Garry brings more than 25 years of experience in the industry, focusing on energy solutions, electrical and technology engineering, business development and client relations. He leads the direction for Veregy Eastern Region, guides innovative energy solutions for clients, and provides technology systems leadership for key projects. He also has extensive experience in lighting systems, data, voice, video, security, and varied communication systems. He has led projects across a wide spectrum of market sectors from educational to healthcare, including large projects of more than 2 million square feet. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering from Franklin University.
Vice President of Technology
Brad Turnwald, CEM
Brad is responsible for the development and implementation of Veregy’s building technology solutions and Digital Services. He also serves as an energy project manager and controls engineer. He is proficient in Building Automation System control and implementation, life cycle cost analyses, full building energy modeling, and conformance to national energy codes that focus on creating high-performance buildings. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton and holds the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) credential.
Director of Performance Contracting, Technology
Chris Reichert, PE, CEM
Chris oversees the conception and design of new projects and products to make daily facility management easier and more manageable for clients, looking for solutions to problem areas in the complicated world of facility and energy management. During his tenure with Veregy, Chris has extensive experience in project management, budgeting, project planning, energy auditing, controls design and programming, software development, and information technology. He has led projects across the country in various market sectors including educational and municipal. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University.
Director of Technology
Brian Bowers, CEM, CEA
Brian oversees all projects that use the Controls as a Professional Service methodology. This involves designing new Building Automation Systems (BAS) starting from the beginning of a new building’s overall design process. He has an extensive background in BAS, Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Automatic Temperature Control Systems (ATC). His previous controls systems experience includes managing BAS projects and scheduling to ensure they are completed on time, designing and laying out BAS and ATC systems, writing software for direct digital controllers and BAS databases and commissioning, start-up and maintenance of BAS and ATC systems. He has a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology from DeVry and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Franklin University.
Director of Sales
Gary Orr
Gary’s responsibilities include leading the sales team in business development activities for the Eastern Region. He has 30 years of business development and management experience in the Building Solutions and Performance Contracting Industry. He has led teams that have developed and implemented more than $250 million of building systems, services and Energy Performance Contracts in the Midwest. He has a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Toledo.
Director of Vehicle Electrification
Scott Wisner
As a former transit professional and innovator with several years experience working for Valley Metro RPTA, Scott joined the Veregy team in 2021 to head up our vehicle electrification division. Scott is responsible for working directly with municipalities, schools and transit customers to deliver EV fleet and infrastructure plans and solutions that support your organizations needs.
EHS Director
Paul Benson, Sr.
Paul Benson has been in the construction industry for over 25 years. Most recently, he has been the Regional Safety Director of the largest steel erector/fabricator in the US. He utilizes his knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to develop practical and compliant programs and policies. His responsibilities, in part, will be to maintain a safe and healthy job site, work with local subcontractors to ensure they follow Veregy company policies and work with National Insurance and Risk programs to ensure compliance and risk reduction.
Paul has a certificate of completion with the International Associate of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, as well as being a certified OSHA Authorized Construction Trainer. He is also an accredited Safety Manager Specialist, from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
Business Development
H. Scott McKenzie
Scott served 38 years in public education in various positions, including teaching and administration. His last six years, he served as the Superintendent of the Groveport Madison Schools. Scott understands the needs of leaders and appreciates the responsibilities they face. He assists an organization’s leaders in acquiring and organizing the collection of key data points from previous utility expenses and operational and maintenance expenditures. Since joining Veregy, he has helped numerous public entities, including school districts, counties, and municipalities, save substantially on their utility and operational costs. His projects have a combined utility savings of more than $3 million. He has a bachelor’s degree from Capital University and a Masters of Education from Xavier University.
Business Development
Jon Saxton
With 30 years of experience as an educator and 20 as a school administrator, Jon has walked in the shoes of school leaders facing a wide-variety of challenges. During his tenure as a superintendent, he was responsible for the construction, operation and transformation of district facilities, which included building two new elementary schools, demolishing and selling obsolete properties, constructing new and renovating old athletic facilities, and repurposing spaces for district offices, maintenance, transportation and warehouse spaces. He has worked closely with architects, engineers, contractors, construction managers, local community members and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission on a variety of projects. As a business development representative, Jon offers his experiences and understanding to the team to assist school leaders. He has master’s degrees in Educational Administration and Social Studies from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree from Capital University.
Sales Account Manager
Gerad Stephens
Gerad collaborates with clients in the K-12, higher education, and municipal markets in need of increased energy efficiency and streamlined operations. Having previously worked for a leading computerized maintenance management system provider, Gerad has unique expertise related to software solutions that make facility management simpler and more cost-effective. His experience in optimizing the daily operations of facilities directors, maintenance technicians, office administrators, and community members brings valuable insight as well as creative integration opportunities to Veregy clients. Gerad holds an Associate in Applied Business (AAB) degree in Business Management Technologies a well as a Bachelor of Technical & Applied Studies (BTAS) degree, both from Ohio University.
Senior Account Manager
Eduardo Saplala, PE
Ed brings 35 years of experience in the construction industry along with 15 years of delivering energy service projects. In his role as a Senior Account Manager, Ed works primarily on selling turn-key Energy Services within the Local and State Government, Higher Education, and Secondary Schools markets. He works directly with each organization’s executive team to understand their unique needs and challenges and pair them with tailored solutions. Ed aids in defining requirements (procurement, financial, technical, contractual & implementation) to leverage Veregy talents and offerings to achieve his customers’ business goals. He holds a He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oakland University and PE credential.
Senior Project Developer
Brian Gifford
Brian brings more than 29 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Design-Build and Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Systems. He leads our pre-construction efforts at Veregy in the Eastern Region and collaborates with the sales, development, design, and operations teams on to develop projects that align with the goals of our clients. He has extensive experience leading teams in pre-construction services for projects across a wide spectrum of market sectors from education to healthcare, including large projects of over $185 million. Brian started his career in the construction field as an apprentice, and, over the years, he has worked his way through the ranks of journeyman, project superintendent, and project manager. He has strong knowledge related to integration of facility systems, controls, energy performance and technical service/maintenance. Brian has the know-how to not only develop the project scope but can also manage the project through execution and ensure client satisfaction after project completion. He holds a Bachelor of Business from The Ohio State University.
Senior Development Engineer
Adam Grubb, EIT, LEED AP
Adam has worked in the engineering and construction industry since 2007. He has been involved in multiple construction markets including government, K-12, transportation, industrial, healthcare, and higher education. Adam has design and project management experience in utility infrastructure improvement studies and assessments, central energy plants, additions, full building renovations, and new builds from the ground up. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Wright State University.
Construction Project Manager
Ron Rychel
Ron has more than 20 years of experience in cumulative regional/national/international facilities construction and project management. He has a demonstrated history successfully overseeing construction projects within the energy industry and has managed projects totaling over $143 million in installation costs over the course of his career. Ron is highly skilled in the areas of Construction, Contract Management, Product Development, Process Scheduling, and Sustainability. His duties include preparing bid documents, bid selection, construction submittal reviews, project scheduling, conducting progress meetings, budget planning, subcontract management, project quality control, project reports, day-to-day onsite construction project management, and preparing as built/close out documents. Ron has a Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate and Finance with a minor in Marketing from Kent State University. His training and credentials include: OSHA 30 Hour Certification, OSHA Excavation Certification, ProCore Project Management Training, Microsoft Project Training.
Senior Project Manager
Greg Schmitz, LEED AP
With over 14 years of construction experience, Greg has extensive knowledge with the retrofit and new installation of energy saving mechanical systems. He has worked on public, lump sum, GMP, privately negotiated and performance projects. His projects have ranged from $50k to $30 million and have included lighting, fire protection, water conservation, solar array, building envelope, electrical, controls, medical gas, security, CCTV, plumbing and general trades. Through past projects, Greg has worked with schools, universities, hospitals, jails and new builds. He works directly with architects, engineers, owners and contractors to understand project designs and product/equipment selections to ensure a successful project from start to finish. His partnership with the project team enables a smooth style workflow that benefits the overall project. Greg has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from The University of Toledo. His credentials include: LEED AP BD&C and State of Ohio Licenses in HVAC, Plumbing, Refrigeration and Hydronics.
Electrical Project Manager
Heather Sieck
Heather is an integral part of LED Lighting Solutions who provides existing systems analysis, lighting fixture and space evaluations, energy calculations, photometric layouts, LED lighting fixture selections, utility incentive coordination, emergency system evaluation, lighting controls evaluation and planning, and complete start-to-finish project coordination. As a previous installer, she brings valuable knowledge from a contracting perspective. She has a Bachelor of Science in Electrics Engineering Technology from DeVry University.
Additional:Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Marketing Manager
Lisa Schultz
Lisa manages the marketing initiatives for Veregy’s Eastern Region, including networking organizations, tradeshows, website, social media, marketing campaigns, and proposals. She is actively involved with managing client relations, business development, and the customer relationship management system (CRM). Her sales and marketing experience in Energy Conservation, Building Automation, and HVAC Preventative Maintenance, which helps her provide an in-depth understanding of clients’ day-to-day challenges. Lisa has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morehead State University.
Marketing Specialist
Haley Orr
Haley aids in developing and refining strategic marketing materials that convey the value in partnering with Veregy. Her responsibilities include enhancing sales presentations, designing graphics and generating email communications. Haley also brings value to the Veregy-customer relationship by analyzing customers’ operating expenditure data and projecting potential savings opportunities. She also helps customers understand as well as communicate the educational, financial, operational and environmental impact of their project through social media, press releases, etc. Haley holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Professional Sales and Organizational Leadership and Management with a minor in Business Law as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toledo.
Regional Technology Manager
Jake Taylor, PE, CEM, LEED AP
Jake manages a team that works primarily on energy projects by designing control systems, installing controls and performing commissioning duties, and programming and troubleshooting installed controls. His job duties entail performing energy audits, designing HVAC, lighting and electrical control systems, designing and implementing custom energy management software, and working on the implementation of energy projects. Jake has performed many ASHRAE Level I, Level II, and Level III energy audits. He has a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton and a Master of Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University.
Regional Technology Manager
Mark Willard, CEM
Mark is responsible for leading a team that remotely monitors building conditions through HVAC automation systems, monthly utility reporting, as well as fine tuning HVAC operations after energy projects. Mark works with our client’s facilities personnel to diagnose issues with the HVAC equipment and controls, address occupant temperature complaints, and maintain post project energy savings. Mark also works with clients to customize preventive maintenance service plans for their unique HVAC and Building Automation Systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from The Ohio State University.
Engineer III
James Gallick, CEM, LEED AP
James manages the implementation of energy projects. His responsibilities include designing controls systems, management of controls system installation, troubleshooting and commissioning, and developing custom logic to achieve energy savings. James has conducted numerous ASHRAE Level I and Level II energy audits and is experienced in identifying energy conservation measures. He also has experience as an HVAC design engineer with an emphasis on equipment retrofits in existing buildings. James holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University.
Engineer III
Adam Von Lehmden
Adam focuses heavily on the implementation of building controls. This includes the design, install, programming, and monitoring phases for building automation systems. In addition to new controls projects, Adam also supports a handful of customers that have a technical support contract with Veregy. This ensures that they are supported beyond the completion data of the original energy project. Veregy has started to couple new solar sites with solar equipment monitoring control panels. Adam manages a small team that designs and supports the monitoring controls. To date, over 100 of these panels have been installed. He has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton.
Additional:Tridium N4 Certified
Controls Integration Engineer
Robert Ziebarth, EI
Robert has extensive experience with designing control systems in the most efficient ways possible, including designing control panels that are easy to interact with by maintenance staff and programming building automation systems to operate at their peak efficiency. Additionally, Robert is experienced in creating user-friendly graphics to support an energy project, making it easy and intuitive for clients to monitor what their system is doing at any given time. Recently, he has also gained experience in the installation and integration of solar arrays, allowing clients to monitor their solar installation’s power generation history and projected efficiency. Robert has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University.
Assistant Controller
Ray Kautz
Ray brings extensive experience in the industry, focusing on Energy Solutions, HVAC/Plumbing, and General Contracting/Construction Manager at Risk. He works closely with the Project Management Team to advise on project financing along with handling project accounting. Other responsibilities include assisting with managing the financials of each project and helping the Project Management Team mitigate risk through schedule/contractual/billing management between Veregy and its subcontractors/suppliers. Ray has been the financial liaison for projects across a wide spectrum of markets including Education, Data Centers, and Healthcare. He has been the Project Controller for multiple projects with facilities of over two million square feet (Data Center & Healthcare Construction). He also has Project Management experience in the industrial sector focusing on special projects. Ray holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Pre-Law and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration Degree, both from Ohio University.
NATIONWIDE ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP
Principal, General Manager
Lee Anne Dye
Principal, Integration Manager
Doug Smith, PE, CEM, LEED AP, BD+C, GGP
Production Manage, Senior Associate
David Schoen, LEED AP
Technology Manager
Craig Buchholz, LEED AP, RCDD
Senior Associate, Mechanical Engineer
Frank Hartley, PE, HFDP
Senior Associate, Mechanical Engineer
Michael Spengler, PE
Electrical Engineering, Department Leader
Jason Lang, PE, LEED AP
Marketing Manager
Felicia Wilburn
Human Resources Manager
Julie Dowdell, SPHR, SCP
Principal, General Manager
Lee Anne Dye
Lee Anne attended Ohio University and has been in the engineering industry since 1979. She joined Veregy in 2005, where she currently serves as General Manager for the East Engineering Group. Other responsibilities range from Project Executive on Healthcare projects to construction administration.
Lee Anne’s decades of experience in engineering consulting, construction administration and project design have given her a broad design skillset, which includes team building, lighting, general power, normal and emergency power distribution, utility coordination, fire alarm systems, nurse call and other low-voltage systems.
Her project management work includes contracts, owner programming, and communication processing between owner, architect and construction team.
At Veregy, Lee Anne gets to put her skills to use on high-caliber projects such as the Mental Health Hospitals, Crisis Centers, Medical Campuses and Ambulatory Care Facilities, educational facilities, retail spaces and other projects, but her true passion lies with collaboration of teams to make owner visions realities.
When she’s not busy overseeing financials and projects from pre-planning to ribbon-cutting, Lee Anne can be found cruising through the Hocking Hills area on the back of a Harley with friends or helping out family members on any home project that involves paint and power tools.
Principal, Integration Manager
Doug Smith, PE, CEM, LEED AP, BD+C, GGP
Doug serves as a Principal and Engineering Integration Manager with Veregy. Doug is involved in the day-to-day operations and business development efforts of the firm. Doug is a licensed professional engineer with registration in over 25 states. Doug is also a Certified Energy Manager through the Association of Energy Engineers, LEED Accredited Professional through the U.S. Green Building Council, and a Green Globes Professional through the Green Building Initiative.
Doug has spent most of his career in facilities operations and engineering – beginning in 1999 while in college working as a building HVAC mechanic in a hi-rise state office tower, then joining a large building automation company as a project manager and project engineer before joining Veregy in 2006. Serving as Principal Doug ensures superior engineering delivery across all of Veregy. Previous positions with Veregy include Associate Principal, Senior Associate / Division Leader, Engineering Manager, Mechanical Engineer, and Controls Engineer. Doug’s previous roles have enabled him to gain valuable experience in operations, design, management, and business development.
Doug leads a national Healthy Buildings Solution Team which includes individuals from across the country in operations, engineering, and project development focused on identifying and evaluating healthy building strategies and solutions. The team is focused on developing best practices for healthy, safe, and sustainable facilities.
Doug serves as a member of several civic, community, and industry organizations, including COGENCE Alliance, ASHRAE, International Code Council, Meals on Wheels, and others. He enjoys spending time with his family, is an active youth teacher and youth retreats director.
Production Manage, Senior Associate
David Schoen, LEED AP
As a Senior Associate and member of the Veregy team since 1996, Dave provides management and design support for a wide range of projects including healthcare, education, commercial and industrial; his experience includes total project management, construction administration, electrical and communication systems design, cost estimating, construction documents, project scheduling, project coordination, budget management, leading the Technology Division of Veregy, and serving as a point person with state and local officials and site inspections. His work can be seen at The Ohio State University Medical Center, Grant/Riverside Methodist Hospitals, Huntington Park, Ohio University and dozens of public schools.
Prior to his work with Veregy, Dave earned his B.S. in Electronic of Engineering Technology from DeVRY Institution of Technology. He held NICET Level IV Fire Alarm System Certification and his work on fire alarm assessments and writing standard operating procedure manuals for fire alarm systems has carried over into his role with our company. An active member of the National Fire Protection Agency, it comes as no surprise that David balances his job—in which he focuses largely on fire—with some cooler activities like snow skiing and sailing with his family in his free time.
Technology Manager
Craig Buchholz, LEED AP, RCDD
Craig has been with Veregy since 2001 as our Technology Manager. Before joining the team, he earned his B.S. in Business Administration at The Ohio State University, and spent years designing, managing and implementing telecommunications and technology plans for clients in healthcare, education and institutional fields. Well respected and established in the industry, Craig’s duties at Veregy include design and project leadership of complete integrated solutions covering data, security, fire alarm, voice, sound reinforcement, and video spectrum and systems. He also has experience designing, installing, and managing A/V for stages and research facilities, wired and wireless systems, VOiP and cabling, CCTV network camera systems, mass notification systems, and antennae systems. Some of his major projects include multi-million dollar voice, video and data infrastructure installations Battelle Hall, the Ohio Statehouse capitol building and The Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Arena.
An active member of BiCsi, NSCA and Syn-Aud Con, Craig somehow manages to squeeze skiing and long-distance bike riding into his schedule.
Senior Associate, Mechanical Engineer
Frank Hartley, PE, HFDP
Frank designs HVAC and mechanical systems for healthcare, educational, and commercial facilities. He has 10 years of experience designing a variety of HVAC systems, such as variable air volume, chilled beam, variable refrigerant flow, geothermal heat pumps, and many other system types. He is also responsible for analyzing the energy efficiency of facility engineering designs. Frank has Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University.
Senior Associate, Mechanical Engineer
Michael Spengler, PE
Michael provides project management and produces construction documents and system designs for a variety of building types, including healthcare, K-12, higher education, commercial and public facilities. He uses his continually expanding knowledge of the latest codes and industry standards to complete documents and designs for HVAC, plumbing, med gas, and fire protection systems. His responsibilities include project management, system assessments, system design documentation, sizing and layout of source and distribution systems, specifications and equipment selection and application. Michael has been involved in multiple design and construction projects, including renovations, new builds, and combinations using phased construction. As a project coordinator, he leads the MEPT design team to collaborate with architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, owners, staff, construction managers, and contractors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University.
Electrical Engineering, Department Leader
Jason Lang, PE, LEED AP
Jason is involved in conceptualizing, coordinating, analyzing and designing all aspects of electrical systems, and is experienced in phasing aspect during renovations. All of his work is analyzed and designed in accordance with the NFPA, NEC, and for state and national codes as well as guidelines for healthcare and lighting design. His job responsibilities include system evaluations and design documentation as well as construction drawings, specifications, and site investigations. Jason has completed system assessments, energy budget calculations, and equipment selections for a variety of buildings, including commercial, healthcare and education. Jason works with fire alarm, lighting, power (120v to medium voltage systems), and emergency generation design. Jason has a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in 15 states. Jason is also LEED BD+C.
Marketing Manager
Felicia Wilburn
Felicia manages the marketing initiatives for Veregy’s East Region Engineering team, including networking organizations, tradeshows, website, social media, marketing campaigns, and proposals. She is actively involved with managing client relations and the customer relationship management system (CRM). Her previous experience in drafting/designing and marketing MEPT systems helps her provide an in-depth understanding of clients’ day-to-day challenges. Felicia has a Bachelor of Science in eMarketing from Franklin University.
Human Resources Manager
Julie Dowdell, SPHR, SCP
Julie is the Human Resources Manager of Veregy’s East region. Julie is a seasoned HR professional and business partner with more than 25 years of expertise in Human Resources. She has used her strong background and blend of experience in the aerospace, manufacturing and service industries to affect positive change where she has worked. She employs strategic thinking and hands-on execution to provide support to employees and partner with managers on all aspects of Human Resources.
Julie has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Ohio University and is certified as a Senior HR Professional with two separate institutions.