MSA CONSULTING - Key Persons
Arturo Espino, Jr., joined MSA Consulting, Inc. in 1999. He is employed as a Senior Survey Technician in our Survey Department performing a variety of Civil Engineering and Survey drafting and designing tasks. With over a decade of experience, he has contributed to the completion of ALTA Surveys, Final Maps, Records of Survey and Legals and Exhibits. In addition to his commendable design skills, Mr. Espino is also proficient with survey calc's which include curb, water, sewer and building envelopes. Mr. Espino is also involved in creating and reviewing cut sheets. His office skills include the use of AutoCAD Civil 3D.
Mr. Eichenauer joined MSA's Engineering Department in January of 2015 as a Senior Designer after 15 years of experience working on a variety of projects in both the private and public sectors. His experience includes the design of public water and wastewater facilities, industrial and logistics facilities, residential communities, commercial centers, and theme parks. As a Project Manager at MSA he works closely with developers, public agencies, and our design staff to deliver quality engineering that meets the budgets and deadlines of our clients. His extensive experience in both engineering design and navigating the requirements and standards of multiple agencies has played an important role in the successful completion of many projects in both the Coachella Valley and the Inland Empire.
Job Titles:
- Contract Administrator
- Contracts Administrator
In 2016, Bridgette Rowe, graduated from Manchester University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Her attention to detail and organization, effective communication and strong computer skills make Ms. Rowe a perfect fit for her new role as Contract Administrator at MSA. Bridgette's duties include the preparation and revision of proposals and administration of contracts in coordination with Senior Management. During the course of her workday, she tracks authorizations and correspondence, prepares and disseminates information to appropriate employees regarding proposal/contract status, reviews and negotiates certain contract provisions, monitors final contracts for compliance with policies and requirements, and maintains detailed and organized files.
Job Titles:
- Senior Planner / Project Manager
Mr. Brizuela joined MSA's Planning Department at the end of 2015 after intern and contract work with the Engineering and Planning Departments of the City of Hemet. His previous experience includes work for the Cities of Temecula and Perris. As Assistant Planner for MSA, he works closely with clients and Project Managers to ensure a timely submittal and quality entitlement process, while also managing sub-consultant and agency interactions. His other responsibilities include specific plan writing, CEQA document research, and preparing GIS exhibits for presentations and senior staff. Having worked in the public sector for multiple municipal agencies, he understands the importance of a close working relationship between local government, developers, and the public. Mr. Brizuela's work in the public sector includes counter assistance, field work, grant writing, staff report and ordinance writing, participation in development review committees, and presenting at commission and council meetings. With his firm understanding of city government, land use policies, and general plan and zoning regulations, Mr. Brizuela produces quality reports, plans, and exhibits that are both communicative and effective.
Job Titles:
- PROJECT DESIGNER - LANDSCAPE
Job Titles:
- Project Administrator - Landscape
Job Titles:
- Senior Landscape Architect
Jarvis Payne has over 30 years of designing and project managing landscape development projects throughout the West Coast; from residential estate gardens in Northern California; biotech corporate campuses in metropolitan Portland Oregon; new University campuses in Eastern Oregon; to waterfront parks in Sacramento California. Jarvis excels at taking complex projects from initial design concepts, preparing thorough detailed construction documentation and finally overseeing the installation of the successfully completed project. He strives to create distinctive project specific landscapes that reflect unique site conditions and client program needs. Jarvis views Landscape Architecture as the assimilation of exterior ‘architecture' with overlays of subtle artistic brush strokes. The goal being to create exterior spaces that enhance our quality of life. The Coachella Valley lets Jarvis explore his passion for mid-century modern design in architecture, landscape, and interior design. Jarvis likes to explore new food and drink recipes while entertaining friends and family. Joshua Tree offers hiking and thrift shop explorations where Jarvis can recharge his battery and connect with the beauty of the desert.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager - Landscape
Job Titles:
- Senior Environmental Planner / GIS Analyst
Job Titles:
- Director of Production Services
- in 1989 As a CADD Technician
Mr. Baiza joined MSA in 1989 as a CADD Technician. Promoted to Project Resources Manager in 2001 and then to Project Manager in 2007, his responsibilities consist of project management, the supervision of CADD designers and technicians, project scheduling and plan quality control. He has over 27 years of design experience and has managed a variety of unique projects including Trilogy at La Quinta (golf course/active adult residential), Palm Springs Unified School District (elementary school improvements), and The Fellowship Center (specialty care center). Mr. Baiza is closely involved in the hiring of key Engineering staff and works to uphold the accuracy, care and timeliness that MSA is known for.
Job Titles:
- President
- Principal Engineer
Mr. De La Torre, born and raised in the Coachella Valley, attended UCLA and graduated with an Engineering degree in 1983. He has been a Registered Civil Engineer since 1989. He joined MSA in 1995, serving as a Design Engineer and Senior Project Manager for a wide variety of public agency and private development projects. In 2007, Mr. De La Torre became the firm's Vice President and Principal Engineer, serving as a key member of MSA's management team, responsible for day-to-day management of multiple projects along with delivery of designs within time and budget. In April 2018, with over 35-years' experience and a deep understanding of MSA, he became the firm's President responsible for the firm's overall vision, mission, values, and strategic goals.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager
- Senior Designer
Job Titles:
- Vice President / Director of Public Works
Mr. Celedon, born in Indio and raised in Coachella and Thermal, joined MSA Consulting, Inc. in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California. He served as Project Manager with expertise in water and sewer applications for a wide variety of projects including the Valley Sanitary District Requa Interceptor Sewer Alignment project, multiple CVWD water and sewer design and construction projects and Borrego Water District Lift Station. His proven track record of effectively overseeing improvement projects in both the private and public sectors warranted his elevated position of Vice President and Director of Public Works in 2018. Mr. Celedon works collaboratively with MSA staff and clientele, dedicated to achieving strategic plan objectives to improve the overall performance and effectiveness of the firm. In addition to the excellence achieved in his engineering profession, he exemplifies civic-mindedness by serving on the Thermal-Oasis Community Council in Riverside County.
Job Titles:
- Director of Landscape Studio
- Studio Director - Landscape
Mark Lenning joined RGA Landscape Architects, a Design Studio of MSA, in early 2019. Mark's twenty-four years of professional landscape architecture experience ranges from urban infill sites and historically significant neighborhoods to large-scale master planned and golf communities located in the Western and Midwestern U.S., Costa Rica, North Africa, and the Middle East. His passion for design, architecture, and travel complements his ability to lead complex design projects in new and challenging environments. Mark has held principal and managing principal positions for respected design firms throughout California, where his extensive experience in large-scale community development provided valuable insight throughout the planning and design process. Mark studied both business administration and landscape architecture in Southern California and is a member of the Urban Land Institute and Building Industry Association.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- in 1999 As Chief Financial Officer
Michael Oehlbaum joined MSA Consulting in 1999 as Chief Financial Officer. He brought to MSA his prior experience as CFO for several organizations as well as a business owner. Mr. Oehlbaum contributes considerable business knowledge and financial expertise to the firm. His responsibilities include handling all financial matters related to the firm's operation including overall financial planning and management, financial statements, job cost accounting, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Mr. Oehlbaum holds a degree in Business from California State University, Northridge.
Mr. Schreiber, a recent addition to the MSA Consulting, Inc. team, performs utility research, coordination and varied CAD related tasks on behalf of both private and public clientele. His responsibilities include preparation of electronic base plans, design coordination services, utility conflict studies and preparation of cost estimates. Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University of Fullerton and performed graduate work in the field of Restaurant Management at UCLA. To add to his technical skills and proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Photo Top digital templating, Mr. Schreiber uses his knowledge and writing skills freelancing for Examiner.com.
Job Titles:
- Director of Environmental Services
Ms. Witherspoon joined the Planning Department of MSA Consulting in June of 2000. With a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from CA State Polytechnic University, Pomona and a BS in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma, she enhances MSA's ability to help Lead Agencies as well as clients in identification of Environmental challenges and solutions that work. She was instrumental in the formation and management of Environmental Services in 2001 and GIS Services in 2005. She is responsible for all aspects of the firm's environmental planning, including proposals, staffing and the technical integrity of completed documents. In addition, Ms. Witherspoon brings an understanding of the convergence of natural systems, technical research and planning. She is a LEED Accredited Professional, Registered Environmental Property Assessor, Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, Qualified SWPPP Developer/Practitioner and holds a certification in Coachella Valley Fugitive Dust Control from South Coast Air Quality Management District. As Director of Environmental Services and a project manager for the firm, she oversees the preparation of the firm's environmental documents/plans including CEQA Initial Studies and Environmental Impact Reports, NEPA Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements, PM-10 Fugitive Dust Control Plans, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans, Water Quality Management Plans, Water Supply Assessments, Designated Waters Permitting and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. In addition, she provides consultation for various projects which have particularly challenging site assessment issues or environmental constraints. Ms. Witherspoon is an active member in the American Planning Association, the American Public Works Association, and the US Green Building Council.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- Vice President
- Member of the Firm
Since 2012, Mona Oehlbaum has been a vital member of the firm. After initially holding the position of Human Resource Director, Ms. Oehlbaum transitioned into another key role in 2015; that of Director of Operations. She manages the daily practices of the firm, improving operational systems, processes, and policies in support of MSA's mission. She develops solutions to daily procedural challenges and plays an important role in long-term planning, including initiative toward operational excellence. Ms. Oehlbaum successfully increases the effectiveness and efficiency of MSA's services through improvements, coordination and communication.
Job Titles:
- Planner / Project Manager
Nicole Vann joined the Planning Department at MSA Consulting, Inc. in 2004. As Planner for both traditional planning and environmental services, she coordinates all components of the Department. She also works with the Engineering and Survey Departments to coordinate the generation and submittal of closely associated Environmental and Entitlement products. Nicole is involved with projects from Due Diligence to Final Design, playing a vital role in managing resources and documents as well as client, sub-consultant and agency interactions. She assists in the preparation and processing of the firm's Environmental and Planning documents/plans including CEQA and NEPA Analyses, PM-10 Fugitive Dust Mitigation Plans, NPDES Construction and Management Permits, Designated Waters Permitting, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and Specific Plans and LAFCO documents.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Vice President
- Professional Planner
- Vice President / Director of Planning
Mr. DePalatis has worked as a professional planner for over 30 years with a focus on the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley areas of Southern California. He joined MSA Consulting, Inc. in April of 2013 after serving as Planning Director for various major California planning, engineering, and environmental firms and running his own consulting practice in the Coachella Valley during the mid-2000's. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning from Stanford University in 1979. Because Mr. DePalatis has served as a consultant to public agencies and private developers, he understands the needs, goals, and priorities of each. He has managed scores of private development, CEQA/NEPA and municipal planning projects and clients have consistently rated his customer service and product quality as among the highest they have experienced. Mr. DePalatis is AICP certified, a member of the American Planning Association (APA) and the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) and, during his career, has also served as a Planning Commissioner, a board member for the APA California Chapter, Inland Empire Section and a general member of the Building Industry Association. In April of 2018, Mr. DePalatis became a Vice President of the firm.
Job Titles:
- Senior Designer
- Director of Design Services
Mr. Sepulveda joined MSA as a senior designer in 1978 with an Associate of Science degree from West Hills College and previous experience from other professional service firms. He has overseen the design and production of the majority of the MSA production projects over the firm's history. His responsibilities as Director of Design/Senior Project Manager have included engineering design, project management and construction support services for residential developments, resorts, golf courses, community water and wastewater systems, airport expansions, new and remodeled parks, commercial and institutional developments including schools, medical facilities and museums. His extensive knowledge of grading design has played an important role in the implementation of ADA guidelines and compliance within the design and processing of precise grading and street improvement plans prepared by MSA. Mr. Sepulveda's experience also extends to construction support and utility company requirements for residential and commercial land developments, together with the design of water and wastewater treatment facilities, wastewater pumping stations and water supply systems.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Environmental Planner
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Principal
- Chairman of the Board / Principal Advisor
Mr. Smith is a founding principal who established the company in 1976 and became President and sole stockholder in 1997. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at Michigan State University and went on to obtain a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering Science at the California Institute of Technology. He has been a practicing engineer since 1974 working on a variety of civil engineering projects for both private industry and public agencies. He has been the Principal-In-Charge of the planning, design and construction support services for public improvement, infrastructure resort and housing projects throughout Southern California. His firm, MSA Consulting, Inc., has completed over 2,400 projects in Southern California over the past 42 years. After 21 years of service as President of the firm, Mr. Smith has transitioned to Principal Advisor and Chair of the Board, focusing on strategic planning, business development, client relations and growth opportunities for the firm.
Ryan Parkes, having joined MSA in 2005 as an office assistant, has worked his way through the ranks in MSA's Administrative Department. He became the firm's Contract Administrator in 2010, managing all aspects of the firm's proposal and contracting functions. During his role as Contract Administrator, he displayed strengths in office-wide technology and improved systems. His creative thinking ability coupled with his knowledge and proficiency in IT services, communication, and interpersonal skills made him a natural fit for his current role as MSA's Business Operations Specialist. Mr. Parkes works to ensure MSA's seamless business operations, providing technical support and training for computer system users, identification and resolution of operational problems, and maintenance of systems and equipment. In addition, he maintains the firm's website and plays a key role in the marketing aspects of the firm. MSA's creative technical edge, efficiency of systems, and creative image is due in large part to his diligent pursuit of the latest in business solutions and marketing.
Job Titles:
- HR / Operations Assistant
Job Titles:
- Associate PRoject Manager - Landscape
Job Titles:
- Senior Project Designer - Landscape
Job Titles:
- Project Manager
- Landscape Senior Project Manager
- Senior Project Manager - Landscape
Tom Miller is a seasoned project manager with a consistent track record of success in the management of a broad range of landscape architectural projects. He is knowledgeable in project phases and processes with developers, cities and other agencies. He has managed hundreds of projects, several from initiation to closing with project durations ranging from months to years, from custom single-family residences to large, complex multi-family developments. Tom is responsible for project staffs that include Principal designers, drafters, and all management levels. He has a reputation for high quality and on-time delivery in challenging situations. Tom is an excellent problem solver and a strong leader who inspires confidence and trust in others and motivates project staff to perform at high levels to consistently meet project expectations.