OUR TEAM

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GEOTECHNICAL LEADERSHIP

Jessica A. McRory, PE, LEED AP

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES LEADERSHIP

FORENSIC-STRUCTURAL LEADERSHIP

SENIOR CONSULTANTS

PROJECT SUPPORT TEAM

OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Our team has proudly supported thousands of design-build and turnkey construction projects throughout the State of Florida.
We employ a diverse team of highly qualified and experienced professionals who are committed to the quality and integrity of our work.

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Jessica A. McRory, PE, LEED AP

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

President

Tampa Office

Ms. McRory has managed the geotechnical aspects of testing, design and construction for over a thousand engineering projects in the past 18 years. Her involvement has included analysis and evaluation of soil conditions pertaining to proposed construction and ongoing construction projects. Project experience has ranged from major FDOT contracts to small out parcel projects. Other responsibilities have included coordinating geotechnical field and laboratory testing, as well as construction materials testing services. Evaluations have included soil and groundwater conditions, determining soil bearing capacity and consolidation characteristics and analyzing the performance of various types of foundation systems. Ms. McRory has provided recommendations for shallow foundations, various ground improvement techniques and deep foundation systems including driven piles, drilled shafts and auger cast piles.

Kevin Hill, PE

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical Department Manager

Tampa Office

Mr. Hill has over 16 years of experience in technical direction of geotechnical engineering projects, geotechnical field investigations, project management and analyses for numerous public and private sector clients. His experience includes working on numerous projects in the areas of subsidence (sinkhole) investigations and sinkhole/structure stabilization. Geotechnical projects include project management and geotechnical design of shallow and deep foundation systems for commercial, industrial and residential structures, bridges and sanitary/water system structures and waste phosphatic clay and organic soil stabilization, as well as providing design soil parameters and recommendations for roadway embankments, pavement including airport taxiways, aprons and parking areas, landfills, MSE walls, mast arm poles, stormwater ponds, retaining walls, pipelines, storage tanks, pond clay liners and monitoring wells. His technical experience includes soil classification, seepage analysis, settlement analysis, slope stability analysis and various soil stabilization/improvement techniques.

Angela L. Alba, PE

Principal Engineer

South Florida Regional Manager

Broward Office

Ms. Alba has provided geotechnical engineering services on numerous geotechnical explorations over the past 24 years. Ms. Alba served as the Geotechnical Discipline Lead for the I-595 Corridor Improvement project in Broward County, Florida, which is the first Public-Private-Partnership (P3) project ever awarded by FDOT. Ms. Alba has been involved in the planning, analysis, execution, and review of geotechnical projects ranging from roadway and railways to complex roadway bridge and tunnel projects to commercial high-rise buildings, school projects, urban development and other local municipality projects. Ms. Alba has performed evaluations for retaining walls, drainage structures, shallow foundations, driven piles, drilled shafts, augercast piles, micropiles, and pressure injected footings. Ms. Alba’s experience has also included finite element analysis, slope stability evaluations, soil nail wall design, and evaluation of geosynthetics applications, and geotechnical ground improvement techniques.

Kirk M. Eastman, PE

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Tampa Office

Mr. Eastman has 29 years of experience in the field of geotechnical engineering. He has managed multiple FDOT District Wide Contracts for Districts 1 and 7 over a 26-year period. He has also served as project manager for multiple major projects. His experience includes roadway, bridge, pond and retaining wall projects where he has performed shallow and deep foundation analyses including driven piles, settlement and slope stability analyses. He has also worked on vibration monitoring projects and performed numerous ground subsidence studies.

Andy Tao, PE

Geotechnical Engineer

Broward Office

Mr. Tao has provided engineering services on numerous geotechnical explorations over the past 8 years including roadways, commercial, residential high-rise buildings, residential developments, and industrial, military, medical, commercial, and educational facilities. Mr. Tao assists in report development and geotechnical analysis of deep and shallow foundations, as well as retaining walls and stormwater facilities. He performs soil classification in accordance with AASHTO and ASTM classification systems and evaluates subsurface materials with respect to the project characteristics. Additionally, he coordinates laboratory testing on selected soil samples and performs quality control on laboratory results. Mr. Tao has been responsible for site reconnaissance and evaluation of site conditions prior to subsurface explorations and has done geotechnical drilling oversight in both private and public sector projects.

Annabella Hullen, PE

Geotechnical Engineer

Tampa Office

Ms. Hullen has over 6 years of experience. She leads projects with geotechnical analysis of deep and shallow foundations, and report development. Ms. Hullen oversees soil classification in accordance with AASHTO and ASTM classification systems and evaluates subsurface materials with respect to the project characteristics. She has extensive experience with pavement analysis and as well as resurfacing and rehabilitation projects. Additionally, she coordinates laboratory testing on selected soil samples and performs quality control on laboratory results.

Paola Vargas, PE

Geotechnical Engineer

Broward Office

Ms. Vargas has provided geotechnical engineering services for a wide variety of public and transportation related projects throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. These projects included driven piles, drilled shafts, micropiles and augercast piles for bridge foundations; analysis of global stability, external stability and estimating settlements for retaining walls such as mechanically stabilized earth, reinforced concrete, sheet pile cantilever and anchored walls which includes; engineering analysis for the foundations of miscellaneous structures such as ITS poles, mast arms and sign structures; analyzed the suitability of existing materials for roadway design and performed stability analyses for embankments using geosynthetic reinforcement. Ms. Vargas responsibilities include producing and assembling the geotechnical reports and set of plans for submittals, reviewing project submittals and geotechnical reports from FDOT subconsultants and providing comments to FDOT Districts 4 and 6. She coordinates with other branches of engineering such as roadway, structures, drainage, and construction and mentors a team of engineer interns.

Amanda S. Pereira, PE

Senior Geotechnical & Materials Engineer

Construction Services Department Manager

Tampa Office

Ms. Pereira has over 26 years of progressive experience in the fields of geotechnical engineering and construction material testing and inspection. Her experience includes coordination and oversight of subsurface explorations, geotechnical report preparation, shallow and deep foundation inspections and testing, multi-story threshold inspections, review, quality control and reporting of field and laboratory testing for soils, concrete, asphalt and structural steel during the construction phase on a variety of projects. Her experience has been gained both in the public and private sector on a variety of infrastructure projects including urban and rural roadways, airports, water and wastewater facilities, pipelines, commercial and private buildings, subdivisions, site suitability and due diligence studies and commercial sites.

G. Stephen Long, PE

Materials Engineer

Senior Project Engineer

Tampa Office

Mr. Long served as an Intelligence Analyst in the United States Army, then began his career as a project engineer in 2013 after graduating with his BSCE. Mr. Long’s experience includes coordination and oversight of subsurface exploration and geotechnical report preparation in the public and private sector. His experience in materials testing has ranged from threshold inspections and field and lab testing of soils, concrete and asphalt to review, quality control and reporting of field and lab testing during the construction phase on a variety of projects. Mr. Long has extensive laboratory testing experience, including modified proctor testing, grain size analysis testing, Limerock Bearing Ratio (LBR) testing, organic content testing, corrosion testing, soil permeability testing & consolidation testing.

April Schmitz

Laboratory Manager

Tampa Office

Ms. Schmitz has over 14 years of experience in the geotechnical and materials testing and inspection field. She has served as a Geotechnical Field Technician, Project Coordinator and Field Supervisor responsible for training technicians on quality testing and inspection procedures. She provides inspection services and quality control laboratory and field testing of soils, asphalt and concrete. Ms. Schmitz’s experience includes a wide variety of projects including transportation-related projects, water/wastewater projects and commercial development.

Peter Lehmann, PE

Principal Forensic Structural Engineer

Forensic Services Department Manager

Mr. Lehmann serves as the firm’s Principal Forensic Structural Engineer primarily responsible for engineering projects focused on the determination of cause, origin, and extent of damage to buildings and structures from various causes including settlement related conditions, wind, vibration, moisture/water intrusion, impact damage, construction activities, fires and wood destroying organisms. Mr. Lehmann has accumulated over two decades of construction and engineering experience, in both international and domestic markets. Mr. Lehmann has over 26 years of experience and is a registered Professional Engineer and has experience as a Building Code Administrator, Standard Building Inspector, Standard Plans Examiner and Registered General Contractor.

Peter A. Keppler, PE

Forensic Structural Engineer

Mr. Keppler is a Forensic Structural Engineer at AREHNA Engineering, Inc., responsible for engineering projects pertaining to structural and subsidence investigations. Mr. Keppler’s work includes field exploration and oversight, analyzing structural damage caused by foundation/settlement-related conditions, determining the existence of sinkhole activity, making remediation recommendations, soil classification, and report preparation. He performs roof inspections, Chinese drywall inspections, structural investigations, and subsidence reconnaissance site visits on commercial and residential structures. Technical experience includes data reconnaissance duties such as calibrating/operating GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar), performing slab surveys with a monometer, creating structural and site topography plans, scaling and documenting damage, and performing hand auger/penetrometer tests.

Mr. Keppler currently performs structural damage assessments and “Cause & Origin” investigations for claims related to settlement, vibrations, roof covering damage and defects, construction/installation related deficiencies/defects, weather related elevated wind/rainfall events, and water intrusion.

Caitlyn Seltman

Project Manager

Tampa Office

Ms. Seltman graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. She joined AREHNA in July 2017 and serves as a Project Manager responsible for coordinating and managing engineering projects pertaining to structural damage assessments and “Cause & Origin” investigations for claims related to settlement, vibrations, roof covering damage and defects, construction/installation related deficiencies/defects, weather related elevated wind/rainfall events, and water intrusion. Ms. Seltman’s work includes analyzing structural damage caused by any of the aforementioned origin and causes and making remediation recommendations. She is also responsible for engineering projects pertaining to structural and subsidence investigations, performs field exploration and oversight, analyzing structural damage caused by foundation/settlement-related conditions, determining the existence of sinkhole activity, making remediation recommendations, soil classification, and report preparation.

Sonia R. Florence, PE

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Ms. Florence has over 23 years of geotechnical engineering experience. As a Senior Professional Engineer, her duties have included technical review, as well as project management and analyses for a wide variety of geotechnical studies for both public and private clients. Throughout her career, she has maintained a special focus on providing geotechnical consulting for roadway construction and widening for the FDOT, utility agencies, municipalities and counties. Ms. Florence has provided recommendations for shallow foundations, ground improvement programs, driven piles, drilled shafts and augercast piles. Her experience includes Phase I Environmental Site Assessments for commercial developments. In addition, Ms. Florence has extensive experience in data evaluation for sinkhole studies.

Joseph Prendergast

Senior Engineering Consultant

Tampa Office

Mr. Prendergast has over three decades of project management and engineering experience. Among his assignments, Mr. Prendergast has performed numerous pavement evaluations at multiple Air Force and Department of Defense Installations across the US and worldwide. Later, he worked for private engineering consulting firms, where he performed thousands of geotechnical explorations. He has performed subsurface explorations for numerous commercial and government clients, as well as planned and directed field and laboratory testing activities. Areas of expertise include the geotechnical aspects of foundation, retaining wall, pavement, and storm water pond design, as well as analysis of Florida sinkhole conditions. Mr. Prendergast is a Neutral Evaluator for the State of Florida.

Kelly Dale

Reception / Forensic-Structural Scheduler

Tampa Office

Ms. Dale joined the AREHNA Team in 2016 and supports the Geotechnical/Structures group with day-to-day support of scheduling, supports report production and delivery, manages multiple calendars and agendas of key personnel. She ensures that the Team stays informed of project timelines and deadlines. In addition, she provides general administrative functions including answering phones, greeting visitors, supply ordering and inventory control and make travel arrangements.

Meghan Dunigan

Geotechnical Project Coordinator

Tampa Office

Ms. Dunigan graduated from Everglades University with a Master of Science in Business Administration. Before coming to AREHNA she served in the United States Army as a Communications Specialist. Ms. Dunigan serves as a Project Coordinator supporting the Geotechnical Engineering Team with engineering logistics, project workflows and field technician task assignments. She coordinates access, permitting, maintenance of traffic and utility clearance prior to mobilization to project sites. She coordinates geotechnical drilling operations which consists of multiple drill crews, pavement coring crews and a variety of field-testing technicians concurrently. She oversees the day-to-activities for both Project Engineers and field technicians. She manages project-related paperwork by ensuring all necessary materials are current and completed on time.

Bridgett Borders Robison

Construction Services Project Coordinator

Tampa Office

Ms. Robison graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology. Prior to joining AREHNA in March 2019, Ms. Robison worked as a field technician excavating archaeological sites that were over 10,000 years old. Today she supports the Construction Materials Testing Team with project scheduling and coordination by keeping everyone on board about all details with ongoing projects. She communicates with clients to identify and define project requirements to ensure the right staff is assigned to the project. She provides customer services and administrative supports, performs data entry, prepares invoices, and ensures deadlines are met.

Alexis Hicks

Operations Manager

Tampa Office

Ms. Hicks graduated from Western Governors University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She joined AREHNA in March 2019. She started her career with the firm as an Administrative Assistant supporting the Geotechnical Engineering Team until her recent promotion to Operations Manager where she manages daily business activities including, the recruiting and onboarding of new employees, facilitates purchasing decisions / asset procurement, develops policies and procedures, assists with special projects including database and website design, plans and organizes company events, coordinates employee training and engagement activities.

Lisa Stewart

Bookkeeper

Tampa Office

Ms. Stewart oversees the firm’s financial data and compliance by maintaining accounts payable and receivable records, processing payroll, performs daily financial entries and reconciliations, monthly financial reporting, general ledger entries, and record payments and adjustments. She ensures that all bills are paid on time, transactions are recorded correctly, payroll runs on time, taxes are filed correctly, and accounting items are compliant with federal, state and local legal requirements. Ms. Stewart joined AREHNA in 2011.

Machelle Corbin

Marketing Coordinator

Miami Office

Ms. Corbin graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She joined AREHNA’s Tampa office in May 2018 and in November 2021 relocated to South Florida to open the Miami office. Ms. Corbin leads the firms marketing efforts preparing SQL contractor qualification packages, designing and developing RFP/SF330 submittals as a prime consultant and subconsultant for the FDOT and local and state municipalities State-wide. In addition, she manages the firm’s qualification/recertification program and marketing materials inventory. Ms. Corbin brings over 10 years of experience working in the industry as a Marketing Coordinator.