SynTerra — Our name defines our purpose.

The name SynTerra is made up of two parts, synergy and terra. Synergy represents what happens when we work with clients — the combined effect is greater than the sum of its parts. Terra represents the earth and the obligation we have to be stewards of a healthy environment.

Together, these words define our purpose. They also drive us to help you:

Meet your objectives in a cost-effective way.
Holistically improve your business.
Comply with environmental laws, rules, and regulations.

Management

Senior Leaders

Market Leaders

Group Leaders

Management

Mark Taylor, P.G.

President

Principal

Kathy Webb, P.G.

Vice President, Sciences

Principal

Ruth Albright, P.E.

Vice President, Engineering

Principal

Steve Gardner, P.E., SME-RM

Vice President, Special Projects

Principal

Vick Crowley

Chief Financial Officer

Principal

Judd Mahan, P.G.

Director of Science Operations

Principal

Josh Fowler, P.E.

Director of Client Relations

Linda Erwin, SHRM-CP, PHR

Director of Human Resources

Senior Leaders

Jerry Wylie, P.G.

Sciences Program Manager

Principal

Todd Plating, P.G.

Sciences Program Manager

Principal

Bill Husk, CHMM

Environmental Services Program Director

Principal

Douglas Mynear, P.E., CPESC, LEED AP

Site Development Engineering Group Leader

Principal

C.W. “Mike” Hutchinson Jr., P.E.

Civil Engineering Group Leader

Principal

Andrea Kehn, P.E.

Process and Compliance Group Leader

Principal

Andy Willis, P.E.

Mining Engineering Group Leader

Principal

Matt Huddleston, Ph.D.

Natural Resources Program Director

Market Leaders

Daniel Warrick, P.E.

Civil Engineering Market Leader

Fred Eastridge, P.E., P.L.S.

Civil Engineering Market Leader

Chris Ericksen, P.E.

Water and Wastewater Market Leader

Matthew Mudge, P.G.

Pulp and Paper Market Leader

Nathan Scarbrough, P.E.

Industrial Market Leader

Tyler Smith

Industrial Process & Compliance
Market Leader

Katherine Amidon

Local & Regional Government Market Leader

Group Leaders

Christopher J. Suttell, P.G.

Sciences Program Manager

Howard Frank, P.G.

Site Assessment Program Manager

Heather H. Smith

Natural Sciences Program Manager

Rich Mogensen

Ecological Restoration Program Manager

Alan A. Campoli, Ph.D., P.E., SME-RM

Geotechnical Engineering Group Leader

Charles S. Bishop, P.E.

Geotechnical/Dam Design Leader

Pete Scott

Editorial and Creative Group Leader

Rhonda Barber Isham

Business Services Coordinator

Richard Jacobs

Field Services Program Manager

Kathy Garvin

Quality and Resources Coordinator

Karen Rose

Compliance and Permitting Group Leader

Interested in joining our team?

Named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina for five consecutive years, SynTerra has a work environment that is fun, flexible, and world-class. SynTerra also offers: competitive compensation; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); and paid vacation and sick time. Learn more about what it’s like to work at SynTerra and what positions are currently available.

See Available Careers

Mark Taylor, P.G.

President | Principal

Mark has worked more than 40 years in natural-resource based industries. His expertise includes mine geology and mine engineering, hydrogeologic and geotechnical investigations, solid and hazardous waste management, and regulatory negotiations. He has published peer-reviewed papers about coal geology, ore geochemistry, mineralogy, and solid waste management. He is a leading expert in mining and environmental permitting for litigation support.

Mark is licensed as a Professional Geologist in South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Washington. He serves on the boards of the Upstate Red Cross and Upstate Forever. He served on the South Carolina Board of Registration for Geologists for six years. Mark holds a Master’s degree in Geological Sciences from The University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Science from Harvard University.

Kathy Webb, P.G.

Vice President, Sciences | Principal

Kathy is a leading expert in planning and implementing Brownfields redevelopment initiatives. She’s also a go-to expert for soil and groundwater environmental assessments, remediation, monitoring, and regulatory compliance. Her projects have included source determinations, delineating the footprint of landfills, assessing the generation of landfill gas, assessing the effects of constituents in groundwater, and developing groundwater remediation strategies.

Kathy is licensed as a Professional Geologist in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama. She holds a Master’s degree in Geology from the University of Alabama. She earned Bachelor’s degrees in Marine Science and Geology at Alabama.

Ruth Albright, P.E.

Vice President, Engineering | Principal

Ruth has led projects for major industrial facilities throughout the Southeast and beyond. She built her knowledge of environmental regulations and their application to manufacturing operations while working for the second largest chemical manufacturing company in the United States. At SynTerra, she has expanded both her knowledge and reputation working for chemical manufacturing operations of all sizes. She has also worked extensively with other manufacturing operations, including pulp and paper, industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals, food, and automotive parts and assembly. Her experience includes air and wastewater permit compliance, solid and hazardous waste management, solid waste construction permitting, hazardous materials transportation, wastewater treatment systems, air pollution control equipment operations and maintenance, and ambient air monitoring systems.

Ruth is a professional engineer registered in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Michigan, Arkansas, and Kentucky. She is an active member of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Environmental Technical Committee and serves as the chair of the water subcommittee. She has previously served as the program and committee chair for the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs committee. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University.

Steve Gardner, P.E., SME-RM

Vice President, Special Projects | Principal

Steve has worked in the Appalachian region for more than 40 years, as well as throughout the United States and internationally. He has experience and expertise in natural resources, energy, mining, environmental issues, hydrology, land reclamation and redevelopment, sensitive land use issues, and industrial heritage projects. Steve served as the 2015 President of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME), the largest professional group in the mining sector.

Steve is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Utah, and he is a registered member of SME. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering and a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering with an Environmental Systems Certification, both from the University of Kentucky. In 2011, he was inducted into the University of Kentucky’s Engineering Hall of Distinction. He has served on advisory boards for the University of Kentucky Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, the Mining Engineering Foundation, and the Kentucky Geological Survey. He also served on the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors for eight years.

Vick Crowley

Chief Financial Officer | Principal

Vick has vast experience in corporate financial management. He has expertise in corporate strategy development, corporate finance, accounting, mergers and acquisitions, treasury, financial planning and analysis, and risk management. Vick has served in numerous financial leadership capacities for both public and private companies.

Entrepreneurial in spirit, Vick served as the CFO for a pre-revenue start-up and was instrumental in raising more than $20 million for the entity. Vick also has substantial experience in international finance. While living in Germany, he led the European finance division for a public company. Vick holds a Bachelor of Arts from Sewanee: The University of the South and an MBA in Finance from Emory University.

Judd Mahan, P.G.

Director of Science Operations | Principal

Judd has more than 15 years of experience in soil and groundwater remediation. He also specializes in coal ash basin assessment and corrective actions; petroleum and chemical releases; emergency response; and Phase 1 and 2 ESAs. He has managed and led assessment and remediation projects for industrial facilities, petroleum distribution facilities, pipeline operations, and retail gasoline sites. Judd also has experience in regulatory negotiations for traditional cleanup solutions, innovative remediation activities, and risk-based remediation solutions.

Judd is known for creativity in his solutions and clarity in his writing. He has degrees in Geology and History from Auburn University.

Josh Fowler, P.E.

Director of Client Relations

Josh has more than 20 years of experience consulting for municipalities, special purpose districts, and developers. As a consultant, he has designed water and wastewater treatment facilities, collection and distribution systems, pump stations, tanks, and regional stormwater facilities. In addition, he has prepared numerous feasibility studies, engineering reports, rate studies, and permitting. Josh also has experience in technical sales, and he has been a sales and marketing executive in the manufacturing segment.

Josh is licensed as a Professional Engineer in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. He is a member of the following professional organizations: American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation, National Society of Professional Engineers, Rural Water Associations (SC, NC, and GA), and Georgia Association of Water Professionals. He is active in the American Council of Engineering Companies and local Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development groups. He has an MBA from Clemson University and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Linda Erwin, SHRM-CP, PHR

Director of Human Resources

Linda has more than 12 years of professional HR experience, primarily in the healthcare sector. There, she was responsible for regulatory compliance as well as employee systems and engagement. Prior to her career in human resources, Linda practiced as a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator in the pharmaceutical research industry. She oversaw Phase II through Phase IV clinical trials in asthma and allergy research. She is passionate about employee engagement, leadership development, and continuous improvement.

The Society for Human Resources Management recognizes Linda as a Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). She also holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designation, earned through the Human Resources Certification Institute. Linda is active in the Society for Human Resources Professionals, and she attends local and state HR conferences to stay at the forefront of human resources best practices. Linda studied Human Resources Administration at Greenville Technical College and Western Governors University.

Jerry Wylie, P.G.

Sciences Program Manager | Principal

Jerry is a Senior Geologist and Sciences Program Manager at SynTerra. He heads multidisciplinary projects that are focused primarily on groundwater contaminant assessment and remediation. He has more than 30 years of experience as a professional consultant for geologic/hydrogeologic studies, site assessments, regulatory compliance issues, and site remediation projects. Jerry has highly advanced expertise in coal combustion residual (CCR) assessment, management, and remediation; geologic mapping; hydrogeologic studies; bedrock geology and hydrogeology; remedial action conceptual design; CERCLA RI/FS; RCRA Corrective Action; and voluntary cleanup contracts. He also has experience as a technical expert in litigation support.

Jerry embraces his mentorship role at SynTerra, where he uses humor and compassion to keep team members at ease and on-task. He serves as a Professional Mentor for the Clemson University Chapter of Engineers Without Borders and is an Adjunct Research Professor in Clemson’s Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences. Jerry is licensed as a Professional Geologist in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Geology from Auburn University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Clemson University.

Todd Plating, P.G.

Sciences Program Manager | Principal

Todd is a Senior Geologist and Project Manager with 17 years of experience. He serves as a technical lead on assessment and remediation projects. Todd leads multidisciplinary teams that focus on energy production residuals and how legacy products affect groundwater and surface water. His teams conduct comprehensive site assessments and employ new technologies to design remediation solutions.

In a recent project, Todd worked in a metamorphosed fractured bedrock setting. His team combined traditional coring, borehole geophysics, fate and transport modeling, and PHREEQC geochemical modeling to develop and refine a site conceptual model. That model is guiding corrective action planning, remedial design, and implementation.

Todd is licensed as a Professional Geologist in North Carolina and South Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Appalachian State University. Todd is a mentor to geologists and scientists at SynTerra.

Bill Husk

Environmental Services Program Director | Principal

Bill, a Senior Project Manager and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), leads our Environmental Services Group, a multidisciplinary group that includes field services, GIS and data management, and hydrogeology. Bill has more than 30 years of professional consulting experience focused on environmental due diligence, Phase I and II assessments, brownfields redevelopment, underground storage tanks, industrial hygiene, indoor air, asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold.

Bill also manages the SynTerra health and safety program. Under his leadership, SynTerra has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce annually since 2006.

In addition to his CHMM certification, Bill has maintained South Carolina Asbestos Inspector and Asbestos Abatement Supervisor licenses since 1994, and he has taught hazardous materials transportation courses as an adjunct professor at Greenville Technical College. He holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Alabama and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science/Biology from Alabama.

Douglas Mynear, P.E., CPESC, LEED AP

Site Development Engineering Group Leader | Principal

Doug has more than 40 years of experience in the consulting engineering sector. He is responsible for civil site design and the oversight and coordination of project design teams. He has led dozens of multidisciplinary teams working on state and federal building design projects. Doug is experienced in hydrological/hydraulic studies, drainage design, site planning/design, highway/roadway design, water distribution, storm and sanitary sewers, and recreational facility design.

Doug is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Kentucky and West Virginia. He is recognized as a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council and as a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control through Envirocert International, Inc. Doug holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering from the University of Kentucky.

C.W. "Mike" Hutchinson Jr., P.E.

Civil Engineering Group Leader | Principal

Mike, a Senior Civil Engineer, has worked more than 25 years in the public and private sectors. He has extensive experience in the design and management of infrastructure projects for water, wastewater, stormwater, roads, solid waste, and site improvements. On the consulting side, Mike has served as a design engineer, project manager, and construction oversight leader. In public sector roles, he served as City Engineer and/or Public Works Director for several cities in Georgia and Utah.

At SynTerra, Mike wears several leadership hats comfortably. Whether working as a team member or supervisor, he’s a natural mentor who is adept at helping others develop their skills. Mike is licensed as a Professional Engineer in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Virginia, and Utah. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University.

Andrea Kehn, P.E.

Process and Compliance Group Leader | Principal

Andrea, leader of our Process and Compliance group, has 28 years of experience in chemical manufacturing and environmental consulting. She leads and supervises staff professionals on multidisciplinary projects for a variety of industrial clients. Andrea’s vast experience and expertise includes: air quality construction and operating permitting; air quality modeling; air permit record-keeping and reporting; Oil Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP); NPDES Permitting; water quality modeling; process safety management; risk management compliance and auditing; and RCRA compliance.

Andrea is registered as a Professional Engineer in South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Andy Willis, P.E.

Mining Engineering Group Leader | Principal

Andy has expertise in surface and underground coal and aggregates mine planning and design, environmental permitting (including SMCRA and CWA), and coal and aggregate reserve analyses. He has project experience in mine feasibility using geologic modeling, and he is well-versed in MSHA refuse modifications, mine extraction and subsidence modeling, and inspection and certification of underground coal mine seals. Andy is a licensed Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot, with proficiency in aerial photogrammetry.

Andy has more than 30 years of experience in the coal and aggregates market throughout Appalachia. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia, and Maryland. He is licensed as a Professional Surveyor in West Virginia. Andy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from The Ohio State University.

Matt Huddleston, Ph.D.

Natural Resources Program Director

Matt is an environmental toxicologist with more than 20 years of consulting, regulatory, and academic experience. He directs SynTerra’s Natural Resources Program, which provides client support in toxicology and risk assessment, protected species activities, wetlands and water resources, and ecological restoration. Matt began his science career in 1994 as a risk assessor with the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection. After completing his doctoral degree in 2001, Matt entered the consulting profession, where he assists clients in technical, regulatory, and legal matters. He has provided expert testimony in environmental toxicology.

Matt is a long-time member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and the Kentucky Academy of Science. He has taught college courses in natural sciences and is an adjunct professor at Clemson University. Matt holds a Doctorate in Environmental Toxicology from Clemson, as well as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Biology from Eastern Kentucky University.

Daniel Warrick, P.E.

Civil Engineering Market Leader

Dan is a Senior Civil Engineer based out of our Charlotte office. He is a key contributor to the expansion of our civil engineering design services. Known for expertise and versatility, Dan has led highly successful projects in industrial, commercial, healthcare, government, and education markets. He has gained vast experience and a reputation as a go-to innovator in construction management; land planning and civil site design; water and wastewater planning and design; and geotechnical engineering.

Dan is a licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina. He is a member of the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA), the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (also known as NAIOP), the Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the Charlotte Region Commercial Board of Realtors (CRCBR). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Fred Eastridge, P.E., P.L.S.

Civil Engineering Market Leader

Fred is a Professional Engineer and Licensed Land Surveyor with more than 40 years of experience in land development, site design, road design, hydrology, hydraulics, sanitary sewer design, sanitary pump station design, and working with local planning commissions. He has vast experience in both the public and private sectors. He has worked with local communities on sustainable infrastructure design, and on upgrading local communities’ roads, storm drainage, and sanitary sewer systems.

Fred is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois. He is also a licensed Land Surveyor in Kentucky and a member of Kentucky Association of Professional Surveyors (KAPS), Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers (KSPE), and National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies (Biology and Math) and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky.

Chris Ericksen, P.E.

Water and Wastewater Market Leader

Chris's extensive design and construction experience includes the installation of new collection and distribution pipelines, as well as working with existing pipelines. Additionally, he has experience in water and wastewater pipeline routing and design; selection of rehabilitation technologies; sitework; and coordination of disciplines. Chris served six years as City Engineer for the City of Rock Hill. He also has worked in the private sector for large consulting firms.

Chris is licensed as a Professional Engineer in South Carolina. He holds certifications through the following NASSCO programs: the Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (NACP), the Manhole Assessment Certification Program (MACP), and the Lateral Assessment Certification Program (LACP). Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina.

Matthew Mudge, P.G.

Pulp and Paper Market Leader

Matt has 19 years of experience in the engineering and environmental consulting industry. His background and experience leading and managing a diverse set of projects allows him to properly identify project objectives, set defined expectations, and communicate effectively with clients and regulating agencies. Matt is well versed in managing projects that require technical support from multiple disciplines (assessment/compliance, engineering, permitting, etc.), include specialized subcontractors and vendors, and necessitate coordination and negotiation with agencies. Learning clients’ business objectives and defining project goals is paramount for success, and Matt dedicates the time needed for that process.

Since joining SynTerra, Matt has focused on solid waste management and wastewater pond residuals management projects for the pulp and paper sector. He also manages compliance-related projects, soil and groundwater assessments, and remedial design and implementation projects.

Matt leads our development and use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or drones, to streamline data acquisition for client projects. UAS is an emerging technology that can be used to enhance project productivity and reduce risk, while maintaining or lowering overall project costs.

Matt is a Professional Geologist and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Geology from the University of Vermont.

Nathan Scarbrough, P.E.

Industrial Market Leader

Nathan has more than 11 years of experience as an engineer and consultant in mining-based business environments. That experience includes stream and wetland mitigation banking, carbon capture offsets, and alternative industrial land use. He also has experience in long-range permitting, selenium water quality compliance, asset retirement obligation forecasting, contractor oversight of capital projects, and operating plan development.

Nathan has worked on mining projects throughout much of the United States and Canada. He is a member of coal associations based in West Virgina, Canada, and elsewhere. Nathan has a degree in Civil Engineering from the West Virginia University Institute of Technology.

Tyler Smith

Industrial Process & Compliance Market Leader

Tyler’s experience and expertise in manufacturing includes process improvement, production management, and sales. He has led quality and safety initiatives that help clients meet business objectives while protecting employees, communities, and the environment. He also is experienced and adept at establishing training systems. Tyler enjoys technical challenges that require collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts.

Tyler holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Clemson University.

Katherine Amidon

Local and Regional Government Market Leader

Katherine has experience in environmental sampling, laboratory analysis, water quality research, ArcGIS technical analysis, and project implementation. She has applied her expertise in environmental science and chemistry to positions in retail management, science and engineering consulting, and wine making. In municipal government roles, Katherine wrote policy reports, performed pollution prevention assessments, and provided public outreach.

She is an executive committee member of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association (SCAPA), a member of the American Planning Association (APA), and an AICP Candidate. She helps the Public Outreach Committee of the Reedy River Water Quality Group implement its plans and strategies. She is 40-hour HAZWOPER certified. Katherine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Bates College (Maine) and a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Clemson University.

Christopher J. Suttell, P.G.

Sciences Program Manager

Chris is a Senior Geologist and Project Manager at SynTerra. He has worked in the environmental consulting industry for more than 20 years. Chris has extensive knowledge and experience in geologic and hydrogeologic characterization; regulatory compliance management; and site assessment and remediation. He has provided litigation support to clients on diverse environmental matters. Chris serves as a team leader and mentor at SynTerra.

Chris is a licensed Professional Geologist in North Carolina and South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from State University of New York at Fredonia. Chris is a member of the National Groundwater Association (NGWA).

Howard Frank, P.G.

Site Assessment Program Manager

Howard is a Senior Geologist at SynTerra. He has extensive experience conducting and managing assessment activities related to Brownfields and non-Brownfields sites. That experience includes oversight during monitoring well installation, Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, underground storage tank closures and assessments, risk-assessment screening, and soil and groundwater investigations. Howard is also highly experienced in computer modeling used to evaluate soil, groundwater, and vapor migration. He has used multiple groundwater and risk-assessment models on more than 100 projects. That work has included the delineation of protection areas around municipal water supplies, fate and transport modeling of chemicals of concern in soil and groundwater, and evaluation of vapor migration to indoor air.

Howard is licensed as a Professional Geologist in South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. He holds a Master of Science degree in Geology from Boston College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Massachusetts.

Heather H. Smith

Natural Sciences Program Manager

Heather, our Natural Resources Program Manager, has more than 19 years of professional experience working as an environmental consultant. She has worked on multiple federal and state complex environmental assessments. Her work includes preparation of environmental investigations under programs in various regulatory frameworks such as the Clean Water Act, CERCLA, RCRA, NEPA, NPDES, and VCP. She has served as project technical coordinator and project manager while working with government agencies and private organizations. She applies extensive knowledge of environmental frameworks and compliance strategies throughout the permit approval process.

Heather holds a Bachelor‘s degree in wildlife and fisheries biology and a minor in environmental science from Clemson University.

Rich Mogensen

Ecological Restoration Program Manager

Rich, a Professional Wetlands Scientist and certified delineator, leads the SynTerra Ecological Restoration Program. His team specializes in stream and wetlands restoration projects and permitting for development. Rich has more than 30 years of professional experience in stream and wetlands mitigation, mitigation banking, and other restoration projects. Before joining SynTerra in early 2019, he was the president of a wetlands mitigation firm with operations in Charlotte, NC, and Raleigh, NC. Rich is known for innovative designs and environmental stewardship related to the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

Rich is a charter member and past president of the National Mitigation Banking Association (NMBA) and the North Carolina Environmental Restoration Association (NCERA). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology from the University of Colorado at Denver.

Alan A. Campoli, Ph.D., P.E., SME-RM

Geotechnical Engineering Group Leader

Al has more than 30 years of engineering and business development experience in rock reinforcement, standing support, groundwater containment, and ventilation issues related to tunneling, mining, and construction. He has taught mineral economics and mine valuation courses at the University of Kentucky and is the author of more than 40 technical publications. Al frequently presents to organizations such as the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) and the American Mining Congress.

Al is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Utah, and West Virginia. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management, both from the University of Pittsburgh. Al earned his Ph.D. in Mining Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Charles S. Bishop, P.E.

Geotechnical/Dam Design Leader

Charlie has more than 40 years of experience in geotechnical and foundation engineering. He has led major projects involving coal refuse disposal. His experience includes fresh water dam design, landslide investigation and remedial design, floodplain evaluation and permitting, corrective action planning, highway geotechnical investigation and design, abandoned mine land projects, and mine subsidence investigation and expert witness services.

Charlie is a registered Professional Engineer in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Indiana, and Illinois. He holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky.

Pete Scott

Editorial and Creative Group Leader

Pete wears several hats related to quality and creative initiatives at SynTerra. As the leader of our Editorial team, he focuses on the clarity and accuracy of reports that our engineers, geologists, and scientists write for clients. He’s also our writing coach. As the leader of our Creative/Communications team, Pete develops concepts, writes and edits copy, and provides creative direction for digital and print projects. He leads efforts to bolster the SynTerra brand through consistent tone, voice, and imagery. Additionally, he crafts internal and external communications.

Diverse professional experiences prepared Pete for his multiple roles at SynTerra. He spent 13 years as a copywriter and project manager at a marketing communications firm. During that time, he worked on campaigns for Adobe, Autodesk, eBay, Google, and several tech and financial firms. Much of Pete's past work in marketing communications targeted higher education faculty and students, creative professionals, and audiences in technical sectors. Before that, Pete was a journalist. He was a news editor in Indianapolis, Indiana, a sports editor in Austin, Texas, and a sports reporter in California. Pete has been a writing tutor and writing coach for K-12 and higher education students. He has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from California State University, Fresno.

Rhonda Barber Isham

Business Services Coordinator

Rhonda serves in several key leadership roles at SynTerra. She is our Senior Project Manager and Office Services Group leader. Additionally, Rhonda oversees IT operations. Rhonda has worked in environmental consulting more than 30 years. She has vast experience developing and programming environmental, transportation, industrial, and corporate databases; using GIS to display necessary information; designing multimedia presentations and illustrations; and developing and coordinating marketing activities.

Rhonda holds an Associate of Science degree in Office Systems Automation from Greenville Technical College. She has completed numerous continuing education courses in Geomatics Technology at Greenville Tech.

Richard Jacobs

Field Services Program Manager

Richard has more than 17 years of experience in the environmental field. He has conducted and led multiple Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments; asbestos and lead-based paint surveys; underground storage tank (UST) site assessments; stormwater surveys; and installation, monitoring, and maintenance of remediation systems. Richard is responsible for the operation and maintenance of a physical-chemical stormwater treatment facility and a number of groundwater remediation systems. His vast field leadership experience includes oversight of monitoring well installation, soil and groundwater sampling, hydraulic conductivity testing, and GPS surveying. Richard also has performed wetland delineation and surveying activities on projects exceeding 1,000 acres in size.

Richard holds an Asbestos Inspector License in South Carolina and North Carolina, and he holds a Well Driller License in South Carolina. He also has a Wastewater Treatment Operator Level B License and is a certified Radiation Safety Officer. Richard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University.

Kathy Garvin

Quality and Resources Coordinator

Kathy is a Certified Environmental Planner (AICP) with 15 years of experience integrating broad and disparate datasets to support industrial and governmental clients in environmental decision-making and regulatory reporting. Her project work is largely regulated under coal combustion residual (CCR), NEPA, RCRA, and CERCLA environmental programs, as well as under state-specific environmental programs. Her expertise lies in data quality assurance and control, site and impact assessment, data management, GIS analysis, regulatory compliant reporting, sampling design, and technical writing. Kathy is also a certified facilitator with experience supporting stakeholder teams in their identification of shared objectives and the path toward desired outcomes with respect to compliance, site assessment, and land use.

Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University and a Master of Environmental Resource Management from the University of South Carolina. She also holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Converse College.

Karen Rose

Compliance and Permitting Group Leader

Karen has more than 20 years of professional experience consulting for mining companies, financial institutions, and law firms, and subcontracting for other consulting firms. She has applied her expertise in the design, construction, mitigation, and reclamation of mining sites. She has experience in CWA 401, 402, and 404 permitting; hydrologic/sedimentologic analysis and design; environmental site analysis and studies; slope stability; stream analysis and restoration plans; and reserve calculations.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Kentucky. She is Rosgen Level IV certified. Karen is a professional member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration and is the past chair of the Minerals Education Coalition. She is active in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio mining associations and serves on several environmental committees.