What’s Happening at B&N

Burgess & Niple is pleased to announce the election of 26 new Associates of the firm, effective July 1, 2024. Please join us in congratulating each of them on this achievement! 

MICHAEL BEHRENDS, PE | CINCINNATI, OH

Since joining B&N in 2012, Michael has been a key member of our bridge design team and is sought out for his expertise in curved steel girder bridges and prestressed concrete beams. His technical skills have made him an asset internally for complex bridge designs, and he has received recognition from clients as a bridge design expert. Michael’s technical presentations to local professional societies have enhanced B&N's presence in the industry. With a Civil Engineering degree from The Ohio State University and Master of Science at the University of Cincinnati, Michael continues to be an emerging leader in our bridge design practice.

PETE BENNETT, PE | NORFOLK, VA

Since joining B&N in 2023, Pete’s contributions have been pivotal in enhancing the quality and efficiency of our projects and the growth of the Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Group. A key thought leader for mechanical systems, Pete’s passion is evident in every project. His problem-solving skills and high-quality solutions set a standard of excellence, strengthening our team and client relationships. His involvement with key contracts has demonstrated significant cost-saving opportunities, securing important projects. With a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Military Institute, Pete's client-focused mindset and technical abilities continue to drive our success.

JESSE BORREGO | AUSTIN, TX

Jesse, a Senior Engineering Designer/CAD Manager with 16 years of experience, has been an invaluable asset to the Austin, Texas team. He has successfully worked on numerous subdivision, infrastructure, and site development projects in Texas, collaborating with various municipalities, water supply corporations, and small communities from the conceptual stage to construction. His expertise spans subdivision and roadway design, drainage, water/wastewater projects including water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, lift stations, force mains, gravity lines, storage tanks, booster pump stations, treatment plants, and various site plans. Jesse brings a strong presence and critical thinking skills to every project.

STEPHAN CHEVALIER | PARKERSBURG, WV

Celebrating 40 years with B&N, Stephan has been a cornerstone of our Parkersburg Office. As a technical leader, supervisor, IT liaison, trusted advisor, and mentor, his high-level project team support and drive have resulted in many successes for B&N. As a Civil 3D and MicroStation expert, his relationship with Power System Engineering has secured 21 projects since 2016. Stephan is well known with West Virginia Department of Transportation for his leadership and project excellence in roadway, right-of-way, and site development, and is important to our future growth in the West Virginia District.

CHARLES CURTIS, PE | TAMPA, FL

With seven years of experience at B&N, Charles has demonstrated growing managerial skills and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring our designs meet client expectations. Recently appointed Drainage Engineer of Record for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 7 Design/Build US 98 project, he developed an innovative model for the Bridge Hydraulics Report at the Hillsborough River. Charles is also spearheading client relationship development with FDOT District 5 Stormwater, Pinellas County, and Sumter County. His dual focus on project management and marketing has led to new opportunities, including a project with Port Tampa Bay. Additionally, his mentorship of Engineer Interns has been invaluable. Charles earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology.

PAIGE FORNEY, PE | CINCINNATI, OH

Since joining B&N in 2009, Paige has demonstrated excellent relationship skills, technical excellence, and strong management abilities. Recently taking on the role of Deputy Project Manager for the MSDGC Design-Build Mill Creek project, she led the civil/site portion and introduced Autodesk Construction Cloud resulting in efficient team coordination and submittal processes. With experience in sanitary sewer evaluation and design, site design, drainage design, and more, Paige has been instrumental in over 136 projects for the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Paige continues to be a valuable asset to the team.

JOSH HARNER, PE | EVANSVILLE, IN

Josh joined B&N in 2023 with 16 years of experience and has quickly become a vital part of our Water practice. His expertise in wastewater treatment plant process design, particularly high-rate treatment, is invaluable for addressing wet weather issues. Josh's exceptional technical skills and attention to detail were evident in the Warren County Fosters Pump Stations project. He also took a technical lead role in the disinfection portion of the MSDGC Design-Build Mill Creek project and the Loveland Water Treatment Plant project where he excelled as Project Manager and technical lead. A graduate of Trine University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Josh’s contributions set us up for future success.

YORDY HILL | TAMPA, FL

A member of B&N’s Accounting team, Yordy brings 10 years of accounting and supervisory experience. He joined B&N as part of the ICON acquisition and played a significant role in the success of their integration into the firm. Yordy has a solid foundation in analytical, problem-solving, and accounting skills, along with a strong working understanding of today’s professional digital toolset. His ability to readily adapt to and apply new technologies is invaluable. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Financial and Audit from Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra.

KEVIN HUTCHENS, PE | MENTOR, OH

Kevin joined B&N in 2001, has 27 years of experience and has become an integral part of the Great Lakes District. Kevin is known for his drainage expertise and proficiency in roadway and highway design, traffic control design, and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)-certified lighting and right-of-way plan development. He engages clients effectively and coordinates seamlessly on municipal projects, serving as our spokesperson for DOT drainage solutions. His strong relationships, collaboration, and technology skills, combined with his leadership, are critical for developing our staff and leading growth in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Kevin is a graduate of the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering,

MATT KESTNER, GIT | COLUMBUS, OH

Since joining B&N in 2018, Matt has been instrumental in creating opportunities within the ecological and stream restoration practice. He has built strong relationships with clients such as Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, The Nature Conservancy, and many more, resulting in over $3.5 million in contracts and assisting clients in securing approximately $8 million in grants through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) H2Ohio Program. Matt has shared his expertise through presentations at various industry conferences and internal technical sessions. His efforts span multiple B&N offices, significantly contributing to our success. Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Marshall University and a Master of Science from Coastal Carolina University.

ROGER KOCHMAN, PE | COLUMBUS, OH

A senior bridge design engineer in the Columbus Bridge Design Section, Roger consistently exhibits mastery and technical expertise, honed over 33 years at B&N. He is sought out for his technical guidance and has been an excellent mentor, crucial to staff development in our Columbus and Parkersburg offices. In 2023, Roger led the Tulsa Ramp Bridges replacement project, delivering a 120-sheet plan set in just nine weeks. His innovative designs and precision helped win the GUE-209 design-build project. Over the past several years Roger has also honed his finite element analysis and complex steel design skills, advancing his technical leadership on complex steel design projects. Roger holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University.

MONICA LOWRY, AIA | CINCINNATI, OH

Joining B&N in 2021 with 18 years of experience, Monica excels as an Architecture discipline leader, managing multiple cross-functional teams, projects, and clients. Her comprehensive understanding of the architectural practice, including business metrics, technical criteria, and staff management, is invaluable. Monica’s exceptional communication skills foster team development, consensus-building, and motivation. Outside B&N, she serves on the Board of Directors for the local AIA chapter, enhancing our professional reputation and aiding recruitment. Monica holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kentucky.

SHAWN MCCLORY | COLUMBUS, OH

Shawn joined B&N in 2022 with 23 years of experience as a Business Analyst focusing on our new CRM system implementation. His extensive project management experience has tightened our processes, and his expertise in application development has accelerated CRM adoption through active stakeholder engagement. Recognized as an expert in data modeling, reporting, and business intelligence, Shawn’s contributions have led to new advancements in data visualization for the firm. His technical excellence, leadership, and commitment to process improvement create significant opportunities for B&N. Shawn holds a Bachelor of Science in Social History and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon.

KEVIN MCKEEL, PE | LOUISVILLE, KY

Since joining B&N in 2012, Kevin has gained the respect of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Central Office Traffic Division Staff through his work on the Statewide Highway Safety Improvement Program contract. His expertise in Safety and Traffic Analysis has been demonstrated on projects like KY 15, KY 1865, and KY 121. Kevin has built strong relationships with Traffic Safety Division staff and various district design teams, while his technical skills, client engagement, and passion for safety make him a visible leader. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Engineering from the University of Louisville.

BETH MIRKA | COLUMBUS, OH

Since joining B&N in 1998 as a technical writer, Beth has grown into a lead Technical Support Analyst in our Information Technology Section over the past 25 years. Recognized for her exceptional troubleshooting skills, Beth embodies the excellent level of service our helpdesk aspires to provide to all B&N employees. She will now expand her reach beyond the helpdesk in her new role as an Application Support Analyst. Beth’s technical excellence, strong client relationships, dedication, and authenticity are invaluable to the firm. She holds a Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University.

MATT NEWLON, PE | PARKERSBURG, WV

Since joining B&N in 2013 after graduating from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Matt has become a leader in the Parkersburg office, supervising young engineers. His technical skills in water and sewer projects, along with his assistance in bridge inspections, are highly valued. Matt is respected for his work on water and wastewater projects, regularly offering insights into unique challenges. He has led the design of several large sanitary sewer projects, including the ongoing Magazine Branch project for the Charleston Sanitary Board (CSB) and helped secure the next three-year continuing engineering services contract with CSB.

ERIKA PATTERSON | COLUMBUS, OH

Erika joined B&N in 1997 and has become a sought-after leader for plan production, reviews, and project support. She leads large portions of construction documentation development, supporting multiple B&N offices. Erika trains new staff and has helped develop a technical training program that enables new hires to work independently and produce quality documents within one year. Her ability to quickly develop her staff has been invaluable as growth continues and workload increases. Additionally, Erika supports our IT department with Bentley-related issues, enhancing corporate resources. Committed to improving plan quality, she also leads quality control efforts and trainings. Erika holds an Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology from Columbus State Community College.

KRIS POPOVICH | COLUMBUS, OH

Kris has become a pivotal leader of our GIS Section, driving growth and expansion since joining B&N in 2004. His corporate leadership in setting the direction for ESRI software and licensing has made him an essential extension of our IT team. Kris is recognized company-wide as the go-to expert for GIS, ensuring B&N remains at the forefront of GIS and Cartography practices. Kris has been a key collaborator as we develop the PipeAId AI solution and the GIS component. As GIS becomes increasingly integrated into our industry, Kris’s expertise is critical to expanding our use of GIS and data science initiatives. Kris holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography from The Ohio State University.

KARDDY RODRIGUEZ, EI | TAMPA, FL

Karddy has flourished as a technical expert and has led design teams on complex transportation projects, including two US 98 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Design-Build projects, three Diverging Diamond Interchanges, and multiple reconstruction and widening projects. She also has had a substantial project management role with Hillsborough County, overseeing approximately $1 million in new contract value since 2020. She has been an excellent ambassador for B&N at various conferences and client presentations. Karddy is a mentor and technical leader for our younger staff. With 22 years of experience, she holds a Master of Civil Engineering from the University of South Florida.

JT SMITH, PE | RICHMOND, VA

Since joining B&N in 2022, JT has demonstrated exceptional project management skills and engineering acumen. His leadership in the Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing team in Richmond has been pivotal in expanding both our personnel and client base, exemplifying his dedication to the firm's growth and future success. JT's technical expertise, proactive problem-solving, and strategic thinking have been crucial in developing client-focused solutions that secure project awards, including opportunities at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University and Virginia Union University. His business development efforts have significantly expanded B&N’s client base. JT holds a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.

BLAKE STEPHENS, PE | CINCINNATI, OH

Blake joined B&N in 2017 and was recently appointed Director for the Cincinnati Bridge Section. He is the go-to person for bridge-related questions for staff at the Butler and Clermont County Engineer’s offices, Ohio Department of Transportation District 8, and the Hamilton County Engineer’s office. Blake’s innovative project approaches have led to numerous wins for B&N, and his technical presentations at local professional society meetings have increased our exposure and expertise. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

MIKE TARICSKA, PE | COLUMBUS, OH

Since joining B&N in 2012, Mike has been a vital resource for technical training and roundabout expertise, supporting design and new business pursuits in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Oregon. Mike is a trusted resource for geometric design, modeling, and large project development. His dedication to coaching and mentoring young staff in ORD modeling and Bentley products has identified best practices for model development on large corridors and he is leading B&N’s digital delivery efforts to help our clients transition into the digital space. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University.

KEVIN TURLIJ | ERIE, PA

Kevin joined B&N in 2022 as part of the Utility Infrastructure Section in our Erie, Pennsylvania office, bringing 23 years of design experience. He played a crucial role in starting the new office and has since become a go-to person for design needs, particularly focusing on treatment plants. Kevin's ability to seamlessly work across multiple disciplines and his commitment to mentoring younger staff have made him an invaluable asset. His drawings are highly praised for their clarity, and clients in Northwest Pennsylvania specifically request his work for funding applications. Kevin’s dedication and expertise continue to drive our success and growth. Kevin holds an Associate of Science in Drafting & Design from ITT Technical Institute.

MEGAN VALENTINE, PE | COLUMBUS, OH

Megan joined B&N in 2023 and brings over 10 years of experience in traffic, safety, and roadway design. She has quickly taken on complex safety analysis tasks, positioning us for success with Ohio Department of Transportation’s Safety Design and Strategic Highway Safety Plan contracts. Megan has secured multiple project wins and sub-consultant roles, notably contributing to the National Cooperative Highway Research Program project, advancing our brand nationally. Megan’s efforts not only maintain our safety expertise in Ohio but also support our National Safety Practice, driving corporate expertise and project pursuits across the country. Megan holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University.

OLYA WATTS | COLUMBUS, OH

Olya, who joined B&N in 2017, is a member of B&N’s Bridge and Structural Design Section. She has broad experience in the design of various bridge types and complexities across multiple states. Olya excels in load rating bridges, drainage design calculations, and hydraulic analyses for bridge and non-bridge projects. Beyond project work, Olya is adept at researching technical topics and preparing presentations for B&N bridge staff on subjects such as ultra-high-performance concrete, strut-and-tie modeling, and seismic design. Her commitment to developing industry relationships is evident through her activities with WTS, ABCD, and mentoring programs. Olya holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University.

CALEB ZMITH, PE | COLUMBUS, OH

Caleb has been a vital part of the Columbus Collection and Distribution Section for the last nine years, demonstrating creativity and innovation in solving complex data analysis problems. Starting as an Engineer Intern, he quickly advanced to lead field services, becoming a design engineer and project manager. Caleb is our data analysis and scripting leader, automating flow metering data analysis and leading GIS data analysis. His use of technology for continuous process improvement and increased efficiency has been invaluable. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University.