SSOE Group is a privately owned company with day-to-day involvement of its shareholders.
Asterisk denotes board member.
Vince DiPofi, PE
Chief Executive Officer; President*
Vince joined SSOE in 2000 with more than 30 years of professional experience. He was hired as the business leader for SSOE’s food group, which eventually rose to a #2 ENR ranking and was instrumental in developing engineering alliance relationships with several of SSOE’s Top 10 clients. He spearheaded the Value Promise program, which documents savings SSOE initiates for clients. Named a Principal in 2006, Vince has been influential in fostering a culture of business development within SSOE and has held previous roles as Director of Business Development, Chief Strategy Officer, and provided oversight of SSOE’s Mexico and China operations.
Vince 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 (a past Young Engineering of the Year recipient) and is on the Dean’s Advisory Board for The University of Toledo College of Engineering. In 2019, Vince was named The University of Toledo’s College of Engineering 2019 Distinguished Alumni.
Michael Murphy
Chief Operating Officer; Executive Vice President; Chairman of the Board*
Mike joined SSOE as an entry-level controls engineer in 1987 and now serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Vice President responsible for the following strategic business units (SBUs) at SSOE: Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities; Energy, Glass, Chemical, and Manufacturing; and Food and Consumer Products. Prior to his Chief Operating Officer position, Mike served as a Manager in Food and Consumer Products, Project Manager, and Business Leader as well as Account Executive for the cereal market sector, working with companies such as General Mills, Kellogg’s, and Quaker. Mike was named an Associate in June 2001, a Senior Associate in June 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.
Catherine Myers, PE
Chief Operating Officer; Executive Vice President*
Catherine joined SSOE in July 2017 as the SBU Manager for the Advanced Technology SBU and now serves as Executive Vice President responsible for the Advanced Technology and Healthcare, Commercial, and Education strategic business units (SBUs) at SSOE. Additionally, she is responsible for SSOE Systems, the firm’s construction management division. 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 had been 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 and is a registered professional engineer. In addition to serving on SSOE’s Board of Directors, Catherine also serves on the board for a local organization in Portland, Oregon, where she resides and works.
Jim Jaros, CPA, JD
Chief Financial Officer; Chief Legal Officer; Senior Vice President*
Jim joined SSOE in 2001 as Chief Financial Officer and provides the firm’s leadership with a vast array of domestic and international 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 Toledo Legacy Foundation, Financials Executives International, and All-Saints Catholic Church in Rossford, Ohio.
Daniel Vining
Senior Vice President, International Operations and Innovation
Dan serves as Senior Vice President, responsible for the firm’s international operations in China, India, and Mexico as well as Greenfield Ventures, Inc., an entity created to fund R&D and innovation initiatives within the company. He has more than 25 years of project management experience along with expertise in the glass manufacturing process, food process, and construction.
Dan earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Toledo and is a certified Project Management Professional.
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 (SPHR) and a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), having attained certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). She is a member of both the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the Northwest Ohio Human Resource Association (NOHRA).
Scott Thompson
Vice President, Technology
Scott joined SSOE as Vice President of Technology in 2020, with a 25+ year track record of technology leadership within the architectural 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 a 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.
Jeremy Woodgate, PE, SE
Strategic Business Unit Manager, Advanced Technology; Senior Vice President
Jeremy joined SSOE in 2013 as Structural Department Manager through the firm’s merger with Evergreen EDC. In 2016, he was promoted to Division Manager of SSOE’s Advanced Technology SBU. In 2017, he was named a Principal of the firm and in 2019, he became the SBU Manager for the Advanced Technology SBU.
Jeremy previously worked for Intel Corporation as one of three licensed structural engineers worldwide (at the time). There, his responsibilities included technical oversight for the development of tool install master designer packages used across all of Intel’s fabrication facilities. Missing the challenges of the consulting world, Jeremy left Intel and joined Evergreen EDC in 2007, where he focused on projects in the solar and microelectronics business sectors.
Jeremy earned his Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno and is a registered professional engineer.
Matthew Oberts, PE, LEED AP
Strategic Business Unit Manager, Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities; Senior Vice President
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 engineering license and his LEED® for New Construction Accreditation. He was promoted to Technical Division Manager in 2010 within SSOE’s Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities SBU, named a Principal in 2015, and is currently the SBU Manager of Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities.
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.
Doug Berner, PE, PMP
Strategic Business Unit Manager, Energy, Glass, Chemical, and Manufacturing; Senior Vice President
Doug joined SSOE in 1988 and now serves as Senior Vice President and SBU Manager of Energy, Glass, Chemical, and Manufacturing. He has more than two decades of professional design experience within the chemical, refinery, and industrial markets. Doug was named an Associate of the firm in October 1999, a Senior Associate in 2005, and a Principal in 2009.
Doug is a graduate of the University of Detroit and holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He obtained his Project Management Professional certification in 2009.
Jim Lewis
Strategic Business Unit Manager, Food and Consumer Products; Senior Vice President*
Jim started his career with SSOE in 2001 as a contract staff member with SSOE’S Food and Consumer Products SBU. He became an employee of SSOE in 2002 as an engineer. His career continued to progress and in 2009 he was promoted to Section Manager of the Food and Consumer Products SBU’s Controls Department. In 2011, Jim was named Department Manager, becoming a Principal in 2015 and SBU Manager of Food and Consumer Products in 2017. 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 a 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.
Christopher O’Connor, PE, PMP
Strategic Business Unit Manager, Healthcare, Commercial, and Education; 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 and in 2016, he was promoted to lead SSOE’s Healthcare, Commercial, and Education SBU. 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 fulfill SSOE’s mission of making 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 the North Dakota State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and has a Project Management Professional certification. He works out of SSOE’s St. Paul, Minnesota, office.
Nathan Czerniejewski, PE, PMP
General Manager, EPCM; Senior Vice President*
Nate joined SSOE in 1995 as a student intern and quickly advanced within the organization into his current position as Senior Vice President and General Manager of EPCM. 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. Subsequently, he served as Section Manager, Senior Project Manager, On-site Lead Construction Manager, and Division Manager.
Nate is a graduate of The University of Toledo and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. In addition, he obtained his Project Management Professional certification in 2012. Nate was named a Principal in 2015.
Mike Griggs
Director Of Computer and Information Systems
Mike started with SSOE in 2000 as a Systems Coordinator for SSOE’s Helpdesk Department. Since then, he has held a variety of roles including Systems Analyst, Systems Administrator, IT Department Manager, and now Director of Computer and Information Systems. In his role, he is responsible for the firm’s information technology, design technology, database, and applications groups.
Mike is a graduate of Baker College and holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. He is also Microsoft certified in configuration operations management.
Betsy Hurner
Director of Marketing and Account Management
Betsy has 20 years of experience marketing the architecture, engineering, and construction management industry. In her role, Betsy oversees a Lean, focused, and energetic department of business-to-business marketers responsible for all marketing, communications, and public relations functions. She builds awareness of and shapes SSOE’s brand through various marketing communication channels and also oversees business planning, account management, and the proposal process.
Betsy joined SSOE as a student intern in 2000. Graduating from The University of Toledo in 2001, she has served in various positions, rising through the ranks of the Marketing Department to become Director of Marketing in 2015.
Brett Susany
Program Management, Advanced Technology – Basebuild; Senior Vice President
Brett joined SSOE in 2013 as a Principal Business Leader as a part of the merger between SSOE and Evergreen EDC. He quickly became a Department Manager within SSOE’s Advanced Technology SBU. In 2019, he became Senior Vice President of Program Management within the Advanced Technology SBU. Brett has over 20 years of experience in project management and mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on basebuild facility retrofits and process tool installation. His experience with project management has been demonstrated on projects large and small and 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 splits his time between client sites and SSOE’s Portland, Oregon office.
Raul Estrada, JR., PMP
Division Manager, Advanced Technology – Tool Install; Principal
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 SSOE’s Advanced Technology SBU. In 2016, he was promoted to Division Manager of the Advanced Technology SBU’s Tool Install group and became a Principal in 2019. Raul 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 U.S. and international coordination and completion of all 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 studied mechanical engineering at New Mexico State University and is a certified Project Management Professional.
Greg Brogley, PE, PMP
Division Manager, Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities; Principal
Greg joined SSOE in 1998 as a Department Manager for SSOE‘s Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities SBU. In 2015, he was promoted to Division Manager of the Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities SBU and named a Principal in 2019. Greg has a proven track record of ensuring project due diligence, responsiveness to clients, and driving teams to evaluate their process to maximize value and efficiency into the projects he oversees. His professional engineering career includes experience in both project management and civil engineering.
Greg received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Toledo and is a registered professional engineer. In 2009, Greg received his Project Management Professional certification.
Clem Wood
Vice President, Emerging Markets, Business Development
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.
Gregory Rossler
Division Manager, Process; Vice President
Greg joined SSOE in 2004 as a national Account Executive through SSOE’s acquisition of AVCA Corporation. He has over 34 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 and has grown that position over the years to a current position as Division Manager for all technical resources and project management within SSOE’s Energy, Glass, Chemical, and Manufacturing SBU. In 2010, Greg was named a Principal. In addition to his principal division management responsibilities, Greg also maintains involvement in a number of major accounts and has played key roles in SSOE’s successful acquisition and integration of Orbital Technical Solutions, East Ohio Machinery, and Evergreen EDC.
Greg received his Associate of Electrical Engineering from The University of Toledo.
Jens Ebert, PE, PMP
Division Manager, Food and Consumer Products; Principal*
Jens started with SSOE in 2010 and is currently a 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.
Brad Rowe, CCWP
Division Manager, Mexico Operations; Principal
Brad joined SSOE in 2011 as the Human Resources 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 on the leadership of SSOE’s Mexico operations in 2018. As Division Manager, Brad is 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.
Brad received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The University of Toledo and earned his Certified Contingent Workforce Professional (CCWP) certification in 2013. He was named Senior Associate in 2011 and a Principal in 2018.
Mike Pollock
Division Manager, Systems; Principal
Mike is a Division Manager for SSOE Systems, the firm’s construction management division. He started with SSOE in 2016 as a Program Manager and has 35 years of experience in glass and chemical manufacturing—along with consulting experience—serving in various roles from process and product design, directing a global engineering group, leading manufacturing operations, and serving as Project Director for numerous large-scale capital projects. Mike has been responsible for building several plants around the world, including the design and launch of the process lines within the sites.
Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Akron and is a registered professional engineer. Mike was named a Principal in 2019.
Joe Badalamenti, PE, PMP
Business Development; Senior Project Manager; Principal
Joe joined SSOE in 2002 as Business Leader and Office Manager for SSOE’s then newly established Kalamazoo, Michigan office where he continues to work. Currently, he is a Senior Project Manager for SSOE’s Food and Consumer Products SBU where he leads major projects in the U.S. and China. 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 of SSOE.
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. Joe is a registered professional engineer with a Project Management Professional certification.
Michael Duffey, PE
Department Manager, Civil; Principal
Mike joined SSOE in 1999 and currently serves as the Civil Department Manager within SSOE’s Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities SBU. He has more than three decades of professional industry experience, including significant military service.
Mike received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Akron and is a graduate of the United States Air Force Air War College. Mike has served in various leadership positions on the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Ohio Board of Directors for over 10 years, finishing in 2017-2018 as the Past President. Mike was named an SSOE Principal in 2011.
Michael Hickman
Business Leader; Principal
Mike joined SSOE in 2010 through an acquisition of East Ohio Machinery and was later named a Principal of SSOE in 2015. As a past owner of EOM, Mike brought many years of experience in engineering, business operations, and business development to the firm, in addition to vast expertise in the metals and power sectors.
Mike earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Akron and is a registered professional engineer. He is a member of the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers (AISE), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE).
R. Scott Goodwin, CHST
Corporate Safety Manager
Scott joined SSOE in 2015 as Corporate Safety Manager and is responsible for providing safety leadership, training, and guidance. This includes conducting safety audits and inspections for SSOE’s corporate facilities and construction work sites, as well as developing contractor qualification standards, reporting safety metrics, and authoring weekly safety tips for staff via the company’s safety blog.
Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Safety Engineering Technology from Fairmont State University and is a Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST). He was a firefighter for over 35 years and a Lieutenant for over 18 years. His specialties were technical rescue, but more specifically, confined space rescue, swift water rescue, and ice rescue. Scott is also a security officer of 10 years, holding a private investigator license and extensive tactical training.
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 and working for clients such as Honda, Ford, Toyota, General Motors, and Kellogg, along with 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.
Outside Directors
Lori Gillett
Owner of Kokosing, Inc. / Chief Executive Officer of Corna Kokosing Construction*
John Pemberton
Former Vice President of Technology and Manufacturing for Intel Corporation*
Doug Goare
President of Mcdonald’s International Lead Markets (LLM)*
Doug Goare has been President of McDonald’s International Lead Markets (ILM) segment, which includes Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the U.K., since 2015. The ILM segment encompasses over 6,000 restaurants and accounts for about 40% of McDonald’s global operating income. Additionally, 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. Doug’s career with McDonald’s spans 40 years. 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 & Development for McDonald’s Corporation, where he had responsibility for $23 billion procurement of food, packaging and premiums, worldwide purchasing, supplier relationship strategies, food safety, quality systems strategy, and global restaurant development strategy.
Doug began his career at McDonald’s in 1978 with the Accounting Department in Columbus, Ohio, 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, Doug 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.