Wendel, a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, energy efficiency, and construction management firm, is pleased to announce that the following Western New York employees have been appointed to the position of Associate Principal: George H. Barbari, PE, CEM; Ann E. Casey, RA, LEED AP BD+C; Elizabeth C. Colvin; Ryan C Laninga, EIT; Daniel J. Leonard, AICP and Heather Lewis. This appointment recognizes these professionals for their exemplary leadership and commitment to excellence.
George H. Barbari, PE, CEM is an Energy Engineer with 11 years of experience. His key contributions include sustainable design, data analysis, project management, and financial and economic analysis. He is also responsible for energy auditing and savings calculations, project economics, utility incentive programs, and master planning relating to energy and climate. George produces Comprehensive Energy Audits, Energy Master Plans, and Renewable Energy Feasibility Studies to assist clients with their energy and sustainability goals. George is a is a graduate of University at Buffalo and SUNY Fredonia with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Physics.
Ann E. Casey, RA, LEED AP BD+C is an Architect with 14 years of experience. In her role, Ann leads project teams in developing all aspects of projects and leads field work during construction. Her expertise in commercial interiors and space planning enables her to quickly ascertain clients’ needs and translate them into highly efficient yet beautiful environments. In addition, she manages Wendel’s Buffalo architectural office. Ann received her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Catholic University of America School of Architecture and Planning. She received her Master of Architecture and Master of Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Elizabeth C. Colvin is a Senior Project Manager with 15 years of experience. Her diverse portfolio consists of project management for corporate projects, public transportation projects (intermodals/bus maintenance facilities/BRT), and major capital projects for industrial and municipal clients. Liz’s chief responsibilities include management of day-to-day project tasks, schedule and cost control, change management and managing the activities of diverse project teams, consultants, client teams and their stakeholders. She is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Buffalo Chapter, WNY Urban Land Institute (ULI), and sits on the Executive Steering Committee of the Women’s Leadership Initiative of WNY ULI. Liz received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The State University of New York at Brockport.
Ryan C. Laninga, EIT is a Civil Engineer and Project Manager with 9 years of experience with a specialization in the municipal wastewater sector. Ryan’s background includes planning, design and construction management of wastewater collection and treatment systems. His recent projects include design of wastewater treatment facilities, preliminary treatment, secondary treatment, tertiary treatment, with an emphasis on aeration systems and pumping stations, and the scheduling and administration of construction activities. He is a Director on the Western Chapter New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA), affiliated with the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Ryan received his Civil Engineering degree from Michigan Technological University.
Daniel J. Leonard, AICP is an urban planner and Wendel’s Private Client Sector leader with 15 years of experience. Dan has worked with business leaders and communities throughout Buffalo Niagara and the northeastern United States. His work focuses on private investment, placemaking, economic revitalization, sustainable development and core infrastructure investments that improve capacities and quality of life in our communities. He is a board member of NAIOP Upstate Commercial Real Estate Association, the Buffalo Niagara International Trade Gateway Organization and is active in the American Planning Association. Dan is the recipient of the 2021 Buffalo Business First 40 Under 40 award. He is a proud alumnus of Canisius College (BA, Urban Studies & Political Science) and the University at Buffalo (MS, Urban Studies & Political Science).
Heather Lewis is a Project Manager & Senior GIS Analyst with 14 years of experience. She is a GIS professional with in-depth experience working with municipal and private sector clients to implement and improve their GIS, enhance their data, reporting, and mainstream day-to-day tasks. She is educated in Physical Geography and Geology with experience in GIS Needs Assessment studies, GIS Implementation Planning, GPS field data capture, database management, and computer mapping to support high-quality cartographic map products. Heather has received her Bachelor of Arts in Physical Geography and Watershed Analysis and is currently completing her Master of Science in Great Lakes Ecosystem Science with a Concentration in Geographic Information Systems from Buffalo State College.