Our People

Lucas J. Benedict, L.G., P.G.

Senior Project Manager

Lucas J. Benedict is a Senior Project Manager and Environmental Geologist at Ransom in their Portland, Maine office.

With nearly two decades of experience as an Environmental Professional, Lucas has helped his public- and private-sector customers (planning commissions, municipalities, economic development boards, private developers, and local, state, and federal government) mitigate business environmental risks and navigate environmental challenges throughout the lifecycle of their projects. Through innovation, collaboration, and technology, the relationships he has developed since 2005 have helped his clients positively impact local communities, the economy, and the environment to develop their sites and achieve community revitalization.

Lucas holds a BA in Earth Science from the State University of New York (SUNY) University at Oneonta, and an MS in Geology from SUNY Albany.

He enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, singing, and working with his hands to build, fix, and repair whatever needs attention. He is an ally and advocate and loves to spend time with his family and his many pets (total cat person)!

Bonnie Best

Project Scientist

Bonnie is a Project Scientist in our Portsmouth, New Hampshire office, with over 14 years of experience in environmental consulting.

Bonnie specializes in a wide variety of projects including, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Phase II Limited Subsurface Investigations, Hazardous Building Materials Inventories, Underground Storage Tank Closure Assessments, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Petroleum Fund and MtBE Fund work, preparing and completing quality assurance project plans for U.S. EPA Brownfields sites, and technical report writing. Bonnie is responsible for implementing site investigations using a variety of environmental sampling methodologies. Given her years of experience on a broad range of projects, she provides valuable insight into the planning and implementation of project related field work.

Bonnie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Southern Maine. Having spent years dedicated to raising her family, Bonnie returned to college as an adult, receiving her college degree a year prior to sending her oldest daughter off to college.

When not at work, Bonnie loves spending time with her husband and their family at their camp in western Maine, hunting and fishing with her husband, and traveling somewhere warm for a few weeks in the winter.

Patrick Brown

Associate Project Manager

Patrick is an Associate Project Manager in Ransom’s Portland, Maine office. With over five years of experience in environmental consulting, Patrick supports multi-disciplinary project teams responsible for conducting environmental and geotechnical studies throughout New England. In addition, Patrick helps implement site remediation activities for various municipalities and regional planning commissions under the Brownfields program.

In his career, Patrick has developed relationships with clients in many sectors including manufacturing, private sector trusts and developers, and multiple local, state, and federal agencies.

Patrick has experience conducting and managing Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), underground storage tank removals, groundwater recharge pump tests, geophysical seismic surveys, noise assessments, soil sampling, groundwater monitoring, and air quality evaluations. Patrick has supported various due diligence and regulatory projects throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Patrick graduated from Kutztown University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and minor in Professional Writing.

In his spare time, Patrick enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring the mountains of New England. His favorite hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, skateboarding, and juggling.

Scott Brown, PE, P.L.S., C.M.E.

Assistant Vice President / Technical Leader - Civil Engineering and Site Survey - Mid-Atlantic

Scott is the Office Manager in our Glassboro, New Jersey office. With more than 30 years of experience both in the field and as an owner/manager, Scott joined Ransom in 2020 to head up our second New Jersey location. He is a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor, Certified Municipal Engineer, and a Certified Floodplain Manager in New Jersey.

Scott specializes in all aspects of land development engineering, including residential and commercial site planning, grading, utilities, soil erosion and sediment control, outdoor lighting, stormwater management, septic systems, major and minor subdivisions, construction stake-out, and as-built surveys. He’s also served as an expert witness providing testimony at planning and zoning board meetings throughout New Jersey.

Scott earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Drexel University.

Scott is also a musician in his spare time and has been a guitarist, bassist, and vocalist in several popular South Jersey Bands since the 1980’s. He is currently a member of the “Bilco Band”, playing a variety of music spanning from the 50’s to the early 80’s.

Gregory Casabona, PE, LSRP

Vice President / Technical Leader - Remediation

Greg is a Senior Project Manager in our Hamilton, New Jersey office and has over 28 years of experience in environmental consulting. Greg is a New Jersey Professional Engineer (PE) and Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP).

As Vice President and Senior Project Manager/Engineer, Greg’s responsibilities include the oversight and management of environmental site assessments/audits, remedial investigations/actions, waste characterization/disposal, as well as the preparation of environmental documents for submission to regulatory agencies during all phases of the remedial process. Greg has performed and supervised all aspects of site investigations/remediation in New Jersey and Pennsylvania in accordance with applicable NJDEP, PADEP and USEPA rules, regulations and guidance, such as the Industrial Site and Recovery Act (ISRA), the Technical Requirements for Site Remediation (TRSR), the Administrative Requirements for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites (ARRCS), the Pennsylvania Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act (Act 2) and the Code of Federal Regulations Part 761.

Greg routinely prepares the following documents in accordance with federal and state regulations: Preliminary Assessment Reports, Conceptual Site Models, Site Investigation Reports, Remedial Investigation Reports, Remedial Investigation Workplans, Remedial Action Workplans, Remedial Action Reports, Deed Notices and Self Implementing Plans. Greg’s technical experience includes air sparging/venting, groundwater pumping, slug, and monitoring well packer tests (in conjunction with final data evaluation); contamination delineation (soil and water); geophysical, soil vapor, test pit, vapor intrusion and sensitive receptor surveys; bedrock investigations, ecological evaluations, remedial system design (groundwater pump and treat, soil vapor extraction); monitoring, recovery, sparging, and venting well design/installation; groundwater, soil, and air sample collection in adherence to applicable regulatory protocol, as well as the performance of site investigation/remediation in protective levels B, C, and D.

Greg received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology from The New Jersey Institute of Technology (’95).

During his off hours, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, working around the house and partaking in lazy afternoons down at the Jersey shore.

Ariana Dadyan

Civil Project Engineer

Ariana is a Civil Project Engineer in our Glassboro, New Jersey office. Ariana has two years of industry experience and joined the Ransom team in May 2022.

Ariana works on all aspects of site development plans including site layout design, soil erosion and sediment control, landscaping, lighting, stormwater management design and many more.

Ariana received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rowan University.

In her free time, Ariana enjoys weight lifting, running Spartan races, skiing in the winter and going down the shore in the summer.

Marie DeRice

Accountant

Marie is an Accountant in our Portland, Maine office. She joined Ransom in 2018 with over 20 years of experience in accounting, office management and human resources.

Marie has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Orono.

When not working, Marie enjoys biking, skiing, running, good books and live music.

River Fenton

Project Engineer

River Fenton joined Ransom Consulting in 2023 as a Project Engineer. As a recent graduate, he is now living near and working from our Portland, Maine office.

River just started at Ransom but is expected to assist with environmental project reports such as Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, conceptual site models, and other remedial investigation deliverables. River will also be helping with project fieldwork, such as groundwater sampling, gas monitoring, and site reconnaissance to name a few.

River graduated from Bowdoin College in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and from Dartmouth College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental/Energy Engineering. At Dartmouth, River completed several term projects, including a team capstone project where a wave tank for internal testing was developed for an ocean-based carbon credit/removal company.

Matthew Ferrari

Project Geologist

Matt is a Project Geologist in our Hamilton, New Jersey office. Working as an environmental consultant since 2011, Matt has 18 years of experience with the US Geological Survey as a groundwater hydrologist in Maryland, Delaware, and California. He has also authored or co-authored a number of peer-reviewed publications.

Matt specializes in conducting site and remedial investigations for soil and groundwater, field oversight, data analysis and management, technical report writing, and project management. He’s worked on projects ranging from small gas stations to large petroleum terminals in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Matt received a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Engineering Geology from Drexel University.

When not in the office, Matt enjoys bike riding on the local rail-trails, watching Formula 1 races, checking out craft breweries, homebrewing, and scuba diving.

Ian Fisher

AutoCAD Draftsman / Designer

Ian is an AutoCAD Draftsman and Designer in our Glassboro NJ office and has over 25 years experience in the civil engineering and surveying industry.

His responsibilities include the preparation of all types of civil plans including but not limited to: surveys, minor and major subdivisions, minor and major site plans and variance plans. He has also managed numerous projects of all civil aspects.

Ian received an Associates in Applied Science in 1995.

Ian enjoys spending time with his family, going to the movies and collecting trading cards.

Josh Fletcher

Project Manager

Josh Fletcher is a Project Manager and Environmental Geologist at Ransom in their Portland, Maine office.

Josh has 9 years of experience as an Environmental Professional, Josh has primarily supported private-sector, and federal government clients through design, reporting, and project management efforts. Josh has supported various projects throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, and Florida.

Josh holds a BA in Geology from the University of Maine at Farmington, and a MS in Hydrology and Water Resources from the University of Oklahoma.

He enjoys activities like hiking, camping, and traveling. He is an avid Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan. Ask him about his favorite national park, he has been to 16 and counting! He spends his time with his family and 2 dogs, both rescues!

Kevin Gawason

Program Manager, Regional Client Development

Kevin Gawason is a Program Manager, Regional Client Development working with our New Jersey and New England offices. With over 36 years of technical and business development experience supporting engineering (including site/civil, survey, inspection & testing, and geotechnical) and environmental consulting firms, remediation, construction, water/wastewater pumping, process systems and laboratory services.

Kevin specializes in new client development and building existing relationships to assist clients with meeting their needs and challenges on engineering, environmental, construction, redevelopment, and Brownfields projects. He’s provided services in the Mid-Atlantic from VA to OH and the Northeast including, NJ, PA, NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, and ME. Kevin has worked with law firms, financial institutions, engineering, environmental consulting firms, remediation contractors, developers, property managers, commercial real estate/retail, university, builders/construction management firms, hospitals, public agencies, utilities, and industrial entities. Madison Square Garden, Anheuser-Busch, GAF, Westinghouse Electric, Aker (formerly Kvaerner) Philadelphia Shipyard and The Westchester Mall are notable projects which Kevin is proud to have been involved.

Kevin received a Bachelor of Science in Geology from University of Delaware.

When not at work, Kevin loves spending time with his wife, two boys, and family, going to their family shore house, beaches, boating, fishing, working out and running.

Alicia Hober

Project Engineer

Alicia Hober is a Project Scientist I at Ransom in their Hamilton, New Jersey office.

She is new to working in the Environmental sector but is looking forward to making new connections and helping positively impact local communities as well as the environment.

Alicia holds a BA in Environmental Science and a minor in Geology from Colby College located in Waterville, Maine.

She enjoys many outdoor activities including skiing, biking, running, backpacking, and anything else that allows her to be in nature. She also loves reading, baking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Benjamin Hooks

Project Scientist I

Ben is a Project Scientist I in Portland, Maine, bringing nearly 3 years of experience in environmental consulting to his role.

His previous work primarily focused on oil and chemical spill modeling and GIS-based projects. Ben is new to Ransom and is expected to work on projects such as site reconnaissance, field investigations, hydro-geological assessments, and geospatial based tasks. He has experience utilizing modeling software to assess potential environmental impacts due to marine based oil spills. This technical proficiency will support his involvement in projects that require detailed data analysis and spatial interpretation here at Ransom.

Ben has earned a Bachelor of Marine Biology and a Master of Environmental Science and Management (specializing in Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis) from the University of Rhode Island. He is also in the process of completing a graduate certificate in Hydrology.

In his free time, Ben is usually looking to plan his next backpacking trip or is taking evening rides through the backroads on his motorcycle. His other hobbies include mountain biking, snowboarding, and working on his landscape and nature photography

Jason Jutras, P.G.

Project Geologist II

Jason Jutras, based in our Portsmouth, New Hampshire office, serves as a Project Geologist II.

Jason earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Jason has experience in Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, soil, groundwater, and vapor testing. He has five-years’ experience as a drilling operations manager (Direct Push, Auger), Water Well Treatment Testing, Slug Testing, Sand Migration Pattern Assessment, Geophysics, Plate Tectonics and Structural Geology, Earth History, Planetary Geology and compaction testing and six years of Indoor Air Quality. He is hazardous material trained.

Outside of work Jason enjoys surfing, skiing, hiking and performing Geology Educational Seminars.

Jeffrey Kovach, LSRP

Program Manager - Site Characterization

Jeff is a Program Manager in our Hamilton, New Jersey office. Jeff is a Licensed Site Remediation Professional in New Jersey with over 20 years of experience in environmental consulting.

Jeff specializes in the investigation and remediation of chlorinated solvents using in-situ remedial technologies. He manages projects employing enhanced bioremediation, chemical oxidation, thermal remediation, and soil vapor extraction/air sparging, as well as traditional remedial excavation. He is experienced in performing all aspects of environmental site assessments, site investigations, remedial investigations, and remedial design and implementation. He has extensive experience managing projects conducted pursuant to the provisions of the New Jersey Site Remediation Reform Act, Industrial Site and Recovery Act, Spill Act, Underground Storage of Hazardous Substances Act, and associated regulations. He has worked with a wide range of industrial, commercial, and institutional clients, routinely assisting clients and attorneys in projects involving real estate transactions, risk evaluation, project life-cycle cost analysis, and regulatory compliance.

Jeff has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

Daniel Lawler

Project Manager

Dan is a Project Manager in our Hamilton, New Jersey office and has over eight years experience in the environmental consulting field.

As Project Manager, Dan’s responsibilities include all phases of environmental investigation and remediation from project initiation, field sampling/oversight, report preparation/submission, client, attorney, and other stakeholder interactions, and correspondence with regulatory agencies. Most of Dan’s experience has been associated with projects in New Jersey under the oversight of 11 different LSRPs including those currently on-staff at Ransom.

Dan earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management (2012) and a Master of Science in Forest Resources (2014) from The Pennsylvania State University.

When not at work, Dan enjoys playing recreational basketball and spending time with his wife and their four rescue dogs.

Leah Leite

Project Scientist I

Leah is a Project Scientist in our North Andover, Massachusetts office. She is a recent Graduate with 2 years of experience in Geotechnical and construction related work.

At Ransom, Leah has experience with environmental due diligence having completed Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments for residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Massachusetts. Leah is often tasked with a variety of environmental sampling including surface water, ground water, soil, and air. She also has experience overseeing geotechnical drilling operations, test pits, subgrade/construction observations, and Dig Safe layouts/private utility locates all over MA, NH, VT, and ME.

Leah received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from University Massachusetts Lowell (May 2021). While at UMASS Lowell, Leah was a part of the schools Rowing team where she spent most of her time on the Merrimack River.

When not at work, Leah loves being outdoors, biking, hiking, kayaking/rowing, weightlifting, concerts, and relaxing by the water.

Jessica Lisa-Dick

Project Administrator

Jessica is a Project Administrator in our Hamilton, New Jersey office. Jessica has been with Ransom for over 13 years. She supports Ransom with a wide range of tasks including invoicing, accounts payable and accounts receivable, along with other administrative duties.

When not at work, Jessica loves spending quality time with her husband and two sons.

James Lowery, P.E.

Senior Project Manager

James is a Senior Project Manager and Civil Engineer at Ransom in their Portland, Maine office. James is currently licensed as a Professional Engineer in Maine and Virginia.

With nearly three decades of experience as a Civil and Environmental Engineer, James has primarily supported private-sector and industrial manufacturing clients through design, permitting, reporting, and project management efforts. He is committed to the overall success of his client’s goals and utilizes the skills, knowledge, and experiences he has developed through his career to positively impact the projects he manages.

James holds a BS in Agricultural Engineering and an MS in Biological Systems Engineering, both from Virgina Tech.

He enjoys hiking and camping, working on projects around his home and yard. He prefers to spend as much time as possible listening to music and making bad jokes on his back-porch or around a campfire with family and friends.

Amber MacDonald

Project Administrator

Amber is a Project Administrator in our Portsmouth, NH office with over 20 years of experience in all areas of administration. Amber specializes in assisting technical staff with the project administration side of their projects. She handles the Accounts Receivables, some Accounts Payables and general assistance for multiple offices.

When not at work, Amber loves to spend time with her family and friends, relaxing at the beach and napping.

Nancy Marshall, PE

Senior Project Manager

Nancy is a Senior Project Manager in our North Andover, Massachusetts office. With over 30 years of experience in civil engineering and environmental consulting, Nancy is currently licensed as a Professional Engineer in New Hampshire, New York and Connecticut and was previously licensed in North Carolina, Missouri and Maine.

Nancy specializes in assisting complex sites with permitting and regulatory compliance for stormwater, industrial, remediation and construction discharges, and with developing spill prevention, control, and countermeasure plans under federal and various state regulations. Nancy also routinely manages comprehensive response actions conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan such as initial and comprehensive site assessments, release abatement measures, remedial action plans and feasibility studies, remedial design and implementation, risk characterizations, and activity and use limitations. Representative sites have included petroleum releases in occupied residences or businesses; construction projects with contaminated urban fill; industrial sites with releases of petroleum, metals, chlorinated solvents, polychlorinated biphenyls and/or dioxins. Nancy has also managed numerous projects under the Connecticut Remediation Standard Regulations.

Nancy received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Boston University, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and a Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering from North Carolina State University.

When not at work, Nancy loves being in, on, or by the water; exploring new places; attending concerts and theater; and chilling in the backyard with friends and family.

Ian McGregor

Associate Project Manager

Ian McGregor is an Associate Project Manager based in Providence, RI, with a broad area of experience spanning eight years in the field of environmental consulting with a focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Specializing in various facets of environmental management, Ian’s expertise includes stormwater management, wastewater management, hazardous waste disposal, construction erosion and sediment control, and wastewater management. His proficiency in these areas has enabled him to successfully navigate complex projects, ensuring both environmental stewardship and client satisfaction.

Ian holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Penn State University, providing him with a solid academic foundation to complement his practical experience. His academic background enriches his understanding of environmental issues and informs his approach to project management.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Ian is passionate about a variety of interests and hobbies. An avid gardener, he finds solace in nurturing plant life and promoting green spaces. He also enjoys fishing, hiking, snowboarding, and travel, seeking adventure and exploration in his leisure time.

Michael Moran

President

Mike has 29 years of experience coordinating with clientele to develop site-specific environmental plans to meet their environmental consulting and remediation needs. As President, Mike ensures all client needs are being met. These clients include Fortune 500 companies, real estate developers, industrial manufacturing companies, law firms, municipalities, educational institutions, financial institutions, utility companies, chemical manufacturers, petroleum companies, and solid and hazardous waste facilities.

Mike’s primary responsibilities as President include identifying and acquiring new clientele by developing and implementing a marketing plan directed to specific market segments. Implementation of marketing strategies to reach the market segments includes mailing programs, speaking engagements, attending trade shows, involvement in environmental committees for organizations, and quarterly newsletters.

Mike has an Associate in Business Administration degree from Gloucester County College and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey.

Out of the office, Michael spends most of his time caring for his five children between college, school, and sports. When he has time for himself, he enjoys the outdoors while golfing, camping, fishing, and occasionally beaching. He hopes his future includes more traveling.

Raymond Morgan

Survey Crew Chief

Ray is a Survey Crew Chief in our Glassboro , New Jersey office. With over 40 years of experience in survey and drafting, Ray specializes in AutoCAD and survey for numerous projects and designs. Ray worked at Civalier Engineering and Surveying for over 37 years before it was acquired by Ransom Consulting.

Ray graduated with high honors from Camden County Vocational School which he attended for an education in architecture. He proceeded to Gloucester County College to advance in that field and studied engineering curriculum which led to a career in surveying.

In general, Ray aspires to the outdoor lifestyle and helping others.

Mary Newall

Project Scientist II

Mary is a Project Specialist II and Geologist at Ransom, based in the Portland, Maine office. She has nearly a decade of experience in environmental consulting.

Her career includes significant experience as a Health and Safety Specialist within the biotechnology and steel industries.

Mary is also a proud Navy Veteran, bringing a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and commitment to her work. Mary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Maine at Farmington.

Outside of her professional life, Mary is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Christopher Olsen

Project Scientist

Chris is a Project Scientist in our Hamilton, NJ office and began his career in the environmental consulting industry at Ransom in 2019.

Chris has been involved in a variety of elements of Phase I ESAs and Phase II investigations at a range of properties involving manufacturing, industrial, and commercial facilities. He is primarily involved in Phase I ESA and Phase II field activities, including oversight of subcontractors, sampling of soil, groundwater, and vapor intrusion and systems O&M. Chris is responsible for data management in support of technical reports in relation to soil and groundwater remediation projects.

Chris received a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts (’19).

When not at work, Chris enjoys spending his time creating elaborate scavenger hunts for his two daughters, woodworking, reading, kayaking, and going to the park with his two dogs Scrappy and Marvin.

John Ouellette

Program Manager - Due Diligence - New England Region

John is a Program Manager in our Portsmouth, New Hampshire office and has over 25 years of experience in environmental consulting. He specializes in performing all aspects of Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments. Properties evaluated include undeveloped parcels, small to large commercial and industrial properties, junkyards, metal-salvage/recycling facilities, dry cleaners, former mills and numerous transportation and trucking facilities.

John has managed environmental services for multiple clients while balancing technical requirements, deadlines, budgets, regulations, and client service. His remediation experience includes coordinating, implementing and supervising the identification/delineation/removal of contamination at numerous metal-salvage and landfill facilities; the oversight of soil excavation projects at dozens of state-funded petroleum cleanups; and addressing releases from fuel storage tank systems. John’s depth of experience in environmental due-diligence assessment has made him a valuable client resource for conducting third-party review of due-diligence work products.

John received a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Geography (’87) from Clark University.

Outside of work, John is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf, spending time with his extended family “at the farm” in northern New Hampshire, and hiking with his son and daughter.

Erin Pente

Project Scientist

Erin is a Project Scientist in our Hamilton, New Jersey office. Erin has been in the environmental field since 2006 and became a member of the Ransom team in 2008.

Erin has conducted numerous Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for commercial, institutional, multi-tenant residential properties, as well as industrial facilities across the United States. Erin has also conducted Preliminary Assessments for NJDEP Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA) transactions. Erin reviews and manages environmental documents and historical records for these assessments as well as for litigation support projects. In addition, Erin maintains responsibility for data management and preparation of technical reports documenting soil and groundwater investigation and remediation projects.

Erin received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Albright College (‘05).

When not at work, Erin enjoys traveling with her family.

Brian Pettingill, P.G.

Principal / Vice President / Technical Leader - Real Estate

Brian is the Office Manager in our Providence, Rhode Island and North Andover, Massachusetts offices. With over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting, Brian is licensed as a Professional Geologist in New York and Indiana.

Brian specializes in performing all aspects of Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments, site characterizations, remedial investigations, remedial design and implementation, underground and above ground storage tank management, and vapor intrusion investigations and mitigation for private sector clients. He currently serves as client manager for national retail and pharmacy clients, managing their environmental liability during acquisition and development by performing site investigation, characterization and remediation of contaminated commercial, industrial and residential sites throughout New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He is very familiar with regulatory guidelines and requirements in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maine.

Brian received a Bachelor of Science in Applied Earth Sciences and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Energy & Environmental Planning, from Stanford University.

When not at work, Brian loves being outdoors, skiing, running/biking, traveling and watching his kids compete at soccer and track.

Dan Povio

Project Scientist

Dan Povio is a Project Scientist at Ransom in our Hamilton, NJ office. He brings years of experience in the construction field as a foreman on commercial and federal jobsites along the East Coast.

Dan received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers University in 2018.

When not at work, Dan enjoys spending time with his friends and family, reading, playing video games, and bowling.

William Rankin

Project Manager

William (Bill) Rankin is a Project Manager in Ransom’s Hamilton New Jersey office. He has over 20 years of experience in the environmental industry planning and implementing remedial investigations and activities throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region.

Bill has experience in site characterization, underground and aboveground storage tank closures, remedial injections, remedial excavations, and emergency response activities. He has acted as site supervisor and site safety and health officer for both commercial and federal remediation projects. He has experience working with a variety of clients in both the private and public sectors including petrochemical manufacturing and distribution, real estate development, the US Navy, the US Army, and the US Army Corps of Engineers throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region.

Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy and Environmental Science from Delaware Valley University.

Outside of work, Bill enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with his family.

Elizabeth Ransom, P.G.

Principal / Vice President / Technical Leader - Planning and Permitting

As a Vice President/Technical Leader, Elizabeth is responsible for technical direction and senior review of environmental assessment and remediation projects. As a technical leader for the remediation practice, Elizabeth is also responsible for business development.

With more than 25 years of experience in environmental consulting, Elizabeth has managed environmental and solid waste consulting services for multiple clients, while balancing technical requirements, deadlines, budgets, regulations, and exceptional client service. She is highly skilled in developing field investigation programs; producing technical reports, studies, permit applications and proposals; and in communicating with clients, subcontractors, and regulators. Her technical specialties include: remedial investigations / feasibility studies; subsurface investigations at DNAPL and other hazardous waste sites; ground water monitoring system design, installation, and sampling; geologic interpretation; design of remedial actions; technology evaluation; preparation of bid specifications; oversight of remedial system design, construction, and operation; landfill closures; Brownfields assessment and remediation; community relations; public participation; and expert witness and cost allocation opinions.

Elizabeth earned a Master of Science in Geology from the University of Southern California (’90) and a Bachelor of Arts in Geology and Media Studies from Carleton College (’86).

Outside of work, Elizabeth prefers to be outside – running, biking, swimming, skiing, surfing, or hiking with her husband, her two Bernese Mountain Dogs, and son Zander.

Todd Reichert

Field Manager / Project Scientist

Todd is a Project Scientist and Field Services Manager in our Hamilton, NJ office. Todd has been in the environmental consulting industry since 2005 and has been with Ransom since 2011. In addition to managing the field staff at Ransom, Todd holds an N2 Industrial wastewater treatment license.

Todd is responsible for treatment system pilot studies, system design and installation, as well as ongoing operation and maintenance. He has conducted Phase I ESAs and subsequent Phase II investigations at various properties including manufacturing, industrial, and commercial facilities. As part of Phase II investigations, Todd is primarily responsible for the completion of field oversight and data management tasks. He is also responsible for data management and interpretation in support of technical reports documenting Phase I ESA and Phase II field activities, including subcontractors. Todd provides field oversight and data management in relation to soil and groundwater remediation projects including UST excavation and post-excavation sampling/soil and groundwater assessment; soil remediation, excavation and treatment; application of in-situ remediation chemicals – ORC, chemical oxidation, etc. and treatment system construction, periodic inspections and O&M.

Todd received a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Bucknell University (’04).

Outside of work Todd enjoys outdoor activities including fishing, kayaking and biking.

Jennifer Riordan

Offices Administrative Coordinator

Jennifer is our Offices Administrative Coordinator. She has been with Ransom for over 25 years and in addition to word processing and administrative support for the New Hampshire office she also coordinates administrative needs for all of Ransom’s offices in New England and New Jersey.

When not at work, Jennifer is passionate about cooking and loves to do so while spending time with family and friends. She lives in southern Maine and enjoys taking advantage of all the natural beauty found in the area. Whether it be kayaking on many of the rivers, lakes or ponds, hiking the abundance of trails in the area or spending time at the beach.

William Schmidt, PE

Program Manager - Due Diligence - Mid-Atlantic Region

William (Bill) Schmidt serves as a Program Manager in Ransom’s Hamilton, New Jersey office. He has over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting including: performing all aspects of Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments, site characterizations, remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remedial design, underground and above ground storage tank management, vapor intrusion investigations and mitigation, site safety monitoring, and landfill investigations/closure for both the private and public sectors.

As a Senior Project Manager, Bill’s responsibilities include project and staff management, document review, quality control, serving as the liaison between clients and regulatory agencies, and client management.

Bill received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University, College of Engineering and a Master of Science in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from Villanova University. Bill is a Professional Engineer in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

When not at work, Bill loves spending time with his family, going to his family shore house, boating, and fishing.

Michaela Skelton

AR / AP Specialist

Michaela is an AR / AP Specialist in our Portland Office, responsible for processing vendor invoices, vendor payments, following up on Client invoices and receiving payments on Client invoices.

Michaela received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Maine.

In her spare time, Michaela can be found in her kitchen cooking and baking, spending time in the outdoors with her husband and son and helping out on her grandparents dairy farm.

Anna Stockman

Accounting Manager

Anna is the Accounting Manager in our Portland, Maine office. She joined Ransom in March 2021. Anna has a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Maine at Augusta with a major in Accounting. Anna’s expertise includes developing and streamlining accounting processes and procedures, implementing system automations and analyzing financial data.

Anna was born and raised in Russia where she graduated with a M.A. in Philology and Foreign Languages. Prior to moving to USA Anna worked as an interpreter at Children’s HopeChest in Russia.

Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with her family, skating, hiking, fishing, learning foreign languages and reading.

David Thompson, LSP

Senior Project Manager

Dave is a Senior Project Manager in our North Andover, Massachusetts office. He is a Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional (LSP) with over 30 years of experience in performing and managing environmental site assessment and remediation projects. These projects have encompassed a variety of properties including commercial, industrial, and residential. During his most recent prior positions with public utility companies, he managed the investigation and remediation of former manufactured gas plant (MGP) properties.

Dave has diverse experience in environmental due diligence for property acquisition and financing, site investigation and remediation, and regulatory compliance under ASTM and the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP). At Ransom he is responsible for the interpretation and application of environmental regulations and contractual agreements. He fosters effective working relationships with clients/stakeholders and has previously been involved with several access agreements for the completion of environmental activities at abutting and affected properties. Based on his experience, he acts as an in-house technical resource and mentor for associates.

Dave is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts – Amherst with a Master of Science degree in Geography (Specialization in Glacial Geology). He also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography (Concentration in Physical Geography) from Framingham State College. In his spare time, Dave pursues his strong interests in U.S. colonial history, football, music, hiking, and running.

Christine Touchette

Administrative Assistant

Christine is the Administrative Assistant in our North Andover, Massachusetts office and has over 35 years of office experience in an engineering environment.

Christine supports the Massachusetts office staff with general office duties including report preparation, word processing, boring logs, and tabulating laboratory results. In addition, she assists our accounting staff with a multitude of tasks.

Christine received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Salem State University.

Outside of the office, Chris enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, walking, reading, stamping and jewelry making.

Martin Walsh

Survey Technician

Martin is a Survey Technician in our Glassboro, New Jersey office and brings many years of professional experience encompassing private, commercial, and government land surveying projects.

He received his Bachelor’s in Communications from Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Out of the office, Martin enjoys reading, attending live music venues, researching family history, and spending time at the Jersey shore.

Mary Zaffiri

Administrative Assistant

Mary is an Administrative Assistant in our Glassboro, New Jersey office, carrying out day-to-day organizational tasks and facilitating efficient communication across the office. Answering phones, managing file systems, and updating databases. Complete general administrative work and recordkeeping tasks, purchasing office supplies and working with vendors.

Mary received her Associates Degree from the Art Institute of Philadelphia focused on Visual Communication and Graphic Design.

In her spare time, she enjoys working in her yard, hiking trails with her senior dog Bella, craft shows, cooking, working on small projects around the house and spending time at the beach with friends and family.