Throughout GAI’s nearly 70-year history, our firm’s reputation, success, and growth have been driven by an exceptionally talented pool of multidiscipline professionals. Today, we highlight those employees who reached milestone service anniversaries in 2024. With company tenures spanning from 5 to 50 years, these valued employees offer their personal views of the GAI career experience—we invite you to enjoy these insights and join us in celebrating GAI’s most valuable assets: our people.
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50 Years
Congratulations to GAI staff who celebrated 50 years of service in 2024!
Employees who reached this milestone include Bob Turka, Bob Houston Jr, and Khalid Khilji.
Bob Houston Jr, Environmental Director
“One word always comes to mind when I think of my 50 years at GAI – Great! Great coworkers, great projects, great clients, great challenges, and great opportunity to be part of helping to build a first-rate organization that provides great futures to wonderful, talented people and serves critical needs of our society.”
Khalid Khilji, Senior Project (Technical) Specialist
“I joined GAI Consultants in 1974, and 50 years later, I am still working! In 1974, I could never imagine that this would be my only job in America. The main reason for my successful career was the timely coaching and guidance of Dr. Tony Digioia and Dr. Jerry Thiers. Dr. Thiers would always say that an engineer does not have to remember everything engineering related as long as he knows where to find the solution to any problem.
Over my 50 years at GAI, I worked on projects including design and construction monitoring of an ash disposal site with a synthetic liner, which received an environmental agency award of the year in recognition of being the first site to implement a synthetic liner. In 1977-78, the Electric Power Research Institute gave GAI a research project to create a design manual for the design of a single-pole foundation for transmission lines. We conducted full-scale load tests on a caisson foundation in the jurisdiction of each participating utility, which gave me opportunities to travel all over the United States to conduct many tests, from Seattle to San Diego and from Maine to Miami. Funny story, during a load test in Portland, Oregon, Mount Saint Helens blew her top and volcanic ash started falling on the test site and workers. I was very scared to not be like a resident of the City of Pompeii, but I got out of there just fine. And as a souvenir, I still have the sample of volcanic ash from my test site to remind me that engineers are built tough! Incidentally, power transmission lines being upgraded all over United States with single-pole structures instead of lattice tower structures that require wider rights-of-way and more real estate was an engineering innovation that happened during my tenure at GAI, and these single-pole structures are standing on foundations that were designed by GAI staff. So, if you see a single-pole structure in a transmission line, take a second to appreciate the innovations that GAI helped with in the powering of America.
In the 2000s, Westinghouse Corporation had a contract for the design and construction monitoring of nuclear power plants in the USA and China with a price tag of $5B to $6B dollars each. Westinghouse was slipping behind in schedule of their deliveries, and I was contacted by them for help with staff augmentation. We started with five engineers and grew to almost 80 engineers, which is a remarkable success and a testament to GAI’s hard work and dedication.
Client maintenance and personal relationship development requires a lot of hard work and persistence. Using all the skills taught to me by Dr. Digioia, I was able to make and maintain friendships with many of my key clients, and during these 50 years, many of my clients (who became some of my closest friends) joined GAI after retiring from their original organizations, which makes me proud.
In my 50 wonderful years at GAI, I have learned this important lesson: if you do a good job within your budget, submit your deliverables on time, and maintain excellent communication with your clients, you will have success and return business. But more importantly, I take pride in saying that these 50 years of service with this American engineering consulting firm were fun-filled and satisfying!”
35 Years
Congratulations to GAI staff who celebrated 35 years of service in 2024!
Employees who reached this milestone include Kevin Bortz, Jim Dillinger, Anthony Morrocco, Ben Resnick, and Sandra Ward.
Kevin M. Bortz, Senior Engineering Manager
“35 years seemed to go by in a blink of an eye. But when you sit and recall what happened in those 35 years, it adds up to a wonderful collection of memories, from all of the personal landmarks that occur in someone’s life, to the field assignments, late nights getting a deliverable ready, and projects both interesting and tedious.
But what makes someone stay here for 35 years? It’s the relationships and bonds that develop over those years with colleagues past and present. And in this era of distance work made possible by amazing improvements in telecommunication (when I started, we didn’t even have email), make sure to develop those relationships, because that’s what I’ll remember. From softball games to wallyball, happy hours, concerts, dinners, and general after-hours mischief, that’s how the bonds are forged that create a team, and that’s what has made these 35 years special.”
Anthony Morrocco, President
“I am proud of my service to GAI for 35 years. I worked on many types of projects, including several high-profile projects. If I were to pick a project that I am most proud of, it would be my contribution to PNC Park, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. I had the honor of serving as the project manager for surveying and civil engineering design. The project had a very aggressive schedule, which led to many long nights for my team and me, but the project was delivered on time, on budget, and is one of the most noteworthy ballparks in the country.
Also, during my time at GAI, I have made some great relationships both internal and external to GAI. I truly have great respect for the staff that I have worked with over the years as well as those I currently work with. So many of our staff have made their careers here, and many of those relationships that I made in the early years of my career at GAI are still dear friends today. Let’s not forget about our customers. When conducting the Client First Lunch & Learns, I constantly remind those attending of the many great friendships that you can build with your clients. I still have great relationships with many of our clients including those that have retired.
As I wind down my career at GAI, I can remember many great moments that still bring a smile to my face. GAI is a great place to work because of the contributions of the staff. GAI staff can always be counted on to be the first to help in a crisis, do whatever it takes to get the job done, do the best job that they can, and put the best face on GAI when representing the company on the outside. All that I can say is THANK YOU!”
30 Years
Congratulations to GAI staff who celebrated 30 years of service in 2024!
Employees who reached this milestone include Scott Burnsworth, Karl Palvisak, Sam Spear, and John Tozzi.
25 Years
Congratulations to GAI staff who celebrated 25 years of service in 2024!
Employees who reached this milestone include Donald Sovey, Randal Thompson, and Scott Voettiner.
20 Years
Congratulations to GAI staff who celebrated 20 years of service in 2024!
Employees who reached this milestone include Darlene Deitrick and Derek Medved.
Darlene Deitrick, Marketing Manager
“20 years. I must’ve started when I was a baby! All joking aside, I am deeply honored to receive this 20-year service award. It has been an incredible journey filled with growth, challenges, and countless memorable moments. I want to express my sincere gratitude to my colleagues and the leadership team for their unwavering support and encouragement. This achievement is a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of everyone here. I look forward to continuing this journey and contributing to our shared success in the years to come. Thank you!”
15 Years
Congratulations to GAI staff who celebrated 15 years of service in 2024!
Employees who reached this milestone include Justin Calligaro, Larry Gendzier, Blaise Genes, Terri Genes, Angela Hood, Leah Jackson, Joseph Johnson, Brandon Kish, Kevin Lairsey, and Bo Qian.
Terri Genes, Project Accountant
“The first thing I would like to say is that 15 years have gone by so fast. They say, “Days are long, but years are fast.” And that is so true. I started with GAI as an Administrative Assistant in 2009, and was hired to help open the new Murrysville office. We had the absolute best group of people in MUR who made work so enjoyable and fun. Even though we now have the privilege of working remotely, we remain an extraordinarily strong group that continues to support each other.
I honestly believe that GAI has been a wonderful place to work. Our Accounting department, where I eventually ended up, has so many caring people.
I am honored to have been here for 15 years to provide my best to the benefit of GAI. I absolutely love the relationships I have built with the project managers that I have had the pleasure to work with. I also would like to include the clients that I have met along the way and continue to know. I will carry these relationships with me forever. Thank you for this honor.”
10 Years
Congratulations to GAI staff who celebrated 10 years of service in 2024!
Employees who reached this milestone include Don Bender, Peg Brenner, Jacob Burns, Jack Carter, Tony Christian, Blake Drury, Shane Fisher, Christopher Fortney, Aaron Gore, Bethany Gregory, Todd Hayne, David Head, Doug Hess, John Klamut, Priya Kudlu, Joe Leachman, Chris Leon, Kevin McAlonen, Andrew McCown, Pat Muenzner, Josh Noble, Devon Oblack, Nick Paouncic, Lars Peterson, Pete Sechler, Ryan Simpson, Lisa Sinclair, Laura Smith, Adam Sordelet, David Stanley, Andre Sutherland, Kevin Tan, Lucas Thompson, Joe Veychek, EJ Werner, Megan Williams, Todd Wilson, and Donald Wishart.
Peg Brenner, Human Resources Director
“It’s amazing how quickly 10 years can go by. I am grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been presented to work with such talented, dedicated people every day, and to learn about the various industries that we serve. I’m also grateful to our team of HR professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to our staff and to the HR initiatives and goals that GAI has set before us, namely, to partner with and walk alongside everyone here as you navigate your careers and work lives. Thank you for your collective support of me and my HR team and for providing us with the opportunities to demonstrate our dedication, our talents, and our expertise in support of GAI. I look forward to many more years together!”
Don Bender, Chief Technology Director
“Over the past decade, I have had the honor of collaborating with an extraordinary team of dedicated and passionate individuals. I am continually inspired by our collective achievements in advancing GAI’s technological capabilities. As we look to the future, I am excited and optimistic about the continued growth and success of GAI.”
Priya Kudlu, Senior Project Environmental Specialist
“For the past decade at GAI, I’ve had the joy of blending my love for GIS mapping with the crucial task of studying bats and their habitats. This adventure has shown me how tech and conservation can work hand-in-wing, creating maps and reports that help protect these amazing creatures. Plus, I’ve tackled the wild ride of field scheduling, which often feels like solving a 4D puzzle with pieces that love to move! I’m thankful for the growth, the challenging projects, and the fantastic team at GAI. Here’s to the next chapter of meaningful work and discovery!”
John Klamut, Engineering Director
“It has been a wonderful 10 years. I’m looking forward to many more years of working on great projects with amazing teammates. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
Kevin Tan, Senior Project Engineer
“It has been my distinct honor to have been part of GAI for altogether a decade now. The culture at GAI is one of integrity and quality in all areas, of which I am proud to be a part. I am grateful to the leadership team for their continued trust and for empowering me to take on new challenges, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. And a special shout-out to the fine folks of the PA Bridge Group: I truly appreciate all of you and for your support and friendship all these years. I look forward to many more years of growth, collaboration, and achievement. Also, to the powers that be, please bring back the vending machines so that I may have a chance to win in slots.”
Devon Oblack, Project Engineer
“I am truly grateful to have reached the milestone of 10 years at GAI. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my family, friends, and esteemed colleagues for their unwavering support and encouragement, which have been instrumental in my professional growth. It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented and dedicated individuals over the past decade. I look forward with great anticipation to the opportunities and challenges that the next 10 years at GAI will bring.”
5 Years
Congratulations to GAI staff who celebrated 5 years of service in 2024!
Employees who reached this milestone include Shawn Bradley, Matthew Brady, Will Brownlee, Jose Caignet, Curt Davis, Jairo Diaz, Ryan Farnum, Matthew Flaherty, Andrew Forest, Charlie Forsythe, Jake Gilmore, Arden Groover, Megan Harris, Anthony Hathcock, Richard Hughes, Kristan Johnsen, Jake Knepper, Andy Levitan, Tanner Lucido, Patrick Magliocchino, Ivan Maranan, Kyle Marsh, Randy Maxwell, Travis Miller, Keith Oropeza, Mariano Paulino, Bradley Pozzi, Hans Priebe, Claudia Ray, Duniesky Sanshez, Christopher Schirmer, Chase Sessions, Pat Shaughnessy, Kyle Shaw, Matt Sickles, Brent Solinsky, Aaron Swickard, Curtis Taylor III, Evelyn Tidlow, Michael Tippit, Kim Troutman, Cameron Walters, Dawn Welsh, Cory White, Staci Wolfe, Brad Young, Aung Zan, and John Zaki.
Shawn Bradley, Senior Technical Administrative Specialist
“I am extremely thankful and appreciative for this service award. It reflects the lasting impact of my contributions and the trust the organization has placed in me. Thank you sincerely for the recognition and for the opportunities I have received over these past five years.”
Chase Sessions, Technical Manager
“I’m truly honored to accept this award and want to thank everyone here at GAI for giving me the opportunity to lead and be led by some amazing individuals. The last 5 years have been filled with great triumphs as well as great challenges and I look forward to continuing the momentum my amazing team has built. I’d like to thank them for all the incredibly hard work they have put into making our group successful and for making those challenging times better knowing you have someone in the trenches with you. Here’s to many more years of opportunity and growth.”
Richard Hughes, GIS Specialist
“During the past 5+ years at GAI I’ve had the opportunity to provide GIS and Developer services to clients and internal teams. It’s been rewarding to be able to provide useful tools and apps that help streamline and simplify day-to-day workflows and enhance our ability to scale while providing reliable and robust solutions. The staff at GAI has been very supportive during all the challenging times and I am glad to have made connections with the people here. The advancements in GIS and Developer software will no doubt bring new challenges and successes, and I look forward to what the future has in store here at GAI.”
