Managing Member
Managing Member
Operations Administrative Assistant
Sales & Business Development
Project Manager
Administrative Director
Field Crew Operator
Project Coordinator
Safety Coordinator
Construction Accountant
Administrative Assistant
Creating a culture of honesty and integrity for the team and associates is a value that Maureen is committed to and strives to instill in all aspects of the company’s decisions. Maureen believes that relationships go beyond a proposal and a completion date. It begins with the initial contact that a prospective associate has with the ClearPath team. Planning with the end in mind means learning their associate’s expectations from the start through clear and concise communication. Maureen leads the team with over 27 years in the utility service industry. She began her career with AEP in 1990 in the customer service/commercial marketing department. She joined the family business in 1997 where she oversaw the human resources and safety departments. In 2007-she co-created ClearPath Utility Solutions, LLC. with her husband, Rod. Maureen holds a BA in Speech Communications and Sociology from Muskingum University. Maureen is a current Board Member for Guernsey Muskingum Electric Coop and a member of the Zanesville Day Rotary. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our Team?
Be coachable and teachable. Be a team player. Be willing to give feedback, but also accept it.
Favorite Animal:
Dog
Rodney J. Riley brings over 25 years of experience in directional drilling and utility construction, with a career defined by tackling complex projects and delivering results where others fall short.
Raised in a family-owned utility business, Rod gained hands-on experience early installing drops, climbing poles, and working in both aerial and underground construction. This early exposure built a deep understanding of field operations and the importance of completing work efficiently and correctly the first time.
In the late 1980s, Rod expanded into permitting, drafting, and system design, developing a strong focus on productivity and performance. He later transitioned into software development, building systems that streamlined operations and improved efficiency, including work on large-scale applications such as the CMOP (Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy) system. This combination of field experience and technical expertise continues to shape his approach to problem-solving in the field.
In 1996, Rod and his wife, Maureen, co-founded Strong Tower Systems, leading drilling operations across multiple states. The company became an early adopter of advanced drilling techniques, including rock drilling and wireline crossings, successfully completing complex projects such as a 2,114-foot bore across the Chester River in Maryland.
In 2007, seeking to take on larger and more challenging work, Rod and Maureen founded ClearPath Utility Solutions, LLC. Under Rod’s leadership, ClearPath has grown into a company known for executing specialty bores that others consider too difficult—projects involving rock, long distances, deep installations, and high-risk conditions where precision and experience are critical. Today, ClearPath operates across multiple states and is recognized for solving difficult field challenges while consistently delivering high-quality results.
Leadership Philosophy
Rod’s leadership philosophy is rooted in continuous improvement, critical thinking, and professionalism:
Today, ClearPath continues to push the limits of directional drilling, delivering high-risk, high-precision bores that set new standards in the industry.
Allye Filkins serves as an Operations Administrative Assistant at ClearPath Utility Solutions, where she plays an important role in keeping projects organized and running smoothly. Known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and team-focused mindset, Allye enjoys supporting both the office and field teams to help ensure projects stay on track from start to finish.
Outside of work, Allye’s life centers around her family. As a wife and mother of four, she is well-accustomed to balancing a busy schedule with dedication and care. She also enjoys deer hunting and spending time on her hobby farm, which includes 13 goats, two kune kune pigs, a dairy cow, five chickens, two rabbits, and a dog.
Allye brings the same commitment, resilience, and heart to her role at ClearPath as she does to her family and farm life.
Darin has been part of the ClearPath family for 8 years and married to his wife Stephanie and they have two dogs, Bangles and Nibbles. His favorite snack is Ice cream and his favorite color is green. He is a Buckeyes and Cowboys fan and says he has several pet peeves. His piece of advice is to “work as if you are having to pay yourself”. His favorite vacation destination is anywhere with mountains.
Blaine Klaus serves as a Project Manager at ClearPath Utility Solutions, LLC, where he has been a key member of the team since 2020. With extensive experience in telecommunications construction, Blaine oversees multiple fiber build and replacement projects, managing several foremen and field crews while ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Blaine began his career at ClearPath as an HDD Operator and Fiber Splicer, quickly demonstrating strong technical knowledge and leadership ability. His hands-on experience in underground utilities and project execution helped propel him into project management, where he now leads large-scale fiber infrastructure projects across the region.
Prior to joining ClearPath, Blaine worked with Mid-Ohio Pipeline Services in gas pipeline operations, rising to a leadership role within his crew. He also proudly served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, completing two tours in Afghanistan before receiving an honorable discharge.
Blaine lives in Hopewell, Ohio with his wife and two children. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his family and following NASCAR.
Katherine Klaus serves as Administrative Director at ClearPath Utility Solutions. She joined the company in 2014 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Earth Science from Muskingum University, starting her career as an administrative assistant. Over the years, Katherine has played a key role in supporting ClearPath’s growth from a small team of 16 employees to more than 50.
In addition to her work at ClearPath, Katherine co-owns Royal Flush Mobile Restrooms, a luxury restroom trailer rental company serving events across Ohio, recognized with The Knot’s Best of Weddings award and the 2025 BizX America Favorite Neighborhood Business award. She was also honored as one of Licking County’s Top 20 Under 40 leaders in 2025.
Katherine lives in Hopewell with her husband, Blaine, and their two children.
Her advice to new employees: “Invest in yourself. You don’t know what you don’t know, and the only way to continue growing is to keep learning.”
Favorite Animal:
Horse
Favorite Animal: Horse
Michaila has been with the company since 2019. She has been married to Dillion for 2 years and together for 8 years. Together they have two Flemish rabbits, Copper and Queen, one husky named Rin Tin Tin and an Axolotl named Rico. Her favorite snack is dark chocolate and Nectarines and her favorite restaurant is The Bears Den. Her piece of advise to any new employee is “don't be afraid to ask for help”.
Mike Tom is a dedicated member of the ClearPath team with nearly three years of experience supporting safe and efficient operations. As Safety Coordinator, he is committed to fostering a strong safety culture and ensuring best practices are followed in the field.
Outside of work, Mike is a musician who plays in a band and an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, and exploring the mountains on his mule. Family is at the center of his life—he and his wife have four children, three grandchildren, and another on the way.
Mike’s passion for life, combined with his commitment to safety and teamwork, makes him a valued part of the ClearPath team.
Cat Watkins serves as the Construction Accountant at ClearPath Utility Solutions, LLC, bringing nearly a decade of experience in accounting and operational support. She began her career in the non-profit sector through education-focused programs, which shaped her practical, service-driven approach.
Cat has applied her skills to the construction industry, supporting complex projects including data centers and medical and pharmaceutical facilities, providing financial oversight, project support, and operational coordination in fast-paced, compliance-driven environments.
Outside of work, Cat enjoys volunteering as a teacher’s aide and youth soccer coach, supporting animal shelters and church programs, and spending time with her husband of 20 years and their two daughters. She also enjoys micro-homesteading, caring for her animals, and traveling both domestically and internationally.
Mindi Williams serves as an Administrative Assistant at ClearPath Utility Solutions, LLC, bringing over five years of administrative experience to support the office team. She previously worked at The Ohio State University as an Administrative Assistant to five Radiation Oncologists at the Wexner Medical Center, helping the physicians and clinic run smoothly with her organizational skills, attentiveness, and communication expertise. Mindi was also one of the original six team members at Earthley Wellness in Columbus, Ohio, contributing to product creation, production, shipping, quality control, and affiliate program management over four years.
Outside of work, Mindi enjoys spending time with her husband and their five children, hiking, traveling, crafting, gardening, reading, and watching a good series. She is guided by her philosophy: “I take control of what I can, stay grounded, act with kindness, and try to leave a positive mark on the world.”