PETERSEN ENGINEERING - Key Persons


Adrienne Harris

Job Titles:
  • a Mechanical Designer
  • Mechanical Designer
"Petersen Engineering has provided me with the opportunity to grow as both an engineer and a humanitarian. As an emerging professional, I am so excited to be a part of this knowledgeable, kind, and highly skilled team." Adrienne joined Petersen Engineering as a mechanical designer, and has been involved in a wide variety of project types including multifamily residential, healthcare/assisted living, school-to-residential conversions, and mill-to-residential conversions. In addition to her engineering work, she has been instrumental in implementing our social media strategy. Prior to joining the firm, Adrienne studied at the University of New Hampshire, where she focused her senior project on renewable energy. Her passion for energy efficiency and sustainable design is why she decided to join Petersen. Adrienne has completed courses in angel investing and venture research, small business planning and management, and digital imaging technology, and has taken on special projects within the firm to build on these interests. She is also very passionate about volunteering, and has spearheaded Petersen Engineering's recent involvement in the Portsmouth community, in addition to implementing our social media strategy. She looks forward to helping Petersen Engineering establish long lasting relationships with local non-profit organizations.

Andrew Sparrow

Job Titles:
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer
Andrew joined Petersen with twelve years of mechanical engineering and design experience. With an emphasis on multi-family residential, Andrew has worked on a variety of projects including commercial, industrial, laboratory and healthcare all along the east coast. He has a passion for energy efficient and high-performance buildings, solving design challenges and learning new skills. Andrew received a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Massachusetts and is a Certified Passive House Consultant. When Andrew is not at work you will find him

Anthony Ciccotelli

Job Titles:
  • Mechanical Designer
Anthony joined Petersen Engineering in the Fall of 2021. Prior to working here, Anthony worked for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a mechanical engineer for 3 years. He has recently taken up an interest in sustainable design which has led him here. He is looking forward to the various projects he will take part in and the knowledge he will gain. Anthony has a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of New Hampshire. He is currently working to become a Professional Engineer in New Hampshire and the surrounding states. When Anthony is not at work you will find him

Bill Drohan

Job Titles:
  • Senior Electrical Engineer
"At Petersen we take pride in our work and strive to go the extra mile when designing and collaborating. This in conjunction with the emphasis on sustainable and green engineering gives a satisfaction in my work that I have not found elsewhere." Bill began his career as an electrician, where he developed an understanding of electrical design and installations. It was there that he realized his desire to become an engineer. After college he spent eight years working for MEP firms in Boston where he gained is knowledge in large scale building electrical system design and project management, working on multifamily residential projects all along the east coast. As a Senior Electrical Project Enginee r, Bill designs and reviews electrical systems for a variety of projects with a focus on multifamily residential. He enjoys collaborating with architects and other team members to solve problems that arise during the design and construction process. Bill earned his BS in electrical engineering at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He is currently studying for his Engineer-In-Training certification.

Caroline Russell

Job Titles:
  • a Mechanical Designer
  • Mechanical Designer
"Petersen's sustainability mission and the dedicated people who work here are what drew me to the company. I am so fortunate to begin my career in a work environment that is forward-thinking, friendly, and encourages growth." Caroline joined Petersen Engineering as a Mechanical Designer in April of 2022. With an interest in sustainability, she is eager to be a working on a collaborative team that shares similar values. Having taken courses focused on both sustainable practices and design work, she is excited to combine the two in her role at Petersen Engineering. Prior to working at Petersen, Caroline interned for a global safety company that inspected newly constructed buildings. This sparked her interest in building design, leading her to Petersen. Caroline is passionate about community outreach and is looking forward to being a part of Petersen's involvement in the Portsmouth community. Caroline received a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of New Hampshire in May 2022 and is working toward completing the FE exam to become an Engineer-In-Training.

Christine Thomas

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
"I'm excited to join the Petersen Engineering Team to help implement innovative building system design solutions that will result in positive impacts for future generations." Christine's passion for working in a collaborative design environment and interest in innovative building systems solutions led her to Petersen, where she works as a project manager. Prior to that role, she spent more than a decade working in the power generation field, as a mechanical systems design engineer and in regulatory compliance and project management. Christine's diversified experience as an engineer and a project manager allows her to bridge the gap between audiences from varying technical disciplines and levels of expertise. Both in and outside of work, Christine is passionate about connecting with people, taking a data-driven approach, and conquering goals. Christine has a BS in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is a licensed Professional Engineer in New Hampshire.

Daniel Perez

Daniel Perez, CPHC Sustainability & Passive House Consultant "I enjoy being part of a team that values professionalism along with appreciating the breadth of lived experience members bring with them each and every day. This kind of mutual respect goes a long way in enabling us to serve our clients and the communities where we work to the fullest degree." Daniel has been interested in sustainable design since his undergraduate days, having evaluated the feasibility of a then little-known approach known as Passive House for upcoming campus construction projects. His role at Petersen Engineering involves guiding projects through the PHIUS certification process and modeling the energy flows for buildings in the design stage to better understand how they will perform. Prior to joining the team at Petersen, Daniel served two terms as an AmeriCorps member in rural MA and ID engaged in hands-on conservation work maintaining hiking trails on public lands. He spent three years running similar programs in VT and NY before returning to Boston, pursuing opportunities focused on the City's efforts to confront the effects of climate change through resilient and sustainable design. Daniel has a BA in Geosciences from Williams College, an M.Arch from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and is a Certified Passive House Consultant. When Daniel is not at work you will find him Putting on his hiking boots for the next outdoor adventure Up early whipping up a batch of homebrew or bread Not wasting an opportunity to make a great bad pun

Doug Kumph

Doug Kumph, PE, CPHC Senior Manager, Operations "I'm passionate about organizational development and at Petersen Engineering I'm enjoying the opportunity and challenge of growing an organization that is firmly committed to advancing both sustainable organizational growth and engineering practices." Doug started his career in the MEP/FP industry working at Petersen Engineering, then left to work as director of operations for several engineering and commissioning firms, before returning to Petersen. His experience includes operations, business, project and team management, design, and commissioning of building mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Doug received a BS in chemical engineering from the University of New Hampshire and an MS in organizational leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, earning the outstanding student award. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a Certified Passive House Consultant. When Doug is not at work you will find him Being Outdoors Biking, walking, skiing Visiting his two boys

Elena Arca

Job Titles:
  • Mechanical Designer
Elena has been in the building engineering and construction industry for five years - spanning internships, an AmeriCorps program, and full-time work. Prior to joining Petersen, she was designing mechanical and plumbing systems for commercial, retail, laboratory, and manufacturing buildings. She is excited to be part of the Petersen team, working alongside people who are passionate about energy efficiency and sustainability. Elena has a BS in architectural engineering from the University of Texas. She is currently working toward becoming an Engineer-in-Training. When Elena is not at work you will find her

Emily Zakrzewski

Job Titles:
  • Mechanical Designer Northeastern University Co - Op
Emily Zakrzewski Mechanical Designer Northeastern University Co-op "As I am just entering my engineering career, I feel fortunate for the opportunity to grow with Petersen in an evolving industry and be given a voice." When Emily is not at work you will find her At a concert taking photographs for a small music magazine Trialing free work out classes around Boston Thrift shopping and evolving her style

Erica Squillacioti

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer
"I'm excited to be working at Petersen Engineering with a dedicated team to provide clients with well-engineered, sustainable designs." Erica began her engineering career as a mechanical designer working on performance centers, laboratories, dormitories, and public schools, including LEED and Net-Zero project s. She values the importance of collaborating with the entire design team to provide a sustainable mechanical system. At Petersen Engineering she is responsible for overseeing mechanical design, including multi family housing and commercial buildings. Erica received her BS in mechanical engineering from Boston University. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Massachusetts and a LEED-Accredited Professional.

Erin Haye

Job Titles:
  • Office Manager
"I am very excited to be a part of the Petersen Engineering team and look forward to assisting with organization and coordination of a growing firm that is focused on the importance of sustainable design." Erin brings nearly 20 years of organizational experience, ranging in schools from K-12 as well as higher education and many volunteer groups. Erin has a BS from University of New Hampshire. Erin brings nearly 20 years of organizational experience, ranging in schools from K-12 as well as higher education and many volunteer groups. Erin has a BS from University of New Hampshire. When Erin is not at work you will find her

Ernie Needham

Job Titles:
  • Senior Electrical Engineer
  • Professional Engineer in Massachusetts
"It's great to be working with such an innovative team of young professionals. They aren't afraid to challenge the norms." Ernie's career as an electrical engineer in the MEP/FP business has spanned over 40 years. Ernie has experience in a variety of building types including healthcare/hospital, higher education, high-rise buildings, multifamily housing, laboratories, and office buildings. Ernie enjoys working with design team members to produce tightly coordinated documents that exceed clients' expectations. He enjoys the challenge of difficult projects that require finding solutions that are practical and simple, and implementing new and innovative methods into electrical systems. Ernie is a licensed Professional Engineer in Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia. He received a BS in electrical engineering from Tufts University.

James Petersen - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Founder
  • Principal
  • Professional Engineer in Massachusetts
"We work hard and smart for our clients to serve each project's goals and achieve superior outcomes." James began his career in building systems in 1986 and founded Petersen Engineering, Inc. in 1992. He has always had a passion for energy efficiency and is an industry leader in advancing sustainability, high-performance building, and building a zero-carbon future. With his holistic philosophy for the design of buildings James leads and collaborates with project teams to optimize the integration of MEP/FP systems with architecture, sites, building enclosures and building science fundamentals. James is a licensed Professional Engineer in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maine, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. He received a BS in mechanical engineering and a BA in philosophy from the University of New Hampshire. He is also a lifetime member and leader in Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) having served as chair of the board of directors, and co-chair of the Boston Building Energy Conference. From 2020 through 2021, James served as co-chair of the Citizen Response Task Force, a 21-person committee charged with making recommendations to Portsmouth city officials related to COVID-19.

Jonah Israelit

Job Titles:
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer
Jonah's career has included a wide range of building projects from Boston to New York, spanning residential, hospitality, retail, K-12, higher education, office space, manufacturing, healthcare and high-rise. Prior to Petersen Engineering, Jonah worked as a mechanical contractor specializing in HVAC and refrigeration applications. Today Jonah's professional goals are closely aligned with Petersen's mission: "Smart Sustainable Design." He seeks to leverage his experience and perspective to deliver high quality MEP/FP projects for architects, building owners, and facility managers. Jonah is proud to work at a company that is committed to sustainability and better buildings. Jonah graduated from Tufts University with degrees in mechanical engineering and philosophy. He is a registered Professional Engineer in RI, MA, CT and NY, and a Certified Passive House Consultant. He holds licenses as a refrigeration contractor in RI and MA and as a pipefitting and sheet metal contractor in RI. Jonah is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).  When Jonah is not at work you will find him

Kate Haddock

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Kate spent the first three years of her career as a mechanical engineer supporting clean energy generation where she developed her technical and project management skills. She joined Petersen Engineering in 2022 as a project coordinator and looks forward to employing creative problem-solving skills in all aspects of her work. Kate is passionate about clean energy advocacy and enjoys embracing a collaborative approach to attain high efficiency standards, sustainability goals, and the needs of the client. Kate is a first-generation college graduate with a BS in mechanical engineering from Florida Atlantic University. She is working toward becoming a Professional Engineer in the state of New Hampshire. When Kate is not at work you will find her

Keirstan Field

Keirstan worked as an engineer and project manager for a utility company before coming to Petersen. In her role here, she manages a team of eight mechanical and electrical designers, in addition to serving as a mechanical designer herself. Since joining Petersen, she has worked on a wide variety of projects, including assisted living, multifamily, mixed-use commercial/residential (including commercial kitchen work), institutional projects, and tenant fit-outs.

Khushboo Marwala

Job Titles:
  • Manager
  • BIM Manager
Khushboo Marwala BIM Manager "I am excited in bringing my BIM experience to Petersen Engineering and feel very lucky to be a part of a company with such strong core values." Khushboo joined Petersen after working for almost five years in other BIM coordinator roles. At Petersen she focuses on developing BIM standards and overseeing BIM project updates. She enjoys collaborating with the design team and working with architects to overcome any BIM model challenges and believes that clear communication and friendly relationships with coworkers are critical to her ability to support the team. Khushboo earned her bachelor's degree in civil engineering from SCET University in India. When Khushboo is not at work you will find her Playing with her baby boy Painting Binge-watching web series

Maddie Goldberg

Job Titles:
  • Mechanical Designer
"The Petersen Engineering team is dedicated to creating an encouraging and trusting office environment, and it shows in the quality of work we produce. I'm proud to learn something new every single day here, and it's refreshing to work with a firm that values sustainability at its core."

Mark Prendable

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
  • Senior Electrical Engineer
"It doesn't take long to realize what makes Petersen stand out. Our leadership, progressive culture, commitment to sustainable design, and pride in client satisfaction is second to none. I'm excited to be a member of such a great organization." Mark works directly with clients and oversees electrical design work to ensure a product that meets project goals. He enjoys coordinating with the design team and working with contractors to overcome construction challenges. Mark believes having clear communication and creating good relationships with the project team is as important as the engineering design. Prior to coming to Petersen, Mark worked as an associate for an engineering firm for 15 years, where he gained project management and electrical engineering experience in a broad range of markets including multifamily residential, hospitality, healthcare, college universities, commercial, laboratory, and retail. Mark has an AS in electrical engineering technology from Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, and has continued his education with electrical courses at Northeastern University.

Mary Vinagro

Job Titles:
  • Controller
"I am very excited to be a part of the Petersen Engineering team and look forward to helping the company grow. The dedication to smart, sustainable design and customer satisfaction sets us above the competition." Prior to joining Petersen, Mary gained extensive experience as a financial controller in the commercial construction, manufacturing, service and supply industries, in both start-ups and multi-million-dollar entities. Her objectives here at Petersen include streamlining business operations to increase efficiency and promote growth.

Maxwell Hatheway

Job Titles:
  • Electrical Designer
"My excitement continues to grow with all the opportunities Petersen Engineering has given me." Max joined Petersen Engineering the day after his graduation. He was the first new hire for the newly developed Electrical Engineering Department at Petersen Engineering. Prior to his role here, Max interned at a defense contractor where he was exposed to a large-company atmosphere. Here, Max enjoys working alongside the senior electrical engineers, who add to the learning and progression of his career in this industry. He finds the small and close-knit environment beneficial not only to the work atmosphere, but his continuous education as an electrical designer. Max graduated from Merrimack College with a BS in electrical engineering. He is working toward becoming an Engineer-in-Training.

Michael Trickett

Job Titles:
  • Professional Engineer in Massachusetts
  • Senior Manager, Electrical
"The company's reputation for professional friendly service, its sustainable design philosophy and collaborative environment is what drew me to Petersen Engineering and I want to build on those qualities." Michael's career as an electrical engineer and project manager in the MEP/FP business has spanned over 35 years. Michael has experience in a variety of building types including healthcare/hospital, higher education, high-rise buildings, multi-family housing, laboratories and office buildings. Michael brings practical knowledge of the electrical systems and their installations from experience as a field electrician early in his career. Michael thrives on working with design team members to produce tightly coordinated documents that exceed clients' expectations. He enjoys the challenge of difficult projects that require finding solutions that are practical and simple. Michael is a licensed Professional Engineer in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maryland, and Virginia. He received an AS in electrical engineering from Northeastern University and an AAS in applied science from Chamberlayne Jr. College.

Rocky Marcus

Job Titles:
  • Electrical Project Engineer
"The people at PEI are very welcoming and enthusiastic to help. I'm excited to join the team and work together on innovative, sustainable designs." Rocky started his career in electrical design with a firm in Honolulu, working on a wide variety of projects from public and private schools to airports and wastewater, as well as supporting the Honolulu Rail Transit Project. A few months before the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he joined an MEP firm in New York City, a move that was ill-timed but that landed him in the Northeast. At Petersen, he is happy to join a talented team of engineers with a common goal of designing buildings that will reduce our carbon footprint. Rocky has a MS in electrical engineering from University of Colorado at Boulder, and a BA in mathematics from Colorado College. He is currently working toward becoming an Engineer-in-Training.

Sarah Carter

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer
Sarah began her engineering career as a mechanical designer before joining Petersen Engineering. She is committed to smart and sustainable mechanical system design and enjoys the collaboration and coordination between architects, engineers, owners and developers through the integrated design process. At Petersen Engineering she is responsible for overseeing multiple projects from design through construction including multi-family housing, water and wastewater treatment plants, commercial buildings, historic mill conversions and occupied rehabs. Sarah received her BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Vermont. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Virginia, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a Certified Passive House Consultant. When Sarah is not at work you will find her

Taylor Fossey

Job Titles:
  • Designer
"It's an honor to be a part of a well-rounded team focused on energy efficient designs and sustainability, beginning with the end-result in mind. " Taylor joined Petersen Engineering in the Spring of 2021. Prior to realizing the potential to offer in the engineering field, she focused efforts serving and fundraising in underprivileged communities across Massachusetts. Having a great interest in construction & visual arts, Taylor earned a degree in computer aided design. Continuing education is a lifelong goal as Taylor entered an internship focused on Ecological engineering where the interest in sustainability and energy efficiency grew to be a necessity. This led Taylor to join Petersen's ecologically focused mission and sustainable impact on construction in local communities.

Valentina Ribeiro

Job Titles:
  • Electrical Designer