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Leadership

Executives

William M. Carnes, PE

President and CEO

Mr. Carnes founded Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates, Inc. in 1989 along with Mr. Richard Hillis, PE. While at his previous firm, Mr. Carnes was a Vice President in the Geotechnical Engineering Division. He developed the use of advanced in-situ testing techniques and was the geotechnical engineer of record on many landmark projects in the mid-Atlantic region. The two founders together left the large national firm and brought with them the best and brightest young engineers and project managers to form a firm that was focused on client service and value engineering in geotechnical engineering.

Mr. Carnes earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1974 and an MSCE in Geotechnical Engineering from The George Washington University in 1980.

Robert T. Skepton

Senior VP and CFO

Mr. Skepton joined Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates shortly after its founding in 1989 where he worked for four years as a field engineering technician and drillers assistant. He then worked in marketing and business development for the firm until 1997 when he took over the position as branch manager of the Salisbury, Md., office. In 2000, he advanced to the role of information technology director where he built a team that designed and developed the company’s current web-based project management, lab and financial systems.  He rose to the role of CFO in 2007 and was appointed senior vice president in 2015.

Mr. Skepton earned his B.A. in Foreign Languages and Linguistics from Towson University and an M.S. in Information Systems Management from UMBC. He also holds a CISSP certification and is a member of Institute of Management Accountants.

Timothy B. Hill, PE

Senior VP and COO

Mr. Hill joined Hillis-Carnes more than 20 years ago as the testing manager at the main office in Annapolis Junction. He was named director of operations in 2004 and then appointed COO in 2012. During this time, he oversaw the expansion of the company. Mr. Hill has been directly involved with many landmark projects, such as M & T Bank Stadium, Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, the Washington Nationals ballpark, the Washington Convention Center, and the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Washington, to name a few.

Mr. Hill earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Clarkson University in 1980, followed by certification in concrete technology from the University of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1988, and Professional Project management courses through the Associated Soil and Foundation Engineers in 1991. He is a member of the Maryland Building Industry Association and Washington Area Council of Engineering Laboratories.

Vice Presidents & Branch Managers

  • Arjan S. Kloet

    Lehigh Valley Branch Manager

    Arjan supports our Clients with more than 23 years of experience in Special Inspections, Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnical Laboratory Testing, Environmental Engineering, and the Management of Field Technicians and Professional Staff.

    Arjan’s technical experience includes managing projects that range from construction inspections and testing oversight to large scope geotechnical engineering site assessments that include recommendations and monitoring for foundation construction, environmental site assessments, geologic conditions, stormwater design, earthwork operations, construction sequence, and land development. Other responsibilities include the completion of geotechnical reports and Phase I ESA’s, slope stability analyses, environmental impact statements, sinkhole mitigation, pavement design, and groundwater analyses. He also specializes in carbonate assessments, mine reclamation, retaining wall designs, soil cement designs, special inspections and other topics related to our firm’s core services.

    Arjan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Drexel University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Northeastern University, and a Master of Science degree in Geotechnical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. Arjan is an active member of the American Institute of Professional Geologist, Association of Engineering Geologists, Geological Society of America, and American Society of Civil Engineers.

  • Bruce Clendenin, CPG

    Leesburg Branch Manager

    Bruce supports our Clients with over 40 years of industry experience in management, geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and geologic consulting services.  He has vast experience managing hundreds of small to large-scale geotechnical engineering and environmental consulting projects in the Washington Metro Area, as well as several other U.S. states, Canada, and Japan. He offers broad experience on geotechnical engineering and environmental projects where integration of the two disciplines was critical to the success of a project.  Our Leesburg office is supported by an experienced staff of Professional Engineers, as well as numerous ACI and NECEPT certified Engineering Technicians.

    Bruce earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Guilford College in Geology and his Master of Science degree from Ohio State University in Environmental Science. He is also a registered Professional Geologist in Virginia.

  • Christopher L. Lesjak

    Vice President - Special Projects

    Chris supports our Clients with more than 20 years of experience in Construction Development, Architectural, Project Management, Construction Materials Testing, Geotechnical, Structural, and Environmental Consulting.  He has served in multiple roles from Program Management, Project Executive, Project Management, Marketing, Sales, Business Development, Operations, Client Management, and Field work for all services Hillis-Carnes provides with involvement on multiple large scale and high profile projects.  Chris will continue his focus on identifying key projects and clientele for opportunities to further our services and capabilities.

    Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health, with minors in both Biology and Safety Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and a Master of Science degree in Real Estate from The Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of AIA Baltimore and involved in the Allied Member Committee. In addition, Chris is a member of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA), and is involved with Whiting School of Engineering Internship Program and STEM Program with The Johns Hopkins University.

  • Christopher S. Moyer

    State College Branch Manager

    Chris supports our Clients with over 20 years of experience in Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Testing and Inspection services. Major areas of responsibility include generating proposals, processing and interpreting data, supervising field operations, and the management of projects across Pennsylvania. Mr. Moyer’s field experience includes on-site construction inspection, concrete testing, masonry inspections, and compaction control.

    Our State College office is supported by an experienced staff of Professional Engineers, Construction Inspectors, Soil Engineers, Project Managers, as well as numerous ACI, NICET, WACEL, and MARTCP certified Engineering Technicians.

  • Cullen B. Coleman

    Hagerstown Branch Manager

    Cullen supports our Clients with over 18 years of experience in Geotechnical Engineering, Geophysical Evaluations, Environmental Consulting, and Construction Materials Testing and Inspection services. He is currently managing our Hagerstown, Maryland office and his responsibilities include generating proposals, planning, and the performance of Geotechnical Investigations, including value engineering. Cullen has worked on hundreds of projects that include karst geophysical/geotechnical investigations, development of remediation plans for sinkholes, settlement investigations, foundation recommendations (shallow and deep), slope stability analyses, investigation and remedial recommendations for pavements failures, and Environmental Phase I/II Site Assessments. Our Hagerstown office is supported by an experienced staff of Geophysical Project Managers, CMT Project Managers, and a Lab Manager, as well as ACI and MARTCP certified Engineering Technicians.

    Cullen earned his Associates of Science degree in Engineering Technologies from Hagerstown Community College.

  • Daniel G. Cooke, CWI

    Aberdeen Branch Manager

    Dan supports our Clients with more than six years of experience in Construction Materials Testing and Inspections and Project Management. Major areas of responsibility include the management of multi-disciplined project teams, technical review, structural steel inspections, proposal preparation, and the oversight of projects in both the public and private sectors. Dan’s technical expertise includes oversight review of pile installation, shallow foundation construction (i.e., reinforcing steel, concrete review), structural steel, bulk earthwork placement, spray-applied fireproofing materials. He also provides a visual review of several structural applications on various types of projects. He has reviewed welded connections for simultaneous projects throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. He is accountable for visually inspecting and approving welded applications for commercial, residential, governmental, and industrial construction. Our Aberdeen office is supported by Christopher Hillis, P.E., and a diverse staff of Professional Engineers, Project Managers, and ACI, NICET, WACEL, and MARTCP certified Engineering Technicians.

    Dan earned his Associate’s degree in Applied Science Construction Management Technology from Delaware Technical Community College. He is a Certified Steel and Welding Inspector (CWI) and holds several other Special Inspector certifications. He is also an active member of the American Welding Society (AWS), American Concrete Institute, and the International Code Council.

  • David M. Harmanos, PE

    Assistant Vice President / Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Manager

    Dave serves our Clients with 25 years of expertise in Project Management, Heavy Construction, Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnical Laboratory Testing and Geosynthetics application design. He specializes in commercial, industrial and institutional foundation design, retaining wall and steep slope design, sinkhole remediation, landfill design, site work, forensic engineering and Construction Quality Control/Assurance (CQA/QC).

    Dave is a Drexel University graduate with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.S. in Civil Engineering with a concentration in geotechnical and geosynthetics. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate for his research on geosynthetics, with two publications regarding the topic.

  • David G. Patron, PE

    Vice President/Quality Control

    Dave supports our Clients with more than 35 years of experience in Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Testing and Inspection services, and Project Management. Dave’s responsibilities include the management of senior and staff level Engineers and Field Technicians, as well as the technical review and preparation of engineering reports and proposals. He has developed and managed Construction Monitoring and Testing programs for construction phase projects and Geotechnical Engineering programs pertaining to feasibility studies, proposed site development, and failure analyses. Dave specializes in shallow/deep foundation systems for the support of bridges, buildings, towers, and other structures; slope stability assessments; pavement design and failure assessments; groundwater-related problems; building settlements and structural failures; retaining wall design; and infiltration studies.

    Dave earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the States of Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, and the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

  • Grant K. Autry, PE, PLS, LEED AP

    Vice President/Operations Director

    Grant provides technical and management oversight, as well as Client support, for Engineering and Professional Services in the Annapolis Junction, Maryland corporate office. He has over 27 years of experience in the planning, execution, and management of Engineering and Testing projects in the eastern United States. Examples of project scopes include shallow and deep foundations, roadways, supported excavations, dams, environmental remediation, construction materials testing and inspections, instrumentation and monitoring, and subsurface exploration programs. He has extensive experience working with Clients in both the private and public sectors, as well as with projects ranging from small renovations to large, multi-discipline contracts.

    Grant earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, with a Geotechnical Engineering concentration from North Carolina State University. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In addition, he is also licensed as a Professional Land Surveyor in the state of North Carolina and is a LEED Accredited Professional.  Grant is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, as a past Branch and State President and past Regional Governor, and is also a member of the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Urban Land Institute, and the American Society of Highway Engineers.

  • Harry M. Moore, PE

    Richmond Branch Manager

    Harry supports our Clients with over 36 years of industry experience in management, geotechnical engineering, and retaining wall designs.  His range of geotechnical engineering experience includes small residential projects up to large commercial projects throughout the Richmond market and greater region.  He has experience managing sizable professional teams and engineering operations. Harry’s technical expertise includes geotechnical site investigations, foundation designs, slope stability assessments and analyses, pavement evaluations and design, segmental block wall designs, and construction materials testing and inspections.  Our Richmond office is supported by an experienced staff of Professional Engineers, as well as numerous ACI and NECEPT certified Engineering Technicians.

    Harry earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Virginia Military Institute and his Master of Science degree from the University of Virginia, both in Civil Engineering. He is also a registered Professional Engineer in Virginia.

  • Idres Hawarry

    Assistant Vice President/Waldorf Branch Manager

    Idres serves our Clients with more than 30 years of experience in Project Management, and 19 years in particular of Construction Materials Testing and Geotechnical Engineering experience. He has managed and coordinated the quality control and materials testing services on hundreds of construction projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Project scopes have included deep/shallow foundations, structural fill, reinforcing steel, concrete, paving, masonry and structural steel. Our Waldorf office is also supported by an experienced staff of Professional Engineers, CWI Structural Steel Certified Inspectors, as well as numerous ACI, NICET, WACEL, and MARTCP certified Engineering Technicians.

    Idres earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Salahaddin University. He is also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

  • Jeremy M. Boehm, PE

    Dover Branch Manager

    Jeremy supports our Clients with more than 15 years of industry experience in Construction Materials Testing and Inspections, Geotechnical Engineering, and Project Management. He has worked extensively with Clients in both the public and private sectors on multi-disciplinary contracts and projects throughout Delaware. Major areas of responsibility include extensive field experience in Geotechnical Engineering involving subsurface exploration, soil borings and classifications, field resistivity testing, infiltration testing, geotechnical design parameters for spread footings, drilled shafts, caissons, direct-bury poles, as well as providing recommendations for subgrade preparation and fill placement. Jeremy’s technical expertise also includes Construction Materials Testing and Inspections of soils, concrete, structural masonry, laboratory testing services, sprayed fire-resistant materials, and sprayed insulation.

    Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Ohio Northern University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. He is also an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).

  • Jerome Guy

    Assistant Vice President/Central Pennsylvania Regional Manager

    Jerome supports our Clients with more than 37 years of experience in Project Management, Construction Materials Testing and Inspections, Geotechnical Engineering, and Environmental Consulting. He has managed and coordinated the quality control and materials testing services on hundreds of construction projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Project scopes have included shallow/deep foundations, structural fill, reinforcing steel, concrete, paving, masonry and structural steel. Our Harrisburg office is supported by an experienced staff of Professional Engineers, Geologists, PennDOT Drilling Inspectors, as well as numerous ACI and NECEPT certified Engineering Technicians.

    Jerome earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Business Administration from Towson University. He was recently a member of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) Keystone Chapter.

  • Justin Zelekovitz

    Pittsburgh Branch Manager

    Justin joined our firm to spearhead the launch and opening of our new Pittsburgh, PA office. Mr. Zelekovitz has over 17 years of experience in the construction and engineering industry. He has experience in QA/QC inspections, construction materials testing, materials laboratory, and business management. Mr. Zelekovitz has managed contracts for special materials testing with the PA Turnpike including the P3 bridge reclamation project. His responsibilities include the management of the day-to-day operations, management and support of personnel, and Business Development. Our Pittsburgh office is supported by an experienced staff of Professional Engineers, Project Managers, Lab Managers, as well as numerous ACI, WACEL, MARTCP, and NECEPT certified Engineering Technicians.

    Mr. Zelekovitz earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Slippery Rock University.

  • Matthew J. Decker, PE

    Harrisburg Branch Manager

    Matt supports our Clients with more than 11 years of industry experience in the Construction Materials Testing, Special Inspections and Geotechnical engineering. He is currently managing our Harrisburg, PA office and his responsibilities include day-to-day Operations Management and Business Development. Matt’s technical experience includes soils and concrete laboratory management as well as managing technicians who are skilled in the testing and inspections of mass grading density, shallow and deep foundation, reinforced concrete, masonry, post-tension slab, spray applied fire-resistive material, structural steel welded and bolted connections, and additional items that fall under the special inspection’s category. Matt has worked as a Project Manager and a Department Manager in Charlotte NC, Milwaukee WI, and most recently, Columbus, OH. He most recently ran a CMT operation in Columbus, OH where he managed about 35 individuals and generated over $2 million dollars is sales. Our Harrisburg office is supported by an experienced staff of Professional Engineers, Construction Inspectors, Soil Engineers, Project Managers, as well as numerous ACI, NICET, WACEL, and MARTCP certified Engineering Technicians.

    Matt earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and his diverse experience in Materials Testing and Geotechnical engineering comes from time he has spent working in different parts of the country. He is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Ohio and currently working towards obtaining his PE license in Pennsylvania.

  • Michael Kokoska, PE

    Philadelphia Branch Manager

    Mike supports our Clients with more than 13 years of experience in Construction Materials Testing and Inspection services and Project Management. Mike’s responsibilities include generating proposals, processing and interpreting data, supervising field operations, and managing projects across Pennsylvania. Mr. Kokoszka’s field experience includes on-site construction materials testing and inspections of concrete, structural steel, fireproofing, and soils. He has extensive experience working with Clients in both the private and public sectors, as well as with projects covering a wide variety of infrastructure and buildings.

    Mike earned his Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from New York University and his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Columbia University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the states of Pennsylvania and New York.

  • Naseer Nayeem, PE

    State College Branch Manager

    Naseer supports our Clients with over 22 years of industry experience in Construction Materials Testing and Inspection Services, Geotechnical Engineering, and Management. He has worked on numerous geotechnical projects that included foundation recommendations (shallow and deep), slope stability analysis, settlement investigations, pavement recommendations, and stormwater management recommendations. In addition, he has been the engineer of record (analysis and design) for numerous retaining wall projects (MDOT, VDOT, DCDOT), and provided technical support during construction. He is currently managing our Frederick, Maryland office and his responsibilities include the management of the day-to-day operations, management and support of personnel, and Business Development. Naseer’s technical expertise includes analysis, design, and construction management of foundations and retaining structures; value engineering; geotechnical investigation and reporting; and rehabilitation of constructed facilities. Our Frederick office is supported by an experienced staff of Professional Engineers, as well as numerous ACI and NECEPT certified Engineering Technicians.

    Naseer holds an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland in Management and Strategy, an M.S. in Civil Engineering from S.D. School of Mines and Technology, and a B.E. in Civil Engineering from Osmania University. He is also a registered Professional Engineer in Maryland.

  • Parakrama (PK) Udugampola, PE

    Chantilly Branch Manager

    PK supports our Clients with over 19 years of experience in Construction Materials Testing and Inspection services and Geotechnical Engineering. He is currently managing our Chantilly, VA office and his responsibilities include generating proposals, planning, executing, and the management of Engineering and Testing projects. PK has supervised and worked on hundreds projects within the Washington Metropolitan area that include Construction Materials Testing and Inspections of soils, concrete, and asphalt, as well as inspections related to shallow and deep foundations, excavation support systems, and retaining walls. PK’s technical expertise also includes Geotechnical studies involving subsurface exploration, bearing capacity evaluation, infiltration testing, and miscellaneous soils studies to determine the suitability of soils for foundation support. Our Chantilly office is supported by an experienced staff of Professional Engineers, Construction Inspectors, a Lab Supervisor, as well as numerous ACI, NICET, WACEL, and MARTCP certified Engineering Technicians.

    PK earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of District of Columbia (UDC), and is working towards his Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering at John Hopkins University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Maryland and Virginia, as well as an AWS Certified Steel and Welding Inspector (CWI).

  • Rajesh K. Goel, PE

    Vice President/Regional Manager

    Rajesh has been providing Geotechnical Engineering, Consulting, and Construction Materials Testing and Inspection services to our Mid-Atlantic Clients for the past 31 years.  Rajesh is currently managing our Frederick, MD office and his responsibilities include proposing, planning, and the execution of large scale Geotechnical Investigations, including value engineering. He has worked on hundreds of projects that include settlement investigations, foundation recommendations (shallow and deep), slope stability analysis, investigation and remedial recommendations for pavements failures, karst geophysical/geotechnical investigations, and development of remediation plans for sinkholes, and Environmental Phase I /II Investigations. Our Frederick office is supported by an experienced staff of Project Engineers, Geologist, Project Managers, Lab Manager, CADD, and ACI, WACEL, and MARTCP certified Engineering Technicians.

    Rajesh earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and has two Master of Science degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering.  He is an active member of ASCE – MD Catoctin Branch and Frederick County Building Industry Association.

  • Vernon J. Opdyke

    Assistant Vice President / Salisbury Branch Manager

    Vernon supports our Clients with more than 39 years of experience in Construction Materials Testing and Inspection services and Project Management. He specializes in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), field, shop, and laboratory quality control, and the construction materials testing and inspections of controlled-compacted fill, shallow and deep foundations, concrete steel reinforcing, masonry, pavement, structural steel, NDT, and coatings. Vernon has extensive experience working with Clients in both the private and public sectors, as well as with projects ranging from towers, bridges, tunnels, sports stadiums, industrial plants, metro-rail stations, hotels, hospitals, schools, airports, subdivisions, and aerospace applications.

    Vernon completed courses in Agriculture and Construction Management from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.  He is also an active member of the American Welding Society (AWS) and NACE International.

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