. He also provided daily electrical and mechanical technical assistance to internal and external customers. Prior to Shermco Industries, Higgs worked for seven years at Equipment Maintenance Services in Phoenix, Arizona. There he worked as an electrical rotating equipment division leader. Higgs also scheduled and supervised as many as 37 personnel, provided daily technical assistance to customers and personnel and conducted training for safety, quality, equipment and efficiency. For the first 10 years of his career, Higgs worked as a winding supervisor/ trainer for Mohler Technology in Boonville, Indiana.
Higgs holds an associate of applied science degree in electronics technology from Indiana Vocational Technical College. He has also completed coursework in electrical engineering technology and electrical engineering from the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Kennedy Western, respectively.
Mike Howell, PE
EASA Technical Support Specialist
Mike Howell joined EASA's staff in 2012 and has worked in the electromechanical industry since 1995. His experience includes redesigns, insulation system development, accelerated life testing, failure analysis and diagnostic testing. Howell has presented seminars and short courses on stator winding design for EPRI and others. He has a master’s degree in engineering and is a licensed professional engineer.
Howell is an active member of IEEE and participates in IEEE standards development. He is also a senior member of ASQ and is certified as an ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt, ASQ Quality Auditor and ASQ Quality Engineer. Howell also serves on a USNC Technical Advisory Group for rotating machinery.
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