People

Anika Moore brings a proven track record of success to her leadership roles as Chief People Officer and Director of the Administration Division at GHA. She is a passionate 'Wheel of Fortune' fan, reflecting her knack for solving puzzles and embracing challenges. Her love of trivia nights highlights her collaborative spirit and enjoyment of working together to solve problems.

Arthur Penn is a four-time champion of GHA's highly competitive chili cook-off and serves as President and COO of GHA. With more than 20 years of dedicated service, Arthur's leadership and expertise have been instrumental in driving GHA's growth and success. His ability to combine industry knowledge, strategic vision, and management skills ensures GHA's continued excellence.

Brian Wesolowski began his journey at GHA as an intern in 2007, moving to a full-time position in 2010. His love for culinary exploration reflects the creativity and precision he brings to his work. Just as a chef carefully crafts each dish, Brian applies the same dedication and attention to detail in his site design services.

Carissa Smith has been with GHA since 2003, interning for three years before joining full-time. A graduate of Purdue University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, she later earned her MBA in 2015. From 2006 to 2016, Carissa led GHA's Summer Internship Program. A lifelong soccer player, her love for the game reflects her approach to work—focused, collaborative, and goal-oriented.

Dan Brinkman has been at GHA since starting as an intern in 1994 and moving full-time in 1996, dedicating his career to traffic studies and Phase I transportation planning. He brings attention to detail developed while driving a Zamboni at an ice rink, which demanded careful planning and a steady approach. He holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dan Strahan has built a 20-year career at GHA, starting as an intern in 2001 and growing into his role as Municipal Market Lead, delivering tailored engineering solutions. A graduate of Northwestern University, Dan walked on to the football team during his freshman year, dressing for home games against Michigan's Tom Brady and Purdue's Drew Brees—demonstrating the determination that continues to shape his work.

Darren Monico combines decades of engineering experience with a passion for building stronger communities. His career includes municipal engineering, consulting, and land development. Darren's enthusiasm for running and cycling mirrors his approach to engineering—focused, forward-thinking, and always striving for the next goal.

Dave Marquardt leads GHA's Construction and Survey department with 25 years of hands-on experience. An avid Rolling Stones fan, Dave has attended over 20 concerts in six different states. This passion for artistry is reflected in his work at GHA, where he combines appreciation for artistry and precision to deliver exceptional results on every project.

Donald Dixon has dedicated more than two decades to GHA. His entry into engineering was influenced by his father, a Utility Contractor in South Carolina, who introduced him to construction blueprints. At GHA, his deep-rooted understanding shapes his methodical approach, ensuring each project is executed with precision and innovation.

Donald Matthews began his journey with GHA as a student intern in 1986, advancing to full-time in 1988, and now serves as Vice President and Principal. His expertise in site design and water resources management has helped GHA establish itself as an industry leader. In his free time, Don plays rat hockey, with the same focus and dedication he demonstrates in his work.

Geoff Perry serves as Service Lead for Civil Design at GHA, bringing professional engineering expertise to civil design projects.

George Whitten has been an integral part of GHA since 1987, being among the original seven members of the team. Under his guidance, the CAD standards GHA employs today were developed and refined. A member of a 2-time national champion cross-country team in high school and an all-state runner, George's athletic drive elevates GHA's technical methodologies with unmatched precision.

Greg Newton brings more than 11 years of expertise to his role as Director of Geospatial Services at GHA. He has a hidden talent—spending 3 years traveling the country as Ringo in a Beatles tribute production. His passion for geospatial services and unique creative background blend seamlessly, allowing him to provide innovative solutions and valuable insights to clients.

Janet Cherbak serves as Design Lead for Landscape Architecture at GHA, bringing professional expertise in landscape architecture and playground safety inspection to her design projects.

Jarett Giesey started at GHA as an intern in 2007 before joining full-time. He has completed projects in every state between the Appalachians and the Rockies and beyond. Outside of work, Jarett is passionate about cooking and smoking foods—a hobby requiring patience, precision, and careful planning that translates directly into his work at GHA.

Jennifer Beckman serves as Construction Project Manager at GHA, bringing professional engineering expertise to the management and execution of construction projects.

John Briggs serves as Service Lead for Civil Design at GHA, applying professional engineering skills to guide and deliver civil design services for clients.

Jonathan Past acquired his professional licensure in Land Surveying in July 1999. Serving as GHA's Senior Surveyor and Land Survey Services Manager, his attention to detail and experience have significantly elevated the company's land survey services. He has a lifelong involvement with Native American culture as a member of the Ho-Chunk Bear Clan and Heylushka society.

Julie Shiflett serves as an Independent Director on GHA's Board, providing independent oversight and governance to the organization.

Kevin Belgrave serves as Senior Project Manager for Phase II Projects at GHA, bringing professional engineering and traffic operations expertise to the planning and delivery of Phase II transportation projects.

Krystian Powala serves as Director of Water Resources at GHA, leading the water resources practice with professional engineering and certified floodplain management expertise.

Kyle Johnson serves as Market Lead for Government Operations at GHA, applying professional engineering and floodplain management expertise to deliver solutions for government clients.

La'Citia Johnson is a dedicated Senior HR Manager with a passion for supporting employees. She plays a crucial role in fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Outside the office, she indulges her curiosity in true crime podcasts and documentaries. Her ability to dissect complex narratives mirrors her HR approach, which emphasizes thorough understanding to foster fairness and balance.

Leo Morand, Director of Business Development, began at GHA as an intern before moving full-time in 2002. His passion for motorsports, specifically NASCAR, mirrors the dynamic and fast-paced environment he manages. Just as a racecar driver navigates twists and turns, Leo guides the Business Development Division with finesse, ensuring every project is handled with integrity and attention to detail.

Lucas Deferville, Assistant Director of Construction & Survey Services, has been a valued team member since 2000, starting as a high school intern and becoming full-time in 2005. Outside of work, Lucas is passionate about lawn care and gardening, meticulously tracking plant care with an Excel spreadsheet—reflecting the precision and care he brings to his work at GHA.

Mark Hamilton serves as Service Lead for Land Surveying at GHA, bringing professional land surveying expertise to guide and deliver surveying services for a wide range of projects.

Matt Turk brings his passion to GHA as Director of Transportation Services. Beyond engineering, Matt has honed his craft in pie baking—for over a decade participating in countless contests and perfecting his crimping techniques. His dedication extends to GHA, where he applies the same precision and creativity to deliver exceptional results in transportation services.

Mei Zhu has been an integral part of GHA for more than two decades. With master's degrees from both China and Louisiana State University, she is a respected leader in water resource engineering. Active in her local school district's Chinese community, Mei organizes annual cultural events. Her personal travels spanning 38 states and 30 national parks parallel her professional journey of exploring new terrains and pioneering solutions.

Michael Grinnell brings more than two decades of management experience in the public works sector to his role as Director of Public Works Operations. A skilled woodworker, Michael's dedication to his craft reflects the same commitment and precision he brings to GHA. When not devising innovative solutions or woodworking, he's often found fishing with his grandkids.

Michael McFarlin joined GHA in 2023 and brings a wealth of marketing and communication skills to the firm. He credits his best and most creative ideas to his kids, who always bring a fun and fresh way of seeing the world. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and playing from his extensive collection of board games.

Mike Orlandino joined GHA in June 2024 as Controller, bringing a strong background in accounting and finance. A lifelong sports enthusiast, his experience playing and coaching sports has shaped his approach to work—valuing strategy, teamwork, and focus. Whether scorekeeping for his daughter's teams or coaching his son's soccer, the same attention to detail is reflected in his role at GHA.

Michael Warner joined GHA in January 2021, bringing 36 years of experience including serving as Executive Director of the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission. Outside of work, Michael's passion for skiing is a reflection of his approach to new challenges—having skied at 47 resorts worldwide, he attacks moguls with the same fearless enthusiasm he brings to professional pursuits.

Nataliia Dushkevych earned her Bachelor's in Finance & Banking in Kyiv, Ukraine, before earning a Master's in Accounting from Chicago's Keller Graduate School. Just as she fluently transitions between English, Ukrainian, and Polish, Nataliia adeptly steers GHA through its financial operations. The balance she achieves in yoga mirrors her precision in balancing GHA's books.

Rinku Patel serves as an Independent Director on GHA's Board, providing independent oversight and governance expertise to the organization.

Ross Haseman joined GHA as an intern in 2006, starting full-time in 2010, and has focused on improving traffic flow as Senior Signal Systems Engineer. With a master's degree in Transportation Engineering from Purdue University, he approaches signal design with the same mindset he brings to hiking and backpacking—careful planning, attention to detail, and an eye for reaching destinations efficiently.

Todd Gordon began his journey with GHA as a Municipal Engineer in January 2000 and has since risen to CEO. An avid basketball player with a lifelong love for the game, Todd's drive on the court mirrors his professional trajectory. This passion has shaped his competitive nature and strategic thinking, leading GHA to continued success and recognition in the industry.

Tom Rychlik brings 28 years of experience in municipal, park district, commercial, and residential projects to his role as Market Lead for Recreation. A fan of gaming, sailing, and creative hobbies, Tom approaches projects with the same planning and problem-solving skills he enjoys outside the office. He earned a civil engineering degree from Iowa State University and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.