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Vince DiPofi, PE
Chief Executive Officer
Board Member
Vince DiPofi, PE
Chief Executive Officer
DiPofi joined SSOE in 2000 and has more than 40 years of professional experience. He has risen through the ranks at the firm as a Business Leader, Corporate Director of Business Development, and Chief Strategy Officer, prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer. Throughout the years, he has been instrumental in developing numerous new accounts for SSOE and starting up the company’s operations in Mexico. Today, he has the company focused on a technology-driven strategic plan that is positioning SSOE as one of the fastest-growing firms in the country and a leading edge thought leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and design automation. DiPofi holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo and is a licensed Professional Engineer in both Ohio and Michigan. He is active in the Toledo Society of Professional Engineers and was named the 2022 Engineer of the Year. DiPofi is also active in several non-profit organizations and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the University of Toledo College of Engineering, where he was named a Distinguished Alumni in 2019.
Catherine Myers, PE
President
Board Member
Catherine Myers, PE
President
Catherine joined SSOE in July 2017 as the SBU Manager for Advanced Technology. She was the first woman to be elected Chair of the Board at SSOE in December 2020. Today, Catherine is President of the firm’s global engineering operations. Prior to joining SSOE, she held the position of Senior Vice President for CH2M’s Industrial and Advanced Technology Business Group with responsibility for the semiconductor market—overseeing $200 million in annual revenue. More recently, Catherine served as the Director of Industry and Community Partnerships within the Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering at the University of Portland. Catherine is a graduate of the University of Portland and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; she is also a licensed Professional Engineer. In addition to serving on SSOE’s Board of Directors, Catherine serves on the De La Salle North Catholic High School Advisory Board in Portland, Oregon, where she resides and works.
Michael Murphy
Strategic Plan Integration | Executive Vice President
Board Member
Michael Murphy
Strategic Plan Integration | Executive Vice President
Mike joined SSOE as an entry-level controls engineer in 1987 and now serves as Executive Vice President for Strategic Plan Integration. Forged from his long tenure, Mike has a deep knowledge of SSOE’s operations that accelerates the firm’s ability to successfully implement its strategic plan and advance key initiatives. Prior to his current role, Mike served as Chief Operating Officer, and before that, as the SBU Manager for Food and Consumer Products. During his career at SSOE he has served in a number of roles including Project Manager, Business Leader, and Account Executive for the cereal market sector—working with companies such as General Mills, Kellogg’s, and Quaker. He has also previously served as Chair of SSOE’s Board of Directors. Mike was named an Associate in 2001, a Senior Associate in 2005, and became a Principal in 2010. Mike earned a Bachelor of Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Toledo and is a member of the Association of Computing Machinery.
Jim Jaros, CPA, JD
Chief Financial Officer | Chief Legal Officer | Senior Vice President
Board Member
Jim Jaros, CPA, JD
Chief Financial Officer | Chief Legal Officer | Senior Vice President
Jim joined SSOE in 2001 as the Chief Financial / Legal Officer and provides the firm’s leadership with both domestic and international transactional business experience. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and attorney licensed in Ohio and Michigan, Jim has functioned in multifaceted roles as both a financial officer and legal counsel. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bowling Green State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. He is a member of the Ohio Society of CPAs as well as the American, Michigan, Ohio, and Toledo Bar Associations. Jim serves on various charitable boards, including the University of Toledo Foundation Board, Toledo Legacy Foundation, and All-Saints Catholic Church in Rossford, Ohio.
Robin Whitney, PE
Chief Administrative Officer | Senior Vice President
Robin Whitney, PE
Chief Administrative Officer | Senior Vice President
Robin joined SSOE in 2024 and serves as the firm’s Chief Administrative Officer. Located in SSOE’s headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, Robin provides oversight for the firm’s Human Resources, Technology, Corporate Development, and Procurement teams and plays a pivotal role in its continued growth and strategic plan. Robin brings over 25 years of experience to SSOE. She is a proven corporate and community leader with a track record of delivering complex and transformative projects. Robin has extensive engineering and construction experience, as well as knowledge of managing corporate functions. Robin holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo and a Master of Business Administration from Bowling Green State University. She is a registered Professional Engineer in Ohio. Additionally, Robin is an active member of several professional and community organizations and currently serves on the board of trustees for the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority, the University of Toledo Foundation, and the Metroparks Toledo Foundation. She has also previously served on the Board of Trustees for the Regional Growth Partnership and the University of Toledo Alumni Association.
Matthew Oberts, PE, LEED AP
Chief Operating Officer | Buildings and Industrial Facilities | Executive Vice President
Board Member
Matthew Oberts, PE, LEED AP
Chief Operating Officer | Buildings and Industrial Facilities | Executive Vice President
Matt currently serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at SSOE, overseeing the firm’s Facilities and Building Design Group Operations. He also serves as Chair of the firm’s Board of Directors. Matt started his career at SSOE in 2007 as the Mechanical Engineering Department Manager in the firm’s Facilities SBU. In 2009, Matt obtained both his Professional Engineer license and his LEED® for New Construction accreditation. He was promoted to Technical Division Manager in 2010, named a Principal in 2015, and appointed SBU Manager of Facilities in 2018. Under Matt’s direction, SSOE has been consistently ranked in the Top 5 Automotive Design Firms by ENR Magazine and was ranked #2 among Manufacturing Design Firms in 2023, moving up three spots over the previous year’s numbers and positioning SSOE as the go-to firm for industrial facility design. The Facilities group continues to grow in both size and performance, which is a testament to Matt’s leadership and guidance. SSOE has also become a leader in EV battery facility design at every point in the supply chain. Matt is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. In addition, he earned a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from Davenport University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Toledo School for the Arts.
Jeremy Woodgate, PE, SE
Chief Operating Officer | Advanced Technology and Process Engineering | Executive Vice President
Board Member
Jeremy Woodgate, PE, SE
Chief Operating Officer | Advanced Technology and Process Engineering | Executive Vice President
Jeremy Woodgate serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at SSOE, overseeing the firm’s Advanced Technology and Process Engineering Operations. He oversees incredibly high-performing teams to deliver exceptional results in some of the most technically complex markets. Applying his more than 25 years of experience, Jeremy is responsible for portfolio management of clients and projects within his operations as well as a focus on future leader development and succession planning. Jeremy is also serving his first term as part of SSOE’s Board of Directors, responsible for setting the overall priorities and direction for the firm. Under Jeremy’s direction, SSOE has been consistently ranked as the #2 provider of design services to the semiconductor industry by ENR magazine. He charted the course for this success by diversifying SSOE’s semiconductor client base and by playing a key role in expanding SSOE’s largest client account. His guidance has consistently pushed SSOE to become industry leaders in its use technology for project execution. Recently, to fully leverage SSOE’s model management resources, Jeremy took on leadership of a practice group dedicated to this task. His leadership has led to participation on Autodesk’s North America Engineering Executive Council where he co-authored a whitepaper “Passing the Baton” to discuss advancements in the hand-off from design to fabrication that SSOE still employs—and has advanced—today. A licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and Structural Engineer (SE), Jeremy is based in SSOE’s Portland, Oregon office and earned his Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Jim Lewis
Process | Executive Vice President
Board Member
Jim Lewis
Process | Executive Vice President
Jim serves as Executive Vice President of SSOE’s Process group which includes a multi-discipline team serving a wide variety of industrial markets. He started his career with SSOE in 2001 with SSOE’S Food and Consumer Products SBU as a Controls Engineer. His career continued to progress and in 2009 he was promoted to Section Manager of the Food and Consumer Products Controls Department. In 2011, Jim was named Department Manager, becoming a Principal in 2015. Prior to being named Executive Vice President, Jim’s most recent role was SBU Manager of Food and Consumer Products. Jim is a past recipient of SSOE’s Leadership Award for demonstrating leadership in all facets of his SSOE career, both as a Department Manager—leading staff across five locations—and as an Account and Project Manager—with accounts earning more than $2 million in revenue. Jim is a graduate of the University of Toledo, where he earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering.
Greg Brogley, PE, PMP
Facilities Operation Manager | Executive Vice President
Greg Brogley, PE, PMP
Facilities Operation Manager | Executive Vice President
Greg joined SSOE in 1998 as a civil engineer. In 2007, he was promoted to Department Manager within SSOE’s Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities SBU. Greg was subsequently named Division Manager in 2015 and appointed a Principal in 2019. In his current role, he serves as Executive Vice President of SSOE’s Facilities Operation, now a combination of the firm’s Facilities and Mexico operations, which has experienced significant growth over the last two years. Greg’s leadership has been instrumental in SSOE’s strong entry and current leadership in the EV Battery market as well as the development of a complex projects team. His contributions have greatly bolstered SSOE’s ability to pursue and manage large projects across multiple SBUs. Greg’s career includes experience in both project management and civil engineering. He received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo and is a registered Professional Engineer (PE).
Raul Estrada, Jr., PMP
Strategic Business Unit Manager | Advanced Technology – Tool Install | Senior Vice President
Raul Estrada, Jr., PMP
Strategic Business Unit Manager | Advanced Technology – Tool Install | Senior Vice President
Raul joined SSOE in 2013 as a Senior Project Manager as part of SSOE’s merger with Evergreen EDC and quickly became a Department Manager within the Advanced Technology SBU. In 2016, he was promoted to Division Manager of the Advanced Technology SBU’s Tool Install group. Raul became a Principal in 2019 and a Vice President in 2021. He has over 27 years of global tool install experience specific to the semiconductor industry. In addition to providing technical supervision and direction of project team members, he is responsible for coordination and completion of all U.S. and international tool install projects. Raul has developed innovative methods for schedule reduction and process improvements, some of which have become new standards on tool install projects. Raul’s efforts have resulted in him being named an SSOE Leadership Award winner. Raul studied mechanical engineering at New Mexico State University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Mike Newman, PMP
Strategic Business Unit Manager | Advanced Technology | Senior Vice President
Mike Newman, PMP
Strategic Business Unit Manager | Advanced Technology | Senior Vice President
Mike serves as the High-Tech (HT) Strategic Business Unit Manager of SSOE’s Advanced Technology (AT) Operation. He joined SSOE in 2019 with over 20 years of experience supporting the semiconductor and technology industry. Under Mike’s leadership, HT continues to experience significant growth, achieving the criteria to move from a division to an SBU in 2024. This growth is attributed to Mike’s success in diversifying the firm’s AT client base including one of SSOE’s largest programs. His business acumen has also helped the firm successfully manage the addition and integration of new colleagues from an acquisition at the beginning of SSOE’s 2024 performance year, nearly doubling the division’s headcount and bringing new expertise and services for its clients. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University and works out of SSOE’s Portland, Oregon location.
Carey Russell, PE
Strategic Business Unit Manager | Basebuild | Senior Vice President
Carey Russell, PE
Strategic Business Unit Manager | Basebuild | Senior Vice President
Carey, a professional engineer, joined SSOE in 2015 as a Project Manager for the Basebuild Division of the Advanced Technology group in Hillsboro, Oregon. She became a Section Manager and assumed more of an operations role in 2018 with oversight of both project delivery workflows and project finances. In 2021, she became the Division Manager of the Advanced Technology – Basebuild Operations and in 2023, was promoted to SBU Manager. Carey holds a Bachelor of Science from University of California San Diego and Master of Science from California State University Long Beach.
Clem Wood
Emerging Markets | Business Development | Senior Vice President
Clem Wood
Emerging Markets | Business Development | Senior Vice President
Clem joined SSOE in 2013 as a Principal as part of SSOE’s merger with Evergreen EDC. In 2014, he became a Department Manager within SSOE’s Advanced Technology SBU. After five successful years in his managerial role, Clem became Vice President of Emerging Markets and Business Development. In this role, he is responsible for maintaining client relationships and pursuing new opportunities globally to support SSOE’s growth initiatives, including a strong, specialized focus on high tech and advanced manufacturing within the semiconductor and automotive business units. With over three decades of program / project management experience in the semiconductor industry, he is proficient at providing superior oversight on projects of all sizes and ensuring engineering quality for numerous ramp and retrofit projects, including basebuild, fit-up, and tool install (150mm, 200mm, and 300mm technologies). Clem’s expertise lies in developing and strengthening client relationships, managing design and construction contracts, developing standards for lateral distribution and tool installation design, and effectively balancing the management of engineering and construction responsibilities. Clem earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering. Clem spends much of his time on the road, frequently visiting SSOE’s global offices as he pursues the emerging market growth.
Brian Watko, PMP
Division Manager | Advanced Technology – Tool Install Operations | Vice President
Brian Watko, PMP
Division Manager | Advanced Technology – Tool Install Operations | Vice President
Brian joined SSOE in 2013 as a Project Manager for the firm’s Advanced Technology group. In 2017, he became a Department Manager and in 2020 was promoted to Division Manager of SSOE’s Tool Install operation. In this role, he is a critical part of the leadership team, managing the highly detailed work the firm performs in the semiconductor industry for its single largest client. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Management / Information Systems from George Fox University and an Advanced Project Management Certificate from Portland State University. He obtained his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2011. Brian works in SSOE’s Hillsboro, Oregon office.
Shawn Pankratz
Division Manager | Principal
Shawn Pankratz
Division Manager | Principal
Shawn joined SSOE in 2013 as a Project Management Assistant through a strategic acquisition. He quickly rose through the ranks, being promoted to Assistant Project Manager just six months after his hire, Project Manager in 2015, and Senior Program Manager / Project Manager in 2020, entrusted with overseeing key programs for core clients—including those for one of SSOE’s core clients. In June of 2023, he was promoted yet again and is now serving as Principal Division Manager for the Basebuild team in SSOE’s Advanced Technology Operation. In his current role, Shawn is responsible for oversight of Project Management, as well as Mechanical, Process, and BIM/VDC resources within the Basebuild business unit. He was named a 2024 Top Young Professional by ENR Northwest, a list celebrating the excellence of young construction professionals by recognizing individuals under 40 years of age who have shown extraordinary career leadership and service. A graduate of Lewis & Clark College with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, Shawn has over a decade of experience in project and business operations, with special emphasis on semiconductor cleanroom and technology manufacturing design projects. He works out of SSOE’s Portland, Oregon office.
Brett Susany
AI Integration / PMO | Senior Vice President
Board Member
Brett Susany
AI Integration / PMO | Senior Vice President
Brett joined SSOE in 2013 as a Principal Business Leader resulting from the merger between the firm and Evergreen EDC. He quickly became a Department Manager within SSOE’s Advanced Technology SBU. In 2019, Brett was promoted to Senior Vice President of Program Management within the Advanced Technology SBU, and in 2022, he became Senior Vice President of Complex Project Execution. In 2024, Brett moved into a new leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO and overseeing all execution of AI within SSOE. Brett has 29 years of experience in project management and mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on semiconductor and other advanced technology market projects. His experience with project management has been demonstrated on projects large and small. He has proven his ability to organize and mobilize project teams while providing support for site offices often on multiple concurrent projects. Brett is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. Brett works out of SSOE’s Portland, Oregon office.
Scott Bussell, PE
Account Executive | Senior Vice President
Scott Bussell, PE
Account Executive | Senior Vice President
Scott brings 35 years of progressive experience in the engineering and construction industry to SSOE. He joined the firm in 2023 from his previous AEC-industry employer where he spent over two decades serving in various leadership roles. With SSOE, Scott is responsible for developing and implementing battery manufacturing and complex project program strategies. He formulates business plans, forecasts, staffing models, operational processes, and work instructions. Additionally, Scott is charged with building program management teams and integrating global workforce strategies into SSOE’s battery and complex projects. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin, and an Associate of Applied Science from New Mexico Junior College. He is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in New Mexico and Texas and is a registered Professional Surveyor (PS) in New Mexico.
Perlita Schorfheide, PE, CCM, PMP
Solar / Battery Division Manager | Vice President
Perlita Schorfheide, PE, CCM, PMP
Solar / Battery Division Manager | Vice President
Perlita joined SSOE in 2024 and serves as a Division Manager in the firm’s Solar / Battery Division. With a remarkable 30-year tenure in project delivery, Perlita has honed her expertise in building and leading global teams to successfully manage complex projects with demanding schedules and diverse stakeholder groups. She is instrumental in guiding SSOE’s project management teams to deliver exceptional results while nurturing the firm’s talent, expanding its capabilities in the delivery of battery / EV projects and increasing project work in the solar market. Perlita is an alum of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned her Master of Science in Civil Engineering. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines, and is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in multiple states. Perlita has earned multiple certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), and the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Brandon Darroch, PMP
Southeast Division Manager | Vice President
Brandon Darroch, PMP
Southeast Division Manager | Vice President
Brandon joined SSOE in 2016 and currently serves as Battery Market Leader and Division Manager of SSOE’s Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities Southeast Operations. In 2023, Brandon was promoted to Vice President. He has 15 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry and was a 2017 recipient of the SSOE Leadership Award for Superior Account Management. Prior to joining SSOE, Darroch served as an engineering officer in the U.S. Army. He is a former Airborne Ranger, Sapper, and Company Commander, and served multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Darroch earned his Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Missouri University of Science and Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He works out of SSOE’s Birmingham, Alabama office.
Erick Kuri Gallardo
Operations Director | Mexico Operations | Principal
Erick Kuri Gallardo
Operations Director | Mexico Operations | Principal
Erick joined SSOE in 2014 as the Business Leader for our Mexico Operations. In 2017, he was promoted to Operations Director and in 2023, he was promoted to Principal. With over two decades of in-country experience as a manager and engineer, Erick has extensive project knowledge with automotive / manufacturing facilities and distribution centers in dozens of cities throughout the Mexican industrial corridor. Erick holds an Industrial and Systems Engineering Degree from the University of Sonora and a certification in Project Management from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), endorsed by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Louise Schlatter, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Master Architect | Principal
Louise Schlatter, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Master Architect | Principal
Louise joined SSOE in 1986 as its first female registered architect and quickly became the go-to architect for large, complex buildings, working for clients such as Honda, Ford, Toyota, General Motors, Kellogg, and confidential clients in the chemical and semiconductor industries. Louise was also one of the firm’s first registered professionals to learn and embrace CAD technology and provide international design services to clients. She took on the challenge of becoming SSOE’s first certified LEED® Accredited Professional and has leveraged it to help SSOE’s clients achieve a number of firsts, including Platinum certification for Volkswagen’s $1 billion automotive production facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Today, as a Master Architect, Louise helps resolve project challenges, develops technical solutions, and mentors staff with her nearly 40 years of experience. In 2016, her efforts were recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) when she was honored with AIA Ohio’s “Mentor of the Year” award. Louise received her Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the University of Cincinnati, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo. She is a member of the Construction Specifications Institute and the AIA’s national, Ohio, and Toledo chapters. Louise’s many firsts and valuable contributions led to her being named a Principal of SSOE in 2017.
David Semproch, AIA, NCARB
Division Manager | Facilities Northern Operations | Principal
David Semproch, AIA, NCARB
Division Manager | Facilities Northern Operations | Principal
David serves as the Division Manager for SSOE’s Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities Northern Operations. He joined SSOE in 1998 and is an Agent for Change in the practice of architecture, and the broader scope of delivering design and construction projects. As a department manager of more than thirty architects and design professionals, Semproch challenges the norms of architecture by guiding the Industrial Architecture studio toward delivering value to clients and end-users, and not simply traditional instruments of service. He encourages out-of-the-box thinking toward the design and delivery of projects—emphasizing the art of architecture, the science of engineering, and appreciating the craft of construction. Semproch earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Kent State University.
Adrienne Taylor, PE
Division Manager | Chem Process
Board Member
Adrienne Taylor, PE
Division Manager | Chem Process
Adrienne joined SSOE in 2005 as an engineer for the Industrial Process SBU and by 2011, she began taking on project management responsibilities. In 2015, she became a Department Manager for SSOE’s Energy, Glass, Chemical, and Manufacturing SBU and in 2021, was promoted to Division Manager of SSOE’s Chemical Process group. Adrienne holds a Bachelor in Chemical Engineering from the University of Dayton. In 2010, she became a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Ohio. In 2012, “Young Engineer of the Year” by Toledo Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) and in 2013, Adrienne was named “Young Engineer of the Year” by the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE).
Brian Kleman
Division Manager | Glass and Manufacturing | Vice President
Brian Kleman
Division Manager | Glass and Manufacturing | Vice President
Brian joined SSOE in 2011 performing process engineering for SSOE’s Energy, Glass, Chemical, and Manufacturing SBU and, in 2015, was promoted to the role of project manager. In 2017, he became the Division Manager of SSOE’s Glass and Manufacturing groups and, in 2023, was promoted to Vice President. With over 27 years of experience in the glass and manufacturing industry, Brian has worked on projects around the world. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology from the University of Toledo and an Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology from Owens Community College.
Jens Ebert, PE, PMP
Division Manager | Food and Consumer Products | Vice President
Jens Ebert, PE, PMP
Division Manager | Food and Consumer Products | Vice President
Jens started with SSOE in 2010 and is currently Division Manager for SSOE’s Food and Consumer Products SBU. He has more than 28 years of experience in the consulting engineering business, which includes more than 10 years as a process / project engineer providing design solutions for a wide range of industrial, manufacturing, and food / beverage projects. Many of those projects resulted in products that were new or unique to the marketplace. Jens earned his Master of Science in Project Management from Pennsylvania State University and his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He is also a registered professional engineer in the mechanical discipline with a Project Management Professional certification.
Joe Badalamenti, PE, PMP
Account Executive | Vice President
Joe Badalamenti, PE, PMP
Account Executive | Vice President
Joe joined SSOE in 2002 as Business Leader and Office Manager for SSOE’s then newly established Kalamazoo, Michigan office. He then became a Senior Project Manager for SSOE’s Food and Consumer Products SBU where he led major projects. In 2015, Joe was promoted to Senior Account Executive, working to develop business with new and existing clients while managing projects and providing process engineering insight and mentorship to SSOE staff. In 2017, he became a Principal and then after that he became a Vice President. Starting in 2021, Joe led the effort to open SSOE’s Austin, Texas office, which grew to 25 people in less than a year. In his current role, Joe is once again supporting the Food and Consumer Products SBU as an Account Executive and Vice President. Joe graduated from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and the University of Dayton with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Mathew Bierschbach
Business Leader | Principal
Mathew Bierschbach
Business Leader | Principal
Matt joined SSOE in 2007 when he started as a Mechanical Engineer in what is now our Process operation, with a focus on industrial chemical projects. He moved through the ranks to become a Department Manager for Process Mechanical and most recently Matt has served in a business development-focused role where he has been heavily involved in new client pursuits. He is frequently called upon as a technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for industrial and chemical process work as part of his charge to drive new business for SSOE. At times, Matt has also taken on project management responsibilities to ensure a project’s success from start to finish. In PY24, Matt has taken on a new role coordinating the U.S. effort for increased GWO with India. He continues to stay actively involved as a Program Manager / Account Manager for a key client and maintains involvement in business development activities. Matt has more than two decades of technical experience and works out of SSOE’s Toledo, Ohio office. He holds a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toledo.
Ashwin Shetty, PMP
Business Leader | India
Ashwin Shetty, PMP
Business Leader | India
Ashwin joined SSOE in 2019 as Business Leader responsible for overall India operations including integration of teams across borders, allowing shared work responsibility and an increase in the resource pool for clients. Additionally, he is the liaison with U.S. corporate functions. With more than 20 years of experience, Ashwin has an extensive project delivery background including field monitoring and construction management experience. He has served as the Owner’s Representative in large plant projects, while also providing project management oversight. Prior to joining SSOE, his project experience included projects for the Delhi Airport, Maruti Suzuki plant, and a Toyota plant. He holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Cliff Reese, PE
Business Leader | Glass Chemical and Manufacturing | Principal
Cliff Reese, PE
Business Leader | Glass Chemical and Manufacturing | Principal
Cliff joined SSOE in 2005 and currently serves as a Business Leader within SSOE‘s Glass, Chemical, and Manufacturing SBU. He has more than 35 years of professional experience utilizing the most effective design technologies and high-performance teaming strategies with global experience in several countries. Cliff earned a master’s degree in Material Science and Engineering from National Technological University and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers. Cliff was named an SSOE Principal in 2021.
Bill Kussro, PE, SE, P.Eng
Vice President | Engineering & Design
Bill Kussro, PE, SE, P.Eng
Vice President | Engineering & Design
Bill joined SSOE in 2018. He currently leads the firm’s Practice Group Community of Practice, with all existing Practice Group Leads reporting to him. Throughout his career with the SSOE, Bill has become known for his technical leadership, prowess, progressive thinking, and ability to implement change. Over the past two years, Bill has led the Structural Practice Group (SPG), working to improve quality and efficiency by standardizing, streamlining, and enhancing processes for work execution, and has also been involved in launching additional Practice Groups. In addition, he chairs the Technical Development Strategy Group (TDSG) and sits on several Building Code and Standards Advisory Boards for the structural discipline outside the firm. Working in SSOE’s Troy, Michigan office, Bill holds both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil / Structural Engineering from Michigan State University and is a licensed Civil and Structural Engineer in all 50 states and multiple Canadian provinces.
Robby Aull, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
Building Design Group Manager | Senior Vice President
Board Member
Robby Aull, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
Building Design Group Manager | Senior Vice President
Responsible for oversight of SSOE’s Building Design Group, Robby Aull emphasizes the development of forward-looking practice groups and expert teams across all market segments. He has 31 years of experience in an architectural career focused on the operational understanding and subsequent architectural design of facilities to meet both the client’s goals and occupant needs. Robby is exceptionally skilled at fostering client relationships, front-end planning, and problem-solving for various types of facilities. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Design and a Master of Architecture from Clemson University. His graduate education program focused on the programming and design of healthcare facilities, and he has a significant portfolio of outstanding work within the healthcare design industry. As a founding member of the American College of Healthcare Architects and former member of the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health Board of Directors, Robby is recognized as an expert in the design of healthcare facilities.
Ron Stang, AIA, LEED AP
Principal Account Executive
Ron Stang, AIA, LEED AP
Principal Account Executive
Ron has over 40 years of professional experience with a passion for planning and design of urban architecture as well as higher education, adaptive reuse, mixed-use, and hospitality projects. Ron’s stellar leadership capabilities combined with an invaluable keen insight are a recipe for delivering the best practical project and design for clients. He holds a Master of Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is actively involved in many community planning groups and design review committees including Downtown Atlanta’s Development Review Committees.
Christopher O’Connor, PE, PMP
Senior Vice President
Christopher O’Connor, PE, PMP
Senior Vice President
Chris has 25 years of experience, beginning his career in SSOE’s Civil / Structural Department in 1990. In 2011, Chris became a Principal at SSOE. Previously, Chris served as a Business Leader in SSOE’s Industrial Facilities group and was appointed Director of Business Development, responsible for driving growth and enhancing account management to help make clients successful by saving them time, trouble, and money. He has also served as a project manager on major industrial, commercial, and retail projects across the U.S. Chris is a graduate of North Dakota State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering.
Todd Dolson, AIA
Director of Design | Vice President
Todd Dolson, AIA
Director of Design | Vice President
Todd serves as Vice President, Director of Design and has over two decades of architectural experience in higher education and civic practice. He came to SSOE in 2020 through the firm’s acquisition of Stevens & Wilkinson. Todd has a passion for creating places and spaces that address client goals and objectives. He specializes in the design of academic and public libraries, classroom and learning environments for higher education, museums, and civic and corporate environments. As Director of Design, Todd promotes and supports the overall quality of design across the firm’s architecturally-led projects. Todd has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Georgia Tech and works out of SSOE’s Atlanta, Georgia office.
Keith Branham, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Department Manager | Vice President
Keith Branham, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Department Manager | Vice President
With over three decades of professional experience, Keith is a Vice President and Engineering Department Manager within SSOE’s Building Design Group. He is responsible for managing the engineering disciplines, which include mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil. Keith graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He is a member of several engineering affiliations including the National Fire Protection Association, National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) South Carolina Chapter, U.S. Green Building Council, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Ken Daenecke, PE, RCDD, LEED AP
Engineering Department Manager | Vice President
Ken Daenecke, PE, RCDD, LEED AP
Engineering Department Manager | Vice President
Ken serves as a Vice President and Engineering Department Manager for SSOE’s Building Design Group. He has over three decades of professional experience and provides project leadership and design expertise from inception through completion. He is an expert in creating electrical engineering design for security systems including closed-circuit television and access control, as well as fire alarm, power, grounding, lighting, and lightning protection. Ken received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University, and his unique certification as a Registered Communications Distribution Designer allows him to provide engineering design for voice / data cabling.
Kirk Marchisen, AIA, LEED AP
Architectural Department Manager | Principal
Kirk Marchisen, AIA, LEED AP
Architectural Department Manager | Principal
A seasoned senior architect with over 30 years of experience, Kirk is an Architectural Department Manager within SSOE’s Building Design Group. His experience, primarily in K-12 educational facility design, includes campus master planning, new school design and complex renovations, additions, and reconfigurations of existing facilities. He is regularly a part of the ongoing conversation among educators and facility planners regarding non-conventional learning environments to better accommodate the variety of learning modes and teaching styles. Kirk holds a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Scott Thompson
Technology | Vice President
Scott Thompson
Technology | Vice President
Scott joined SSOE as Vice President of Technology in 2020, with a more than 25-year track record of technology leadership within the architecture and engineering industry. He previously held the positions of Information Service Delivery Director at Worley, Information Service Delivery Director at Jacobs, International Director of Information Technology at CH2M Hill, and Chief Information Officer at Industrial Design Corporation. Scott holds a Master of Arts in Educational Technology from San Diego State University and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of California at San Diego. He’s actively involved in several groups and initiatives focused on strengthening technology and education sectors, as well as promoting emerging and green technologies.
Brad Rowe, CCWP
People & Culture | Senior Vice President
Brad Rowe, CCWP
People & Culture | Senior Vice President
Brad joined SSOE in 2011 as Business Leader of Talent Acquisition and Staffing, bringing extensive AEC industry recruitment experience to the firm. In 2015, Brad was promoted to Director of Talent Acquisition, taking on the additional responsibility of leading SSOE’s international human resources team. As part of SSOE’s international expansion, Brad helped establish SSOE’s Mexico operation and office in 2014, taking over leadership of SSOE’s Mexico operations in 2018. As Division Manager, Brad was responsible for the strategic vision and growth of the firm’s ever-growing operations in Mexico. During his career at SSOE, Brad has provided leadership on a number of strategic initiatives, including talent acquisition, culture, diversity and inclusion, mergers and acquisitions, and international operations. In 2022, Brad was appointed Senior Vice President of People and Culture. In this role, Brad translates recruiting and retention success for SSOE into project success that benefits clients. Brad received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Toledo and earned his Certified Contingent Workforce Professional certification in 2013. He was named Senior Associate in 2011 and Principal in 2018.
Betsy Hurner
Corporate Development | Vice President
Betsy Hurner
Corporate Development | Vice President
Betsy has more than 20 years of experience in the architecture and engineering industry. As the Vice President of Corporate Development, she oversees and integrates SSOE’s organic and inorganic growth functions, including Mergers and Acquisitions, Marketing, and Business Development. Betsy has direct involvement in SSOE acquisition efforts—establishing and executing the overall program as well as success strategies for individual deals. Betsy joined SSOE as a student intern in 2000. She graduated from the University of Toledo in 2001 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and again in 2007 with a master’s degree. She has served in various positions, rising through the ranks of the Marketing Department and acting as SSOE’s Director of Marketing from 2015 to 2021.
Jennifer Wuertz, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP
Director of Human Resources | Vice President
Jennifer Wuertz, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP
Director of Human Resources | Vice President
Jennifer joined SSOE’s Human Resources Department in 1993, serving in various positions within the department before being named Director of Talent Management in late 2014. In 1999, Jennifer was named an Associate, becoming a Senior Associate in 2006 and a Principal in 2016. Twice a graduate of the University of Toledo, Jennifer has received both her Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management and her Master of Business Administration. She is a Senior Professional in Human Resources and a Global Professional in Human Resources, having attained certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute. She is a member of both the Society for Human Resources Management and the Northwest Ohio Human Resource Association.
Viviana Donikian
Director of Talent Management & Development
Viviana Donikian
Director of Talent Management & Development
Viviana joined SSOE in 2023 as Director, Talent Management and Development. She leads SSOE's global talent management and development teams and works with Operations and Human Resources staff to drive talent strategies that align with the firm's People and Culture focus. Vivi brings over 20 years of Human Resources experience in both the U.S. and LATAM to SSOE. She is responsible for integrating SSOE’s Talent Management and Development strategies to align with our People Vision. Her expertise is in talent management, talent development, succession planning, coaching, organizational structure, and talent strategy development. She is a member of SSOE’s global People and Culture leadership team. Viviana holds a Master of Economics and Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Buenos Aires. She was named a Senior Associate in 2023 and is based in SSOE’s Atlanta, Georgia, office.
Nathan Czerniejewski, PE, PMP
Principal
Nathan Czerniejewski, PE, PMP
Principal
Nate joined SSOE in 1995 as a student intern and quickly advanced within the organization until eventually being named Principal in 2015. Over the years, Nate has gained invaluable experience by serving as an on-site engineering manager for Toyota in San Antonio, Texas; Princeton, Indiana; and Valenciennes, France. He previously served as Section Manager and Division Manager. Nate is a graduate of the University of Toledo and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He was named a Principal in 2015.
Candice Harrison
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Candice Harrison
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Candice joined SSOE in 2022 as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She previously held the position of External Communications Manager at Toledo Public Schools. Prior to that, she served as Director of Communications at the Toledo Museum of Art and Senior Communications Manager for the Toledo Zoo. She built valuable relationships at both a local and national level as Director of the Schools as Hubs initiative at Scott High School, a strategy for organizing the resources of the community around student success in partnership with Lutheran Social Services and the United Way of Greater Toledo. Candice holds a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership from Spring Arbor University and a Bachelor of Art in Communication and Public Relations from the University of Toledo. She has a strong community presence as President of the Press Club of Toledo’s Board of Directors, Board Member of the Rotary Club of Toledo, Board Director of The Arts Commission, and former Co-Chair of the African American Leadership Council of United Way. In 2014, she was the recipient of Leadership Toledo’s 20 under 40 Leadership Award and Top Community Voices Award.
Carrie González
Director of Marketing
Carrie González
Director of Marketing
Carrie has over a decade of experience marketing to the AEC industry. In her role as Director of Marketing, she oversees a collaborative and energetic team of business-to-business marketers responsible for corporate / internal communications, public relations functions, and the SSOE proposal process. She builds awareness of and shapes SSOE’s brand through various marketing communication channels. Carrie joined SSOE as a student intern in 2010. She graduated from the University of Toledo in 2011 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and again in 2016 with a master’s degree. She has served in various roles within marketing, rising through the ranks of the Marketing Department to become Director of Marketing in 2022.
Maggie Fumo
Director of Mergers & Acquisitions
Maggie Fumo
Director of Mergers & Acquisitions
As Director of Mergers and Acquisitions, Maggie is responsible for building and maintaining the firm’s pipeline of acquisition opportunities. She is the firm’s primary representative responsible for developing and managing relationships with investment bankers, brokers, and consultants at the national level to support and expand SSOE’s M&A program. She is also responsible for evaluating prospective deals, assessing risks and opportunities, and overseeing the firm’s M&A and market-related research team. Maggie joined SSOE in 2011 as a Marketing Coordinator and was promoted to several positions before becoming Director of Mergers and Acquisitions, including Strategic Opportunity Manager, Business Development Specialist, and Business Leader of Strategy. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Dayton in 2009 and served as Project Director for the Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District prior to joining SSOE.
Dennis Longeway
Director of Finance
Dennis Longeway
Director of Finance
Dennis joined SSOE in 2004 as Assistant Controller—part of SSOE’s acquisition of AVCA Corp.—with an ensuing promotion to Controller prior to becoming Director of Finance in 2020. With 33 years of experience, his responsibilities include oversight of all teams involved with safeguarding assets and executing internal accounting functions. He works closely with the operations groups and SSOE’s executive leadership in the pursuit of meeting strategic initiatives and financial goals, while also being an active member of the firm’s merger and acquisition process. Dennis is a graduate of the University of Toledo holding a Bachelor of Administration in Accounting.
Gregory Rossler
Enterprise Resource Platform Manager | Vice President
Gregory Rossler
Enterprise Resource Platform Manager | Vice President
Greg joined SSOE in 2004 as a National Account Executive through SSOE’s acquisition of AVCA Corp. He has over 35 years of experience in the AEC industry with a technical background in instrumentation and controls related to the refining, glass, chemical, and manufacturing industries. In 2006, Greg was promoted to Division Manager of the Industrial Process Regional Offices Division, which later expanded to include responsibilities for all technical resources and project management within SSOE’s Energy, Glass, Chemical, and Manufacturing SBU. In 2010, Greg was named Vice President. In his most recent role, Greg oversees the implementation of SSOE’s new Enterprise Resource Platform. Greg received his Associate of Electrical Engineering from the University of Toledo.
Lauren Collier
Director of Project Technology
Lauren Collier
Director of Project Technology
An architect by education who transitioned to technology early in her career, Lauren holds a Master of Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a Bachelor of Art and Architecture from Miami University. She has 16 years of industry experience ranging from healthcare and industrial architectural design to BIM implementation, innovation projects, and executing corporate initiatives. Her creative passion lies in Lean, continuous improvements, and innovative model / data use solutions for design and construction operations. Lauren currently leads a diverse group of VDC technology leaders, software DevOps, and model managers whose focus is on implementing new and innovative technologies, processes, and best practices in design and construction. Over the past several years, Lauren has presented at numerous conferences and is also a published thought leader in well-known industry-leading publications such as Building Design + Construction and Engineering News-Record. In 2022, she was named in Autodesk’s “40 Under 40: Champions of Construction” list, which honors innovative individuals who continue to push the industry forward.
Mike Alek
Director | Talent Acquisition
Mike Alek
Director | Talent Acquisition
As a Director of SSOE's global Talent Acquisition team, Mike serves in a key leadership position to drive the firm's people and talent strategies across their business verticals. Mike is a results oriented talent acquisition management professional with a demonstrated history of client service and developing recruitment strategies. He has a proven 15-year track record of success identifying, qualifying, and selecting top candidate talent with a special emphasis on professional and technical positions.
Eric Mauritz, CSP
Director of Safety
Eric Mauritz, CSP
Director of Safety
Eric is the Director of Safety at SSOE Group where he oversees the development and implementation of a comprehensive safety management system across all SSOE locations, ensuring compliance with various regulations. Leadership commitment, employee empowerment/engagement, training, and continuous improvement are key components in maturing SSOE’s safety program. In addition, Eric focuses heavily on SSOE’s “Safety Always” culture by emphasizing a preventative and intrinsic approach to safety. Eric joined the firm in 2019 and brought a vast amount of expertise with him from the various roles he has held as an industrial hygiene consultant as well as a safety professional across multiple industries throughout his career. He earned his Bachelor and Associate degrees in Environmental Science from Mountain State University. He is a board-Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and is a Six Sigma Green Belt.Outside Directors
Larry Covert
Real Estate & Technology Founder / Investor / Advisor
Board Member
Larry Covert
Real Estate & Technology Founder / Investor / Advisor
Larry is a founder, investor, and advisor / partner in various real estate and technology companies. Over his career, Larry has held many positions, including his current role with Gigafund, a venture capital firm backing the world’s most ambitious and transformative entrepreneurs. The firm makes long-term concentrated investments in founders who are capable of growing with their companies and maximizing impact over a period of decades. Larry is based in Austin, Texas and will serve a three-year term as part of SSOE’s Board of Directors.
Jeanne Cormier
Former Chief Executive Officer and President of Lochner
Board Member
Jeanne Cormier
Former Chief Executive Officer and President of Lochner
Jeanne retired in December 2021 from a 34-year career with 600-person H.W. Lochner, Inc. (Lochner), where she rose to the role of CEO / President, a title that she held since 2017. As CEO, she spearheaded numerous efforts to improve the operational health of the organization with results that tripled net earnings from $3.4 million in 2017 to $10.7 million in 2021, nearly tripled operating income from $7.7 million in 2017 to $20.0 million in 2021 and increased gross revenue 35% from $112.7 million in 2017 to $151.6 million in 2021. Additionally, while in the role of CEO / President, Jeanne implemented a Train to Work program. This program provides opportunities for inner-city, non-college-bound high school seniors to enter the transportation industry upon graduation. She also launched the firm’s Emerging Leadership Program to strengthen succession planning. Jeanne is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University.
John Pemberton
Former Vice President of Technology and Manufacturing for Intel Corporation
Board Member
John Pemberton
Former Vice President of Technology and Manufacturing for Intel Corporation
Former Vice President of Technology and Manufacturing at Intel Corporation, John most recently served as General Manager of Intel’s Global Construction Group overseeing all domestic and international projects. He was a factory and plant manager for many years, where he was responsible for the technology transfer and ramp-up of all of Intel’s new products. During his last three years with the semiconductor manufacturing company, John served as a national board member for the Lean Construction Institute (LCI). Since his recent retirement after a total of 34 years with Intel, he is now a sought-out champion and mentor for Lean and collaborative delivery approaches. John remains active in the LCI community and routinely speaks and helps projects across the country.
Doug Goare
President of McDonald’s International Lead Markets
Board Member
Doug Goare
President of McDonald’s International Lead Markets
Since 2015, Doug has been President of McDonald’s International Lead Markets segment, which includes Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The International Lead Markets segment encompasses over 6,000 restaurants and accounts for about 40% of McDonald’s global operating income. In October 2016, he took on additional responsibility as Chief Restaurant Officer and oversees the functions most directly supporting restaurant execution: supply chain, IT, operations, development, and digital. Prior to his current role, he was President of McDonald’s Europe, responsible for nearly 8,000 restaurants in 39 countries. He previously served as Corporate Executive Vice President of Worldwide Supply Chain and Development for McDonald’s Corporation, where he had responsibility over the $23 billion procurement of food, packaging and premiums, worldwide purchasing, supplier relationship strategies, food safety, quality systems strategy, and global restaurant development strategy. Doug’s career with McDonald’s spans 40 years and began with the Accounting Department in Columbus, Ohio in 1978, where he led the establishment of the Columbus Accounting Center and served in a number of positions in the accounting / financial area. He has held a variety of leadership positions throughout the U.S. business. As he progressed through the organization, he gained a breadth of financial knowledge, an in-depth understanding of the restaurants and a proven ability to collaborate with owner / operators, suppliers, and company teams. Doug is a graduate of Ohio State University and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.