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.
Vice President of the Midwest Region
Scott Ririe
Scott helps Veregy clients reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact. He began his 35-year career at Honeywell and progressed through sales and management of the St. Louis branch. In 2000, Scott and Veregy Vice President of National Sales Bob Bennett launched CTS to provide design/build performance-based projects focused on a customer-driven approach. CTS is now one of six award-winning member companies in the Veregy portfolio of energy service companies creating pathways to eco-friendly and system optimizations with guaranteed energy savings. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Art from Cornell College.
Director of Engineering
Jim Thurman, PE, CEM
Jim uses his extensive background and experience to provide expert technical guidance to the CTS engineering team. His broad background in mechanical and electrical design engineering, project management, and facilities management provide him with the tools and knowledge to effectively design, budget and implement projects that maximize comfort, energy efficiency, and value. He plans and directs all aspects of engineering activities and projects while ensuring the projects, initiatives, and processes are in conformance with industry standards and CTS’ established policies. He also ensures best-practice engineering methods are used in the engineering process to incorporate design, components, materials, and tools that result in cost-effective and quality projects.
Director of Operations
Al Willis
Al has 11 years of industry experience and leads the project management team, overseeing all project implementation and construction to assure schedules get met and project execution is successful. He works directly with the sales and engineering teams and clients to design projects that meet goals, optimize energy savings and drive long-term customer value. He has a Bachelor of Science in Project Management from Pittsburgh State University.
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.
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 o 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 Mater 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.
Account Executive
Mark Graves
Mark works with clients to develop innovative solutions for deteriorating infrastructure and revitalize existing facilities. He understands key organizational objectives, challenges, and risks and can create a master plan and resource management strategy to promote the lowest lifecycle costs and provide guaranteed healthier learning and working environments. He will build consensus and alignment to develop the blueprint or catalyst for change. He leverages his mechanical engineering background to work with facilities staff, his business experience to develop financial solutions, and his proven team approach to create an infrastructure plan that builds continuity between existing facilities and new construction. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University.
Customer Advocate/Business Development
Scott Graves
Scott believes his role is to be a champion on behalf of the customer, so it is critical to begin with the end in mind. He works closely with his clients to develop solutions that provide a great return on investment by creating healthier, safer, and more effective learning and working environments. Scott’s extensive experience in business administration, project management, and team collaboration enables him to be an effective backer of the customer, their efforts, and their desired outcomes. He is a valuable resource for developing and executing communication and marketing initiatives in partnership with his clients to promote the efforts and the accomplishments of the client. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Drake University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Educational Consultant
Dave Halley
Dave draws upon his 31 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, he understands both sides of the equation and knows first-hand the benefits of improving learning environments. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science, Biology, and Ecology from Northeast Missouri State University and a Master in Educational Administration from Northeast Missouri State University.
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.
Federal Business Development Lead
Steve Hayes
Steve has 25 years of experience in the federal sector and has been focused on supporting military and federal civilian clients worldwide to develop an acquisition strategy for any given procurement. Through client relationship management, he has assisted with in-depth reviews of the current acquisition environment and determining the best contract vehicle to use. He has supported federal contracts as large as $60 billion and task orders as small as $25,000. Across it all, delivering quality on time to the client is the constant. Steve holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Iowa and a Master of Science in Management from the University of Maryland.
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.
Account Executive
Mike Wilson
Mikes works directly with technical representatives and contract specialists to develop a clear understands of customer needs and concerns. To translate customer requests into a feasible, installed solution, he communicates continually with project team representatives. He works with the project team to develop solutions that reduce energy and O&M costs, develops cash flow statements based on customer requirements, and works with the project team to ensure improvements are implemented on time and on budget. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Kansas State University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
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.
Project Engineer/Pre-construction Services
Alex Brooks, ASHRAE
Alex has five years of engineering and sales experience in the building automation and HVAC industries. He works with the engineering design team to develop facility audits and comprehensive improvement plans and scopes. Alex’s responsibilities include design, energy analysis, estimating, and coordination to help bring projects to contract. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University.
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.
Project Engineer
Jaime Frausto Sr.
Jaime has been an energy services leader for 14 years, developing a focus on quality and performance. He manages teams of engineers and project management staff to develop and deliver 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. Jaime’s responsibilities include design, energy analysis, estimating and coordination to bring projects to contract while ensuring client needs are met throughout the process.
Project Development Engineer
Brandon Little, LEED AP, USGBC
Brandon is a highly dedicated and energetic project developer committed to promoting sustainability in buildings through optimizing energy consumption and cost. He has more than nine years of experience in engineering, quality assurance, construction management, and design. His responsibilities include energy auditing and analysis, system design, project estimating, and coordination to bring projects to contract. He develops the project and scope for general construction trades that impact renovated and new spaces within the education and municipal fields. Brandon has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Ranken Technical College and a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University.
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
Ryan Moats
Ryan has extensive experience in engineering, design and construction management. He has developed strengths in construction and project management, project development, scheduling, estimating, contract negotiations, as well as the coordination of design, engineering, contractors and design/build companies. Ryan is a perfect match for our clients because of his ability to deal with construction issues and recommend solutions, effectively communicate with clients, architects and subcontractors, and develop and maintain schedules. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Missouri and a Master of Business Administration from Lindenwood University.
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
Chris Mercaitis
Chris has more than 20 years of experience developing, implementing, and closing out of energy conservation retrofit and remodeling projects through performance contracting and consulting, as well as ground-up construction projects. He has extensive experience working with sales, engineering, and construction management teams throughout projects and providing supply chain support to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction. Chris provides assurance of the safe and successful installation of all energy conservation measures, the day-to-day management of customer relationships, project site work, all contractors, suppliers and vendors to minimize disruption to operations while adhering to a strict project schedule. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
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.
