engineering at work for you
Our Team

























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
Wil Taylor – P.E. Vice President, Mechanical Department Head
Mr. Taylor, Vice President and Professional Mechanical Engineer, has been providing Project Management, Mechanical design services and energy utilization studies for almost a decade now. He has experience in energy envelope calculations, life-cycle cost analysis, heating and cooling load calculations, HVAC equipment selections, and conformance analyses for multiple code standards including ASHRAE, IBC, and WBDG Unified Facilities Criteria. Mr. Taylor has design and management experience with projects ranging from commercial, healthcare, and Department of Defense buildings to places of worship. His ability to function as a business and team leader is exceptional and makes him a valuable part of our firm.
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
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
CDFA – Certified Design Firm Administrator.
Society of Design Administrators
Society of Human Resource Management
Hampton Roads Society of Human Resource Management
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
Pete Striffler – Chief Mechanical Engineer, Director of the Board
Mr. Striffler, a now retired Chief Mechanical Engineer, commands over 45 years of professional engineering, project management and department management experience in the A/E industry. With his vast project knowledge he has provided design services for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, provided plumbing design, fire protection engineering, and performed energy utilization studies. These projects have encompassed work in industrial, military, multifamily, schools and fire and safety type projects. He fosters a positive and encouraging work environment and will always be a great colleague and mentor for the team.
Masters of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Bachelors of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Professional Mechanical Engineer, Virginia
Professional Engineer, North Carolina
Professional Engineer, South Carolina
Professional Engineer, Maryland
Professional Engineer, District of Columbia
Professional Engineer, California
Professional Engineer, Florida
Professional Engineer, Pennsylvania
Professional Engineer, Illinois
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (past president)
City of Virginia Beach, Board of Building Code Appeals—Term Expired in 2020 after over 20 years of service
National Society of Professional Engineers
Virginia Society of Professional Engineers
Dyrae Gambrell – Drafting/Production Manager
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
Chris Poffenbarger – BCxP, HFDP, LEED AP BD+C
Director of Commissioning – Senior Mechanical Lead
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
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
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
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)
Jordan Doyle – Electrical Designer
Mr. Doyle, Production Technician, brings over 7 years experience in CAD production, 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
Thomas Mulé – Mechanical Designer
Mr. Mulé, Mechanical Designer, brings over a decade of experience across commercial, industrial, and residential HVAC systems. His diverse skills include work in AutoCAD, Revit, and industry-standard tools such as Trace 700 and Carrier HAP, allowing him to deliver precise load calculations, equipment sizing, and efficient ductwork and piping designs. In addition to his design experience, his time spent as a Comfort Advisor adds a level of field awareness, and client communication that makes Mr. Mulé a versatile contributor and a strong asset to the engineering team.
Associate of Applied Science Engineering, Tidewater Community College
Vanessa Spence – Production Technician
Ms. Spence, Production Technician, brings over 12 years of professional experience with layout and space planning as well as team management. She can provide production and 3D rendering/modeling in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Inventor, CAD Electrical and REVIT. Her attention to detail and great collaboration skills make her valuable production support for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing design teams. By working with our Project Managers, Project Engineers and CAD Manager she prioritizes and creates any drafted documentation needed for associated projects and helps with graphics and sketching using Adobe Photoshop, GIMP and Canva.
Associate of Science in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, ECPI University
Certificate of Completion in Interior Design, New York Institute of Art & Design
Amiir Brinkley – Production Technician
Mr. Brinkley, Production Technician, brings several years of professional experience with electrical design and CAD production. His strengths are rooted in power distribution design, analog/digital circuit design, code compliance, technical documentation and CAD production. His experience spans from government and defense facilities projects to residential infrastructure. Amiir’s production skills include AutoCAD, REVIT, BIM360 and AGi32. This is all accented by a strong background in computer programming and computer networking skills making him an adaptable and detail oriented member of our team.
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, Old Dominion University
Minor in Computer Science, Old Dominion University
Nyisha Artis – Office Manager Construction Administration
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
SERVING YOU
Shaping the Future for over 60 Years
Our firm has cultivated extensive experience throughout our decades providing engineering services as both single projects and term contracts. Our services include design for new, renovated, and converted facilities. We’re renowned for having well established, long-term working relationships with clients, representing a variety of needs and demonstrating quality, professional services and teamwork.

