Leadership

Our Leadership

HAWA Engineers is led by a group of principals and associates, each with experience in the design and construction of mechanical, electrical or telecommunication systems. The emphasis we place on the expertise of our staff is seen in the number of registered professionals— who average more than 25 years of experience — on our team. Our high ratio of registered engineers reflects our niche of providing engineering services on unique and complex projects.

Project managers are the critical link between our design staff and other members of the project team. Project management responsibilities include making sure all customer project goals are met within budget and on time, managing day- to -day activities and recommending engineering solutions consistent with the planned usage and life cycle for each facility.

 

Management, marketing, finance and quality control provide essential reinforcement for our exceptional team. Through research and support, both detailed and large scale, this leadership group helps HAWA project managers and team members understand the businesses of our customers. This, in turn, helps us serve all our customers better.


Jeff Ortman, PE

President

Jeff is president of HAWA Engineers and has three decades of engineering experience, primarily with HAWA Incorporated. In his role of  president, he is responsible for the overall operation of company. Working with the other shareholders in the firm, he leads the strategic planning, business development and financial aspects of HAWA.  Jeff values improving process, collaboration with industry partners and utilizing ever advancing technologies to respond to the needs of our clients


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His project involvement is typically in the role of principal-in-charge where he applies his extensive design background towards developing system concepts, quality control and problem-solving when needed. Jeff has developed an expertise in projects involving the design of new and renovated healthcare and laboratory research facilities. He has recently managed the design of mechanical and electrical systems for healthcare projects with a total construction cost in excess of $500 million. His resume includes experience in all phases of engineering design, from programming and design development through construction documentation and construction administration.

Jeff is a member of ASHRAE and has achieved ASHRAE certification as a Healthcare Facility Design Professional.

In his personal time, Jeff enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes and spending time with his wife and three kids. A musician who formerly played bass guitar and sang backing vocals in a band, Jeff dedicates his time and expertise to the board of the Benefit Concert Association for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Heart Center. He also is an accomplished brewer, having brewed beer with his neighbors every New Year’s Day for many years now.

Ned Heminger, PE

LEED AP BD+C

Executive Vice President
Chief Engineer

Ned is executive vice president and chief engineer with HAWA Engineers and has three decades of engineering experience, most of which have been with HAWA.  In his role as executive vice president he assists in the overall management of the company. As chief engineer, he focuses on HAWA’s engineering processes and works with managers of the mechanical, electrical, and Cincinnati office departments to ensure that the firm has adequate resources to meet the expectations of HAWA’s clients.  He is also responsible for quality control through intermediate and final review phases of the design process.

He served on the National Energy Committee for ASHRAE 90.1”.


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When in the role of project manager, he serves as the critical link between the customer, HAWA design staff and the other members of the project team. His responsibilities include ensuring all customer objectives are met in a timely fashion and within budget, managing daily activities, and recommending systems consistent with the planned usage and life cycle for each facility. Ned has been involved with the design of all types of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing and fire protection systems for a variety of corporate, industrial and institutional customers.

He is the past mechanical sub-committee chair on the National Energy Committee for ASHRAE 90.1. Ned is also a LEED-accredited professional through the U. S. Green Building Council and is a High Performance Building Design professional certified through ASHRAE.

Brad Shade, PE

LEED AP – BD+C

Vice President, Electrical Department Manager

Brad is a vice president and Electrical Department manager and has been with HAWA Engineers since 2015, with nearly three decades of prior engineering experience. As Electrical Department manager, he is responsible for assisting design engineers with power distribution systems, lighting design, low voltage infrastructure design and assigning projects to the most qualified individuals. He also provides quality control through intermediate and final review of the documents.


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He continues to serve as a project manager and lead electrical engineer on many of our projects, with a focus on healthcare, educational and governmental facilities. Brad is especially skilled at the modification and redesign of existing electrical systems and has proven his ability to handle multiple projects and day-to-day operations on large, multi-discipline projects. He has extensive experience in the design of a wide range of electrical engineering systems, including low voltage substations, motor control centers, emergency power systems, lighting and lighting control systems.

Brad has also received specialized training in “Total Quality Management” and “Value Engineering” practices. Brad is also a LEED-accredited professional through the U. S. Green Building Council.

In his personal time, Brad golfs, plays sand volleyball and rides motorcycles with his wife. He is involved with the Kidney Foundation, Diabetes Foundation and AMVETS.

Andy Fouss, PE

Principal, Mechanical Department Manager

Andy is a principal in the firm and the Mechanical Department manager.  He has been with HAWA Engineers as a mechanical engineer since 2002 when he graduated from Ohio Northern University.  As Mechanical Department manager, he is responsible for assisting design engineers with HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection design solutions and assigning projects to the most qualified individuals. He also provides quality control through intermediate and final review of the documents.  Andy is a member of the ASHRAE 90.1 National Energy Code – Mechanical Sub-Committee.


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Andy continues to serve as a project manager and lead Mechanical engineer on many of our projects, where, he works closely with the architect and owner on system concepts and coordination while managing HAWA’s internal team of engineers and designers working on his projects. On many of his projects, he is highly involved with the design of the mechanical systems.  He has significant recent experience with healthcare and higher education projects. His thorough understanding of plumbing, fire protection and HVAC systems is beneficial to those types of projects, which tend to have more complicated system requirements. He has a detailed understanding of code requirements, in particular regarding plumbing and fire protection systems.

He is a member of ASHRAE.

Jim Porter, PE

Principal, Director of Business Development

A Principal in the firm, Jim regularly assumes the role of project manager where his strong organizational and decision-making skills are an asset. As a project manager, he works closely with architects, owners, and HAWA’s team of engineers and designers to make certain the requirements of his projects are met. Jim also serves on HAWA’s Business Development Leadership Group as the Director of Business Development and is very active in maintaining client relationships.


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His project responsibilities often include designing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing and fire protection systems for new facilities as well as renovation projects. His clients span corporate, health care, research laboratories and higher educational disciplines. Jim’s strengths also include energy modeling and sustainable design related to LEED projects.

Jim is a member of ASHRAE and serves on the Board of Directors for the Columbus Chapter of ACE, an organization dedicated to raising the awareness of high school students on career opportunities available in the architectural, construction and engineering fields. He is also a LEED accredited professional through the U. S. Green Building Council.

While away from the office, Jim dedicates four nights a week to training for the Ohio Beast, a Spartan Race that involves a 13-15 mile race with dozens of obstacles. He also enjoys golfing and organizes the HAWA Golf Outing each year. Jim has served as a Charity Newsie since 2012, which provides new clothes to school-aged children in need throughout Central Ohio. In his down time, Mr. Porter works on home renovations

Chris Gleich, PE

ASHRAE – HFDP

Principal – Mechanical Engineer

Chris joined HAWA Engineers as a mechanical engineer in 1995 upon graduating from The Ohio State University and now serves as a principal with the company. He has been with HAWA his entire career. In his primary role as project manager, he works closely with architects and owners on system concepts that meet the needs of his clients. Chris has developed a thorough understanding of design-build projects in the under-$200,000 higher education market, where he works with numerous contractors.


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On many of his projects, he is highly involved in designing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. For renovation projects, this includes field verification of existing conditions and coordination of design implementation. He has significant experience with corporate, higher education and health care facilities.

Chris is a member of ASHRAE and has achieved ASHRAE certification as a Healthcare Facility Design Professional.

Nick Rittinger, PE

Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

Principal, Manager of Cincinnati Operations

Nick joined HAWA Engineers in 2020 as an Associate and senior electrical engineer in our Cincinnati office.  Nick has over 18 years of experience working as the lead electrical engineer on commercial, education, retail, electrical infrastructure, and healthcare projects.


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Nick has a special interest in electrical systems infrastructure upgrade projects including normal and standby power distribution, standby power generation, normal power to standby power transfer and non-interruptible power systems.  He is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), which is consistent with his goal of designing energy efficiency into his projects.

In his personal time, Nick enjoys woodworking, renovating old houses, riding his motorcycle, boating, and fishing.  He also enjoys time with his wife Laura, his son Everett, and his dog Preston.

Jim Filippi, PE, ATD

Principal, Electrical Engineer

Jim is a licensed professional engineer and Uptime Institute TIER Designer with HAWA Engineers. He has 25-years of leadership experience in both electrical engineering and construction. Jim project focus has been towards helping clients with their complex and mission critical applications. His 10-years of construction experience has provided tremendous depth in experiences with construction, off-site electrical and multi-trade pre-fabrication design and construction techniques, commissioning and quality assurance.


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Luke Harmon, PE

WELL AP

Principal, Mechanical Engineer

A graduate of Ohio Northern University, Luke has worked on several projects during his tenure at HAWA Engineers, including corporate, higher education, laboratory, and healthcare facilities. His strengths include plumbing, fire protection, and HVAC design. His collaborative approach has allowed Luke to play key roles in the projects he has been involved in.

With his experience on Nationwide Children’s Inpatient Expansion, the Livingston Outpatient Surgery Center, the West CEP, and other NCH projects, Luke is developing into our primary contact at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, our largest client. 


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His project responsibilities include designing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and fire protection systems for renovation projects and new buildings. His clients span corporate, health care, research laboratories, and higher education markets.

Luke is being tasked with leading some of our in-house Mechanical Department training sessions. He is a solid mentor to up-and-coming Mechanical Designers and Engineers. He leads not only by sharing his technical expertise but also by example. 

Chris Daniels

BICSI RCDD, NTS, ESS

Associate, Communications Infrastructure Designer

Chris has more than two decades of experience in the advancement of voice/data, security access control and video surveillance systems. Since 2007, he has worked at HAWA Engineers as an associate, leading the design of these systems. Prior to his time with HAWA, he worked for a design build contractor where he was responsible for the design, installation, operations management, code compliance, testing and documentation of communications systems for buildings and outside plant projects.


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Sam Manzella

Associate, BIM Managing Director & IT Manager

Sam has been a critical component of HAWA Engineers’ document production processes and technology systems, as well as serving as an associate in the firm since 2004. He currently serves in a dual role as both the network administrator and CADD manager, providing support to both HAWA’s internal employees as well as clients.


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Although often behind the scenes, Sam has been instrumental in collaborating with HAWA’s clients to ensure BIM technology and design standards are met. There are very few elements of the technical process for each project that he is not involved with, from establishing levels of BIM development and model management to coordinating client’s specific desires.
Sam is consistently at the forefront of changing technologies associated with our business and remains fluent in current National BIM/CAD Standards, Autodesk Software, OFCC and MSCE Solutions. He also remains current with individual clients’ practices, including The Ohio State University BIM Standards and Nationwide Children’s Digital Standards.
In his free time, Sam restores and rides vintage Italian motorcycles, travels, invests in and redesigns properties, and collects and plays vintage bass guitars. He also donates to and volunteers with various animal rescue organizations and catch-and-release programs, the National Kidney Foundation, AMVETS and Goodwill.

Collin Wheeler

ASHRAE – BCxP

Associate, Lead Commissioning Agent

Collin is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in mechanical engineering and has spent his entire career in the construction, maintenance, and operation of manufacturing process and building systems. Since 2008, he has been involved with commissioning building systems and is currently HAWA’s lead commissioning agent.


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During his 16 years at Cooper Energy, Collin was responsible for the maintenance and operation of all process and building systems. This formed the basis of his passion for making certain that mechanical and electrical systems are functioning as intended and as efficiently as possible. His commissioning includes projects designed by HAWA, as well as for third parties. His ability to communicate with contractors and maintenance staff, in addition to his insistence on observing the systems in operation, make him well suited to perform field investigation and commissioning services.
He is certified by ASHRAE as a Commissioning Process Management Professional.
In his free time, Collin enjoys building dollhouses and projects for the home, working on cars, and assisting those in need of household item or vehicle repairs. He is involved in SIDS-related charities and the Salvation Army.

Sean Brandon

Associate, Electrical Designer

Sean is a 1998 graduate of Columbus State Community College with an associate degree in electronics engineering. Since his graduation from Columbus State, he has worked full time for HAWA Engineers as an electrical designer. Sean was promoted to associate in the company in 2018.


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His strengths include his dedication to producing complete and accurate construction documents, a thorough understanding of building codes and the National Electric Code, and an ability to communicate effectively with architects and contractors. His electronics background and code knowledge have served him well in the design of fire alarm and detection systems, one of the areas in which he excels. He often assumes the role of project manager on his projects and his clients appreciate his calm and confident approach to his work.
Outside of the office, Sean enjoys riding his bicycle and RC Racing. He has participated in numerous fundraising bicycle events. Sean is also an Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) football referee working the games under the lights on Friday nights.

Josh Jewett

Associate, Mechanical Designer

Josh joined HAWA Engineers in 2000 as a drafter and now serves as an associate with the company. Josh has been involved with the design of new and renovation projects. He is typically the lead mechanical designer on his projects, primarily focusing on fire protection, plumbing and HVAC system design.


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Josh works with HAWA engineers’ BIM Managing Director as our design liaison for Building Information Modeling (BIM). His thorough understanding of AutoCAD and Revit software allows HAWA to utilize our BIM software to its fullest benefit for project design and coordination with our design and construction partners.
Outside of the office Josh enjoys riding his bicycle, is an avid hunter, and enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.

Doug Hawker, PE

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

Doug has over 25 years of mechanical engineering experience in the commercial, industrial, and retail markets. An Associate in the firm, he regularly assumes the role of Lead Mechanical Engineer for HAWA’s Cincinnati office, where his strong organizational and decision-making skills are an asset. As a project manager, he works closely with architects, owners, and HAWA’s team of engineers and designers to ensure his project requirements are met. Doug’s strengths include team leadership, mentoring, quality assurance, and business development.


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Michelle Hughes

Associate, Controller

Joining HAWA in 2013, Michelle is an integral part of the firm and supports the Shareholders and our Project Managers in the company’s financial aspect and individual projects. She administers the human resource component of the office, onboards our new employees, and manages our administration staff. Most importantly, Michelle is a source of good ideas and receptive to consulting on companywide initiatives. She is a sympathetic ear, a grounding presence, and a friend to the entire staff. 


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Michelle understands what we do and that our service to our clients is paramount. She is an excellent communicator and a fantastic manager of people and initiatives. Michelle has been instrumental in our Focus Training and other initiatives associated with our Strategic Plan to improve efficiency.

Jon Busch, PE

Associate, Electrical Engineer

Jon graduated with his Electrical Engineering Degree from the University of Cincinnati. He passed his PE exam in 2023 and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Ohio.  He continues to improve his electrical engineering and project management abilities by working on various projects, including those at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Whitehall Police Department, Ohio State University, OhioHealth, Marietta Memorial Hospital, and Battelle.


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Jon is an excellent communicator and has taken a very active role in mentoring and training our younger staff. His communication skills come from his interaction with our Architectural and Owner clients. He represents HAWA very well with the owner’s operations staff and contractors.

Jon is an active participant in the non-profit CancerFree Kids, whose mission is to eradicate cancer as a life-threatening disease in children by funding early-stage promising research that might otherwise go unfunded.

Trevor Kuhlman, EIT

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

Trevor graduated with his Mechanical Engineering Degree from Toledo University. He is a Professional Engineer-In-Training and passed his PE exam in 2024. Trevor has experience designing various mechanical systems in healthcare and office projects, renovations, and new builds, including laboratory spaces, MRIs, and CT rooms. As a vital member of our MEP design team, Trevor works directly with the mechanical department manager, project managers, clients and architects throughout the project life cycle to produce high quality, efficient and reliable HVAC mechanical design documents for healthcare, higher education, corporate, commercial, infrastructure and laboratory projects.


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Trevor participates in the ACE Mentoring program, which introduces high school students in the city of Columbus to the Construction industry. The program’s mission is to engage, excite, and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction through mentoring and continued support for their advancement into the industry. Trevor and his wife Kirsten are famously the owners of two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bernie and Bexley.

HAWA Mission

HAWA Engineers solutions that respond to the needs of our clients. –  To accomplish this, we involve ourselves early in the process to ensure we have a full understanding of the project goals and criteria at the onset.  Our core values of Service, Quality, Commitment, Leadership, and Collaboration drive us to participate upfront and throughout our projects to ensure all your project goals are met.

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