Our People

Lucas J. Benedict, L.G., P.G.

Senior Project Manager

Lucas J. Benedict is a Senior Project Manager and Environmental Geologist at Ransom in their Portland, Maine office.

With nearly two decades of experience as an Environmental Professional, Lucas has helped his public- and private-sector customers (planning commissions, municipalities, economic development boards, private developers, and local, state, and federal government) mitigate business environmental risks and navigate environmental challenges throughout the lifecycle of their projects. Through innovation, collaboration, and technology, the relationships he has developed since 2005 have helped his clients positively impact local communities, the economy, and the environment to develop their sites and achieve community revitalization.

Lucas holds a BA in Earth Science from the State University of New York (SUNY) University at Oneonta, and an MS in Geology from SUNY Albany.

He enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, singing, and working with his hands to build, fix, and repair whatever needs attention. He is an ally and advocate and loves to spend time with his family and his many pets (total cat person)!

Bonnie Best

Project Scientist

Bonnie is a Project Scientist in our Portsmouth, New Hampshire office, with over 14 years of experience in environmental consulting.

Bonnie specializes in a wide variety of projects including, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Phase II Limited Subsurface Investigations, Hazardous Building Materials Inventories, Underground Storage Tank Closure Assessments, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Petroleum Fund and MtBE Fund work, preparing and completing quality assurance project plans for U.S. EPA Brownfields sites, and technical report writing. Bonnie is responsible for implementing site investigations using a variety of environmental sampling methodologies. Given her years of experience on a broad range of projects, she provides valuable insight into the planning and implementation of project related field work.

Bonnie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Southern Maine. Having spent years dedicated to raising her family, Bonnie returned to college as an adult, receiving her college degree a year prior to sending her oldest daughter off to college.

When not at work, Bonnie loves spending time with her husband and their family at their camp in western Maine, hunting and fishing with her husband, and traveling somewhere warm for a few weeks in the winter.

Tom Brennan

Consultant

Tom has over 35 years of experience with a wide variety of earth science investigations in the western states as well as in Maine. His expertise includes hydrogeologic investigations including watershed delineation, aquifer protection studies, water supply development and subsurface wastewater disposal system analyses. Tom previously worked with Nestle Waters North America where he spent 18 years leading the growth and development of the Poland Spring Brand.

Tom is a Bates College Geology graduate and a Certified Geologist in Maine, the Republic of Ireland and the EU.

Patrick Brown

Associate Project Manager

Patrick is an Associate Project Manager in Ransom’s Portland, Maine office. With over five years of experience in environmental consulting, Patrick supports multi-disciplinary project teams responsible for conducting environmental and geotechnical studies throughout New England. In addition, Patrick helps implement site remediation activities for various municipalities and regional planning commissions under the Brownfields program.

In his career, Patrick has developed relationships with clients in many sectors including manufacturing, private sector trusts and developers, and multiple local, state, and federal agencies.

Patrick has experience conducting and managing Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), underground storage tank removals, groundwater recharge pump tests, geophysical seismic surveys, noise assessments, soil sampling, groundwater monitoring, and air quality evaluations. Patrick has supported various due diligence and regulatory projects throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Patrick graduated from Kutztown University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and minor in Professional Writing.

In his spare time, Patrick enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring the mountains of New England. His favorite hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, skateboarding, and juggling.

Scott Brown, PE, P.L.S., C.M.E.

Assistant Vice President / Technical Leader - Civil Engineering and Site Survey - Mid-Atlantic

Scott is the Office Manager in our Glassboro, New Jersey office. With more than 30 years of experience both in the field and as an owner/manager, Scott joined Ransom in 2020 to head up our second New Jersey location. He is a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor, Certified Municipal Engineer, and a Certified Floodplain Manager in New Jersey.

Scott specializes in all aspects of land development engineering, including residential and commercial site planning, grading, utilities, soil erosion and sediment control, outdoor lighting, stormwater management, septic systems, major and minor subdivisions, construction stake-out, and as-built surveys. He’s also served as an expert witness providing testimony at planning and zoning board meetings throughout New Jersey.

Scott earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Drexel University.

Scott is also a musician in his spare time and has been a guitarist, bassist, and vocalist in several popular South Jersey Bands since the 1980’s. He is currently a member of the “Bilco Band”, playing a variety of music spanning from the 50’s to the early 80’s.

Gregory Casabona, PE, LSRP

Vice President / Technical Leader - Remediation

Greg is a Senior Project Manager in our Hamilton, New Jersey office and has over 28 years of experience in environmental consulting. Greg is a New Jersey Professional Engineer (PE) and Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP).

As Vice President and Senior Project Manager/Engineer, Greg’s responsibilities include the oversight and management of environmental site assessments/audits, remedial investigations/actions, waste characterization/disposal, as well as the preparation of environmental documents for submission to regulatory agencies during all phases of the remedial process. Greg has performed and supervised all aspects of site investigations/remediation in New Jersey and Pennsylvania in accordance with applicable NJDEP, PADEP and USEPA rules, regulations and guidance, such as the Industrial Site and Recovery Act (ISRA), the Technical Requirements for Site Remediation (TRSR), the Administrative Requirements for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites (ARRCS), the Pennsylvania Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act (Act 2) and the Code of Federal Regulations Part 761.

Greg routinely prepares the following documents in accordance with federal and state regulations: Preliminary Assessment Reports, Conceptual Site Models, Site Investigation Reports, Remedial Investigation Reports, Remedial Investigation Workplans, Remedial Action Workplans, Remedial Action Reports, Deed Notices and Self Implementing Plans. Greg’s technical experience includes air sparging/venting, groundwater pumping, slug, and monitoring well packer tests (in conjunction with final data evaluation); contamination delineation (soil and water); geophysical, soil vapor, test pit, vapor intrusion and sensitive receptor surveys; bedrock investigations, ecological evaluations, remedial system design (groundwater pump and treat, soil vapor extraction); monitoring, recovery, sparging, and venting well design/installation; groundwater, soil, and air sample collection in adherence to applicable regulatory protocol, as well as the performance of site investigation/remediation in protective levels B, C, and D.

Greg received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology from The New Jersey Institute of Technology (’95).

During his off hours, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, working around the house and partaking in lazy afternoons down at the Jersey shore.

David Cedarholm, PE

Senior Civil Engineer

David is a Senior Civil Engineer in our Portsmouth, NH office. He has 30 years in both the public and private sectors working on a wide range of projects involving public infrastructure improvement projects and asset management for a broad range of municipal, state, and private clients. This includes water, wastewater, and stormwater management systems, dams, multi-modal transportation and roadways, site designs, solid waste, and capital improvement plans. He also provides planning board site plan reviews, municipal budgeting, ordinance development, and state and federal regulatory compliance and permitting.

David’s experience working with municipalities includes 4-1/2 years as City Engineer in Concord, NH and 9 years as Town Engineer in Durham, NH. He is a former selectman, current planning board member, and chairs the CIP Committee in his hometown of Lee, NH. These experiences give David a valuable perspective of municipal governance, budgeting, planning, and public/private infrastructure management.

Outside the office, Dave enjoys sailing, hiking, cycling and playing music with family and friends.

Ariana Dadyan

Civil Project Engineer

Ariana is a Civil Project Engineer in our Glassboro, New Jersey office. Ariana has two years of industry experience and joined the Ransom team in May 2022.

Ariana works on all aspects of site development plans including site layout design, soil erosion and sediment control, landscaping, lighting, stormwater management design and many more.

Ariana received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rowan University.

In her free time, Ariana enjoys weight lifting, running Spartan races, skiing in the winter and going down the shore in the summer.

Nicholas Daigle

Project Scientist I

Nick Daigle is a Project Scientist in our Hamilton, New Jersey office with over four years of experience in environmental consulting.

Nick has primarily been involved in conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments throughout the mid-Atlantic region, but also has experience performing Property Condition Assessments and Phase II investigation activities, including multi-media sampling, contractor oversight, and data evaluation.

Nick attended Louisiana State University where he completed both a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in Geology.

In his free time, Nick enjoys running, backpacking, traveling with friends, and bingeing Netflix.

Marie DeRice

Accountant

Marie is an Accountant in our Portland, Maine office. She joined Ransom in 2018 with over 20 years of experience in accounting, office management and human resources.

Marie has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Orono.

When not working, Marie enjoys biking, skiing, running, good books and live music.

River Fenton

Project Engineer

River Fenton joined Ransom Consulting in 2023 as a Project Engineer. As a recent graduate, he is now living near and working from our Portland, Maine office.

River just started at Ransom but is expected to assist with environmental project reports such as Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, conceptual site models, and other remedial investigation deliverables. River will also be helping with project fieldwork, such as groundwater sampling, gas monitoring, and site reconnaissance to name a few.

River graduated from Bowdoin College in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and from Dartmouth College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental/Energy Engineering. At Dartmouth, River completed several term projects, including a team capstone project where a wave tank for internal testing was developed for an ocean-based carbon credit/removal company.

Matthew Ferrari

Project Geologist

Matt is a Project Geologist in our Hamilton, New Jersey office. Working as an environmental consultant since 2011, Matt has 18 years of experience with the US Geological Survey as a groundwater hydrologist in Maryland, Delaware, and California. He has also authored or co-authored a number of peer-reviewed publications.

Matt specializes in conducting site and remedial investigations for soil and groundwater, field oversight, data analysis and management, technical report writing, and project management. He’s worked on projects ranging from small gas stations to large petroleum terminals in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Matt received a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Engineering Geology from Drexel University.

When not in the office, Matt enjoys bike riding on the local rail-trails, watching Formula 1 races, checking out craft breweries, homebrewing, and scuba diving.

Ian Fisher

AutoCAD Draftsman / Designer

Ian is an AutoCAD Draftsman and Designer in our Glassboro NJ office and has over 25 years experience in the civil engineering and surveying industry.

His responsibilities include the preparation of all types of civil plans including but not limited to: surveys, minor and major subdivisions, minor and major site plans and variance plans. He has also managed numerous projects of all civil aspects.

Ian received an Associates in Applied Science in 1995.

Ian enjoys spending time with his family, going to the movies and collecting trading cards.

Kevin Gawason

Program Manager, Regional Client Development

Kevin Gawason is a Program Manager, Regional Client Development working with our New Jersey and New England offices. With over 36 years of technical and business development experience supporting engineering (including site/civil, survey, inspection & testing, and geotechnical) and environmental consulting firms, remediation, construction, water/wastewater pumping, process systems and laboratory services.

Kevin specializes in new client development and building existing relationships to assist clients with meeting their needs and challenges on engineering, environmental, construction, redevelopment, and Brownfields projects. He’s provided services in the Mid-Atlantic from VA to OH and the Northeast including, NJ, PA, NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, and ME. Kevin has worked with law firms, financial institutions, engineering, environmental consulting firms, remediation contractors, developers, property managers, commercial real estate/retail, university, builders/construction management firms, hospitals, public agencies, utilities, and industrial entities. Madison Square Garden, Anheuser-Busch, GAF, Westinghouse Electric, Aker (formerly Kvaerner) Philadelphia Shipyard and The Westchester Mall are notable projects which Kevin is proud to have been involved.

Kevin received a Bachelor of Science in Geology from University of Delaware.

When not at work, Kevin loves spending time with his wife, two boys, and family, going to their family shore house, beaches, boating, fishing, working out and running.

Ashley Grengs

Project Scientist I

Ashley Grengs, based in our Portsmouth, New Hampshire office, serves as a Project Scientist I. She is a recent graduate of the University of New Hampshire who brings a wealth of expertise gained through internships in hydrogeology and extensive work in geochemistry labs. Ashley’s Master’s research focused on the intricate relationship between bedrock weathering and the allocation of rare earth elements in nutrient distribution among tree species across New Hampshire and Vermont.

Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with a minor in Chemistry from Minnesota State University Mankato, where she was actively engaged in various undergraduate research endeavors, notably her work on iron-rich lakes. In 2023, she completed her Master of Science degree in Earth Science with a specialization in Geochemistry Systems at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). During her time at UNH, Ashley enhanced her skill set by interning with Geosphere Environmental Management and Weston & Sampson, where she contributed as a hydrogeologist assistant, further augmenting her professional skillset.

Within the Ransom team, Ashley’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including Phase I environmental assessments, environmental sampling (covering stormwater, surface water, groundwater, and soil), and she is also building her expertise in permitting processes.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Ashley finds solace and enjoyment in outdoor activities, including hiking, running, swimming, and skiing in the White Mountains. She also enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends through weekly Mac & Cheese nights, attending local sporting events, and watching her favorite television series.

Wesley Harden, L.G.

Project Geologist

Wes is a Project Geologist in our Portland, Maine office, and has over 19 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry. He is a licensed geologist and a Licensed Asbestos Inspector in Maine.

Wes has extensive experience with environmental due diligence having completed Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments for residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Maine, and New Hampshire. Wes is proficient with field sampling techniques for soil, groundwater, surface water, soil vapor, and indoor air and drilling techniques including direct push, hollow stem auger, and rotosonic drilling. Wes has been involved with investigations for emerging contaminants including PFAS and 1,4 dioxane including field sampling and reporting.

Wes received a Bachelor of Science in geology from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia (’03).

When not at work, Wes enjoys spending time with his three children, camping, and live music.

Scott Hayward, PE

Associate Project Manager

Scott is a Project Engineer in our Portland, Maine office. He has been with Ransom since 2017 and specializes in coastal engineering and modeling.

Scott utilizes his experience with hydrodynamic, wave, and erosion models for applications in flood hazard mapping, erosion control, and planning for coastal communities. He primarily works on various forms of FEMA flood maps revisions, such as appeals and LOMR’s (Letter of Map Revisions). Other projects include studies of coastal processes applied to beach erosion and shoreline change analysis, applications include Coastal Sand dune permits, and ongoing beach monitoring analyses. Scott has also branched out to other engineering disciplines at Ransom, ranging from civil to environmental disciplines. He has provided reporting assistance for the 3 Yankees Nuclear ISFSI atmospheric monitoring program, where he has applied his expertise in atmospheric data acquisition and analysis to refine the annual report to include comparison of wave climatology to variations of chloride deposits at spent nuclear fuel storage sites.

Scott received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, with a Minor in Visual Arts from Point Loma Nazarene University (‘15), and a Master of Science in Ocean Engineering from the University of Rhode Island (‘17). While in graduate school, he developed a real-time coastal hazard forecasting system for the state of Rhode Island as a part of the NERACOOS regional resiliency project. His master’s thesis, titled “Modeling Waves and Sediment Transport Around Artificial Reefs: Simulation of the Impact of Multi-Purpose Reefs on Dune Erosion in Southern Rhode Island Barrier Beaches” applied hydrodynamic, wave, and sediment transport computer models to estimate coastal erosion along a stretch of beach in southern Rhode Island, and addressed possible erosion mitigation measures.

Scott developed a deep-rooted passion for the ocean while growing up in Los Angeles, California. When there is surf, expect to find him out in the water. When the waves are small, he enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and camping in his self-converted skoolie. Scott also enjoys painting, photography, and making puns.

Jeffrey Kovach, LSRP

Program Manager - Site Characterization

Jeff is a Program Manager in our Hamilton, New Jersey office. Jeff is a Licensed Site Remediation Professional in New Jersey with over 20 years of experience in environmental consulting.

Jeff specializes in the investigation and remediation of chlorinated solvents using in-situ remedial technologies. He manages projects employing enhanced bioremediation, chemical oxidation, thermal remediation, and soil vapor extraction/air sparging, as well as traditional remedial excavation. He is experienced in performing all aspects of environmental site assessments, site investigations, remedial investigations, and remedial design and implementation. He has extensive experience managing projects conducted pursuant to the provisions of the New Jersey Site Remediation Reform Act, Industrial Site and Recovery Act, Spill Act, Underground Storage of Hazardous Substances Act, and associated regulations. He has worked with a wide range of industrial, commercial, and institutional clients, routinely assisting clients and attorneys in projects involving real estate transactions, risk evaluation, project life-cycle cost analysis, and regulatory compliance.

Jeff has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

Daniel Lawler

Project Manager

Dan is a Project Manager in our Hamilton, New Jersey office and has over eight years experience in the environmental consulting field.

As Project Manager, Dan’s responsibilities include all phases of environmental investigation and remediation from project initiation, field sampling/oversight, report preparation/submission, client, attorney, and other stakeholder interactions, and correspondence with regulatory agencies. Most of Dan’s experience has been associated with projects in New Jersey under the oversight of 11 different LSRPs including those currently on-staff at Ransom.

Dan earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management (2012) and a Master of Science in Forest Resources (2014) from The Pennsylvania State University.

When not at work, Dan enjoys playing recreational basketball and spending time with his wife and their four rescue dogs.

Leah Leite

Project Scientist I

Leah is a Project Scientist in our North Andover, Massachusetts office. She is a recent Graduate with 2 years of experience in Geotechnical and construction related work.

At Ransom, Leah has experience with environmental due diligence having completed Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments for residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Massachusetts. Leah is often tasked with a variety of environmental sampling including surface water, ground water, soil, and air. She also has experience overseeing geotechnical drilling operations, test pits, subgrade/construction observations, and Dig Safe layouts/private utility locates all over MA, NH, VT, and ME.

Leah received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from University Massachusetts Lowell (May 2021). While at UMASS Lowell, Leah was a part of the schools Rowing team where she spent most of her time on the Merrimack River.

When not at work, Leah loves being outdoors, biking, hiking, kayaking/rowing, weightlifting, concerts, and relaxing by the water.

Jessica Lisa-Dick

Project Administrator

Jessica is a Project Administrator in our Hamilton, New Jersey office. Jessica has been with Ransom for over 13 years. She supports Ransom with a wide range of tasks including invoicing, accounts payable and accounts receivable, along with other administrative duties.

When not at work, Jessica loves spending quality time with her husband and two sons.

Amber MacDonald

Project Administrator

Amber is a Project Administrator in our Portsmouth, NH office with over 20 years of experience in all areas of administration. Amber specializes in assisting technical staff with the project administration side of their projects. She handles the Accounts Receivables, some Accounts Payables and general assistance for multiple offices.

When not at work, Amber loves to spend time with her family and friends, relaxing at the beach and napping.

Nancy Marshall, PE

Senior Project Manager

Nancy is a Senior Project Manager in our North Andover, Massachusetts office. With over 30 years of experience in civil engineering and environmental consulting, Nancy is currently licensed as a Professional Engineer in New Hampshire, New York and Connecticut and was previously licensed in North Carolina, Missouri and Maine.

Nancy specializes in assisting complex sites with permitting and regulatory compliance for stormwater, industrial, remediation and construction discharges, and with developing spill prevention, control, and countermeasure plans under federal and various state regulations. Nancy also routinely manages comprehensive response actions conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan such as initial and comprehensive site assessments, release abatement measures, remedial action plans and feasibility studies, remedial design and implementation, risk characterizations, and activity and use limitations. Representative sites have included petroleum releases in occupied residences or businesses; construction projects with contaminated urban fill; industrial sites with releases of petroleum, metals, chlorinated solvents, polychlorinated biphenyls and/or dioxins. Nancy has also managed numerous projects under the Connecticut Remediation Standard Regulations.

Nancy received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Boston University, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and a Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering from North Carolina State University.

When not at work, Nancy loves being in, on, or by the water; exploring new places; attending concerts and theater; and chilling in the backyard with friends and family.

Maureen McGlone, PE

Program Manager - Civil and Coastal Engineering

Maureen is a Program Manager in our Portland, Maine office. With over 30 years of experience in both civil and environmental consulting, Maureen is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Maine and New Hampshire.

Maureen has been involved in a variety of design projects including traditional civil site design for commercial and residential clients; brownfield redevelopment projects; roadway realignment and reconstruction projects; water and wastewater infrastructure projects for municipal and federal clients; and groundwater and soil remediation projects for commercial, industrial, and federal clients.

Maureen received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1989.

Outside of the office, Maureen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, fixing up the family camp, woodworking, playing field hockey in an adult league, and hanging out around the campfire.

Erik Mihok, EIT

Project Engineer

Erik is a Project Engineer at our office in Portland, Maine. He has just over a year experience as a field engineer in civil site work overseeing energy projects.

Erik is new to the design side of Civil Engineering but is excited to bring what he’s learned from school and working in the field, to the office. At Ransom he will be working on designing and inspecting stormwater systems, along with monitoring progress on project sites.
Erik graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, as well as Mathematics, and Construction Engineering and Management Minors. In school, his senior design project focused on exploring the feasibility of using Ultra-High Performance Concrete to extend the lifespan of bridges.

Erik moved to Portland recently from Ohio to be closer to good skiing. In the summertime he can often be found in a raft on the Kennebec river. He also enjoys climbing and cycling, and has a bad habit of signing up for long distance running races.

Michael Moran

President

Mike has 29 years of experience coordinating with clientele to develop site-specific environmental plans to meet their environmental consulting and remediation needs. As President, Mike ensures all client needs are being met. These clients include Fortune 500 companies, real estate developers, industrial manufacturing companies, law firms, municipalities, educational institutions, financial institutions, utility companies, chemical manufacturers, petroleum companies, and solid and hazardous waste facilities.

Mike’s primary responsibilities as President include identifying and acquiring new clientele by developing and implementing a marketing plan directed to specific market segments. Implementation of marketing strategies to reach the market segments includes mailing programs, speaking engagements, attending trade shows, involvement in environmental committees for organizations, and quarterly newsletters.

Mike has an Associate in Business Administration degree from Gloucester County College and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey.

Out of the office, Michael spends most of his time caring for his five children between college, school, and sports. When he has time for himself, he enjoys the outdoors while golfing, camping, fishing, and occasionally beaching. He hopes his future includes more traveling.

Raymond Morgan

Survey Crew Chief

Ray is a Survey Crew Chief in our Glassboro , New Jersey office. With over 40 years of experience in survey and drafting, Ray specializes in AutoCAD and survey for numerous projects and designs. Ray worked at Civalier Engineering and Surveying for over 37 years before it was acquired by Ransom Consulting.

Ray graduated with high honors from Camden County Vocational School which he attended for an education in architecture. He proceeded to Gloucester County College to advance in that field and studied engineering curriculum which led to a career in surveying.

In general, Ray aspires to the outdoor lifestyle and helping others.

Christopher Olsen

Project Scientist

Chris is a Project Scientist in our Hamilton, NJ office and began his career in the environmental consulting industry at Ransom in 2019.

Chris has been involved in a variety of elements of Phase I ESAs and Phase II investigations at a range of properties involving manufacturing, industrial, and commercial facilities. He is primarily involved in Phase I ESA and Phase II field activities, including oversight of subcontractors, sampling of soil, groundwater, and vapor intrusion and systems O&M. Chris is responsible for data management in support of technical reports in relation to soil and groundwater remediation projects.

Chris received a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts (’19).

When not at work, Chris enjoys spending his time creating elaborate scavenger hunts for his two daughters, woodworking, reading, kayaking, and going to the park with his two dogs Scrappy and Marvin.

John Ouellette

Program Manager - Due Diligence - New England Region

John is a Program Manager in our Portsmouth, New Hampshire office and has over 25 years of experience in environmental consulting. He specializes in performing all aspects of Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments. Properties evaluated include undeveloped parcels, small to large commercial and industrial properties, junkyards, metal-salvage/recycling facilities, dry cleaners, former mills and numerous transportation and trucking facilities.

John has managed environmental services for multiple clients while balancing technical requirements, deadlines, budgets, regulations, and client service. His remediation experience includes coordinating, implementing and supervising the identification/delineation/removal of contamination at numerous metal-salvage and landfill facilities; the oversight of soil excavation projects at dozens of state-funded petroleum cleanups; and addressing releases from fuel storage tank systems. John’s depth of experience in environmental due-diligence assessment has made him a valuable client resource for conducting third-party review of due-diligence work products.

John received a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Geography (’87) from Clark University.

Outside of work, John is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf, spending time with his extended family “at the farm” in northern New Hampshire, and hiking with his son and daughter.

Erin Pente

Project Scientist

Erin is a Project Scientist in our Hamilton, New Jersey office. Erin has been in the environmental field since 2006 and became a member of the Ransom team in 2008.

Erin has conducted numerous Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for commercial, institutional, multi-tenant residential properties, as well as industrial facilities across the United States. Erin has also conducted Preliminary Assessments for NJDEP Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA) transactions. Erin reviews and manages environmental documents and historical records for these assessments as well as for litigation support projects. In addition, Erin maintains responsibility for data management and preparation of technical reports documenting soil and groundwater investigation and remediation projects.

Erin received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Albright College (‘05).

When not at work, Erin enjoys traveling with her family.

Brian Pettingill, P.G.

Principal / Vice President / Technical Leader - Real Estate

Brian is the Office Manager in our Providence, Rhode Island and North Andover, Massachusetts offices. With over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting, Brian is licensed as a Professional Geologist in New York and Indiana.

Brian specializes in performing all aspects of Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments, site characterizations, remedial investigations, remedial design and implementation, underground and above ground storage tank management, and vapor intrusion investigations and mitigation for private sector clients. He currently serves as client manager for national retail and pharmacy clients, managing their environmental liability during acquisition and development by performing site investigation, characterization and remediation of contaminated commercial, industrial and residential sites throughout New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He is very familiar with regulatory guidelines and requirements in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maine.

Brian received a Bachelor of Science in Applied Earth Sciences and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Energy & Environmental Planning, from Stanford University.

When not at work, Brian loves being outdoors, skiing, running/biking, traveling and watching his kids compete at soccer and track.

Eriksen Phenix, L.G.

Project Manager / Project Geologist

Erik is a Project Geologist in our Portland, Maine office, and has over 15 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry. He is a Licensed Geologist and a Licensed Asbestos Inspector in Maine.

Erik has performed numerous Phase I and Phase II ESAs and remediation activities in both California and New England for a variety of properties including residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial. Erik is familiar with a variety of subsurface investigation techniques including hollow-stem auger drilling, direct-push drilling, air-rotary drilling, bedrock coring, and cone penetrometer test drilling. Throughout his career, Erik has maintained professional relationships with clients including private sector, city, county, and state agencies. Erik has experience in all areas of project design, permitting, coordination, implementation, analysis, reporting, and project management.

Erik received a Bachelor of Science in Field Ecology and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from The Evergreen State College in Washington (’96).

Erik is the proud father of two and has interests in natural history and home brewing. When not at work, Erik enjoys surfing, hiking, gardening and outdoor activities with his wife and kids. Erik’s aspirations include learning how to fish, and ice skate backwards.

William Rankin

Project Manager

William (Bill) Rankin is a Project Manager in Ransom’s Hamilton New Jersey office. He has over 20 years of experience in the environmental industry planning and implementing remedial investigations and activities throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region.

Bill has experience in site characterization, underground and aboveground storage tank closures, remedial injections, remedial excavations, and emergency response activities. He has acted as site supervisor and site safety and health officer for both commercial and federal remediation projects. He has experience working with a variety of clients in both the private and public sectors including petrochemical manufacturing and distribution, real estate development, the US Navy, the US Army, and the US Army Corps of Engineers throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region.

Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy and Environmental Science from Delaware Valley University.

Outside of work, Bill enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with his family.

Elizabeth Ransom, P.G.

Principal / Vice President / Technical Leader - Planning and Permitting

As a Vice President/Technical Leader, Elizabeth is responsible for technical direction and senior review of environmental assessment and remediation projects. As a technical leader for the remediation practice, Elizabeth is also responsible for business development.

With more than 25 years of experience in environmental consulting, Elizabeth has managed environmental and solid waste consulting services for multiple clients, while balancing technical requirements, deadlines, budgets, regulations, and exceptional client service. She is highly skilled in developing field investigation programs; producing technical reports, studies, permit applications and proposals; and in communicating with clients, subcontractors, and regulators. Her technical specialties include: remedial investigations / feasibility studies; subsurface investigations at DNAPL and other hazardous waste sites; ground water monitoring system design, installation, and sampling; geologic interpretation; design of remedial actions; technology evaluation; preparation of bid specifications; oversight of remedial system design, construction, and operation; landfill closures; Brownfields assessment and remediation; community relations; public participation; and expert witness and cost allocation opinions.

Elizabeth earned a Master of Science in Geology from the University of Southern California (’90) and a Bachelor of Arts in Geology and Media Studies from Carleton College (’86).

Outside of work, Elizabeth prefers to be outside – running, biking, swimming, skiing, surfing, or hiking with her husband, her two Bernese Mountain Dogs, and son Zander.

sransom@ransomenv.com

Stephen Ransom

CEO

As founder and CEO, Steve’s leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service at every turn, has been the driving force behind Ransom for more than 25 years. Since founding the firm in 1988, Steve’s technical expertise and ability to anticipate, identify and successfully manage complicated, often interrelated environmental site issues has been critical to its success – represented by the successful completion of more than 6,000 client projects throughout the Northeastern United States.

In addition to his leadership responsibilities as CEO, a senior consultant with more than 30 years of field experience, Steve also provides valuable insight to the engineers and scientists of the firm. Assuming overall responsibility for the quality of the company’s work, Steve remains actively engaged in many key projects. As such, Steve also devotes a considerable amount of time and energy in the recruitment and continued development of many of the talented people that make up Ransom.

Steve earned a Master of Science in Civil/Environmental Engineering at the University of New Hampshire (’83) and a Bachelor of Science in Forest Engineering from the University of Maine at Orono (’80).

An avid runner and father of three sons, Steve can also be found training for his next extreme triathlon (with his wife Elizabeth), playing on skis in the mountains and fields of northern New England, or chasing his Bernese Mountain Dogs through the woods.

Todd Reichert

Field Manager / Project Scientist

Todd is a Project Scientist and Field Services Manager in our Hamilton, NJ office. Todd has been in the environmental consulting industry since 2005 and has been with Ransom since 2011. In addition to managing the field staff at Ransom, Todd holds an N2 Industrial wastewater treatment license.

Todd is responsible for treatment system pilot studies, system design and installation, as well as ongoing operation and maintenance. He has conducted Phase I ESAs and subsequent Phase II investigations at various properties including manufacturing, industrial, and commercial facilities. As part of Phase II investigations, Todd is primarily responsible for the completion of field oversight and data management tasks. He is also responsible for data management and interpretation in support of technical reports documenting Phase I ESA and Phase II field activities, including subcontractors. Todd provides field oversight and data management in relation to soil and groundwater remediation projects including UST excavation and post-excavation sampling/soil and groundwater assessment; soil remediation, excavation and treatment; application of in-situ remediation chemicals – ORC, chemical oxidation, etc. and treatment system construction, periodic inspections and O&M.

Todd received a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Bucknell University (’04).

Outside of work Todd enjoys outdoor activities including fishing, kayaking and biking.

Steven Rickerich, P.G.

Principal / Vice President / Technical Leader - Emerging Contaminants

Steve is the Office Manager of our Portsmouth, New Hampshire office. With over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting, Steve is licensed as a Professional Geologist in New Hampshire.

Steve provides senior consulting for environmental assessments and remediation planning and implementation for industrial, commercial, municipal, and institutional properties. His expertise includes public outreach and education, proposal and grant application preparation, background information searches, field investigation services, analytical results interpretation, risk evaluations, remediation planning/implementation, technical reporting and presentations to stakeholders, and often as part of site redevelopment support.

Steve’s relationships with state and federal regulators help advance unique or complex projects and achieve effective solutions with positive outcomes. On a daily basis, Steve is working on solutions for sites impacted by hazardous substances/ waste, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), PCBs (TSCA sites), petroleum (including MtBE Sites), and often include sites with urban fill management needs. Steve provides Qualified Environmental Professional services to U.S. EPA Brownfields grantees which contribute to positive benefits to our communities; this is meaningful work doing good that Steve finds particularly rewarding.

Steve earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Lehigh University, and his Master of Science degree in Earth Sciences from the University of New Hampshire.

Outside of work, Steve, along with Dana, enjoy seeing their mostly grown children, Noah, Sam, and Lucy, continue to grow. A favorite and long-time passion is adventuring in the mountains or on the water, whenever possible with the “kids”, along with the family’s pandemic pup, River.

Jennifer Riordan

Offices Administrative Coordinator

Jennifer is our Offices Administrative Coordinator. She has been with Ransom for over 25 years and in addition to word processing and administrative support for the New Hampshire office she also coordinates administrative needs for all of Ransom’s offices in New England and New Jersey.

When not at work, Jennifer is passionate about cooking and loves to do so while spending time with family and friends. She lives in southern Maine and enjoys taking advantage of all the natural beauty found in the area. Whether it be kayaking on many of the rivers, lakes or ponds, hiking the abundance of trails in the area or spending time at the beach.

Anna Schaeffer

Administrative Assistant

Anna Schaeffer the Administrative Assistant at Ransom’s Portland office.

She graduated with a degree in Environmental Science and has worked for the last several years as a Park Ranger, freelance news reporter, farmhand, deckhand and more.

In her free time, Anna enjoys writing, painting, running, and playing violin.

William Schmidt, PE

Program Manager - Due Diligence - Mid-Atlantic Region

William (Bill) Schmidt serves as a Program Manager in Ransom’s Hamilton, New Jersey office. He has over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting including: performing all aspects of Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments, site characterizations, remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remedial design, underground and above ground storage tank management, vapor intrusion investigations and mitigation, site safety monitoring, and landfill investigations/closure for both the private and public sectors.

As a Senior Project Manager, Bill’s responsibilities include project and staff management, document review, quality control, serving as the liaison between clients and regulatory agencies, and client management.

Bill received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University, College of Engineering and a Master of Science in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from Villanova University. Bill is a Professional Engineer in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

When not at work, Bill loves spending time with his family, going to his family shore house, boating, and fishing.

Michaela Skelton

AR / AP Specialist

Michaela is an AR / AP Specialist in our Portland Office, responsible for processing vendor invoices, vendor payments, following up on Client invoices and receiving payments on Client invoices.

Michaela received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Maine.

In her spare time, Michaela can be found in her kitchen cooking and baking, spending time in the outdoors with her husband and son and helping out on her grandparents dairy farm.

Thomas Smith, LSRP

Senior Project Manager

Thomas is a Senior Project Manager in our Hamilton, New Jersey office. He is a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) with more than 33 years of experience in environmental remediation.

Tom’s specialized knowledge and experience includes design, construction, and operation of in-situ chemical oxidation and biotreatment systems for organic solvent contamination in soil and groundwater working with numerous state regulatory agencies, construction contracting and construction management for large state and federal remediation projects, PCB remediation, and underground storage tanks. Mr. Smith has managed complex remedial projects requiring multiple technologies and innovative approaches to reach the remedial goals. He has conducted Preliminary Assessments (PA), Site Investigations (SI), Remedial Investigations (RI) and implemented numerous Remedial Actions (RA) with report writing and submittal of site closure documents to the NJDEP including Deed Notices, Remedial Action Permits, and Response Action Outcomes under the LSRP program. He has managed RAs for large-scale industrial projects throughout the northeast and midwest US. Thomas has managed RAs involving in-situ remediation, soil excavation, and large-scale chemical waste disposal for various commercial and industrial facilities. Mr. Smith has designed and secured permits for in-situ groundwater and soil treatment processes including aerobic, anaerobic, and co-metabolic biological treatment and chemical oxidation.

Thomas received his bachelor’s in environmental science from Rutgers University in 1989, his master’s degree in environmental science Coursework from Rutgers University and his master’s in education from Georgian Court University.

Anna Stockman

Accounting Manager

Anna is the Accounting Manager in our Portland, Maine office. She joined Ransom in March 2021. Anna has a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Maine at Augusta with a major in Accounting. Anna’s expertise includes developing and streamlining accounting processes and procedures, implementing system automations and analyzing financial data.

Anna was born and raised in Russia where she graduated with a M.A. in Philology and Foreign Languages. Prior to moving to USA Anna worked as an interpreter at Children’s HopeChest in Russia.

Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with her family, skating, hiking, fishing, learning foreign languages and reading.

David Thompson, LSP

Senior Project Manager

Dave is a Senior Project Manager in our North Andover, Massachusetts office. He is a Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional (LSP) with over 30 years of experience in performing and managing environmental site assessment and remediation projects. These projects have encompassed a variety of properties including commercial, industrial, and residential. During his most recent prior positions with public utility companies, he managed the investigation and remediation of former manufactured gas plant (MGP) properties.

Dave has diverse experience in environmental due diligence for property acquisition and financing, site investigation and remediation, and regulatory compliance under ASTM and the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP). At Ransom he is responsible for the interpretation and application of environmental regulations and contractual agreements. He fosters effective working relationships with clients/stakeholders and has previously been involved with several access agreements for the completion of environmental activities at abutting and affected properties. Based on his experience, he acts as an in-house technical resource and mentor for associates.

Dave is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts – Amherst with a Master of Science degree in Geography (Specialization in Glacial Geology). He also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography (Concentration in Physical Geography) from Framingham State College. In his spare time, Dave pursues his strong interests in U.S. colonial history, football, music, hiking, and running.

Christine Touchette

Administrative Assistant

Christine is the Administrative Assistant in our North Andover, Massachusetts office and has over 35 years of office experience in an engineering environment.

Christine supports the Massachusetts office staff with general office duties including report preparation, word processing, boring logs, and tabulating laboratory results. In addition, she assists our accounting staff with a multitude of tasks.

Christine received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Salem State University.

Outside of the office, Chris enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, walking, reading, stamping and jewelry making.

Martin Walsh

Survey Technician

Martin is a Survey Technician in our Glassboro, New Jersey office and brings many years of professional experience encompassing private, commercial, and government land surveying projects.

He received his Bachelor’s in Communications from Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Out of the office, Martin enjoys reading, attending live music venues, researching family history, and spending time at the Jersey shore.

Mary Zaffiri

Administrative Assistant

Mary is an Administrative Assistant in our Glassboro, New Jersey office, carrying out day-to-day organizational tasks and facilitating efficient communication across the office. Answering phones, managing file systems, and updating databases. Complete general administrative work and recordkeeping tasks, purchasing office supplies and working with vendors.

Mary received her Associates Degree from the Art Institute of Philadelphia focused on Visual Communication and Graphic Design.

In her spare time, she enjoys working in her yard, hiking trails with her senior dog Bella, craft shows, cooking, working on small projects around the house and spending time at the beach with friends and family.