ALTA SOUTHWEST - Key Persons
Meet Ashly, an exceptional business manager with a passion for fostering a collaborative work environment, empowering teams, and optimizing processes. Outside the office, Ashly finds solace and inspiration in camping adventures and outdoor escapades with her two daughters. Her commitment to family values and nature extends into Ashly's leadership style, fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes work-life balance, sustainable practices, and supports the diverse needs of the team.
Meet Ashly, a business manager with a passion for fostering a collaborative work environment, empowering teams, and optimizing processes.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Alta Southwest Management Team
- PARTNER
- SHAREHOLDER
Dan Speck has spent over 40 years in the mining, materials, and testing industries. His experience ranges from mine site engineering to executive management of a business nearing $1B in revenue with over 3000 employees. Dan has served on numerous industry boards over the years such as National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, American Coal Council, and as Chairman and Life Director of the Arizona Rock Products Association. Dan worked for the Kiewit Companies for over 30 years in various executive positions which included developing a top tier construction materials company through growth and acquisition. On his free time Dan likes to spend his time with Family or on trips with his Jeep club.
Dan Speck has spent over 40 years in the mining, materials, and testing industries ranging from mine site engineering to executive management
Job Titles:
- Member of the Alta Southwest Management Team
- PARTNER
- SHAREHOLDER
Currently, Dan is a Shareholder at Alta Arizona, which he co-founded with Dan Speck. Dan's role at Alta includes strategic planning, CAPEX, and helping the company with operational excellence, customer, and employee engagement and high-level oversight of companies' financial performance Since the formation, Alta is now one of largest Civil/Geo Tech/ Environmental companies based in Arizona. Dan seeks out new partnerships, as he is responsible for spearheading initiatives to exceed customer expectations. Dan also served as Project Lead for solid waste feasibility studies and landfill development projects. Prior to forming Alta Arizona, Dan served as Area Vice President for Waste Management, where he held responsibility for all operations in Arizona and New Mexico, averaging $500M in annual revenue. Under his guidance, the division underwent a stunning transformation, where he consolidated multiple roll up companies into one highly ranked division and was recognized as the company's top Operating Unit, multiple times. Under Dan's direction, Waste Management appeared often on Phoenix Business Journal's list of "Best Companies to Work For". Dan earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona and is a Registered Professional Engineer in Arizona and California.
Dan is a Shareholder in Alta Arizona, which he co-founded with Dan Speck, Dan's role includes strategic planning & operational excellence.
Job Titles:
- Civil Engineer
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Registered Professional Engineer
- Senior Project Manger
Mr. Pounders is a registered professional engineer and has worked the past 13 years in the civil/environmental engineering field on projects such as civil site design, construction management, environmental permitting, environmental remediation research, landfill design and operation, and Environmental Site Assessments. Mr. Pounders has served numerous clients on engineering projects throughout the United States including construction projects in the solid waste and mining industries. In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Pounders has worked internationally with Engineers Without Borders (EWB) to implement sustainable and meaningful solutions for the people of Ecuador.
With over 13 years in civil and environmental engineering, David has worked on projects involving design, research, and site assessments.
Meet Greg, a seasoned Survey Manager with 39 years of expertise in Southern Arizona's surveying domain. Former owner of Arrow Land Survey for 16 years, Greg's leadership contributed significantly to the region's surveying landscape until ALTA's acquisition in August 2021. Beyond his professional prowess, Greg is an avid hiker and skilled woodworker, finding joy in the diverse landscapes and creative pursuits. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy and reliability, Greg oversees ALTA Arizona's survey/construction staking team, drawing from a wealth of experience in boundary surveys, construction layout staking, as-built data collection, and record drawing production. His unparalleled dedication and expertise make Greg an invaluable asset, ensuring the team's daily management and overall success.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Senior Project Manager
Since moving from North Carolina in 2004, Jamie has worked on various geotechnical design and construction projects throughout the southwestern United States. Jamie earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University with a concentration in Structural & Geotechnical engineering. He serves as a Senior Project Manager and Senior Special Inspector here at Alta. He is involved in Alta projects, including monitoring the timeliness and quality of services being delivered. Jamie maintains a combination of Professional Engineering license in Arizona and various International Code Council Certifications. His project experience includes casinos, hotels, hospitals, power plants, wastewater treatment plants, schools, retail shops, processing plants, tenant improvement projects, apartments, residential homes, and various infrastructure projects including roadway and bridges for with combinations of local, state and federal funding. His broad experience and expertise bring an understanding of unique problems and the ability to find solutions to meet the need of any client. Jamie's commitment to technical project details, commitment to project deadlines, and client communication makes him an integral part of the Alta's management team. Jamie enjoys spending time away from the office with his wife and three children.
Jamie has over 15 years of experience in the geotechnical, construction materials testing and special inspection industry.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Project Manager
With more than 30 years of technical management and leadership experience jeff brings a wide array of knowledge to his clients as a land survey professional. Jeff's scope of practice includes the preparation, review, and sealing of boundary surveys, construction layout staking, As-built data collection, record drawing production and review, as well as machine control setup and quality assurance. Having spent time with both public and private sectors, Jeff is currently responsible for the daily management and overall success of the Alta Arizona Survey/Construction staking team. Jeff is a third generation Surveyor with 2 sons who have embraced their fathers' profession from a young age. Jeff loves to spend time with his wife, sons and grandson.
With over 30 years of management and leadership experience Jeff brings a wide array of knowledge to his clients as a land survey professional.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Environmental Vice President
- Professional Engineer and Environmental Vice President of Alta Environmental
Leanne is a Professional Engineer and the Vice President of Alta Environmental, Safety and Sustainability (Alta ESS). She started her career as a Petroleum Engineer where she worked in the oil fields in Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming and Montana. She even had a short stint offshore. She returned to school to get her master's from Northwestern University in Civil/Environmental Engineering but couldn't resist going back to the oil patch. Prior to Alta, she spent 20 years as the VP of the EH&S teams at various oil and gas companies. When not working, Leanne is either hiking or golfing.
Leanne is a Professional Engineer and Environmental Vice President of Alta Environmental, Safety and Sustainability.
Marissa has over 8 years of experience in the construction materials testing and special inspection industry.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Senior Project Manager
Matt has a master's degree from the University of Arizona in Geotechnical Engineering and has 11 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and project management. Matt currently serves as a Senior Project Manager at our Tucson location. In leading our geotechnical department, Matt ensures our geotechnical and material testing projects are performed with quality and meet project demands. Outside of work Matt leads his family of 4 including his wife, 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. He enjoys serving at his church and community and he hits the gym with regularity.
Matt has 11 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and currently serves as a Senior Project Manager at our Tucson location.
Meet Ashly, a business manager with a passion for fostering a collaborative work environment, empowering teams, and optimizing processes.
Meet Ashly, an exceptional business manager with a passion for fostering a collaborative work environment, empowering teams, and optimizing processes. Outside the office, Ashly finds solace and inspiration in camping adventures and outdoor escapades with her two daughters. Her commitment to family values and nature extends into Ashly's leadership style, fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes work-life balance, sustainable practices, and supports the diverse needs of the team.
Job Titles:
- Independent Board Member
- Independent Board Advisor
Meg is an experienced independent board member with over 25 years of global experience in driving growth and identifying strategic alternatives.
Serving as our Independent Board Advisor, Meg brings over 30 years of experience as a growth and transaction CFO. With a focus on culture and operational efficiency, she actively engages with our Founders, Management Team, the Employee base and our customers. Meg sees every interaction as an opportunity to uplift and serve others. Passionate about college football and her two daughters living in Europe, Meg is always on the move!
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Manager
- Member of the Advisory Board
Miles graduated from ASU in 2004 with a degree in accounting, laying the foundation for his journey in the world of finance and business. His career began as he took on the role of CFO at a mortgage bank, where he honed my skills in financial management and strategy. Later he transitioned into the dynamic field of Human Resources, assuming the position of Director. Outside of the professional realm, he finds solace and joy in the great outdoors. Hiking and cycling have become integral parts of his life, allowing me to connect with nature and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Grilling is not just a culinary endeavor for me, it's a way to unwind and savor the flavors of life. Fueling my adventurous spirit, I am passionate about exploring new cultures and places. This passion led me to spend a transformative year living abroad in Ireland. Balancing the complexities of finance with the simplicity of nature, my journey is a testament to the diverse experiences that shape who I am.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Advisory Board
Nate graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in business management and ecology before earning his master's in business administration at Babson College in Boston. Nate joined Alta after more than 20 years working as a consultant in the field of forensic accounting and crisis business management. His experience across multiple industries and companies ranging from small local businesses to corporations with hundreds of locations across the country and thousands of employees. Nate and his family have deep roots in Arizona and Phoenix. When he is not managing Alta's finances, Nate spends his time rock climbing, backpacking, and exploring the southwest.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Southern Arizona Survey Manager
- Survey Manager
Patricia has over 25 years of professional experience related to land surveying and right-of-way, where she provides leadership, design, research, easement and land acquisition and project management for those disciplines. Patricia holds a Bachelor of Science in Surveying Engineering from Fresno State University and is Licensed in multiple states (AZ, NV, CA, NM). She has been responsible for managing and developing personnel, annual review, office budgets, proposals and business development activities.
Patricia has over twenty-two years of professional experience related to land surveying and right-of-way.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Project Manager
Phil began his land surveying career in 1991. Since that time, he has worked in New York State, Indiana, and the last 19 years in Arizona, providing land survey services of all kinds in both the private and public sector. Phil is responsible for all the mapping duties for our Civil Engineering department which include, but are not limited to, boundary and topographic surveys, lot splits, lot combinations, minor land divisions, UAV/Lidar surveys, ALTA surveys, right of way/easement acquisitions, subdivision plats, legal descriptions, wetland location surveys, solar/wind/power surveys, GIS/GPS control surveys, hydrographic surveys, telecommunication surveys and boundary disputes. He is an expert at performing extensive research, preparing a strategic plan of action, analyzing current and historical field data and preparing professional products of all types. Phil has been with the firm since April 2023. Phil is an avid horseman and volunteers as a committee leader for the Roots n Boots Queen Creek rodeo managing their Pony Express event.
Phil has worked in New York State, Indiana, and the last 19 years in Arizona, providing land survey services in both the private and public sector.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Alta Southwest Management Team
- GEOTECHNICAL PRINCIPAL and DIRECTOR
With over 20 years of dedicated service in the Phoenix area, Sean brings a wealth of experience to our Civil, Geotechnical and Construction Material testing divisions. Sean cherishes moments with his family. Whether spending quality time with his wife, daughter, or his cat, you'll find him creating lasting memories. Sean also enjoys the tranquility of the golf course, where he indulges in his passion for golf during his free time. Sean's commitment to excellence and passion for both his work and personal life make him an invaluable member of our management team.
With over 20 years of dedicated service in the Phoenix area, Sean brings a wealth of experience our Civil and Geotechnical testing divisions.