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M/E Engineering News

A Meaningful and Dynamic Career In Sustainability Melanie G. Stachowiak, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CM/P Partner

Melanie Stachowiak is motivated by her drive to make a difference in the world and her career choices have enabled her to do just that.

With a degree in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University, Melanie has continuously worked her way up the corporate ladder, breaking impressive barriers every step of the way. Over the past two decades, she has worked on countless innovative sustainability projects throughout the Northeast and recently became a Partner at M/E Engineering, the largest and most dominant MEP firm in upstate NY. Her impressive portfolio includes clients such as Cornell University, SUCF, NYSERDA, and SUNY Alfred.

TAKING THE LEAD

She's now in charge of the Sustainability Group at M/E, taking over the successful role of Ken Swan, who built the division from the ground, up. "From my very first discussion with Mel, I knew she was Partner material. She is very professional, great attitude, aggressive relative to obtaining work and demanding high quality performance from her team. She is not only trusted throughout the firm, our current clients have come to rely on her up-todate knowledge of energy programs available to them so they can make informed financial decisions". He adds with a smile, "I can't imagine a better replacement for myself…M/E is in good hands!"

When I asked Melanie how she would describe her responsibilities in her new position, she answered enthusiastically "My primary responsibility is to bring in energy work for our team. This includes projects requiring Energy Audits, Energy Modeling, LEED Administration services, Energy Conservation Assessments, Net Zero or Net Zero Ready confirmation, Incentive Program Assistance (identification / calculations / applications), and Energy and Carbon Neutrality Master Planning. Companywide, I assist with advising project teams on various sustainable options and paths to pursue. I also stay engaged with the industry to understand current sustainability trends, practices, and emerging technologies, energy code requirements, government agency goals, climate action plans, and NYS electrification."

ESSENTIAL FOR CHANGE

As made clear from her comments, Mel's work in the energy field is not just innovative, it's essential. She provides meaningful solutions to M/E's project designs. Clients have come to rely on her work for cost saving solutions to the ever changing landscape of available energy related support.

I asked about what unique qualities she brings to the company as a Partner and was struck by her selfless goal to share her expertise with others in the firm in order to strengthen M/E's success. "Sustainability and de-carbonization are becoming essential factors in project goals. The abilities and services that the energy group is able to provide put us at a great advantage, as we're able to offer our clients meaningful services to drive down energy use in a cost effective way, and provide holistic solutions. I believe that if I represent this perspective (energy/sustainability focus) it assists the other partners in thinking about these implications and allow it to trickle down to their teams. This is not just about work, but how we interact with the environment and the impact we leave behind - we have the opportunity to make a positive impact in not only our client's lives but also the environment. I'm all about bringing positive energy to the group!"

Bill Liberto, a founding Partner at the firm is excited about Mel's contributions at the Partner level. "When I first met her, I saw talent right away! Mel has a passion for high quality engineering… the epitome of what you're looking for in an employee. She is so passionate about sustainability and in this new role, she has the ability to really reach out and expand our business. People respond to Mel's genuine concern for the environment and her thoughtful approach to offering educated and thoughtful solutions. She is a true leader."

In addition to her engineering skills, Melanie's impact on M/E's overall company culture is also embraced by her peers. In regard to the recent fast-track changes to expectations of employees due to the COVID-19 crisis, Ken Swan shared his thoughts. "Melanie is at an age and point in her career that she can relate to the changing workforce habits of younger professionals. There is a shift in traditional office environments that will be important for M/E to embrace moving forward. She will be integral to enacting positive change."

Melanie echoed this statement by adding "I try to bring positive energy to our firm. This should be a happy place…a fun place!" She also listed, without hesitation, the cultural qualities that define M/E: "Professional, courteous, easy place to work without fear of drama, and stable."

In closing, I asked Mel how she feels being a female Partner will positively impact the Partner group. Her delightful response was "A female, naturally, has life experiences that are unique. Diversity is a good thing for a firm. Adding diversity leads to more meaningful discussions, makes things more inclusive, and helps with perspective."

Bergmann News

John Hubert Named Bergmann VP of Northeast Infrastructure

National architecture, engineering and planning firm Bergmann has hired John Hubert, PE, in the role of vice president, Northeast Infrastructure. He joins Bergmann from WSP’s Buffalo office where he served as assistant vice president. Hubert replaces Dave Thurnherr, PE who has spent nearly 37 years at Bergmann and will retire following a transitional period in a special project capacity.

“We are welcoming John at an exciting time for our company and industry,” stated Richard Chelotti, PE, Senior Vice President. “Infrastructure will soon take center stage of U.S. policy as part of President Biden’s proposed $2T plan and architects, engineers and planners will be necessary to bring this much-needed transformation to life. John brings the depth of expertise and leadership strength needed to help the Bergmann team continue to thrive and capitalize on this new era of American infrastructure.”

Hubert has 30 years of experience managing design teams and award-winning infrastructure projects across New York State, including four that have been selected for ACEC NY platinum awards.

In his most recent role, Hubert led notable revenue, client, and team member growth over 23 years, managing a broad range of complex projects that align with the firm’s diverse practice areas, including bridges, rail, roadways, traffic, and waterway structures. Among other projects throughout his career, Hubert played an integral role in the NYSOPRHP’s Buffalo Harbor State Park transformation from the project’s inception through design and construction; led the Erie Canal Harbor Project that provided the foothold for Buffalo’s Canalside; played a key role in helping save the Maid of the Mist operations with the construction of a new boat storage facility on NYPA lands; led numerous aviation and transit projects for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority; and managed engineering services for the New York State Department of Transportation’s Southtowns Connector, a major highway and waterfront improvement program.

“John’s strong resume of projects in New York, as well as his experience in team leadership, make him the perfect fit to take on the VP role following Dave’s long and successful tenure,” continued Pietro (Pete) Giovenco, President and CEO. “We wish Dave all the best in his next chapter and we thank him for his service to Bergmann and our clients over the years. We look forward to the exciting work to come with John and the team as the technology and trends driving infrastructure continue to evolve faster than ever before.”

Hubert earned both his bachelor’s in civil engineering and his master’s in civil engineering/construction management from the University at Buffalo. He has been active in American Council of Engineering Companies New York as past WNY chair and state board member as well as past chair of the NYS Parks committee.

“I’ve long admired Bergmann for their ingenuity, industry-leading staff, and the diversity of services they offer,” said Hubert. “I am very excited about the opportunity to be a part of the organization and work with these talented professionals to continue successful delivery to clients and support on-going growth.”

John Hubert Named Bergmann VP of Northeast Infrastructure

Bergmann Scholarship Awarded to Architecture Major at Alfred State College

Scholarship Awarded Through AIA Rochester and the Architectural Foundation of Greater Rochester

Colin Thompson

Bergmann announces the 2021 winner of the Bergmann Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a rising architecture student in the Greater Rochester area. Colin Thompson, an intern at Bergmann, Bachelor of Architecture student at Alfred State College, and graduate of Webster Thomas High School, is the 15th recipient of the annual $2,500 scholarship.

The Bergmann Scholarship is awarded through the AIA Rochester and Architectural Foundation of Greater Rochester, which funded over $17,00 in scholarships for promising young architecture students this year. The scholarship was presented at the recent AIA Rochester 2021 Design Awards.

“Bergmann has a long-standing relationship working with both AIA Rochester and the Architectural Foundation of Greater Rochester, and we are proud to offer the Bergmann Scholarship to support the next generation of architects,” said Laura Cooney, NE Architectural/Interior Design Discipline Lead, Bergmann. “Our scholarship offers both financial support and the opportunity for the recipient to intern with Bergmann to foster growth and receive mentorship in professional setting. This was a unique year, where our selected winner, Colin, was already a Bergmann intern.”

A Bergmann representative, along with the remaining scholarship committee, reviews applicants comprised of high school seniors pursuing architectural programs and college students in National Architectural Accredited Board (NAAB) accredited architectural programs. In selecting a scholarship recipient, the firm looks for a student who is passionate about their education and the field of architecture, demonstrates community involvement, presents a compelling essay, and has strong grades and reference letters.

“I am honored to be the recipient of this year’s Bergmann Scholarship,” said Colin Thompson. “It will help me fund my involvement with the Alfred State Study Abroad program at Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy in 2022. I’ve already gained invaluable experience through my internship with Bergmann and I look forward to incorporating what I am learning today with international and historic aspects.”

Bergmann Elevates Kimberly Baptiste to VP of Northeast Buildings Group

Bergmann has promoted Kimberly Baptiste, AICP, to the role of vice president, Northeast Buildings. In her 14 years with the firm, Baptiste has held a series of progressively responsible positions, most recently serving as Government Practice Leader in the Northeast Buildings Group.

In her new position, Baptiste will be responsible for strategic planning and implementation, market growth and expansion, mentoring staff, business development and strategic teaming, managing clients, and financial oversight and management. The Northeast Buildings Group includes 11 disciplines—architecture, interior design, mechanical, electrical, structural and civil engineering, urban planning, landscape architecture, GIS and environmental—within six core practice areas including science, technology and industry, commercial, government, energy and environment, energy conservation and education.

Bergmann Elevates Kimberly Baptiste to VP of Northeast Buildings Group

“Kimberly brings a wealth of experience to the team, highlighted by strong, well-established relationships with clients and colleagues,” said Andrew Raus, senior vice president. “Anyone who has worked with Kimberly knows she is collaborative, organized and entrepreneurial – all characteristics of a strong leader for the Northeast Buildings Group. I am very proud to see an internal candidate rise to the challenge of this position and thank Kimberly for her hard work over the past 14 years at Bergmann.”

Baptiste was selected following an extensive national search.

“I’m humbled and honored to be named to this position,” said Baptiste. “I’m excited to help take the Northeast Buildings Group to the next level by continuing to drive excellence and results for our clients and professional growth and development for our team.”

Baptiste’s portfolio includes multi-disciplinary project work across New York and Pennsylvania. Recent projects include ROC the Riverway, multiple Downtown Revitalization Initiatives, the Broome County Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, Inner Loop North Transformation Study and a waterfront revitalization plan for the City of Syracuse. q

Beardsley Architects + Engineers News

Foit and Carr Joins Beardsley Architects + Engineers

Scott E. Folts

Tracey A. Carr

Beardsley Architects + Engineers announced that Scott E. Folts has joined the firm as Senior Architectural Designer in the Albany, NY office.

Mr. Folts joins by way of Washington State, where he served as Senior Architectural Designer for academic, manufacturing, commercial, and military projects. He has extensive experience with 3D visualizations and renderings, and virtual reality design and presentation techniques. Mr. Folts brings a broad skill set and diverse background in all phases of design from over 20 years of architectural design experience.

Beardsley also announced that Tracey A. Carr has joined the firm as Senior Architectural Designer in the Auburn, NY office.

Ms. Carr has over 16 years of experience in architectural design, drafting, and construction administration for commercial, educational, governmental, and residential clients. In addition to her work as an architectural designer, Tracey is also a CAD drafting instructor at Onondaga Community College, teaching production technology and wood frame construction drafting to first and second semester students. q

SWBR News

SWBR Names Two to Board of Directors, One Earns LEED Green Associate, and New Team Member Joins Construction Administration Team

Steve Fernaays, AIA

Leticia Blaya Fornataro, AIA

SWBR announced the election of Steve Fernaays, AIA and Leticia Blaya Fornataro, AIA to its Board of Directors. As members of the board, their responsibilities include the implementation of corporate procedures and controls and formulation of overall business plans, operations, market objectives and strategies. SWBR’s board is comprised of the president, along with six other board members elected by shareholders for a three-year term.

Principal Fernaays was re-elected to the board. He has been with the firm since 2009 and spent most of his career designing award-winning higher education spaces such as labs, classrooms, and collaboration spaces that enhance student experiences. His clients include Nazareth College, Cornell University, MCC, Alfred State, and University of Rochester. He earned his bachelor of architecture from Syracuse University.

Senior Associate Blaya Fornataro has been with the firm since 2008. As a Senior Project Manager in the firm’s Housing studio, Blaya Fornataro specializes in the design of senior living environments. She is particularly focused on creating communities for seniors that feel like home and help them thrive and continue to be active and happy. Her clients include St. Ann’s Community, St. John’s Home for the Aging, and The Highlands at Pittsford. She holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Utah.

SWBR also announced that project designer Alli DiGiacomo has earned her LEED Green Associate accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council. This LEED credential denotes proficiency in today’s sustainable design, construction, and operations standards. Professionals who have earned a LEED credential showcase knowledge, experience, and credibility in the green building marketplace.

Ali DiGiacomo

In addition to her LEED accreditation, DiGiacomo is a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC). Passive House buildings meet the highest level of energy efficiency, cost little to heat or cool, and achieve maximum air comfort. She chose to earn Steve Fernaays, AIA Leticia Blaya Fornataro, AIA both accreditations early in her career because she is passionate about prioritizing sustainable design solutions and energy performance in all projects.

As part of the firm’s Education studio, DiGiacomo develops drawings and 3D models for a variety of higher education and K12 projects. A former intern, she joined the firm in 2020 after receiving her bachelor of arts in Architecture from Miami University.

SWBR welcomes new team member to the construction administration team - Construction Project Coordinator Amy Galiotti.

Amy Galiotti

Galiotti's 30+ years of experience make her a welcome addition to the construction administration team. Her responsibilities include supporting design teams on a variety of project types from start of construction through closeout. She is a talented and hardworking professional who sees meaningful design as being unique and personal for the individual experiencing it.

Galiotti earned her AOS in drafting from Alfred State Colllege - SUNY College of Technology and her bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome.