In The News
GVF Recognizes Two ECP Members
GVF hosted its 23rd annual meeting on May 2 with a cocktail networking reception with industry executives and recognition of its 2013 annual award recipients. GVF was proud to present its annual awards, recognizing outstanding leadership to individuals and companies, including these ECP members:
- Peter P. Quinn Leadership Award: Blythe Seese, Kreischer Miller
- Engineering Leadership Award: Urban Engineers
Congratulations to Blythe and Urban Engineers on these awards. More information is available here
Philip M. Gonski, P.E. named the Young Engineer of the Year Award from The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Philadelphia Chapter
KEYSTONE ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. is proudly recognizing Philip M. Gonski, P.E. for receiving the Young Engineer of the Year Award from The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Philadelphia Chapter. According to the IEEE, Phil exhibited strong volunteering and technical accomplishments throughout 2012 and 2013, resulting in his selection for the award. Phil has been very active in the local community, and played roles in leading several engineering projects in the area, ranging from cogeneration power plants, lighting upgrades to improve energy efficiency, and waste water plant modifications.
On April 13, 2013, the award will be presented to Phil at the IEEE Philadelphia Section's Annual Awards Banquet and Gala, located at the Union League of Philadelphia, PA.
Mr. Gonski has played an active role in the IEEE Philadelphia Chapter’s membership by becoming the Executive Board Secretary in 2012, the 2013 Section Treasurer, and helping to spearhead new membership outreach programs.
David Smith Joins Burns as Director of Energy Services
The Burns Group is proud to announce the addition of David J. Smith to the company, enhancing the company’s energy services capabilities, and continuing our commitment to technical excellence and client satisfaction.
Dave comes to Burns as an energy industry veteran with over 25 years of helping clients maximize their energy efficiency and drive down their energy costs through a variety of strategies. His extensive experience with energy assessments has helped his clients identify realistic opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. A pioneer of the systems-centric, whole enterprise approach to energy management and engineering, Dave integrates energy efficiency, renewable power, on-site generation, demand response and load management to create energy savings solutions with attractive returns on investment. He has led teams to develop several large-scale combined heat and power (15 MW) cogeneration plants for his clients resulting in overall lower energy costs. Dave is an expert at economic, engineering and operational aspects of energy cost reduction initiatives, and has provided these services for large, complex facilities such as universities, water/wastewater treatment facilities, transportation agencies and several Fortune 500 companies throughout the United States.
Dave joins Burns as the Director of Energy Services, and will lead Burns’ Energy Services team. Burns provides a full range of energy consulting services including energy audits, energy & utility master planning, smart grid design, energy modeling & benchmarking, and funding assistance.
The Burns Group Named a Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer
Burns was recently ranked a top place to work on The Philadelphia Inquirer’s “Top Workplaces” list! This is Burns’ second year in a row applying for and receiving a high ranking on this list. Rankings are based on employee survey responses to questions covering workplace conditions, management team, execution of strategy, career path, direction, and pay and benefits.
Top Workplaces is an effort to discover the best employers in the Philadelphia region, as decided by each company’s employees. More than 26,000 individuals were surveyed by WorkplaceDynamics of Exton, PA.
Burns attributes its strength as an organization to its staff of talented, driven, and caring people. Our team is proud of what they do, and their enthusiasm enables us to deliver high-quality engineering solutions to our clients, while also making this a great place to be every day.
Pennoni's Michael Kissinger Promoted to Division Manager
West Chester, PA - Pennoni Associates, an ENR Top 100 engineering, design, and consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Michael Kissinger, PE, has been promoted to land development division manager in the firm’s West Chester office. He previously served as a project manager and has been with the firm for 14 years. “We rely on Mike’s integrity, insight, and perspective every day and are pleased to promote him to land development division manager,” said Vice President and Office Director Joseph Viscuso, PE. “His reputation throughout the company has grown as a professional with technical competence, a ‘can do’ attitude, and the willingness to make things happen for our clients.”
Mr. Kissinger currently manages more than 15 different projects in five different counties. He has four projects currently under construction. Mr. Kissinger managed and designed the site development plans for the Penn Medicine at Valley Forge facility that was recognized as the Best Water Resources project in Pennsylvania in 2010. He has also maintained and furthered his relationship with Simon Property Group by designing the improvements to the Montgomery Mall. Mr. Kissinger managed the Wegmans at the Montgomery Mall project which included site design, structural, environmental, survey, zoning services, stormwater, and inspection and testing personnel. Mr. Kissinger also provided public testimony associated with the high profile project. The largest project the West Chester office is currently working on is a low impact residential development in Tredyffrin Township. The project will include unique stormwater BMPs and layout characteristics. Mr. Kissinger continues to work with new and repeat clients and has gained their trust through his management skills, demeanor, communication, and ability to problem solve.
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Robert Swayne Named Delaware Valley Electrical Engineer of the Year
Robert Swayne, PE, LEED® AP, LC, a Senior Electrical Engineer with The Burns Group, was recently named the Delaware Valley Electrical Engineer of the Year by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) – Philadelphia Section. This award honors Bob’s excellence in technical endeavors, and emphasizes the importance of his involvement in creative engineering projects that are widely recognized and significant to our region.
Matthew Burns, President and CEO of Burns, said “We are very proud of Bob’s leadership in bringing together the technical community to share ideas and knowledge relevant to today’s electrical power systems. His inclusive style and collaborative approach to engineering design help create an atmosphere where he sets others up for success, and where the very best design solutions rise to the top. Bob is a great inspiration to everyone in our firm.”
The Burns Group is proud of Bob, his accomplishment, and all that he gives back to the engineering community.
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Erica Antoine Named New Face of Civil Engineering for 2013
Erica Antoine, EIT, associate at The Burns Group, has been selected as one of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) 2013 New Faces of Civil Engineering Professionals! The New Faces of Engineering program strives to promote the accomplishments of young engineers by highlighting their engineering contributions and the resulting impact on society. When not working professionally as a civil engineer with Burns, Erica makes time in her busy schedule to volunteer for youth outreach programs. She volunteers her time to projects that promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including WTS’s Transportation YOU, Block Kids, Discover the Future, Mentoring a Girl in Construction (MAGIC), Future Cities Competition, and Exxon Earn & Learn.
According to ASCE, “The 10 young engineers making up the 2013 class exhibit leadership, technical prowess, confidence, curiosity, integrity, sound judgment, and a positive attitude. They were chosen not only for their engineering knowledge and accomplishments but also for their commitment to the values outlined by ASCE in its report The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025, which sees engineers as being ‘entrusted by society to create a sustainable world and enhance the global quality of life’.”
View ASCE’s full article here.
Judy Nitsch Appointed to Pennoni Associates' Board of Directors
Pennoni Associates, an ENR Top 100 engineering, design, and consulting firm headquartered in Philadelphia, is pleased to announce that Judith Nitsch, PE, LEED AP BD+C, has been named to the firm’s board of directors. She will serve a three-year term. Pennoni’s board of directors is responsible for the strategic direction and fiscal soundness of the firm. The board sets the core values of the firm and overall objectives for each year’s business plan in addition to the selection and evaluation of the president and CEO, treasurer, and corporate secretary. “Pennoni Associates is pleased that Judy has accepted a director position with our board,” said Chairman and Founder C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni. “Judy is an excellent engineer and a successful businesswoman with the core values of honesty, integrity, and service. Judy brings a wealth of experience to the board along with her insight, intellect, and a vast network of contacts in the professional, business, and government communities.”
Ms. Nitsch is the founding principal of Nitsch Engineering. Her work over the past 37 years in the civil engineering field has focused on the design and management of site development and infrastructure-related projects. A graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Ms. Nitsch is a registered Professional Engineer in 19 states and the District of Columbia. She received an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2010. Ms. Nitsch has served as president of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts, and president of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section/ASCE. She has served on the board of directors of CREW Network (Commercial Real Estate Women) for the past two years and is the president-elect of this national organization.
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Margarita Gagliardi Joins Urban Engineers
Urban Engineers (Urban) is pleased to announce the addition of nationally-recognized transit planner Margarita Gagliardi to the firm. As Vice President of Transit Planning, she will lead Urban's Transit and Passenger Rail professionals in transit-related planning assignments.Ms. Gagliardi has 35 years of virtually unmatched professional experience, focused on overseeing and managing major transportation improvements from concept design and alternatives analyses to final design and startup. She has exceptional qualifications in tying together the technical, environmental, and public outreach aspects of major transportation planning projects. Her diverse background includes developing transit capital and operating improvement plans, coordinating transit projects with real estate and development projects, and implementing quality assurance programs. Her extensive experience also includes overseeing several New Starts studies and program management oversight programs for the Federal Transit Administration.
A David Rockefeller Fellow in 2003, Ms. Gagliardi has a Master's Degree in Public Administration in Planning and a Bachelor's Degree in Geography, both from Indiana University.
Microsol Resources Announces New Technology Partner - PointKnown
Microsol Resources Corporation, a recognized leader in building information modeling (BIM) technology solutions, as well as a leading Autodesk Gold Partner serving the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industries, is pleased to announce the addition of PointKnown to its growing association of Technology Partners. PointKnown flagship product, PKNail Pro, is a proven and unique Field to BIM application that runs in the Autodesk Revit environment, allowing a user to quickly and accurately capture and model existing conditions of buildings. For more information, www.microsolresources.com.
Ronald C. Kerins, Jr. of GREYHAWK Inducted into Temple University's Gallery of Success
Ronald C. Kerins, Jr., CCM, LEED-AP, regional manager and principal of GREYHAWK, a construction program management and consulting firm, was recently inducted into Temple University's "Gallery of Success." The Gallery of Success is a collaborative effort between Temple University's Office of Alumni Relations and the Career Center. At GREYHAWK, Kerins is responsible for regional operations along with business development in the greater Philadelphia market. With more than 26 years experience in the construction industry, Kerins joined GREYHAWK in 2007. He has served on the National Board of Directors of CMAA and is a former Chapter President of CMAA's Mid-Atlantic Region. Kerins is an adjunct Professor with Temple and Widener Universities and serves as an Instructor with the Engineer's Club of Philadelphia. He is a past-president of the Temple University College of Engineering Alumni Board and recently was appointed as director at large to the Temple University Alumni Association board. He serves as secretary to the Board of Directors for the ACE Mentor Program of Eastern Pennsylvania. GREYHAWK is an award-winning construction project management and consulting firm specializing in providing services to facility owners and stakeholders involved in major private and public construction projects. To learn more visit www.greyhawk.com.
Kathryn Russo Joins JMT
Kathryn P. Russo, PE, PTOE has joined JMT's Philadelphia office, where she will be responsible for leading and expanding JMT's traffic engineering practice in Philadelphia and eastern Pennsylvania. Ms. Russo has significant experience with the analysis and design of transportation projects with a wide variety of components. She has completed complex traffic engineering alternatives analyses for new or reconfigured freeway and roadway alignments, and detailed signal designs for highly urbanized corridors, applying the latest technologies and techniques to maximize travel efficiency. Kathryn has worked closely with local and regional transportation agencies including the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Delaware Department of Transportation, and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia.
Pennoni Announces Transportation Leadership Promotions
Pennoni Associates, an ENR Top 100 engineering, design, and consulting firm headquartered in Philadelphia, is pleased to announce promotions among its transportation technology leadership. These changes are the result of the successful growth of Intelligent Infrastructure Systems (IIS), which is the firm’s newest transportation initiative.
* Regional Vice President for Transportation David Lowdermilk, PE, has been named principal of IIS, a division of Pennoni. IIS offers world-class applications of the most reliable monitoring, modeling and decision tools and technologies, together with the engineering support and experience. Mr. Lowdermilk will maintain his role as regional vice president for transportation, retaining leadership of the strategic direction of the group.
* John Zarsky, PE, has been promoted to the newly created position of deputy regional vice president and principal for the transportation technology, taking over day-to-day management of transportation operations company-wide.
* James Markham, PE, formerly the division manager for the Philadelphia transportation division, has been promoted to Regional Technology Principal for Eastern Pennsylvania, filling the vacancy created by Mr. Zarsky's promotion.
* Jeremy Colello, PE, ENV PV, has been promoted to division manager for the Philadelphia transportation division, filling the vacancy created by Mr. Markham's promotion.
"Dave's expertise and leadership made him the best choice to continue and grow the success of IIS, which is rapidly expanding in the level of technology and service it is able to provide for our clients," said Pennoni's Chief Operating Officer Charles Perry. "We are also proud to have the staff in-waiting to promote who will excel in their new responsibilities. John, Jim, and Jeremy are all held in high esteem by their colleagues and looked upon as leaders in their field. We look forward to the continued strong work ethic and quality service they will bring to these positions."
The Burns Group Acquires Klein and Hoffman's Philadelphia-Based Structures Division
The Burns Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Philadelphia-based Structures Division of Klein and Hoffman, Inc.! This Division includes Klein and Hoffman's buildings, transportation and environmental structures groups in Philadelphia and New York City, and its environmental structures group in Chicago.
Matthew Burns, President and CEO of Burns, emphasized that "The addition of Klein and Hoffman's core structural engineering assets reinforces Burns’ mission of applying uncommon skill and talent to solve the toughest engineering challenges. We have worked together with Klein and Hoffman for many years guiding our clients to successful engineering solutions, and now with this acquisition, we can better deliver a superior client experience.”
We are excited to welcome our new team members. Together, we will continue to provide our clients with the responsiveness, flexibility and solutions that remain the core of our business.
Pennoni Associates Expands Southern Service Offerings with Acquisition of AGS, LLC
Pennoni Associates, an ENR Top 100 engineering, design, and consulting firm headquartered in Philadelphia, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the assets of AGS, LLC, (AGS) an MEP design and engineering firm based in Arlington, Virginia. In December 2010, Pennoni acquired Patton Harris Rust and Associates, giving the firm five locations throughout Virginia. While Pennoni has offered MEP services to its clients in the Northeast for more than four decades, this latest acquisition will add this service offering locally to the firm's clients in the southern region.
"The acquisition of AGS will continue our growth in Virginia and expand our services in the area," said Senior Vice President David DeLizza, PE. "The AGS philosophy of providing clients with an engineering team that is accessible, responsive, experienced, and mindful of budget and schedule is perfectly in line with the goals of Pennoni Associates."
AGS was founded in 2010 and specializes in the engineering of mechanical/plumbing, electrical and fire protection systems. The firm was established to provide engineering expertise in engineering, systems infrastructure and energy related projects. The AGS team has worked together for more than 10 years and offers a seasoned group of professional engineers and designers with a thorough and comprehensive understanding of MEP and FP systems.
AGS Principal Richard Schafer, PE, LEED AP, will continue to head the operations in Arlington as the Office Director. Co-Founder Bryan Atkinson, PE, will continue and expand Pennoni's MEP operations in the New York region. Larry Gould, PE, who served as managing principal at AGS, will join Pennoni as the chief engineer for MEP services.
"Joining the Pennoni family seemed like a logical choice as the company culture we have developed lined up perfectly with Pennoni’s client-centric culture," said Mr. Gould. "With our expertise in MEP and knowledge of Virginia, we look forward to bringing a full catalogue of services to both new and existing clients."
Eng Club Mourns Loss of Past President Tom Payne
Thomas B. Payne, past president of the Engineers' Club and a key volunteer for many of the past 20 years, passed away on Wednesday, August 29, 2012.
The funeral will be Thursday, Sept 6, 7:00 pm in Haddonfield. The announcement will be in the Courier Post on Saturday, Septemer 1. Information will also be posted on the website for Jackson Funeral Home in Haddon Township (Westmont) NJ.
Tom was one of the three key volunteers that kept the Club operating after we moved out of the Spruce Street building in 1990. Tom was the Director of Education until 2008 and it was his efforts in the education program that generated the finanical reserves that we have today.
Our condolences go out to the family.
Rail and Transit Expert Richard Simonetta Joins The Burns Group
Rick Simonetta has joined The Burns Group, adding tremendous experience and depth via his 42 years in the rail and transit industry. In his position at Burns, Rick will continue to provide solutions by sharing his extensive industry knowledge and expertise. Matthew Burns, PE, President/CEO of Burns said, "We are excited to have Rick on our team to help us fulfill our mission of delivering a superior service experience to our clients. Rick's experience helps us better understand and provide solutions for the toughest challenges facing our rail and transit clients."
The Burns Group develops customized engineering design, construction management and design/build solutions for railroad and transit agencies in the following areas: traction power; signal and communications; security systems; track; station/passenger facilities; railroad maintenance facilities; construction management; and project management oversight.
To learn more visit www.burns-group.com.
Pennoni Promotes James Markham, PE, to Associate Vice President
Pennoni Associates, an ENR Top 100 engineering, design, and consulting firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of James Markham, PE, to Associate Vice President in the firm’s Philadelphia office. This promotion is effective immediately. "Becoming an Officer of Pennoni Associates is truly an honor, one that shows earned respect, trust, and confidence of Pennoni's Board of Directors, and also of peers, colleagues, and subordinates," said Pennoni President and CEO Tony Bartolomeo. "Jim has demonstrated the skills, values, integrity, pride in his profession, and business acumen necessary to represent our firm as an Officer."
Mr. Markham serves as the Transportation Division Manager in the Philadelphia office. His group provides professional transportation engineering services to public and private sector clients. His project experience includes traffic studies, roadway design for public and private sector clients, storm drainage design and modification, contract bidding and administration. In addition to his design experience, Mr. Markham assists Pennoni's municipal clients with the review of land developments within their townships. He is frequently the Project Manager for multi-discipline projects and in that role, calls upon expertise from across the firm. He also frequently presents at public meetings. Mr. Markham is the incoming President Elect of the Engineer's Club of Philadelphia, and a Past President of ASCE's Philadelphia Chapter. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and a registered Professional Engineer in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Thomas A. Caramanico, PE Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
On February 16, 2012 McCormick Taylor President Tom Caramanico was honored by the Delco Chapter of the PSPE with the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award for his 40 years of service and influence in the engineering community. In addition to his professional career, Tom is active in non-profit groups supporting the efforts of numerous community initiatives. In 2010, he began serving on Governor Tom Corbett's Transportation Advisory Committee to help devise a creative funding plan for the current state transportation deficit. Tom was presented the award during a banquet at the Towne House in Media, PA, and is pictured here with staff from McCormick Taylor’s Philadelphia and Exton, PA offices.
Melody Matter, PE, PTOE Named Young Engineer of the Year
Congratulations to Traffic Engineer, Melody Matter, PE, PTOE of McCormick Taylor's Harrisburg, PA office for being chosen as the 2012 Young Engineer of the Year by the Central Pennsylvania Engineers Week Council! Melody joined McCormick Taylor in 2002 and is involved with several professional organizations, including the MASITE where she holds a board position. Melody was proudly recognized for her achievements in the engineering industry during the Engineers Week Banquet on February 23, 2012.
Eng Club Mourns Loss of Past President Joseph Krulikowski
Joseph Krulikowski, past president and long time member of the Engineers' Club passed away on March 1, 2012. Loving husband of Kathryn (nee Sweeney). Beloved father of Kathleen Tezla (Anthony). Grandfather of Elizabeth and Joseph. Brother of Jane Charpentier. All services private at the family's request.