RESPEC is proud to announce that engineer Joseph Updike has been named the South Dakota Engineering Society (SDES) Black Hills Chapter Young Engineer of the Year. This award recognizes young professionals who have shown outstanding performance in their field and contributed to their community. 

Joseph Updike is a South Dakota native and graduate of the South Dakota School of Mines. He joined RESPEC in January 2023 as a member of RESPEC’s Infrastructure business unit, where he has been involved in a variety of projects, such as the West River Regionalization Water and Wastewater Study, the Northdale Water and Sewer Relocation Feasibility Study, and an increasing number of Alaska and South Dakota projects.  

In addition to his technical experience, Joseph remains heavily active in community outreach and volunteering. He serves as president of the local chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, leads the young adult group at his church, and participates in Love INC’s charitable furniture‑delivery program that helps low-income families.  

“I’m very honored to be recognized by the South Dakota Engineering Society and my peers in the industry,” said Joseph. “I am grateful to work with talented professionals at RESPEC and contribute to our clients’ success.”  

With this win, Joseph joins a growing lineage of RESPEC employee-owners who have received the Young Engineer of the Year Award in recent years, demonstrating RESPEC’s commitment to producing excellent, innovative, and quality professionals. Joseph will now be considered for the statewide Young Engineer of the Year Award and may advance to the national level.  

“I’m really grateful to God for giving me the opportunities He has and for surrounding me with the people at RESPEC,” said Joseph. “I just want to encourage others to step forward, be involved in their community and workplace, look out for people around them, and always try to take part in something bigger than yourself.” 

Joseph’s dedication to his work and community is a testament to RESPEC’s core values of Passion, Accountability, Caring, and Teamwork. RESPEC strives to create a culture that empowers employee-owners to make a positive impact on the world, and Joseph’s win reflects that commitment.  

Please join RESPEC in congratulating Joseph Updike!  

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RESPEC’s 2022 Annual Report is now available to read! We had an incredible year filled with growth, innovation, and achievements. From financial highlights to key projects, this year’s report provides a valuable glimpse into our strategic initiatives and shows how our amazing employee-owners navigated challenges, seized opportunities, and continued making positive impacts in our communities!

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RESPEC recently received the 2023 Large Business Award from Elevate Rapid City, which hosted its second annual Elevate Rapid City Business Awards ceremony on June 13, 2023. The awards recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals who have significantly contributed to the Rapid City community.

The Large Business Award acknowledges RESPEC’s outstanding growth, employee support and development, and community leadership. From its community involvement with more than 20 organizations to growing its presence with an $8-million expansion, RESPEC’s commitment to delivering excellent services remains unwavering, as it continuously upholds its core values of Passion, Accountability, Caring, and Teamwork.

Receiving the 2023 Large Business Award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of RESPEC’s talented professionals who share the company’s vision for local growth and excellence. With this award, RESPEC looks forward to further strengthening its position as a corporate leader in Rapid City and positively impacting the community it calls home.

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RESPEC is pleased to announce the promotion of Meagan Chaddick to Senior Vice President of the Data & Technology Solutions (DTS) business unit. With more than 15 years of executive leadership, sales, operations, accounting, and recruiting experience, Meagan will succeed Senior Vice President Steve Steinheimer, effective September 1. Steve remains a member of RESPEC’s Board of Directors, focused on growing the company’s offerings and talent through RESPEC University. 

Hailing from a lineage of Texans that spans five generations, Meagan obtained her BBA and BA in Accounting and an MS in Taxation from the University of North Texas. Shortly after graduation, she navigated her way through client management and personnel coordination across multiple public accounting offices, gaining experience in strategic business planning. Eventually, Meagan recruited herself to the small software company SSG, where she worked under the mentorship of Steve Steinheimer, the company’s CEO and President. In time, Steve handed over the role of SSG President to Meagan. 

“Looking back, it’s been a journey of steady upward progress,” reflects Meagan. “I’ve always been drawn to the problems we were trying to solve, and I have had a solid grasp of applying technology from a business perspective.”  

Meagan’s transition to RESPEC started in 2017 with the acquisition of SSG, which now operates as RESPEC’s Richardson office. Since then, Meagan has helped grow DTS through her dedication to staff development and retention. She also helped create organization across the business unit, effectively scaling succession within the division. Under her leadership, DTS has achieved increasing revenue growth since 2019, a testament to her determination and strategic insight. 

Steve affirms this sentiment. “Meagan has supported the integration and growth of DTS, as well as helped mature the overall operations at RESPEC. Now it’s my pleasure to hand over my role and responsibilities to Meagan again.” 

As Meagan embraces her new role, she envisions new strategies to expand DTS’s capabilities further. One of her main goals is to leverage technology as a key differentiator, strategically applying it across various markets to bolster the company’s services and foster its expansion. Technology plays an essential role in almost every RESPEC project. Finding more efficient ways to incorporate better systems in RESPEC’s business units allows engineers to perform faster and more effectively for both RESPEC and its clients.  

“Success comes down to capabilities and getting the job done, and RESPEC has an incredibly talented workforce,” says Meagan. “We are really transforming the way engineering and sciences are being perceived.” 

Please join us in congratulating Meagan Chaddick for her promotion to Senior Vice President of DTS! 

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RESPEC’s presence in Alaska has continued to grow with the expansion of our Anchorage and Palmer offices and the addition of 20 new employees this year alone.

In 2020, RESPEC joined the Alaskan A/E/C industry with the acquisition of PDC Engineers, bringing on 100+ new employees and creating a new arm to our business offerings – infrastructure. Since that time, RESPEC’s Infrastructure business unit has continued to grow its Facilities, Transportation, Land Development, and Utilities market sectors, and with that growth came a necessity for new space and additional talent.

To meet this need, our Anchorage office expanded to the third floor of the NAM Building at 2700 Gambell Street. The renovation, now complete, created a new workspace for 25 additional employee-owners. This project completion comes just in time to welcome the new Transportation team employees who will be based in the space.

Our Palmer office also recently added space, completing its expansion at 125 Evergreen Avenue earlier in the year. When a tenant vacated the building, RESPEC’s Mat-Su Valley team moved on the opening and began the renovation that created space for 10 more individuals, bolstering RESPEC’s position in the region and allowing the company to grow even closer to its local clients.

Filling these new spaces and other locations around the state are many new strategic, junior-level, entry level, and internship hires that have served to strengthen the RESPEC Infrastructure team in Alaska and beyond.

While RESPEC’s team continues to grow along with our footprint, we continue to look for more talented individuals to fill our ranks. Those interested in applying can learn more about our openings at bit.ly/426Ie1R.

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RESPEC proudly announces that Rapid City-based engineer and geologist Erik Walega, PE, PG, has been named the 2023 Young Professional of the Year by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). This award recognizes the accomplishments of young engineers by highlighting their engineering contributions and the resulting impact on society. Erik’s prior distinction as the 2021 South Dakota Engineering Society’s/ACEC of South Dakota’s Young Engineer of the Year paved the way for this honor.  

Erik Walega, a Colorado native, is an alumnus of the Colorado School of Mines, where he earned his bachelor’s in geological engineering, and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where he graduated with a master’s in geology and geological engineering. He joined RESPEC in May 2021 as a member of RESPEC’s Mining & Energy business unit and provides hydrogeological analysis services, primarily for mining industry clients. Some of his notable work involves contributions to phosphate industry projects in Florida and potash industry projects in Saskatchewan, including the K1-K2 decommissioning project, which earned RESPEC and other team members the 2023 Exceptional Engineering/Geoscience Project Award from the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. 

In addition to his technical achievements, Erik remains an engaged member of his community. He has volunteered as a recreational youth soccer coach, leads youth groups and financial courses, and participates in blood donations, community festivals, and STEM-based outreach.  

“It’s an honor and a surprise to win. It’s certainly a result of the people who’ve taken risks on me and encouraged my pursuits,” said Erik. “I don’t deserve most of the credit; my mentors, supervisors, and the incredible people I have the privilege to work with deserve it.” 

Erik’s win marks the second time in 3 years that a RESPEC engineer has been recognized as ACEC’s Young Professional of the Year, following Brett Belzer’s win in 2021. Erik’s dedication to his work and community exemplifies RESPEC’s core values of Passion, Accountability, Caring, and Teamwork. He is an exemplary employee owner who continues to make a positive impact on the world.  

Please join RESPEC in congratulating Erik Walega!  

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RESPEC proudly announced the addition of Tim Alch to its Mining and Energy business unit. Tim joins the company from TAA Advisory LLC, where he excelled as the Managing Partner for 9 years.

Tim’s illustrious career spans 35 years in equity analysis, management consulting, and investment advisory. During this time, he has worked in various key roles, including Managing Director at Behre Dolbear; Senior Vice President at Anderson & Schwab, Inc.; and as a Mining, Metals, and Steel Equity Analyst at leading institutions such as Paine Webber Inc., Prudential Securities Inc., and Dean Witter Reynolds. He has also served as a Senior Consultant and Industry Analyst at CRU International, World Steel Dynamics, and Resource Strategies. In 2020, Tim was selected as the recipient of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) President’s Citation for Local Section Service Award. He will continue to serve as Executive Director of the New York SME.

In these roles, Tim has demonstrated exceptional leadership and industry expertise. His proficiency in project management, team building, business development, and analytical skills is complemented by a lengthy track record of analyzing natural resources, financial and capital markets, and related challenges facing owners, management, and governments.

“Bringing Tim on board enhances our strategic capabilities in advisory services, specifically in the natural resource sector,” says Tabetha Stirrett, Vice President of Mining and Energy. “We’re excited to have him here contributing his experience and insights.”

At RESPEC, Tim will play a significant role in driving RESPEC’s advisory services forward. “I’m thrilled to be working with RESPEC and have enjoyed getting to know many of its professionals active in mining, energy, base, precious, and industrial minerals and construction materials servicing the industry in many capacities,” says Tim. “This is an exciting time!”

Tim plans to be in Vancouver in January, at SME’s annual meeting in Phoenix in February, and at PDAC in Toronto in March. He extends an invitation to all interested parties to discuss RESPEC’s services and initiatives. If you have any questions, please reach out to Tim Alch.

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RESPEC proudly announces the establishment of the RESPEC Foundation, a philanthropic arm dedicated to making a meaningful difference in education, charities, and local communities. This initiative, borne from the company’s Vision 2025, underscores RESPEC’s commitment to making a social impact through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and humanitarian support.

In 2022, RESPEC’s leadership class created the basis for the RESPEC Foundation, establishing its vision, mission, and goals. The RESPEC Board of Directors approved the Foundation’s establishment in December 2022.

The RESPEC Foundation is driven by a compelling vision—to make an impact. Rooted in a steadfast commitment to community and social responsibility, the Foundation aspires to be a powerful force for positive change. Its mission is to create a lasting and sustainable change in the communities where RESPEC professionals reside and serve. This commitment is realized through charitable contributions, dedicated employee-owner volunteers, and innovative partnerships.

“Launching the RESPEC Foundation marks a significant moment in our company’s history and commitment to creating greater social impact,” says CEO Todd Kenner. “The Foundation formalizes RESPEC’s long history of giving back and instilling responsibility in everything we do.”

With the Foundation, an employee-led Board of Advisors (BOA) oversees and guides all the Foundation’s activities, which focuses on:

• Donating to local and national charities
• Providing scholarship opportunities for STEM-focused students
• Creating educational curriculums that spark early interest in STEM-based careers
• Making an impact through community outreach and volunteering

These undertakings exemplify RESPEC’s culture of Passion, Accountability, Caring, and Teamwork—our PACT, the principles our company strives to represent in all activities.

“The Foundation’s focus on charity and education reflects our desire to make a difference in our communities,” says Crystal Hocking, co-chair of the BOA. “We’re building a legacy that aligns with our core values.”

By championing STEM programs and supporting humanitarian causes, the RESPEC Foundation hopes to create meaningful and enduring change, shaping a brighter future for the communities it touches.

For any questions regarding the RESPEC Foundation and its initiatives, please contact Crystal Hocking (crystal.hocking@respec.com) or Kiersten Briggs (kiersten.briggs@respec.com).

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At RESPEC, we believe our success isn’t only measured in the number of projects we complete but also in the positive differences we make in the lives of others. Recently, employee-owners in our Rapid City, South Dakota, office rallied together to raise more than $3,000 for OneHeart, a local organization focused on bettering the lives of those experiencing poverty.

At the end of each year, our Rapid City office selects a local charity or nonprofit that contributes to the betterment of its community and then raises funds to donate to them. This annual tradition serves as a testament to RESPEC’s core values of Passion, Accountability, Caring, and Teamwork—our PACT—which stand as guiding principles that our employee-owners follow to work together and positively impact the lives of others.

This year, the Rapid City office focused its donation efforts on OneHeart, which offers invaluable support to those experiencing hardships in the Rapid City community. OneHeart’s mission to provide food, housing, counseling, and training for those facing economic challenges resonated deeply with the office, and they quickly pooled together monetary and in-kind donations that amounted to $3,122.53. The funds raised by these employee-owners will contribute directly to OneHeart’s initiatives to create change and opportunities that give those in need a better quality of life.

“Last year, a spouse of one of the Rapid City employee-owners recommended OneHeart as a charity. Our RESPEC PACT aligns with the mission of OneHeart—to uplift and support,” says Kayla Deranleau, who led the office’s donation efforts. “When it came time to choose our charity for 2023, the choice was simple. It’s so moving to see the commitment our office has to our community.”

Through these acts of caring and teamwork, Rapid City’s employee-owners reinforce RESPEC’s commitment to extend our impact beyond the technical expertise we provide and into the hearts of the communities we serve.

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RESPEC proudly announces the promotion of Robyn Beaird to company Controller. With more than 35 years of accounting experience, Robyn succeeds Elizabeth Fredrickson and will work under Phil Welling, RESPEC’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. As Controller, Robyn will oversee the company’s accounting operations.

Robyn’s journey began with a pivot from a short-lived dream of owning a travel agency to a long and fulfilling career in numbers and accounting. After a 25-year tenure at a South Dakota gold company, a job ad for an accounting position in a Rapid City engineering company caught her eye. Robyn joined RESPEC in 2012, where her initial role involved handling payroll and timesheets. Her adaptability and curiosity led her to embrace the nuances of service-based revenue, a departure from her manufacturing company background.

“I’ve had the privilege of working in every aspect of accounting, from the very bottom to where I am now,” says Robyn. “But my passion for learning has never stopped. I’ve always been eager to expand my knowledge and skills, and that’s why I’ve had my hands in a little bit of everything. I truly enjoy every aspect of accounting, and I’m always ready for new challenges.”

At RESPEC, Robyn has spent more time in accounting functions than any other person, from billings to project accounting to audits and so much more. After a short external search for candidates for the Controller position, the choice became clear: Robyn’s expertise, background, and deep understanding of RESPEC’s financial operations made her the best candidate.

As Controller, Robyn will focus on advancing the Accounting department to provide optimal support to RESPEC’s engineers. Her leadership philosophy centers on empowering a strong team capable of tackling challenges and driving success.

“I am honored to take on this new role and help my team grow,” says Robyn. “My goal is to build a team of strong individuals who can do their jobs wholeheartedly. Then, I’ll step back and let them do what they do best.”

From her early days in payroll to the helm of the Accounting department, Robyn exemplifies our commitment to passion, adaptability, and hire-to-retire philosophy. As she steps into her new role, Robyn’s leadership promises to continue shaping RESPEC’s financial future, building on the strong foundation she has helped establish over the years.

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RESPEC proudly announces David Gallegos as the new Vice President of its Data & Technology Solutions (DTS) business unit. David will work with Senior Vice President Meagan Chaddick and Vice President Denise Quick as part of DTS’s leadership team. With over 15 years of experience as an information technology professional, David now focuses on driving technology in all lines of business, bringing innovation and growth to the organization. 

After graduating from the University of North Texas with a degree in electronics engineering technology, David began his career automating factories across North America before transitioning into firmware engineering, where he led research and design (R&D) teams in creating new hardware products. He also owned a consulting firm, where he built web applications and helped companies manage large capital projects.  

“I really enjoyed working with R&D because you’re creating solutions that will make a difference in people’s lives,” says David. “And that’s what I love to do: create. So, a friend recommended RESPEC.” 

David joined RESPEC in 2018, attracted to its diversity of market services, from water and environment to mining and energy to data and technology. He started as a principal consultant and worked across various areas, with projects that spanned federal government agencies, state agencies, and private companies. Under his leadership, the projects and contracts he led saw growth, resulting in his promotion to Director of Professional Services. In that role, David oversaw six non-federal programs, played an instrumental part in expanding DTS’ client base, and developed new strategies to incorporate technology across RESPEC’s services and markets. In addition to leading teams and projects, David actively recruited students from the University of North Texas to RESPEC offices, building a solid talent pipeline between the two entities.  

Following Meagan Chaddick’s appointment as Senior Vice President of DTS in 2022, David’s accomplishments made him the natural choice to succeed her as Vice President. “David has been my better half for the last 5 years. RESPEC’s technology division would never be where it is today without him,” says Meagan Chaddick. “David makes everyone around him better. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable in technology, but his ability to bring people together through technology is truly amazing.”  

As Vice President, David’s goals will focus on transitioning DTS into a sales-driven entity by establishing a business development team to consistently fill the pipeline with new opportunities; developing a vision strategy and future technology ideas for DTS, including plans to develop AI solutions for other business units or emerging partners; and identifying opportunities to bring in new people, services, and markets.  

“My favorite thing is team building and creating a strong sense of community,” says David. “At DTS, we prioritize a culture that aligns with RESPEC’s core values and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. I’m excited to bring people onto the team to help us reach our larger goals as an organization.”

Please join us in congratulating David Gallegos on his promotion to Vice President! 

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With profound sadness, RESPEC announces the passing of its esteemed founder, Dr. Paul Gnirk, at the age of 86. His visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of innovation laid the foundation for RESPEC’s growth and success since its inception in 1969.

Dr. Gnirk, alongside four fellow professors from the South Dakota School of Mines (SD Mines) and a local attorney, established RESPEC to allow local SD Mines graduates and engineers the opportunity to work and thrive in the engineering and scientific sectors within South Dakota.

Dr. Gnirk’s foresight and ambition were encapsulated in his own words: “I had this vision of doing research and development, and I came to the point where I said, ‘I think there’s an opportunity to create a company [in Rapid City] that can do the things that I’d like to get done.’ So, that’s what we did, and the rest is history.”

Fifty-five years of history, to be exact. Under Dr. Gnirk’s guidance, RESPEC became a pioneer in the rising nuclear waste repository industry, focusing on the design and development of underground energy storage and the disposal of radioactive waste from nuclear reactors. His dedication to addressing complex environmental challenges had a resounding impact on the industry and made him one of the most sought-after mining engineers in the world.

Throughout his career, Dr. Gnirk contributed his knowledge to repository and design activities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Battelle Memorial Institute, as well as several global projects. His leadership was internationally recognized when he was appointed Senior Chairman of the technical group for the Organization of Economic and Cooperative Development/Nuclear Energy Agency’s International Stripa Project in 1987. Dr. Gnirk’s involvement with the U.S. Department of Energy included serving on task forces that shaped the United States’ approach to nuclear waste disposal.

From 1969 to 1988, Dr. Gnirk served as RESPEC’s president, and his leadership set RESPEC on a path of remarkable growth, eventually leading to the expansion of its services across multiple industries. What began as Dr. Gnirk’s vision to keep local engineers in South Dakota turned into a thriving employee-owned company that now provides expertise in renewable energy, underground energy storage, infrastructure design, integrated water resource management, and data science. Such diversification has allowed RESPEC professionals across North America to pursue fulfilling careers in various fields while contributing to global progress.

As stated by RESPEC’s CEO Todd Kenner, “The entrepreneurial spirit and courage to take on major engineering challenges embodied by Dr. Gnirk continues to thrive throughout RESPEC today.”

Dr. Gnirk’s academic contributions are equally noteworthy. After earning his Mining Engineering degree from SD Mines in 1959 and his PhD from the University of Minnesota, he returned to SD Mines as a Mechanical Engineering professor, where he developed a graduate program that has shaped countless professionals.

Even after retiring from RESPEC in 1991, Dr. Gnirk’s commitment to public service never waned. For the past 13 years, he has served on the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources, helping improve access to clean water across the state. His efforts were instrumental in establishing a rural water system that provides vital resources to ranches within western South Dakota. In 2022, Dr. Gnirk was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame for his state contributions as an engineer, professor, and community servant.

RESPEC will continue to honor Dr. Gnirk’s legacy by pursuing excellence and innovation in all its endeavors. The company extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Gnirk’s family, friends, and all those inspired by his remarkable life and career.

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RESPEC proudly announces that its marketing team has won four American Advertising Federation (AAF) Black Hills Chapter ADDY Awards. The AAF ADDY Awards is the industry’s largest competition that recognizes the best advertising creativity in the United States.

This year, RESPEC’s marketing team competed against top contenders in the Black Hills region and stood out with their impactful marketing creations. The team received two Silver ADDYs, a Gold ADDY, and a Judge’s Choice Award, acknowledging their outstanding creativity and marketing efforts.

RESPEC’s 2023 ESG Report and “Wish You Were Here!” postcards, part of the company’s 2023 recruitment campaign, took home the Silver ADDYs. The Gold ADDY was awarded to RESPEC’s 2022 Annual Report, which also received a Judge’s Choice Award for its exceptional combination of copy, storytelling, visuals, and overall layout, making it a standout piece. Congratulations to RESPEC’s marketing team!

Awards

• A Silver ADDY in Sales & Marketing: Direct Marketing Campaign
  • “Wish You Were Here!” postcard recruitment campaign
• A Silver ADDY in Sales & Marketing: Printed Annual Report
  • 2023 ESG Report
• A Gold ADDY in Sales & Marketing: Printed Annual Report
  • 2022 Annual Report
• Judge’s Choice Award
  • 2022 Annual Report

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RESPEC celebrates Robert Posma, PE, who was recently named the 2023 Alaska Engineer of the Year by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity. The IEEE Alaska Engineer of the Year Award recognizes Robert’s exceptional contributions to engineering and community outreach and his significant impact across Alaska. Robert has been a member of the IEEE since 1982 and is the IEEE Alaska Section Treasurer. 

Robert Posma is an alumnus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in computer systems engineering. He joined PDC Engineers, now RESPEC’s Infrastructure business unit, in 1985. As a principal electrical and fire protection engineer in RESPEC’s Anchorage, Robert merges technical know-how with arctic ingenuity. His electrical and computer systems engineering expertise has been instrumental in upgrading critical infrastructure, from Alaskan military bases to polar research stations. At the head of projects like McMurdo Station’s data center and the Clear Space Force Station’s radar security, Robert’s work stands out for its adaptability to extreme environments. His practical approach to complex challenges is a testament to his skill. 

In addition to his technical experience, Robert has spent more than 20 years in community service and leadership across Anchorage. As the Second Vice District Governor and Foundation Treasurer for District 49A Lions, he has contributed to school vision screenings and fundraising for key facilities like the new Blood Bank of Alaska. He’s also a former president of the Mountain View Lions, managing park maintenance and organizing charitable events. His community involvement has included coaching for Polar Little League and Bartlett High School and supporting local sports. Robert is a dedicated fundraiser for health causes and supports various non-profits, showcasing his deep commitment to community enhancement.  

The IEEE Alaska Engineer of the Year Award honors Robert’s professional achievements and highlights the caliber of talent and leadership within RESPEC’s team. Robert’s dedication to excellence, both professionally and personally, serves as an inspiration to his colleagues and the broader engineering community.  

Please join us in congratulating Robert Posma!  

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RESPEC is pleased to announce the promotions of Lee Rosen, PE, CFM, and Mario DiPasquale, PE, to Vice Presidents of Water and Natural Resources (WNR), effective April 1, 2024. Lee and Mario have been key leaders in our Colorado market for years. Now, they join the WNR leadership team alongside Rick Moser, WNR Vice President, and Russell Persyn, WNR Senior Vice President, to steer WNR operations.

Lee Rosen has been an integral part of RESPEC for 16 years, a tenure marked by a commitment to water resource design and management. Lee’s role in expanding RESPEC’s reach and offerings, from starting a water resource engineering group in Minnesota to spearheading a drone program in Colorado, has opened doors to new services and collaborative work across RESPEC. His expertise and proven ability to manage operational success in a large program have contributed to many of WNR’s operations this year alone.

“Having been with RESPEC for most of my career, I’ve had the chance to grow from an entry-level engineer to where I am today. This opportunity has been fueled by the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the company. I’m excited to continue providing opportunities for growth and innovation as we move forward,” says Lee.

Over 20 years, Mario DiPasquale has carved a successful career in water and wastewater engineering, starting with his degree from the South Dakota School of Mines. His professional journey took him from a small engineering firm in Montana to impactful work in Colorado and eventually to RESPEC after the JDS-Hydro Consultants acquisition in 2021. In his 3 years at RESPEC, Mario has emerged as a formidable leader, demonstrating exceptional skills in managing staff and business operations while playing key roles in impactful projects.

“My goal is to lead and support our team as we expand and progress to ensure that the RESPEC brand becomes a leader in the water sector across our targeted growth markets,” says Mario.

As Vice Presidents, Lee and Mario are focused on supporting their teams, driving RESPEC forward in strategic markets, and embracing a comprehensive approach to managing water resources. They are both keen on building collaboration across the company’s diverse business units to tackle ambitious projects.

Russell Persyn shares, “Mario and Lee have proven themselves to be exemplary leaders, perfectly suited for the VP roles. Mario’s leadership has significantly enhanced our water and wastewater capabilities, contributing extensively across RESPEC and promoting collaboration and teamwork. Lee, too, has been instrumental in leading our Denver operations to become one of the top performers in WNR. Their leadership and ability to drive success make them the ideal choices for the VP positions.”

Lee’s and Mario’s promotions align with RESPEC’s proactive succession planning. As RESPEC seeks to double in size and enhance its industry presence over the next decade, Lee’s and Mario’s expertise in project management and business development, coupled with a drive to lead teams effectively, will be indispensable in this period of growth and innovation.

Please join us in congratulating Lee Rosen and Mario DiPasquale on their new roles!

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RESPEC representatives present University of Alaska President, Pat Piney, with scholarship check.

Anchorage, Alaska

Following the recent launch of the RESPEC Foundation, RESPEC is proud to announce the creation of the Building Alaska Scholarship at the University of Alaska (UA) System.

As a consultant company made up of engineers, scientists, and other mathematics and science-based professionals, RESPEC has recognized the value of investing in STEM-focused education. With the creation of this endowed scholarship in the UA System, students from the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the University of Alaska Southeast will all be able to apply for this financial aid on an annual basis starting in Fall ’24.

This gift of $67,000 is particularly special, as RESPEC employee-owners have pledged to make an additional financial contribution towards the scholarship. The extra funds will be added separately from the scholarship with the goal to raise over $100,000. Paired with $800 contributed by 25 other generous UA Giving Day 2024 supporters, this donation further highlights RESPEC’s dedication to supporting STEM students.

“RESPEC’s roots go deep in Alaska. We have close ties to the UA System and many of our Alaskan employees are alumni. This scholarship just seems like a perfect fit,” said RESPEC’s lead in Alaska and Senior Vice President, Matt Emerson.

“One of our company’s overarching goals is to support STEM causes and this is a great way to help the next generation of STEM professionals support their education. As a proud UAF engineering alumnus, I’m very happy the RESPEC Foundation is doing this for the University of Alaska,” said Matt.

If you feel inspired to give to this worthwhile scholarship, visit https://engage.alaska.edu/ to make a charitable donation.

For any questions regarding the RESPEC Foundation and its initiatives, please contact Crystal Hocking (crystal.hocking@respec.com) or Kiersten Briggs (kiersten.briggs@respec.com).

About the RESPEC Foundation

The RESPEC Foundation is driven by a compelling vision—to make an impact. Rooted in a steadfast commitment to community and social responsibility, the Foundation aspires to be a powerful force for positive change. Its mission is to create a lasting and sustainable change in the communities where RESPEC professionals reside and serve. This commitment is realized through charitable contributions, dedicated employee-owner volunteers, and innovative partnerships. Learn more at https://www.respec.com/foundation/

Download this press release here.

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RESPEC is pleased to announce the acquisition of Enviromin, Inc. (Enviromin), an environmental geochemistry and microbiology firm in Bozeman, Montana, effective May 1. This acquisition bridges the complementary strengths of both companies, offering clients innovative solutions that integrate biogeochemistry with mining and geotechnical engineering expertise to develop safe, cost-effective design solutions.

Since its inception in 2004, Enviromin has carved out a niche in environmental geochemistry, supporting the mining industry from design to reclamation. The firm has a strong track record in biogeochemistry, fostering partnerships with academic circles, laboratories, and consultancies throughout Montana. Their comprehensive services span analytical chemistry, mineralogy, data management, and microbiology, among others.

“Enviromin’s technical depth opens an exciting chapter for RESPEC, helping us expand our capabilities and offer new services to clients,” says Jay Nopola, RESPEC’s Senior Vice President of Mining and Energy (M&E). “We are thrilled to welcome Enviromin’s talented team and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as we work together to address challenges in mine water management.”

This acquisition strengthens RESPEC’s footprint in Montana and broadens its technical capabilities and service offerings in the critical areas of mining and water management. The action is expected to benefit the mining sector and have applications in other industrial sectors, including environmental permitting, environmental assessment, Abandoned Mine Land reclamation, and underground storage solutions.

Dr. Lisa Kirk, Enviromin’s founder and current leader, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Joining RESPEC will enable us to implement biogeochemical solutions more effectively, ensuring the protection of water quality throughout the mine life cycles, especially during a time of rapid growth in the production of critical minerals.”

As a dedicated division of RESPEC under Jay’s leadership, Enviromin will continue to be guided by Dr. Lisa Kirk and the Enviromin operations team, comprised of Katharine Seipel, specializing in Mining Geochemistry; Ethan Wologo, who directs the Biogeochemistry Laboratory, Dr. Rachel Spietz, the lead for Microbiology/Molecular Biosciences Laboratory; and Pat Maley, Senior Environmental Manager.

RESPEC and Enviromin are enthusiastic about their joint capabilities and the value they will bring to clients and future projects. The acquisition and integration of Enviromin’s capabilities is a testament to RESPEC’s dedication to excellence and innovation in mining and environmental services.

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The RESPEC Foundation proudly announces the inaugural 2024 RESPEC STEM Scholarship recipients. The RESPEC STEM Scholarship program was launched in 2023 and awards $3,000 each to a maximum of five recipients studying engineering, science, or computer science at a 4-year college or university.

From an impressive pool of candidates, the Foundation selected five students whose contributions and visions for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) set them apart. Congratulations to the following recipients!

Arisa Chue
Arisa Chue is a senior majoring in computer science at Stanford University with a minor in education. She explores the intersection of linguistics and generative artificial intelligence (AI). Arisa interned at ScaleAI, working on automating video-image recognition algorithms for self-driving vehicles. She serves as a Senior Section Leader, helping teach Stanford’s introductory data structures and algorithms class. As the Outreach Chair/Vice President of Stanford’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE), she directs programs promoting engineering to K-12 students in the local community.

Jesiah Wight
Jesiah Wight is a senior civil engineering student at SD Mines who aspires to use his skills to provide strong infrastructure and efficient, reliable water resources. With expertise in water resources and infrastructure development, he hopes to improve disaster response and stable infrastructure in communities everywhere. Jesiah works part-time in RESPEC’s Water & Natural Resources team. After graduation, Jesiah wants to join RESPEC full time and work toward becoming a Professional Engineer.

Kaylee Updegraff
Kaylee Updegraff, a junior at SD Mines, is majoring in electrical engineering. She is originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and is a first-generation college student. Kaylee is thankful for all her support and is excited to see how she can impact the electrical engineering industry.

Linus Uy
Linus Uy is a rising junior at SD Mines and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a minor in environmental engineering. Linus is the founder and president of Chi Sigma Pi, a Christian professional student organization. He is also a peer mentor and a math tutor. Linus is grateful for his parents and siblings, with whom he lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Landen Matkins
Landen Matkins grew up in Rapid City and graduated from Stevens High School with a 4.0 GPA. He enjoys the outdoors—skiing, camping, hunting, and fishing are just a few of his activities. He plans to attend South Dakota State University this fall, majoring in electrical engineering and running sprints on their track team.

The post Meet the 2024 RESPEC STEM Scholarship Recipients appeared first on RESPEC.

RESPEC’s 2023 Annual Report is now available to read! Enriching Lives. Building Better Futures. These words embodied our 2023. We outlined our Vision 2030, launched the RESPEC Foundation, and continued making a difference for our clients and communities. Through financial highlights and critical projects, we not only achieved significant milestones but also laid the groundwork for a sustainable and impactful future!

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