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, Virginia
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 Financial Officer
Ms. Stewart, Chief Financial 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 Business Development, 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 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
CURRENT:
S.A.M.E. (Society of American Military Engineers), HR Post, STEM Committee member
VSHE (Virginia Society Healthcare Engineers), HR Co-Chair Planning Committee
HRACRE (Hampton Roads American Commercial Real Estate) Legislative Committee Member
HRACRE ((Hampton Roads American Commercial Real Estate) Local Affairs Co-Chair Committee Member
ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies), Virginia Chapter, Vertical Committee Member
NCHEA (North Carolina Healthcare Engineers Association), Associate Board member
FORMER:
USGBC (H/R Chapter of US Green Building Council), frmr Vice President
HR/UHCA (Hampton Roads Utility Heavy Contractors Association, frmr member
ABC (Associated Builders & Contractors), HR Assoc, frmr member
WID (Women in Defense), HR Chapter, frmr board member
NDIA (National Defense Industrial Association), Virginia Chapter, frmr member
Greater H/R Cape Henry Rotary Club, frmr member
H.E.R. Shelter (Help Emergency Response), frmr board member

Cathy Henderson – Project Manager
Mrs.Henderson, Project Manager, brings over 11 years of Civil Engineering and Project Management experience to the table. She has managed a considerable size project portfolio from initiation to the construction phase illustrating her scheduling, budgeting and strategic skills. Projects included Capital and Operating Plans for the New Jersey Tunnels, Bridges & Terminal & Aviation divisions, Project Engineer for NY Parks Roberto Clemente shoreline revetment design and construction as well as a flood hazard re-evaluation and engineering report for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Post-Fukishima. Cathy also occupies her time with many philanthropic endeavors for the community and Women’s Groups on the east coast.
Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering – Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydrology Degree, Cornell University, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Science Degree, Ocean Engineering, Minor in Mathematics, Texas A&M University, Department of Civil Engineering
Business Essentials Certificate at the University of Virginia, McIntire Business Institute
United Way Leaders Council
Jacob’s Careers Network Office Representative – Green Team Member
Women’s Network

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, Virginia
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
BCxP, HFDP, LEED AP BD+C – 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
Professional Mechanical Engineer, Virginia
USGBC LEED Green Associate
OSHA Certified
U.S. Green Building Council
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Vansant & Gusler, Inc. Board of Directors

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

Dranan Sparks – Electrical Engineer
Mr. Sparks, Electrical Engineer, brings over 25 years experience designing electrical systems ranging from low voltage systems, telecommunications systems, communication distribution systems, exterior electrical, life safety and security systems. Over the years Dranan has functioned as a Senior Electrical Designer, Lead Electrical Designer and Project Manager of multi-discipline projects on the east coast and world wide including contracts with DOD, VA, GSA and BCOM. V&G is happy to have a team member with such tenure and breadth in the industry.
Associate of Applied Science Architectural Technology, John Tyler Community College
LEED-AP
Green Globes Professional
Guiding Principles Compliance Professional

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

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

Richard Bauer – P.E. Professional Electrical Engineer
Richard Bauer, Electrical Engineer, brings over 20 years of engineering experience to our firm. Richard is a licensed electrical engineer who has experience in designing electrical services, electrical distribution, equipment connections, lighting, emergency lighting, renewable energy, standby power, communications and specialty systems. He is well versed in Department of Defense work, as well as industrial and commercial projects. Richard is a lead design engineer and mentors engineers and designers working with him.
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, University of Milwaukee
Professional Electrical Engineer, Virginia
Professional Electrical Engineer, Wisconsin
Professional Electrical Engineer, North Carolina
SAME Hampton Roads Post – 2012 Engineer of the Year

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 – Production Technician
Mr. Neal, Production Technician, brings over 12 years of professional experience with production and 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 – Production Technician
Mr. Collette, Production Technician, brings 10 years of experience in drafting which includes both mechanical and electrical disciplines. 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

Joseph Repinski – Production Department Manager
Joseph, Production Department Manager/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 and initiative, which make him a great leader for our production department.
Associate of Applied Science Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology, Tidewater Community College

Dyrae Gambrell – Production Technician
Mr. Gambrell, Production Technician, has accumulated over 6 years of practical production experience in computer drafting plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire protection drawings. This AutoCAD, REVIT, Inventor and BIM 360 experience has been derived in the government, commercial and medical fields. He has used his progressive thinking, excellent communication skills and great work ethic to develop and modernize drafting standards, drawing libraries and maintain project deadlines. Dyrae is always ready to help and is a valuable asset to any team.
Associate of Applied Science Drafting and Design, ITT Technical Institute

Jordan Doyle – Electrical Designer
Mr. Doyle, Electrical Designer, brings over 7 years experience in CAD production, design consulting and project management. He is knowledgeable in construction standards and optimally efficient in CAD production. Jordan’s personal skills and breadth of knowledge in AutoCAD, Revit and AutoCAD Civil has made him a great mentor and team leader. His attention to detail provides him a keen eye for quality control and project review. His management talents will continue to grow while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Construction Management Engineering Technology.
Associate of Applied Science Architectural Drafting, Norfolk State University
Pursuing Bachelor of Science Construction Management Engineering Technology, Norfolk State University

Wes Logan – Electrical Designer
Mr. Logan, Electrical Designer, brings over 14 years experience in CAD production and electrical design. His experience spans over many notable projects and includes designs for healthcare facilities, realty developments and military projects both domestic and abroad. Wes’s design skills are accompanied with an extensive understanding of today’s current ASHRAE, IECC and LEED requirements as well as specialty equipment, RF Shielding and lighting controls. He is also well practiced in AutoCAD MEP, Revit and Inventor.
Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology, Tidewater Community College
Bachelor of Art in Graphic Design, Norfolk State University

Nyisha Artis – Administrator
Nyisha, Office Administrator, brings 10 years experience in administrative, professional and client support. She is a highly motivated professional with a wide range of skills including preparation of bid proposals, contract management, accounting and budget functions and outstanding customer service. Her business administration acumen combined with her positive attitude and attention to detail provides valuable in-house and client support for the firm.
Tidewater Community College pursuing Associate of Science in Business Administration
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.