engineering at work for you
Our Team
Vansant & Gusler believes that maximizing our client services begins with support of our staff’s personal growth, development and success. This core value is demonstrated in many ways including; open and honest communication, encouraging healthy work/life balance, continuing personal education, mutual respect, support of personal goals and positive recognition.
Our staff includes 20 employees, six registered Professional Engineers and Engineers in Training.


























Tad Sellers – P.E. President, Electrical Department Head
Mr. Sellers, President and Chief Electrical Engineer, brings over 27 years professional service in providing design of electrical systems including overhead and underground power, interior and exterior power and lighting, data and voice communications, fire alarm, security, emergency power systems and grounding. Major design pro‐ jects include communications and electronic facilities, schools, office buildings, multi‐family housing, emergency power systems and electrical distribution systems. He is familiar with projects requiring conformance to various state and local codes and federal government criteria.
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Duke University
Professional Electrical Engineer
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
National Society of Professional Engineers
Virginia Society of Professional Engineers

Pete Striffler – P.E. Vice President, Mechanical Department Head
Mr. Striffler, Chief Mechanical Engineer and Corporate Secretary, brings over 45 years of professional experience providing design services for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, provides plumbing design, and fire protection engineering, and performs energy utilization studies. He began his career at Shell Oil Company in Norco, LA. He has been providing design services since the early 1990’s throughout Hampton Roads and along the East Coast. Projects include planning studies, preparation of construction documents, and construction consultation.
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech
Master of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech
OSHA Certified
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Past president of the Hampton Roads Chapter of ASHRAE
Society of American Military Engineers
National Society of Professional Engineers
Virginia Society of Professional Engineers

Molly Stewart – Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Stewart, Chief Operating Officer, brings over 18 years of administrative and professional experience to the A/E industry. She provides design and construction administration support. She is experienced in both the SpecsIntact and Masterspec specification programs. Molly is the Corporate Treasurer and manages the corporate finances, as well as human resources.
Master of Business Administration; Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Arts (Liberal Arts Management Program); Virginia Wesleyan College
Society of Design Administrators
Society of Human Resource Management
Hampton Roads Society of Human Resource Management
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce

Dawn Best – Director of Business Development and Corporate Communications
Ms. Best, Director of Sales and Marketing, brings almost 25 years of Sales, Marketing and Management experience to our team. Most of her career has been primarily in Strategic business development, private consulting, and senior management executive encompassing the pursuit and execution of IDIQ, RFP, RFQ, P3, A/E and G/C design bid/build, LEED, life cycle delivery methods, auditing industry legislation (state/federal), industry/construction technology, and their environmental impacts. Her diversity and comprehensive tenure in the industry make her a valuable asset.
Double Master Degree, Regent University in Leadership/Strategic Planning, and MPA (Public Administration)
Bachelor’s Degree, Strategic Leadership, Regent University
Associates Degree, Paralegal pre-law Tidewater Community College
Certified Legal Assistant, Virginia Western Community College
USGBC (H/R Chapter of US Green Building Council), current Vice President
S.A.M.E. (Society of American Military Engineers), Hampton Roads Chapter, member
HR/UHCA (Hampton Roads Utility Heavy Contractors Association, member
ABC (Associated Builders & Contractors), Hampton Roads Chapter, member
WID (Women in Defense), Hampton Roads Chapter, former board member
NDIA (National Defense Industrial Association), Virginia Chapter, member
Greater H/R Cape Henry Rotary Club, former member
H.E.R. Shelter (Help Emergency Response), board member

Pasquale DeMartino – P.E. Professional Mechanical Engineer
Mr. DeMartino, Mechanical Engineer, brings over 40 years of professional mechanical engineering/design experience in design/build, new construction, renovations, repairs, and additions to various facility types including Federal, State, and Municipal projects. He is familiar with HVAC systems and system controls, including LEED systems; VAV; geothermal; VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) systems; heat pumps; chilled water systems; hot water systems; primary-secondary pumping; variable flow pumping; enthalpy wheels; air to air energy recovery; high temperature hot water and steam systems; LEED systems compliance; DDC systems; energy management through demand control ventilation; occupancy sensors; and CO2 monitoring.
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Old Dominion University
Professional Mechanical Engineer
OSHA Certified
LEED Accredited Professional BD + C
American Society of Healthcare Engineers
Virginia Society of Healthcare Engineers
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers

Chris Poffenbarger LEED AP BD+C, HFDP- Mechanical Engineer
Mr. Poffenbarger, Mechanical Engineer, brings over 24 years of professional experience with over half of those years as an employee with our firm. His expertise covers all phases of mechanical consulting engineering, including design, energy analyses, life cycle costing, problem-solving and report preparation. He is accustomed to a wide variety of project types, including healthcare facilities, educational facilities, industrial facilities, central plants, and office buildings. He is highly skilled in the analysis of indoor air quality issues, investigative and remedial engineering and HVAC system commissioning.
Associates of Applied Science in Mechanical Technology, Tidewater Community College
Healthcare Design Professional
Building Commissioning Professional
OSHA Certified
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Virginia Society of Healthcare Engineers American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers
United States Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional
Building Commissioning Professional

Wil Taylor – P.E. Professional Mechanical Engineer
Mr. Taylor, Mechanical Engineer, brings 5 years of professional design services for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems and performs energy utilization studies. He has experience in energy envelope calculations, heating and cooling load calculations, HVAC equipment selections, and conformance analyses for ASHRAE minimum ventilation requirements. Mr. Taylor has experience with projects ranging from commercial, municipal, and Department of Defense buildings to places of worship.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Baylor University
USGBC LEED Green Associate
OSHA Certified
U.S. Green Building Council
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Jonathan Woodruff, LC – Electrical Engineer
Mr. Woodruff, Electrical Engineer, brings over 25 years of professional design services for new and renovated electrical systems including power, lighting, fire detection, communications, intrusion detection, emergency systems, lighting protection, specialized systems and more. His breadth of experience traverses federal, municipal, commercial, educational, hospitality, church, residential and healthcare applications. Jonathan possess extensive knowledge of leading industry codes and standards and is adept at most phases of the entire construction/administration process including RFP’s, MasterSpec, fieldwork, team leadership and quality assurance.
NCQLP Lighting Certified Professional
Old Dominion University
Associate of Applied Science Electrical Engineering :The Discipline of Electrical Engineering; Tidewater Community College
Lighting Certified Professional
IES Tidewater Section 133 Board member 2009-2017; 2019-Present
IES Tidewater Section 133 Secretary 2009-2010
IES Tidewater Section 133 Vice-President 2010-2012
IES Tidewater Section 133 President, 2012-2015
IES South Region District 3 Vice-Chair 2014-2015
IES South Region District 3 Chair 2015-2017

Penn Lima – Electrical Engineer
Penn, Electrical Engineer, brings more than 27 years of diversified experience in the field of Engineering with an extensive experience and knowledge in Electrical Works for Buildings and other infrastructure projects. Her experience spans Design & Supervision for Lighting and Power system design, Low-current & ELV systems (Fire Alarm, CCTV, Public Address, Telephone/Data), Load Schedule Distribution & load balancing for Panel board and Switchgear including Main Feeder wires, electrical and mechanical load calculations and estimating. Penn’s talents extend into the testing and commissioning of building electrical systems as well as the technical reporting and documentation that goes along with it.
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Technological Institute of the Philippines – Manila
Master in Public Administration, Manuel L. Quezon University – Manila
OSHA 10 Certified
Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Inc.

Andrew Ngibuini – Electrical Engineer
Andrew, Electrical Engineer, brings almost 6 years of professional experience in the field of Engineering. He utilizes his great communication and his project management skills to prioritize task and provide quality assurances and compliances on projects. He is skilled in electrical design calculations including electrical distribution. Andrew is versed in the electrical codes and standards as well as a very proficient draftsperson using AutoCAD. His time management and organizational skills give him the the ability to manage multiple projects and work well with teams.
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Minor in Engineering Management, Old Dominion University
Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology Certificate, Tidewater Community College
Certificate of Completion, MATLAB Fundamentals
Illuminating Engineering Society

Jonathan Soares – Plumbing Engineer
Mr. Soares, Plumbing Engineer, brings 25 years of experience in plumbing system design including domestic water piping, sanitary piping, medical gas, lab gas piping and LEED certification. Major design projects include office buildings, schools, science buildings, repair shops, and hospitals. Familiar with projects requiring conformance to various state and local codes and federal government criteria.
OSHA 10 Certified

Jack Franklin – E.I.T. Mechanical Engineer
Mr. Franklin, Mechanical Engineer, brings 2 years experience in HVAC load calculations, duct sizing, equipment selections, estimating and specifications. Mr. Franklin previously worked as a manufacturer’s rep and assisted mechanical contractors and engineers in the application of mechanical equipment for construction projects. And he worked as a licensed Class 3 HVAC Technician during his senior year in college. These insights help provide more project solution options and better overall designs.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, West Virginia University
Mechanical Engineer In Training
Eagle Scout
U.S. Green Building Council
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
American Society of Professional Engineers (ASPE)

Charlie Harrelson, Jr. – E.I.T. Mechanical Engineer
Mr. Harrelson, Mechanical Engineer, brings 3 years experience with HVAC and Plumbing design on government projects. His design experience combined with his natural leadership and entreprenurial skills have provided Charlie the tools to thrive in the industry. He is proficient in ductwork and pipe sizing and layouts, airflow calculations, As-Builts of completed projects and overall customer service. He is certified in AutoCAD and has experience in Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Inventor.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Old Dominion University
Mechanical Engineer In Training
Associate of Science in General Engineering, Tidewater Community College
Certified Plumbing Design Technician
AutoCAD 2015 and Autodesk Inventor 2015 Certified
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
American Society of Professional Engineers (ASPE)

Anthony Neal – Electrical Designer
Mr. Neal, Electrical Designer, brings over 12 years of professional experience with design of electrical systems including interior and exterior power and lighting with lighting point by point calculations, data and voice communications and some design of fire alarm, security, emergency power systems. Mr. Neal also works with our Project Managers, Project Engineers and CAD Manager to manage and create all drafted documentation associated with projects. including gathering project requirements, preliminary and final design, procurement and As-Builts of equipment and materials, project monitoring and control.

Brian Collette – Mechanical Drafter
Mr. Collette, Mechanical Drafter, brings 10 years of experience in electrical distribution system design, civil project design and extensive production in 2D and 3D drafting tools including AutoCAD, ArcGIS Mapping and Microstation. Major project experience includes residential and commercial easements and distribution work with Dominion Energy Construction as well as large municipal land and roadway development projects including site plans for cathodic testing and electrode potential. He has also worked alongside state and government agencies including Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Virginia Department of Transportation and the Army Corp of Engineers.
Bachelor of Science Computer Graphic Design & Multi-Media, ECPI University
OSHA Certified

Lamont Hawkins – CAD Technician
Mr. Hawkins, CAD Technician, brings over 4 years experience in electrical and construction/design drafting. Proficient in AUTOCAD and REVIT with project experience including designing meter based solutions for overhead and underground distribution systems, residential easements, field visits, equipment selection and panel board scheduling. Lamont demonstrates his attention to detail when performing quality control checks on drafting as well his ability to communicate well while working side by side with designers and engineers.
Junior pursuing Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering, Old Dominion University
Associate of Applied Science Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology; Specialization: Architectural Drafting and Design, Tidewater Community College

Gerard Torres – Drafter/CAD Designer
Mr. Torres, Drafter/CAD Designer, brings over 11 years experience in using and managing Microstation and more recently Revit 2019 and AutoCad 2019. He comes with a strong knowledge and comfort within structural, civil, commercial, and architectural designs that accompany those softwares. Proficient in setting and maintaining standards and schedules. Gerards diversity and ability to consistently take full ownership of engagements until final resolutions are reached has proven him a timely and top performer in achieving total customer satisfaction.
Associate of Applied Science Drafting Technology; Berks Technical Institute
Associate of Applied Science Architecture, Pontifical Catholic University Dominican Republic
Accredited coursework Liberal Arts, Reading Area Community College

Joseph Repinski – Mechanical Drafter
Joseph, Mechanical Drafter, brings over 10 years experience in the AutoCAD and REVIT drafting realm. He is certified in multiple versions of Autocad and has worked in REVIT since version 2016. His experience even stretches into working with Bluebeam and Navisworks. He has produced contract drawings for a multitude of major projects in Hampton Roads including but not limited to major schools and colleges, area libriaries and a multitude of commercial and military buildings. Joseph has a task driven approach and possesses great communication skills.
Associate of Applied Science Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology, Tidewater Community College

Daniel Rivera – Production Technician
Daniel, Production Technician, brings 15 years of CAD/BIM professional experience to our team. He is proficient in REVIT, AutoCAD and NavisWorks Manage. His skills range from CAD production to training new employees and project teams on these platforms. Throughout his career he has been essential with extensive MEP/Architectural content creation and and managing company standards. Daniel worked to expand his training to include IT based studies. This compliments his CAD/BIM skills and allowed him to become the go to professional for support of these CAD tools as well.
Pursuing Associate of Applied Science Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology, Tidewater Community College
Pursuing Associate of Applied Science Information Systems Technology, Tidewater Community College

Samantha Bryant – Administrator/Marketing Coordinator
Samme, Office Administrator, brings 15 years experience in administrative support in the architectural/engineering industry. Her positive and collaborative work style compliments her wide array of administration, marketing and quality assurance skills including but not limited too working with RFP’s, progressive problem solving, new hires and the onboarding process, updates and maintenance of active client and active projects databases, as well as providing any business operation support her colleagues may need.
Tidewater Community College
Society of Design Administrators
Interested in Joining Our Team?
Become part of Vansant & Gusler’s (V&G) future as we approach our 65th anniversary. Our firm offers opportunities for growth, ownership and a chance to make an impact on the success and improvements of our company. See our current available opportunities here but remember V&G is always accepting resumes so if you are excited about where you see yourself with our firm, please email or call us.