Team Members named Tune-Up Specialists for City of Philadelphia

Practical Energy Solutions, a division of Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, is pleased to announce that three members of the team have been approved as Tune-Up Specialists by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability.

The City’s newly implemented Building Energy Performance Policy (BEEP) requires a “tune‐up specialist” lead all tune‐up assessments and sign‐off  on all tune‐up reports submitted to the City’s Office of Sustainability (OOS). Tune-up Specialists must meet certain requirements as set forth by the OOS. Individuals must be a Professional Engineer (PE) license or Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification and have at least seven (7) years of combined educational and professional experience with commercial  building operations and/or building energy management.

Tune-Up Specialists

Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP, Director, Energy and Sustainability Services - Paul has over 29 years of experience in building design, construction, and evaluation in the Philadelphia metropolitan region. His experience includes development and implementation of energy strategic master plans and comprehensive energy assessments for more than 150 educational, municipal, and commercial facilities. he is an adjunct professor of Engineering at Temple University.

Benjamin Pressman, PE BESM, Project Mechanical Engineer - Ben is a Certified Building Energy Simulation Analyst and has a deep understanding of building modeling software and methodology, energy auditing techniques, and HVAC systems operation. Ben holds an MSE in mechanical engineering from Johns Hopkins University.

Lindsey Walaski, LEED AP, CEM, Project Mechanical Engineer - With a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's Degree in Sustainable Engineering, and a year working in the Sustainability Coordinator's Office at Villanova, Lindsey brings a broad range of experience to the team. She provides services from energy audits and modeling to curricular presentations in the classroom.

 About the Firm

Practical Energy Solutions, a division of Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, is an energy and sustainability engineering firm with a focus on municipal, institutional, educational, and commercial energy efficiency and renewable energy planning and project management. Our goal - to help building owners reduce energy consumption without capital upgrades. We design with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind; but never at the expense of occupant comfort, ease of maintenance, and optimal use of the facility.  Our Philadelphia area-based, independent energy consulting group combines creativity and deep technical expertise to transform your buildings into comfortable, efficient, healthy spaces to live and work.

Lindsey Walaski, LEED AP Earns Certified Energy Manager Designation

LINDSEY WALASKI, LEED AP, CEM

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) a family-owned, regional engineering, environmental and surveying firm announces Lindsey Walaski, LEED AP has earned the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) designation through the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). With a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's Degree in Sustainable Engineering, and a year working in the Sustainability Coordinator's Office at Villanova, Lindsey brings a broad range of experience to the team. She provides services from energy audits and modeling to curricular presentations in the classroom. Lindsey is a member of the Energy and Sustainability Services Team at SSM.

About the Certification: The CEM program helps educate and qualify individuals involved in optimizing the use of energy in buildings and systems. By obtaining the CEM certification, candidates gain industry and peer recognition by demonstrating their understanding of energy-efficiency principles, practices, and technologies. The program also helps the energy industry by raising the professional standards, both technical and ethical, of those engaged in energy efficiency and energy management. The CEM accreditation is one of the most globally respected in the field of energy management. To qualify for CEM designation — the internationally accepted symbol of professional competence within the energy management field — candidates must meet strict educational and professional criteria, attend an AEE-sponsored CEM training seminar, and pass a rigorous 17-part exam administered by AEE.

About the Firm: Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, Inc. is a family-owned regional engineering, environmental and surveying firm headquartered in Wyomissing PA with satellite offices in Lancaster, West Chester and Lehigh Valley. SSM provides services to various types of local, regional and national businesses that include commercial, industrial, manufacturing and telecommunications as well as healthcare and higher education institutions.

Kent Morey, PE, CBLP Achieves Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Status

KENT MOREY, PE

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy is pleased to announce that Kent Morey, PE has earned the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) designation. The achievement of the CBLP Level 1 designation demonstrates an advanced level of professionalism and knowledge of sustainable landscaping practices for a healthier Chesapeake Bay. 

Certification is voluntary and candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that assesses an individual’s command of sustainable practices in the design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes. CBLP-certified professionals have in-depth knowledge of sustainable landscape best practices and a focus on maintenance of stormwater best management practices. Advanced, Level 2 credentials are also available for highly experienced design (CBLP-D) and installation (CBLP-I) professionals.

Morey is a Senior Engineer in the Municipal Engineering and Planning department at Spotts, Stevens and McCoy. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Kent regularly performs engineering studies and designs for the construction, improvement, or installation of stormwater management facilities. He prepares contract documents and provides bidding assistance; performs site evaluation and detailed engineering design of storm drainage, erosion and sedimentation control, in addition to preparing PaDEP permit applications for public and private clients. In addition, Kent serves as a municipal client representative, stormwater management engineer, and provides assistance to MS4 communities.  Morey is a 1985 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Civil Engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania.

 Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, Inc. is a family-owned regional engineering, environmental and surveying firm headquartered in Wyomissing PA with satellite offices in Lancaster, West Chester and Lehigh Valley. SSM provides services to various types of local, regional and national businesses that include commercial, industrial, manufacturing and telecommunications as well as healthcare and higher education institutions.

SSM Welcomes Senior Engineer, Craig Momose, PE

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, a family-owned and managed, regional engineering firm based in Reading PA welcomes Craig Momose, PE to the team as a Senior Engineer in the Municipal Engineering and Planning Department.

Mr. Momose has thirty-six years of professional consulting engineering experience serving both the private and public sector. He is responsible for designs of all types of private and public land development projects and review of subdivision and land development plans for local municipalities. His experience includes stormwater management, site grading and earthwork, erosion and sediment control, floodplain and floodway modeling, FEMA Letter of Map Amendment and Letter of Map Revision applications, DEP Joint Permits, General Permits and NPDES Permit applications. Mr. Momose also served numerous municipalities throughout his career. Tasks include design of storm drainage and road improvement projects, waterway permitting, preparation of annual paving specifications, contract management and construction inspection. Services for planning commissions include review of subdivision and land development project stormwater management plans, preparation of improvements agreement cost estimates and review of escrow release applications. Craig is a 1981 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Mining Engineering.

City of Philadelphia Releases Building Energy Performance Regulations

The City of Philadelphia recently implemented regulations pertaining to the Building Energy Performance Policy signed into law by Mayor Kenney in December 2019. The Building Tune-Up policy requires all non-residential buildings 50,000 square feet and larger to either conduct a “tune-up” to bring existing building systems up to a state of good repair, or to get an exemption through a high-performance pathway. The newly released regulations better define the requirements of a tune-up and types of exemptions available to buildings.

The City of Philadelphia anticipates implementation of the Policy will reduce carbon pollution by nearly 200,000 metric tons, the equivalent of taking 40,000 automobiles off the roads.

The City recently conducted a pilot tune-up with Practical Energy Solutions on the Juvenile Justice Center in West Philadelphia to quantify potential savings and found that an initial $12,000 investment will result in $24,000 in annual energy savings.

Paul Spiegel, PE, Director Energy and Environmental Services at Practical Energy Solutions also participated in the Advisory Group for the Philadelphia Building Energy Performance Policy, providing technical guidance during the development of the regulations. Paul remarked, “We have been providing retuning services to our clients since 2006. The process allows owners to get a good pulse on the energy consumption and performance of their building.”

Practical Energy Solutions, a division of Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, is an energy and sustainability engineering firm with a focus on municipal, institutional, educational, and commercial energy efficiency and renewable energy planning and project management. Our goal - to help building owners reduce energy consumption without capital upgrades. We design with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind; but never at the expense of occupant comfort, ease of maintenance, and optimal use of the facility.  Our Philadelphia area-based, independent energy consulting group combines creativity and deep technical expertise to transform your buildings into comfortable, efficient, healthy spaces to live and work.

SSM Welcomes Sr. Electrical Engineer, Seth Nace, PE, LC, LEED AP

Seth A. Nace, PE, LC, LEED AP

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, a family-owned and managed, regional engineering firm based in Reading PA welcomes Seth A. Nace, PE, LC, LEED AP to the team as a Senior Electrical Engineer in the Facilities Engineering Department.

Mr. Nace has more than 23 years of electrical engineering and project management experience including design of high, medium, and low voltage power distribution systems and substations, motor control, lighting and lighting controls, and auxiliary systems including photovoltaic, emergency/standby power generation systems, uninterruptible power systems (UPS), fire alarm, security and access control, signaling and suppression systems, and telecommunication systems for various facilities. In addition, he has performed specialized studies and investigations of existing conditions and systems resulting in building assessment, evaluations, and recommendations reports, as well as cost opinions for code compliance, economic cost evaluations, and scheduling.

Nace has performed electrical studies, including short circuit, time current coordination, and arc flash with the development of arc flash labels. His project work has included the analysis, design, and specification during project development from conceptual and preliminary through final design and all construction phase services such as review of shop drawings, change orders, responding to contractor requests for information, field inspections, and commissioning of systems.

He holds a BS degree in Architectural Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and is a Registered Professional in Pennsylvania, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia. Additional credentials include National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP) Certification, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Certification, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional.

Spotts Stevens and McCoy Announces Expansion to Firm

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) is thrilled to announce an expansion to our regional engineering, environmental, and surveying firm. SSM created a new Energy and Sustainability Services division, to be led by its new director, Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP. Spiegel formerly served as President of Practical Energy Solutions (PES), the West Chester-based energy consulting firm. This expansion extends the scope of the three existing divisions under the SSM umbrella: Facility Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Civil Engineering.

PES and SSM have worked together for years, serving similar clients in complementary ways, and even more recently, sharing an office building. But it is the synergy and overlap of values and services that made this an opportune time to expand and introduce this new division.

We are a firm that believes in improving the quality of life for our clients, our employees, and for all of the people touched by the work that we do. It’s this mission that drives the services and goals of the new division: transforming buildings into comfortable, efficient, healthy spaces to live and work.

“Environmental responsibility and creating a sustainable future have always been initiatives that guide the work that we do. It’s only right to bring on a team that will stand with us in leaving the world a better place”, says Eileen Kaley, SSM Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer.

Several other members of the professional staff of PES will also be joining the team under the division, establishing a deep-seeded expertise in providing clients practical and creative energy management, consulting, education, and technical advisement.

Brian Kelly, SSM’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “This is incredibly exciting news for all of our clients, and especially for the communities that we serve. Combining our expertise is going to change the game for the services we offer and bring a new depth to the solutions we provide.”

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Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, Inc. is a family-owned regional engineering, environmental and surveying firm headquartered in Wyomissing PA with satellite offices in Lancaster, West Chester and Lehigh Valley. SSM provides services to various types of local, regional and national businesses that include commercial, industrial, manufacturing and telecommunications as well as healthcare and higher education institutions. For more information about the firm go to: www.ssmgroup.com.

Spotts Stevens and McCoy Names Eileen Kaley as Chief Strategy Officer

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) a family-owned regional engineering, environmental, and surveying firm headquartered in Reading PA and serving local and global clients announced today that Eileen Kaley has been named Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of the firm.

In this newly created leadership role, Kaley reports to President & CEO Brian Kelly and will oversee execution of the firm’s strategic initiatives. She will play a key role in developing SSM’s business and growth strategies, identifying market transitions and driving the business strategy to meet the evolving expectations and business needs of the firm’s client base. As the CSO, she will utilize her deep understanding of SSM’s vision for 2020 and beyond as the foundation for prioritizing key decisions that will shape the firm’s future and sustainable competitive advantage.

“I’m confident in Eileen’s ability to drive the overall strategic direction for SSM as we position ourselves for the future.” Kelly commented, “She has a proven track record of strong leadership and achievement. She is strategic in her thinking and has been a major catalyst behind SSM’s success.”

Previously the firm’s Director of Marketing and Organizational Development, Kaley brings more than 25 years of experience in developing and implementing initiatives to the role. Her background includes operational roles in marketing and human resources. She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a BA in Communications.

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Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, Inc. is a family-owned regional engineering, environmental and surveying firm headquartered in Wyomissing PA with satellite offices in Lancaster, West Chester and Lehigh Valley. SSM provides services to various types of local, regional and national businesses that include commercial, industrial, manufacturing and telecommunications as well as healthcare and higher education institutions. For more information about the firm go to: www.ssmgroup.com.

Spottlight on Surveying

In This Issue . . .

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Crisis Preparedness

During any crisis, but particularly during our current crisis, we all need to be prepared for the worst case scenario. While many businesses are facing mandatory and recommended closures, those in the municipal industry must remain functional. One area of health and environmental concern is water and wastewater treatment operations. Please reach out to us if you are in need.

Communications and Business Continuity During Coronavirus Pandemic

At Spotts, Stevens and McCoy it is a priority for us to maintain the health, safety, and overall wellness of our clients, client communities, as well as our staff and teams. It is also a priority of ours to maintain and ensure the continuity of our business operations and client commitments.

Our corporate team continues to monitor the progress and recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local authorities. As a firm, we have taken and continue to take appropriate steps that will allow our employees to continue to provide great service amid this growing concern.

We are dedicated to upholding our project commitments, while also fostering the health and safety of the many communities that we are proud and honored to work with. Please continue to be in touch with us regarding any restrictions, safety procedures, or specifics that we should be made aware of as we continue our working relationship. We are proud of our abilities and opportunities to be flexible through virtual meetings, digital file sharing, and any other forms of collaborating together that you may find most comfortable.

We care deeply about providing a space for our employees to do what they do best and allowing them to feel safe doing it. We have encouraged all of our employees to follow the recommendations by WHO and CDC regarding ways to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases in the workplace. Additionally, our firm is and has been established with a cloud-based infrastructure that will further allow our teams to make producing results simple and effective. Employees continue to be reminded of what we can do together to help keep our teams safe and healthy.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We appreciate your partnership as we continue to navigate this health crisis together.

Spottlight on Engineers

Evaluation | Collaboration | Innovation

February 16 – 22 is Engineers Week. During this week, we highlight the important work that engineers all around the world do- the decisions they make, the education they pursue, the designs they create, and the problems they solve. From the engineers that create something out of nothing, to the ones that bring new life to the existing- we acknowledge you.

But in addition to engineers around the world, this week we’re especially proud to celebrate and honor the incredible engineers that make our teams thrive and make our clients’ projects succeed.

We are proud to have engineers that do more than just create solutions. Because good engineers get the job done, but great engineers make the world a better place. At SSM, we believe in improving the quality of life for our clients and for all of the people touched by the work that we do. We are proud to have engineers that live that mission every single day and share it through every single decision they make.

Our engineers evaluate. They collaborate. And, they innovate.

Good engineers complete tasks. Great engineers- our engineers- believe in quality work with lasting value. Great engineers take pride in clients’ success. Great engineers believe our people, are your people.

This week, we’re celebrating our engineers. Not only for the skills they use every single day, the knowledge and expertise they bring to every project, or every single solution they provide day after day- but we celebrate our engineers for the passion, the commitment, and the care that they have always and continue to put in to the work that they do.

SSM engineers- we celebrate you.

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SSM Opens West Chester Office

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) is excited to announce their expansion to Chester County, Pennsylvania. The new regional office opened January 1, 2020 and is located at 101 East Evans Street in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The firm will be sharing space in the offices of Practical Energy Solutions. The office will house dedicated and mobile staff to serve a growing base of Chester County clients.

“We’ve teamed with Practical Energy on several projects as our services complement one another,” said Executive Vice President, Patrick McCoy, a long-time resident of West Chester. “We’re anticipating the shared space will lead to expanded collaborative opportunities for the team, and allow us to develop long term client and employee relationships in southeastern Pennsylvania.”

Based in Reading, PA, the firm has additional offices in Lehigh Valley and Lancaster and offers engineering, surveying and environmental services expertise to industry and numerous local, regional and county government entities.

“We are elated to expand our presence in the Chester County area to better serve our clients in the region,” said Brian Kelly, President and CEO. “We are looking forward to becoming an integral part of the community, and developing mutually beneficial relationships with the local municipalities and businesses.”

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy is a family-owned regional engineering, environmental, and surveying firm serving local and global clients. We engineer solutions for a better world. Our work touches everyday life; from the water you drink, to the air you breathe, to the buildings and communities where you live, work and play. SSM provides services to various types of local, regional and national businesses which include commercial, industrial, manufacturing, telecommunications, as well as healthcare and higher education facilities.

Spottlight on the Future

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New Year, Same Us

Every year at this time, we are faced with thoughts about the future. The New Year pushes us to leave our last year behind- the good, the bad, the difficult, and the triumphant. In exchange, you may be thinking about where you will be moving forward. It is time to look at new goals, new changes, and preparing yourself for new challenges. Now is the time to think about where you want to go and who you want to be

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Spottlight on the Buildings Around Us

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We’re at the time of year when we find ourselves in and out of shopping malls, staying for a few extra hours at work, visiting shopping centers, or enjoying holiday meals at large-scale restaurants. As you and your family embark on travelling, visiting, shopping, or whatever your holiday season may be filled with- we’d like to challenge you to take a closer look at the buildings around you.

Give Back Club Donates $10,000 to Community Initiatives

Members of the SSM Give Back Club (left to right: Chelsea Carl, Lyn O’Hare, Mike Donlan, Sydney Jernigan, Michelle Hohl, PE, Michele Eidle, and Kim Ernst) display checks representing the firm’s $10,000 donations.

Michele Eidle, SSM employee and Operation 143 volunteer accepted the donation during a Company Team Huddle in November.

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy recently made donations totaling $10,000 to organizations within in the firm’s geographic footprint as part of their 2019 Give Back initiative.

A group of SSM volunteers interviewed and surveyed their co-workers to develop an action plan for the giving. As a result the firm donated $5,000 to Operation143. The organization feeds students in nearby communities by providing backpacks full of food for the weekend. SSM’s donation will provide supplies for one weekend’s backpack event. The firm is hosting a food drive in their offices during the month of December to provide additional supplies.

SSM supported the Opportunity House mission, “changing lives by educating, housing, feeding and empowering people to stand on their own feet” with a $2,500 donation. The firm also supported the Tunnel to Towers Foundation with a $2,500 donation. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001 and honors our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.

Brian Kelly, President and CEO commented, “We are excited to continue our tradition for the SSM family to give back and support the communities where we live, work and play.”

SSM Welcomes New VP, Ralph Johnson, PE to the Firm

Ralph Johnson, PE | Vice President, Water and Wastewater Engineering and Operations

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, a family-owned and managed, regional engineering firm based in Reading PA, welcomes Ralph Johnson, PE to the team as the Vice President Water and Wastewater Engineering and Operations. 

Ralph will direct the water and wastewater engineering and operations services for the firm including all aspects of water and wastewater engineering, municipal and authority representation, water and wastewater treatment operations, treatment plant design, construction phase engineering, water resources and regulatory compliance assistance. Previously with the City of Reading as the Public Works Director and City Engineer, Johnson brings more than 35 years of experience in the industry to the firm. His experience includes Consent Decree Compliance, Dam Safety Issues, MS4 regulatory compliance, emergency response planning, capital improvement project planning and implementation, grant writing, bridge inspection and maintenance, and wastewater plant upgrades and construction.

He holds an AS in Chemical Engineering Technology from the Pennsylvania State University and a BA in Business Management and Administration from Alvernia College. Johnson is a licensed engineer in Pennsylvania, a certified PA DEP Wastewater Systems Operator and a certified PA DEP Water Systems Operator. Ralph is active in various industry associations including American Public Works Association, Berks County Public Works Association, PA American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation, Eastern PA Water Pollution Control Operators Association, Central PA Water Quality Association, and Western PA Water Pollution Control Association and has been recognized by these agencies with numerous individual and facilities awards over the course of his career.

STEM/STEAM Day

Today is #STEMSTEAMDay which inspires kids to explore and pursue their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Today we’re celebrating just a few of our employees and the people and experiences in their lives that brought them here.

SYDNEY JERNIGAN | Graduate Engineer

KATIE BALTZLEY | GIS Specialist

DAVID KRESLEY | IT Specialist

ALEX NAWOTKA | Environmental Specialist

SYDNEY JERNIGAN | Graduate Engineer

I have always loved math. Even as a kid. I loved using formulas and critical thinking to come up with an answer. I remember in 5th grade we had these math workbooks. We were assigned a page every night to complete- about eight problems. My teacher would scold me for completing 10 pages at a time, because I was moving so far ahead of the class. In high school, when it was time to start thinking and talking about college, I knew I loved math and wanted to apply those skills. But, I had no idea what I wanted to do. My geometry teacher, Ms. Gallagher, first told me to consider engineering. I did some research and realized that was exactly what I was looking for. The idea of engineering is to use critical thinking to create solutions. This is what I’ve always loved growing up. (It was also a bonus that throughout college I was constantly doing math homework like in 5th grade). It’s thanks to Ms. Gallagher, my high school teacher, that I ended up where I am today. I can’t imagine having any other career now. 

KATIE BALTZLEY | GIS Specialist

I had amazing parents growing up. My dad, an avid outdoorsman, always taught me about the importance of protecting wildlife and stream health. I have memories of spending summers playing in local creeks, and pulling over in the car to help box and snapping turtles cross the road. (I still do this, to this day!) My mom always encouraged me to look up to the sky. She would wake me up at 3 AM to catch a lunar eclipse. Or, we’d lay out blankets on the lawn so we could stay up late and watch meteor showers. My dad’s love for the beauty of nature and my mom’s enthusiasm for the world around us both led me to my future. I went on to major in Geography with a focus in Environmental Science and minor in Meteorology. Now, I get to create interactive maps that help educate others on source water protection and the wonderful world around them.

DAVID KRESLEY | IT Specialist

My love for technology began with my dad. One time, a computer that he used broke and he told me to “try to fix it” even though I was only in the 2nd grade and had no clue how to even begin. The inside of the computer reminded me of Legos. There were a bunch of important pieces that belong in their place, all serving their own purpose for one final result. In 5th grade I got a brand new computer that was setup right next to my dad. Here, I started to learn the parts of computer, and how to upgrade whole computers or individual components to make them more powerful. Every computer I’ve had since that first Dell tower has been built with my own hands. The idea that I can make a computer look how I want it to look and make it as powerful as I want it to be is still an idea that gives me a sense of wonder. From sitting next to me in my early memories to running Ethernet cable through our walls and attic- my dad helped to create my foundation of knowledge and understanding. Now, I’m an IT Specialist and do what I love every single day.

ALEX NAWOTKA | Environmental Specialist

There are so many moments in which I found my love for science. I remember finding awesome-looking stones at the edge of the forest when I was eight and taking them home with me. (I actually still have them.) I can remember really falling in love with my future career in middle school. My teacher set up a sand table experiment for us. You have sand and mud in a large, shallow crate, and you carve whatever stream shapes you like in the sand with your fingers, and add water. Through this experiment, you get to see a miniaturized version of erosion and channel meandering, and how sand moves with water versus how mud moves with it. I still remember thinking that was the coolest experiment we did all year! Years later when I had to choose a major in college, that sand table was one of the memories that helped me to make my decision.

Young Professionals in the Spotlight

Jamie Lorah, PE - Manager, Process Design

Jamie joined SSM in 2003. She is the Manager of Process Design in the Water/Wastewater Engineering Department and specializes in Industrial Pretreatment Programs and hydraulic modeling. Her interest in mathematics/chemistry and passion for protecting water quality led to her career choice. Jamie received her BS in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University and is working toward her Master’s Degree. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in PA.

“My family motivates me every day. My greatest influence is my father, who is a hard worker and an entrepreneur who never gave up. He taught me my work ethic and compassion for others."

Jamie is active in several industry organizations including PA Water Environment and Eastern PA Water Pollution Control Operators Association.

“As a mom and woman in engineering, I would tell other women that they can be successful in this industry – there will be obstacles, but persist and rise to the challenge.”

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Nicholas Szeredai, PE - Civil/Municipal Engineer

Nick joined SSM in 2018 as a Municipal Engineer to manage municipal design projects. Nick graduated from Governor Mifflin with the goal of becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. He went on to graduate from Penn State with a BS in Civil Engineering. He worked at McCormick Taylor for 6 years where he acquired his license.

Nick is motivated by his wife Emily (Foster) and daughter Ella who help him maintain his work life balance. He is driven to come to work, and give it his all, because he wants to be a role model for his daughters (expecting another this fall), just like his parents, Rich and Roxanne, were for him. “They encouraged me to follow my dreams.”

When asked what advice he would give, Nick said, “I chose to work at SSM because working for a company that cares about me, and our community, is important. You can only find true career success if you can go to work, make a living, and enjoy it all at the same time.”

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Andrew Wengerd, PE, LEED AP, CFPS

Andrew joined SSM in 2004. He is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer in the Facilities Engineering Division with experience designing heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems for industrial, commercial, educational, and semiconductor facilities.

Andrew earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Grove City College. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in PA, NY, CT and GA, a Certified Fire Protection Specialist and LEED Accredited Professional. He holds UCC Inspector Certifications in Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire and Energy Plans.

Andrew is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. where he is a Lehigh Valley Chapter Board Member. Andrew pursued mechanical engineering as a career because it offers unique challenges and a variety of career opportunities.

“As an engineer, it is important to continue learning and building from experiences to bring innovative solutions to our clients.”

Spottlight on Social Infrastructure

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We’re living in a world where technology has challenged what we know about social connections. In some ways we fear our constant connection. In other ways, we fear our disconnect.

There will never be a replacement for face-to-face human connection. Here lies the power of developing social infrastructure.

Maintenance and improvements to social infrastructures requires the same care and attention as standard infrastructure systems. As attentive as we are to the streets you drive, so too are we attentive to the spaces that drive your relationships. From surveying to engineering to environmental planning and assessment - all of the hands on our deck support effective design and preservation of social infrastructures.

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