FARNSWORTH GROUP - Key Persons
Bob Kohlhase is like a community's swiss army knife.
He can wear many different hats when it comes to a municipality's public works issues: groundwater, surface water, permitting, utilities, water, wastewater, environmental, funding, development, landfills. And that's just to name a few.
Bob helps communities with all aspects related to infrastructure and planning for its growth and needs. He specializes in the areas of water resources and environmental concerns. He has worked with communities, industries, and individuals throughout Illinois in de velopment of water resources and also actively monitors environmental regulations that affect many of the clients.
Bob Ridgway enjoys working with colleagues and centers his focus on architectural design and client satisfaction. He enjoys unveiling the dreams and aspirations of his clients and making them a reality. He values the true success that comes from the happiness and satisfaction of those he serves.
Bob joined Farnsworth Group in the Spring of 2019 with the acquisition of Design Alliance, Inc., where he served as project architect and as a Principal in the firm. He has 35 + years of experience covering a diverse range of architectural project types. He leads Farnsworth Group's Waukee, Iowa office and uses his creativity to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of each new project.
During his spare time, Bob enjoys anything and everything outdoors. Whether traveling, hiking, Jeep outings, backyard landscaping, golfing, or spending time with family and friends. Bob stays active in the community volunteering his time for local charitable events and religious and academic committees.
Job Titles:
- Principal, Facilities Science & Technology
- Professional Chemical Engineer
Brandon Ekberg likes a little adventure in his life, whether it's hiking or skiing in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains in Utah, canyoneering down a waterfall or slot canyon, playing Forrest Gump like ping pong or dominating newly discovered pickleball. When it comes to project execution, he can be counted on to keep projects running tight and on track.
Brandon is a Professional Chemical Engineer with more than 25 years experience in the design and construction of advanced technology facilities. He serves as Group Leader for Farnsworth Group's Facilities Science & Technology Group (FST), bringing a wealth of process water, wastewater, gas and chemical system design experience. His background, training and certification in Lean Construction - a process that ensures projects are completed better, faster and smarter - is an asset to our project teams.
Brandon earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal, Architecture
It doesn't take long to figure out Caius is from 'across the pond,' but his home is right here in central Illinois.
Caius is a Principal at Farnsworth Group and has been with the firm for more than 20 years. He has a comprehensive background in architectural design.
Through his professional experiences both in England and America, he has served as architectural designer for educational, healthcare, recreational, commercial, public housing, and industrial facilities. Caius has a knack for meeting with clients, listening to their ideas, and sketching out their vision onto paper even as they speak.
Caius' hands-on approach ensures that projects meet the client's expectations at every stage.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Finance and Operations
A competitive accountant? Yes, that's what you find in Chris Payne. His 15 years competing on the volleyball court make him a competitive, team player. He brings that team spirit and individual discipline to his work as Vice President, Finance and Operations.
Chris' finance knowledge transcends the numbers and includes project management. His competitive nature helped him win a place in INSEAD, a transformative education and leadership development program that bills itself as the "Business School for the World." He puts his exceptional talent and international experience to work creating strong project managers and sharing operational best practices at Farnsworth Group.
And while Chris is good with the spreadsheets and numbers, he's not just a finance man; he's also just a really nice guy. He values his family and appreciates the outdoor lifestyle that is Colorado. This weekend, maybe look for him walking his dog at the park, or hanging out with one of his three kiddos and wife. If the weather isn't cooperative, he might be planning his next international travel spree.
Dave Burnison has an eye for design, and an attention to detail that has made him a valued architect and an accomplished artist.
Dave's 35-year career experience has given him well-balanced expertise in the design and management of multi-discipline projects for private and public clients. He has developed the varied skills and flexibility required to meet the needs of both large and small projects.
Dave is manager of architectural services for the Normal, Illinois office. He believes in having a client-centered focus both in his approach to the profession and managing projects. He has cultivated the skills to be well organized and a good listener, the resiliency to successfully work with a full range of personalities and work pressures, and the people skills to bring out the best in fellow team members.
Job Titles:
- Principal, Energy & Utilities
Doug Bonner knows his way around the energy & utilities industry.
He serves as National Strategy Manager for Farnsworth Group's energy & utilities services and has more than 25 years experience in leadership and management. While currently managing multi-discipline teams responsible for the completion of energy & utilities projects, Doug's responsibilities have included all phases of project developing ranging from conceptual through design, implementation and project closeout across a variety of market sectors. Doug draws on a vast background of industry experience gained through valuable time spent in engineering and construction roles, including many years working for operating companies.
Doug earned a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Missouri and Oklahoma. He was twice named to 'Who's Who in Energy' by the St. Louis Business Journal and currently serves on the board of the Riverbend Down Syndrome Association.
Ed Barry has traveled the world.
But he always returns to central Illinois where he is entrenched in his communities and the long-standing client relationships he has developed over the years. Ed's 42-year career as an architect and design professional has included the planning, design, and execution of a diverse variety of building projects throughout the state of Illinois, and further afield. He has worked for both public and private sector clients in the areas of higher education, K-12 education, civic and governmental facilities, commercial and corporate centers, the not-for-profit sector, and healthcare.
As a Farnsworth Group Principal, Ed manages a wide variety of planning, architectural, engineering, and commissioning projects for several of the firm's long-standing clients. He passionately focuses on developing strong and enduring partnerships with these respected clients. When not working with them on new building projects, Ed can be found giving back to these same clients, as well as to the communities where they are located.
Job Titles:
- Principal, Transportation
Eric may not be the biggest star in his family considering he has a daughter who's an aspiring singer/songwriter in Nashville, TN. But he's a star to his clients who appreciate his client-first approach, attention to details, and ability to get things done and provide creative solutions.
Eric has over 25 years experience in transportation systems and bridge planning, design, and construction. His client base includes municipalities, counties, and state departments of transportation. Projects include new corridors, roadway rehabilitation, reconstruction, maintenance work for urban and rural intersections, streets, highways, and bridges, as well as major interstate and tollway systems.
Eric previously served in the Armed Forces and is a Director on the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Illinois State Board.
Job Titles:
- Principal, Transportation
Greg is a Civil Engineer and has more than 25 years' experience in transportation planning, design and construction. He also leads Farnsworth Group's Champaign, IL, office operations and manages the Company's northern Illinois transportation and traffic teams. Greg has extensive experience in project management, multi-agency coordination, public information meetings, roadway design and pavement rehabilitation.
When he's not listening to heavy metal, you can find Greg having fun with his teenage daughter, hitting the links or fishing.
Job Titles:
- Principal, Energy & Utilities
Greg O'Connor is a bit of a fish out of water. As a central Illinois native now based in our St. Louis office, he is one of the few Chicago Cubs fans in an office (and City) full of Cardinal fans.
Greg has more than 25 years of experience in the energy and utilities industry. He serves as a Principal managing the Company's national energy & utilities team. His expertise includes working with clients on transmission pipelines, pumping/compressor stations, and storage facility projects; managing those projects from conceptual through final design, construction, and startup. He is also passionate about Farnsworth Group's safety program and continues to provide leadership to the culture of safety within his team and throughout the company.
Jeff McCombs loves the thrill of a deadline. Harking back to his days in the newspaper business, the daily adrenaline rush of the story deadline still remains nearly 30 years later. While it may not be as prevalent as the 24-hour news cycle, deadlines in the A/E field still offer plenty of excitement for Jeff and his team.
Jeff has more than 25 years' experience in the professional services marketing field and currently serves as Farnsworth Group's Director of Marketing & Communications. Jeff leads the corporate marketing team which spearheads the Company's proposal efforts, interview preparation, graphic design and marketing materials. He develops and implements internal and external communications and media strategies that deliver information and key messages; oversees the company's digital media channels, and corporate brand standards.
One of Jeff's career highlights was serving on the marketing and communications committee of the new Ronald McDonald House in Peoria, IL, a project designed by Farnsworth Group that offers families a place to stay free of charge while their child receives medical care at a local healthcare facility.
John employs his more than 25 years of experience to lead multi-disciplined teams on some of the Company's most complex projects. He leads Farnsworth Group's Normal, IL, Architecture Section with a focus on project management and architectural design. John has been an active participate in the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Institute of Architect, previously serving as President as well as a number of Board positions.
John is active in his community and is a recognized Illinois High School Athletic Association and certified NCAA Swimming and Diving Referee.
Hearing someone reflect on the positive impact a Farnsworth Group project has made on their community, business or organization, or receiving positive feedback about employees 'getting the job done,' evokes tremendous pride and satisfaction for Karen Jensen.
Karen is President & CEO of Farnsworth Group, a position she has held since 2006. She is a registered Professional Engineer, holds an MBA, and has more than 25 years of experience in consulting operations and business management. She has led the growth and expansion of Farnsworth Group into a nationwide full-service engineering, architecture and survey firm, currently ranking No.190 on Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms list.
Karen is passionate about service and is a director on several corporate boards, as well as holding leadership positions with a number of local and national charitable organizations. She is also an outspoken proponent of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculums, and introducing young students to emerging careers in the engineering, architecture and sciences.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Business Development and Marketing
Mike Wolf thrives on helping clients find the best solutions to ensure their projects are tuned up and pitch perfect. It's not surprising given Mike's background as an Electrical Engineer as well as holding a bachelor's degree in Piano Performance.
Mike serves as Vice President, Business Development and Marketing as well as leading Farnsworth Group's Healthcare and Higher Education national programs. His responsibilities include developing national strategies, innovative approaches, and market penetration leveraging Farnsworth Group's full-service capabilities.
He previously served as Director of Farnsworth Group's national Building Commissioning team working with some of the Company's largest and most prestigious clients. He has a background focusing on green building and electrical systems and specializes in reducing costs for clients through building assessment reviews, O&M optimization, and overall asset management. Most recently, Mike earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois.
Job Titles:
- Principal, Civil / Land Assembly
Neil Finlen knows how to turn a seed of an idea into a full-grown construction site.
Neil leads Farnsworth Group's Civil Engineering/Land Development team, a group which helps communities, businesses, and developers launch new initiatives to spur economic growth. Whether it's a new subdivision, retail development, or improvement municipal infrastructure, Neil understands what it takes to get a project from the idea stage to the drawing board and ultimately constructed.
He specializes in leading clients through the site selection/acquisition, funding, regulatory approvals, and tough negotiations needed to get projects off the ground. Throughout his career, Neil has successfully created developments and assisted in the sale of thousands of commercial, industrial, and residential lots including acquisition and more than 1,000 acres and property for development.
He has been involved in a number of organizations including the Bloomington-Normal Transit System; Beyond the Books and Unit 5 Educational Foundations; United Way; Pontiac, IL-Rotary; St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation Board; the Irish Heritage Society, and the Knights of Columbus. Neil is a graduate of the University of Illinois.
Job Titles:
- Principal, Structural Engineering
Paige Hefner began her career with Farnsworth Group in 1996 - as a student intern! Throughout her career, Paige has progressively taken on responsibilities in engineering, project management, client management, and quality control.
Paige oversees Farnsworth Group's Building Structural Engineering services, a nationwide team of nearly 20 professionals that assists clients with structural assessments, modifications, and design for a wide variety of project types. Paige enjoys working at Farnsworth Group because of the great people and the diverse projects.
During her spare time, Paige can be found spending time with family, at her son's sporting events, traveling, or enjoying the great outdoors.
Paul Wheeler joined Farnsworth Group in early 2020 with the acquisition of FWAI Architects, Inc., and manages architectural services for our Springfield, IL office. He has served as project manager and design architect on a multitude of projects in both the public and private sectors. His 30+ years of experience as a registered architect have honed his design sense and given him a wealth of experience to draw from for each new project he takes on.
His focus is on total client satisfaction, and the volume of repeat clients confirms the success of his approach. Numerous satisfied clients in the healthcare, higher education, commercial, and recreation sectors followed Paul and his team from FWAI to Farnsworth Group. As an architectural principal with Farnsworth Group, he continues to create solid relationships with all his clients, cultivating a firm sense of trustworthiness and dependability and assembling the best teams for all their needs.
Paul is active in his community with his local Catholic diocese, and in his free time he enjoys traveling, biking, kayaking, cooking, and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Principal, Energy & Utilities
Growing up in a family of engineers, Ryan Riess always has known the complex world of math and science. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2006.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys. Ryan's children found a love for baseball and roller-hockey, and he and his wife are always cheering them on at their games. The boys also are roller coaster fanatics, putting the Riesses constantly on the hunt for new amusement parks. Some of their recent favorites include Disney World, Dollywood, and Six Flags St. Louis.
Ryan previously worked for a large corporation and says he appreciates the family atmosphere at Farnsworth Group. He also points to our culture of teamwork, demonstrated during a recent dock-line replacement project consisting of a series of above-ground pipe racks spanning roads, railroads, and an Army Corps of Engineers levee. The project required more than 4 years of team effort and gave Ryan valuable insight into managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
Job Titles:
- Principal, Transportation
Ryan is a well-established professional and a Principal at Farnsworth Group with over 20 years of experience in transportation engineering, with wide ranging design and construction experience on urban roads and streets, interstate highways, rural highways, and bike trail projects. His experience includes project management for utility-scale wind energy projects, working with renewable energy companies and local road authorities, and providing civil and transportation design solutions.
Job Titles:
- Engineer
- Principal, Energy & Utilities
Scott Janssen is not your typical engineer. While he rarely goes anywhere without one of his calculators, his true passion lies on the people side of the profession. Scott enjoys listening more than talking and appreciates opportunities to develop relationships with clients and fellow Farnsworth Group employees. Since earning his Civil Engineering degree from Valparaiso University in 1995, Scott's engineering experience has covered a broad range of responsibilities, including flood modeling and floodplain reclamation, civil site design for residential and commercial projects, and managing large, multi-discipline oil and gas pipeline projects. Currently, Scott leads Farnsworth Group's growing Telecom Section.
Scott enjoys traveling with his family, especially to the Snowy Range Mountains in Wyoming and on mission trips in the US and abroad. Scott and his wife love watching their son play baseball and their daughter perform in musical theatre productions, and the whole family partners in refugee tutoring. They lead an adult Sunday School class at their church where Scott serves on the Church Council as the President of the Board of Youth.
Job Titles:
- Civil Engineer
- Principal, Civil / Land Assembly
Ted Barela is a Civil Engineer with over 30 years of experience in land development, design, and construction. He helped start Farnsworth Group's Fort Collins office in 2007 and currently serves as the office's Center Manager, while also overseeing the company's Colorado Land Assembly team. Ted has extensive experience working on both private- and public-sector projects throughout Colorado and Wyoming. He enjoys working on multi-discipline projects and seeing them come to fruition on the construction side.
Ted takes pride in providing responsive and quality service to his long-standing clients. This includes the United States Air Force Academy, a client he has served since 1993. He has designed hundreds of civil sitework, utility, and drainage projects for the Academy during his career. Unique projects have included airfields, dams, reservoirs, utility distribution, and stormwater management.
While not in the office completing projects, Ted can be found spending time with his wife and two daughters on road trips, summer boating, and watching his youngest daughter play soccer for the University of Wyoming!
As a dedicated architect for more than 33 years, Terry has extensive experience in project resource management focusing on commercial development, retail development, and build-to-suit applications. He has been a client manager for more than 20 years and his projects demonstrate his commitment to ensuring client satisfaction. Terry may be one of a small group of architects that has clients from long ago looking him up to ensure he oversees their new projects.
Recent projects that have created a stir include his oversight of the designs for the Jewish Community Centers in Denver and Omaha, Lowry Eating Recovery Center, and his work on the Vehicle Vault Car Museum and Condos. These different projects demonstrate his versatility and ability and to manage a wide variety of project types.
Job Titles:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Director of Farnsworth Group 's Facilities Science & Technology Group
- Principal, Facilities Science & Technology
Tim Kiefer is a Mechanical Engineer who understands how buildings work.
Tim is Director of Farnsworth Group's Facilities Science & Technology Group, a team which focuses on facilities engineering and building commissioning, LEED consulting, and energy efficiency. Tim is a master at blending the science of engineering with effective building operations. His team works with clients to help maximize their investment so that buildings operate at peak performance.
Under his direction, he has further positioned Farnsworth Group as one of the nation's leaders in building commissioning and LEED consulting services. Tim is a graduate of Michigan Technological University and member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC); and has served on the State of Illinois Green Building Advisory Committee on behalf of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers.