Vice President of National Sales
Bob Bennett
Bob develops the company’s plans and programs to ensure sustainable growth through the core values of providing the highest quality solutions, satisfying and delighting customers, and caring about communities and the environment. With Veregy Vice President of the Midwest Region Scott Ririe, he co-founded CTS he spent his 32-year career working with public school districts, higher education, and state and local government clients throughout the Midwest. And as a managing partner of CTS, he gives his customers a direct line of communication with a company owner to reinforce CTS’ commitment to meeting their building objectives. He holds a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Kansas.
VP of Central Region
Al Willis
Al is the Vice President of our Veregy Central region. He manages all operations, engineering and P&L for this region, ensuring our projects meet our clients goals, optimized energy and long-term customer value. After graduating with a bachelor’s from Pittsburgh State University, Al has served as a well-respected and accomplished leader in various management roles within the industry.
Director State and Local Government Markets
Bob Smith
Bob manages the State and Local Government team and is responsible for setting its market strategy. He also supports key Higher Education, Major Metropolitan Counties and Cities accounts. Bob enjoys working with clients to develop innovative solutions for energy efficiency and infrastructure renewal of existing facilities. And he was instrumental in the growth and acceptance of Energy Saving Performance Contracting ESPC working with state legislators to adopt enabling procurement statutes. He has 35 years of industry experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University.
Principal Engineer, Center of Excellence Lead
Sumit Ray, PE, CEM, LEED, MS, MBA
Sumit Ray is the Principal Engineer and the Center of Excellence lead at CTS. Sumit focuses on developing and managing energy infrastructure projects for K-12 schools, municipalities, large commercial, industrial, and educational clients. Also, as a decarbonization practice lead, Sumit provides consulting services for utility and energy infrastructure master planning, district energy, combined heat and power, renewable energy and GHG reduction strategies.
As a Center of Excellence lead, Sumit is responsible for developing standardized processes, tools, and templates for efficient project development. This is a cloud-based platform for remote access by all engineers.
Sumit has more than 28 years of industry experience. He has PE license for multiple states. He earned a Master of Science in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Florida and an executive MBA from Michigan State University.
Local Government Market Manager
John Shaw
John works alongside CTS account representatives, engineers, and project managers with local government clients to develop innovative solutions for infrastructure and facility improvement needs. His 20 years of prior work in government, including as a city manager, gives him a unique perspective on projects and allows him to better serve communities with capital improvement needs and restrictive budgets. He understands key organizational objectives, challenges, and risks, and helps CTS formulate an energy and resource management strategy that promotes the lowest lifecycle costs and provides guaranteed healthier environments for occupants. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Vincent College and Master of Public Administration from University of Missouri.
Local Government Account Executive and Local Government Team Leader
Ellie Blankenship
Ellie works with city and county clients to develop innovative energy efficiency solutions and revitalization of existing facilities and infrastructure. With 21 years of experience, she leads the local government team on al municipal projects. She works with administrations to build consensus and alignment to develop the blueprint or catalyst for change. She has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the university of Missouri and master’s degree in Business from Washington University.
Marketing Manager
Gina Bicknese
Gina brings more than 30 years of experience in office administration, marketing and promotion. She began her career as a city clerk for the City of Ames, Iowa. She has been instrumental in helping school districts and counties pass bond issues, Prop C waivers, and sales-tax initiatives. Her responsibilities include administrative support, marketing and customer relations, and bond-election support services for clients in the development of their community information campaigns.
Educational Consultant
Eric Churchwell
Eric uses his 20 years in education to consult with school districts about the benefits of energy performance contracting to upgrade facilities and make them comfortable, safe, educationally appropriate, and energy-efficient. He works with school districts to help them review and prioritize long-range improvement plans, including the RFP/RFQ process and ways to fund the upgrades. As a retired superintendent and former Veregy client, he understands both sides of the equation and knows first-hand the benefits of improving learning environments. Eric has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education from Truman State University and a Masters in Educational Administration from William Woods University.
Account Executive
Keegan Corrigan
Keegan partners with our clients to develop innovative solutions for deteriorating infrastructure in their district – revitalizing existing facilities. Keegan’s first priority is to understand our customer’s key business objectives, challenges, and risks, so that we can formulate an energy and resource management strategy that promotes the lowest life cycle costs and provide guaranteed healthier learning and working environments. Keegan believes the best partnerships work, not because people say what everyone wants to hear, but because they say what everyone needs to hear. She believes honest communication is the basis for developing a long-term trusting partnership.
Senior Account Manager at Veregy
Sylvia McIvor
Sylvia’s primary responsibility is working with higher education and municipal clients to develop solutions for addressing inefficient and aging infrastructure in their facilities and achieving their sustainability and climate action goals. She has overseen the successful execution of customized energy solutions that will save public sector customers and taxpayers nearly $200M in overall operating expenses. Sylvia understands the financial challenges facing local government entities, having served on her local City Council for 14 years and as an existing Park District Commissioner. She chairs Darien’s Environmental Committee and is a member of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’s Energy and Environmental Committees.
Principal Solutions Developer
Mario Zotta
Mario has over 30 years in the engineering, construction, and energy industries. He is responsible for leading teams in the design and implementation of turnkey solutions for customers. His extensive knowledge of mechanical and energy delivering systems allows him to maximize efficiency, comfort, and investment for the client. He has worked in multiple markets including industrial, power generation and education (K-12 and colleges/universities). Mario holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA from DePaul University in Chicago. Mario is a registered professional Engineer with licenses in Illinois and Indiana.
Educational Consultant
Anthony Hartsfield
Anthony draws upon his 36 years in education to consult with school districts about the benefits of using energy performance contracting to upgrade facilities and make them more energy efficient and more productive learning environments. As a retired superintendent and former Veregy client, Anthony understands both sides of the equation and knows first-hand the benefits of improving learning environments. He now works with school districts to help them review and prioritize long range improvement plans, including the RFP/RFQ process and ways to fund the upgrades. He holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin and. Master of Education from Arkansas State University.
Project Development
Christy Humerickhouse
Christy coordinates with account representatives, sales and engineering to assess opportunities and prequalification of potential projects for the development of innovative solutions for infrastructure and facility improvement needs for clients. She leverages her 33 years in local government to develop potential projects that best fit the needs, objectives and restrictive budgets faced by local government and public bodies. She has keen insight into best practices for the implementation of successful projects to bring them in on time, on budget, maximize performance and meet client needs. Christy has a Bachelor of Science in Leisure Studies/Recreation Administration from Kansas State University and a Master of Science from Baker University.
Account Manager
Michele James
Michele’s main responsibility is working with K-12, higher education, and municipal clients to develop innovative solutions for deteriorating infrastructure in their facilities. She has overseen the successful execution of numerous projects involving equipment installation/replacement, preventative maintenance, and Guaranteed Energy Savings Contracts. Her main objective is to help clients through turn-key customized energy solutions, ranging from renovations and preservation of existing structure to the design and construction of new additions for facilities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Florida State University.
Educational Consultant
Randy Smith
As a retired superintendent , and former client of CTS, Randy understands both sides of the equation and knows first-hand the benefits of improving learning environments. He has completed several renovation and construction projects using performance contracting. He has a thorough working knowledge of Missouri School District financing and funding options. He draws upon his extensive experience to consult with school districts about the benefits of energy performance contracting to upgrade facilities, making them more energy-efficient and reducing energy costs. He maintains close personal relationships with many superintendents throughout the state and is available to assist all districts identify funding sources for projects and long-term planning. Randy holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburgh State University and a Master of Arts and Science in School Administration from Missouri State University.
Education Consultant
Mitchell Wood
As a retired superintendent, Mitchell draws upon his nearly 30 years in education to consult with higher education and schools districts about the needs of energy performance contracting to upgrade facilities and make them more energy-efficient and reduce costs. He knows first-hand the benefits of improving learning environments. He works with clients to help them review and prioritize long-range improvement plans, including the RFP/RFQ process and ways to fund the upgrades. He holds a Bachelor of Education from Arkansas State University, a Master of Education form Southeast Missouri State University and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from William Woods University.
Engineering Team Leader
Amy Nemeth, LEED AP
Amy has been an energy services leader for 29 years, honing her focus on quality and performance. She manages teams of engineers and project management staff to develop and deliver turnkey facility improvements on time and on budget. Amy leverages her extensive knowledge of mechanical and control systems for the design of new systems that maximize efficiency, comfort, and investment for the client. Her responsibilities include design, energy analysis, estimating and coordination to bring projects to contract while ensuring client needs are met throughout the process. Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University.
Senior Project Engineer
Matt Anderson, PE, CEM, LEEP AP and BD+C
Matt’s career in engineering and energy optimization has provided him with the necessary tools and insight to develop energy savings performance projects that maximize not only savings, but also comfort for the occupants. He leverages his mechanical engineering knowledge for the design of systems that embody lifecycle program management approach gaining the best overall cost savings for our customers. Matt’s responsibilities with CTS include design, energy analysis, estimating and coordination to bring a project to contract while ensuring client needs are met throughout the process. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Dakota.
Manager of Business Development/Customer Satisfaction
Jim Blumfelder, ASHRAE
Jim leads business development efforts coordinating with sales and engineering to assess opportunities, prequalification, and needs analysis of potential projects. His extensive background in working with customers on project development and his knowledge of mechanical and building systems allows him to assist in the preliminary assessment of projects and the identification of customer goals, potential costs, and the process required foe a successful project. Jim also handles quality control and monitors project progress to assure customer goals are met. He holds an Associate of Science in Industrial Electronics Engineering from St. Louis Community College.
Project Development Engineer
Rodney Bridger
Rodney brings 35 years of experience in the development and management of construction-related services, working on more than 60 new and renovation facility projects. He is responsible for managing, purchase orders, scheduling, monitoring, and inspecting all work. Rodney works effectively with architects, engineers, developers, bankers, sub-contractors, inspectors, and local authorities. He is experienced in computer estimating, project scheduling and AutoCAD systems.
Senior Project Engineer
Gil Bucio
Gil has developed a focus on quality and performance during his 30 years as an energy services leader. He is responsible for design, energy analysis, estimating and coordination to bring a project to contract while ensuring clients’ needs get met throughout the process. Gil manages teams of engineers and project management staff in developing and delivering turnkey facility improvements on time and on budget. He leverages his extensive knowledge of mechanical and control systems for the design of new systems that maximize efficiency, comfort, and investment for the client. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame.
Director of Building Technology/M&V
Tim McCarthy, PE, CEM, LEED AP
Tim uses his background in engineering and energy to lead development of comprehensive smart building technology systems that are unique to each project. He designs solutions to collect and analyze building and system performance to improve comfort, energy-efficiency, and operational performance to reduce cost for customers. His extensive engineering, sales, and managerial experience in the building automation and HVAC industries provide the insight and skills to lead the design and implementation of smart building technology. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri-Rolla.
Senior Project Engineer
Gordon Schweitzer, PE, CEM, LEED AP
Gordon’s responsibilities include design, energy analysis, estimating, and coordination of clean-energy solutions and energy-savings measures to bring a project to contract, and the performance of the project following completion. His background in energy efficiency projects was a natural path to the development of comprehensive facility improvement plans and energy conversation measures of Veregy projects with the goal of lowering overall energy costs while maximizing comfort for occupants. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton and a Master of Science in Energy and Environmental Policy from the University of Delaware.
Performance Contracting Engineer
Rory Stegeman, PE
Rory has experience in mechanical and electrical design engineering, geo-exchange design, project management, commissioning, and facilities master planning. He is committed to meeting clients’ requirements and works diligently to maintain an open line of communication and ensure client requirements are met during the project and after. His responsibilities include energy auditing and analysis, system design, project estimating, and coordination to bring a project through to completion. Rory holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Missouri and an Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology from Linn State Technical College.
Project Engineer
Paul Stigge, CEM
Paul has 29 years of experience in sales and operations in the energy retrofit and building integration industry. He is focused on delivering customer solutions that align with business objectives while addressing their operational issues. He has been involved in various aspects of project management and the design and implementation of building automation and controls systems, along with mechanical retrofit. His experience ranges from large international corporations to small regional companies, where he has been responsible for project management, quality control, supervision, and sales. He holds and Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from Southeast Community College.
Controls Division Manager
Mike Tennenbaum
Mike’s primary focus is to lead the controls team in the design, engineering and implementation of building automation systems for CTS projects. Other duties include startup, verification and commissioning of these systems to achieve lower energy and operational costs while improving comfort for occupants. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri.
Project Designer
Tara Turnage, NCIDQ, ASID
Tara has more than 20 years of experience in architecture and design, with a background in residential and commercial, including exterior and interior design through all phases. She combines architectural trainings and leadership experience to develop exceptional and timeless project designs. She has a deep understanding of construction issues and an immense ability to develop rapport with contractors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture from Kansas State University, a Master of Arts in Management from Fontbonne University and a Master or Arts in Marketing/Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Regional Operations Manager
Jason Becker
Jason is a 25-year veteran of the construction and management industry whose areas of expertise include construction management, construction practices, services and products. His knowledge and background allow him to fully manage construction projects, including scheduling, estimating, contract negotiations, as well as the coordination of design, engineering, contractors and design-build companies. He leads the process of managing performance contracting projects for regional teams to ensure accurate estimates, high-quality installation, problem solving, customer satisfaction, and on-time completion. Jason also provides attention to the energy conservation measures’ proper implementation to facilitate the success of the energy cost avoidance guarantee. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from the University of Nebraska.
Regional Operations Manager
John Mihulka, PE, CEM, LEED AP
John has devoted his more than 25 years to engineering and management in the heating and cooling industries. He has managed the mechanical installation for projects in hospital, industrial, and educational facilities. His responsibilities include design, energy analysis, estimating, and coordination to bring a project to contract. He ensures his customers’ needs are met throughout the entire process. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University.
Account Executive
John Kelsh
John has the main responsibility of working with our Missouri K-12 clients to develop Innovative solutions for deteriorating infrastructure in their District—revitalizing existing facilities. John’s first priority is to understand the clients’ key business objectives, risks, and challenges so that we can formulate an energy and resource management strategy that promotes the lowest life cycle costs and provides guaranteed healthier environments for students and teachers. Eventually, even the best maintenance and operational strategies must make way for the replacement or upgrade of equipment that is nearing the end of its useful life. John will work with your administration and architectural and engineering consultants to build consensus and alignment to develop the blueprint or catalyst for change.
Director of Operations, Central Region
Josh Hannoy
Josh serves the Central region of Veregy as Director of Operations. His responsibilities include construction management, field coordination, and negotiating contracts with subcontractors. Josh brings vast experience in project management and electrical expertise to Veregy. Josh’s experience in the industry combined with his understanding of construction ensures Veregy projects are always on time and within budget. Josh holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Ball State University.
Energy Engineer
Arash Habibi-Soureh
Arash leverages renewable and energy efficiency technologies to drive environmental and economic savings for clients. His work employs a combination of hardware and software solutions to champion the next generation of energy production and utilization. Arash holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering with a focus in Energy System Fundamentals and Processes from Purdue University. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University.
Business Development-Aviation
Corey Harper
Corey has a diverse and accomplished career with the aviation industry. For nearly 20 years, he has helped airports throughout the nation implement their development goals through a variety of job roles. His background provides him an extensive knowledge to assist airports with innovative solutions to their development needs, while he develops a plan that is unique and achievable for each client. Corey holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Science from Indiana University.
Business Development: K-12/Higher Education
Craig Martin
Craig develops relationships with clients to better understand the solutions that fit each client’s operational and financial needs. Craig brings decades of experience in the K-12 industry to Veregy, and works diligently with clients to find the perfect energy solution. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Indianapolis.
VP of Business Development, Central Region
Kurt Schneider
Kurt is a co-founder of the Indianapolis Veregy office and serves as VP of Business Development for the Central Region. His primary role at Veregy is to develop relationships with clients to better understand the solutions that fit the client’s operational and financial needs. Kurt has helped numerous municipal, K-12, commercial, and aviation clients find the perfect solution for energy efficiency. Kurt is directly involved with all projects, big or small, and uses his vast experience to develop the best solution for each customer and their needs. Kurt holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Management from Indiana State University.
Senior Engineer
Mark Frost, PE, CEM, LEED AP
Mark is a licensed professional engineer in several states and has designed numerous mechanical systems and solar photovoltaic systems. He has more than 35 years of engineering experience, with the last 22 focused on energy savings and energy guaranteed projects. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
Regional Operations Manager
Eli Hannoy
As Regional Operations Manager for the Central Region of Veregy, Eli oversees all aspects of his assigned projects and is responsible for assuring the project is done to the highest quality and meets all necessary timelines and budgets in addition to exceeding the customers’ expectations. Eli demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills that allow him to identify and resolve potential construction issues in order to avoid additional costs or delays to the project. Eli is a graduate of Indiana University, with over 10 years of construction experience.
Business Development
Rick Anderson
Rick brings more than 30 years of sales, sales management, and general management experience in the HVAC and energy conservation business. He has primarily worked with the private, K-12 schools, and municipal markets to significantly reduce their operations costs. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts from the University of Cincinnati.
Project Engineer
Tim Zange
Tim is a recent graduate from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He brings fresh ideas and new technology experience to each project. He works with the Johnson Melloh Solutions team to develop new and innovative projects and systems to complete customer satisfaction.
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Lindsay Yazel, CDMP, PCM-DM
Lindsay is responsible for all aspects of communication and advertisement for the local central team and contributes to the nationwide Veregy marketing team. She brings several years of graphic design experience and creative background and works to develop effective, eye-catching marketing collateral and personalized project proposals. Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Indiana University and a dual certification as a Professional Certified Marketer and Certified Digital Marketing Professional from the American Marketing Association.
Regional Engineering Manager
Scott Brown, PE, CEM, LEED AP, CMVP
Scott brings an extensive background directing operations and supporting large engineering projects in multiple industries to Veregy. Scott is successful at building, overseeing, and empowering diverse technical teams to design and implement cost-effective solutions for our clients. He is effective at leveraging key relationships, team resources, and problem-solving skills to improve processes and develop and implement multi-million-dollar projects on time and under budget. Scott holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering.
Service Manager
Patrick Yazel
Patrick Yazel is the Service Manager for the Central Region of Veregy. Patrick has years of experience in maintaining solar projects of all sizes, ranging from residential to commercial projects. He leads the Veregy team of solar service technicians and provides top-tier solar and electrical maintenance for our customers. Patrick and his team work to ensure all components of a system are at peak production by conducting service testing and providing in-house monitoring of customer sites.
