Professional Firms - Employee News

Bergmann News Bergmann's David Plante Named to the Rochester Business Journal's 2020 Forty Under 40 List

David Plante, AICP CEP

David Plante, AICP CEP, Energy and Environment Practice Leader at national architecture, engineering and planning firm Bergmann, was selected as one of this year’s Forty Under 40 by the Rochester Business Journal. In choosing the winners, the panel of judges – consisting of previous Forty Under 40 honorees – recognize 40 men and women in the Greater Rochester community who have achieved professional success and who make significant civic contributions to the community.

“I have watched David develop as a professional planner over the last ten years. He is not only a technical expert in our profession with national recognition as a leader in renewable energy and environmental permitting, but David has proven to be a dedicated community volunteer as well,” said Andrew Raus, Senior Vice President Bergmann, RBJ 40 Under 40 Class of 2008. “I am proud of David’s accomplishments and look forward to watching his career grow over the next ten years.”

As the leader of Bergmann’s Energy and Environment Practice, which specializes in providing ecological, environmental contamination, civil engineering and sector clients throughout the firm, Plante has spearheaded the strategic growth of the group since 2016, bringing in key talent and carving out discipline opportunities, including the diversification into solar to serve expanded client needs. Over his 15 years in the field, Plante has supported a variety of key projects, including environmental permitting for community solar projects throughout New York State with Delaware River Solar, the Albion waste gate repair project, and the environmental impact assessment process for the proposed statewide Embankment Integrity Management program through New York State Canal Corporation/Power Authority of New York.

Outside of his role at Bergmann, Plante is highly involved in organizations that are making a direct impact on the community in which he lives, including Farmington-Victor Kiwanis. Plante serves as president of the Ontario County charity which focuses on improving the lives of children and families in need. In his role, he oversees the operations and finances of the organization, organizes events and programs, instituted a COVID-19 emergency relief fund, and more. Plante is also president of the South Farmington Friends Cemetery Foundation, an organization with the goal of restoring the historic South Farmington Friends Cemetery Chapel, and a board member of The Spot Canandaigua, a charity Plante’s wife Sarah founded in 2016 to provide free school supplies, clothing, shoes and food support to children in need in the Canandaigua City School District. Plante is also environmental permitting services to energy and non-energy

involved with the Victor-Farmington Food Cupboard, the Town of Farmington Comprehensive Plan Update Committee and the Town of Farmington Solid Waste Reduction Committee.

Plante, and all members of 2020 Forty Under 40 class, will be honored via a virtual ceremony on November 12, 2020 at 5:30pm

Bergmann Senior Project Manager Appointed to the Land Use and Local Government Advisory Panel

Jayme Breschard Thomann, AICP, CFM, Senior Project Manager at national architecture, engineering and planning firm Bergmann, has been nominated and appointed to the Land Use and Local Government Advisory Panel to the New York State Climate Action Council. The advisory panel is one of six representing key industry sectors across New York State, such as transportation, agriculture, power generation, and energy efficiency, tasked with providing recommendations and strategies for meeting the designated goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

Jayme Breschard Thomann, AICP, CFM

The CLCPA was signed into law on July 18, 2019 by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and is among the most ambitious climate laws in the world. The legislation created a Climate Action Council charged with developing a Scoping Plan of recommendations to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and no less than 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. The Council will be supported by input from the Environmental Justice Advisory Group, the Climate Justice Working Group, and the six sector-specific Advisory Panels, whose members will put forth recommendations for the Council's Scoping Plan.

Thomann, who joined Bergmann in January 2020, boasts an impressive resume, bringing 16 years of resilience, land use and environmental planning experience to the panel. A recognized expert in her field, she will provide a unique perspective through her ability to draw connections between local land use regulation and control, governance structure in New York State, and clean energy strategies. Panel members were nominated for their involvement, with Thomann being one of 11 selected for the Land Use and Local Government Advisory Panel. Together, these experts will identify a range of emissions reductions, consistent with

analysis and in consultation with the Climate Action Council, for the sector which contributes to meeting the statewide emission limits.

“I’m honored to be selected to contribute alongside this impressive group of experts. This initiative is important for New York State and the world as we seek to find solutions that provide both environmental and economic benefits in our fight against climate change,” said Thomann. “My goal is to leverage my experience to support how communities can thrive in a clean energy economy. We need to help municipalities work together so they can develop the policies and implement the land use regulations that create healthy and vibrant places—this includes better utilization of tools and programs that provide multiple benefits for communities.”

The advisory panels will meet regularly over the coming months, with the goal of submitting a work plan and recommendations for development and outreach over the fall and into winter 2020. The Council plans to have a Draft Scoping Plan by end of 2021. q

M/E Engineering News M/E Announces New Partners, Melanie Stachowiak PE, and Garrett Donals PE

Melanie Stachowiak, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CVMP joined M/E Engineering in 2011 as a Senior Energy Engineer in the Sustainability/Commissioning group. She holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University, and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Melanie Stachowiak, PE Throughout her career at the firm, Melanie has continued to advance through the Energy/Commissioning Group and has worked on many energy analysis projects as well as managed projects in the higher education and K-12 markets. Her passion for energy efficiency and the advancement of technical analysis as it relates to sustainability has made her a leading resource for both clients and staff.

Melanie will soon transition into the management of our firms Sustainability/Commissioning Group and select College/University clients. She will undoubtedly carry on the tradition of professionalism and accurate and beneficial solutions for our clients as the world becomes ever focused on sustainability, net zero, and more energy efficient structures across all markets.

"Having worked with Melanie over the last several years I have come to appreciate not only her professionalism and technical expertise, but her commitment to the quality and constructability of each project she is associated with. That skillset is exactly what makes her an asset to the ownership team." Bill Liberto, Vice President enjoyment of the outdoors. During her time off, Melanie can often be found at any one of the local lakes or rivers with her favorite fishing partner and husband, Matt.

Garrett Donals, PE, joined the firm in 2008 as a Design Engineer. He holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Syracuse University.

Throughout his career at the firm, Garrett has continued to advance through the mechanical engineering

Garrett Donals, PE department and has worked on several high profile projects at Cornell University as well as Syracuse University. During his 13 years designing and managing projects, he has provided solutions for educational, healthcare, industrial and food processing facilities throughout the Northeast.

"Garrett's tenacious work ethic, positive demeanor, and dependability have become a valuable asset to our team. His strong technical background has been invaluable in assisting clients to successfully complete complex projects on time and in budget. His leadership qualities and commitment to guiding our staff has had an impact on M/E Engineering's success. We are extremely excited to have these talents now a part of our leadership team." - John Dredger, President

Garret lives in Mendon with his wife Chelsea and their two children. He loves outdoor activities especially hunting and golf. Above all, he loves spending time with his family and friends. q

Beyond her professional interests lies Melanie's