Our Leadership

HAWA Incorporated 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 Incorporated 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


Read More

His current project involvement is typically in the role of principal-in-charge where his significant project experience can be utilized to assist the design team with system decisions, budgeting and equipment selection. As a mechanical engineer, he focuses on the design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. His experience includes projects from healthcare to retail, including complex air handling supply and exhaust systems, chiller plants, boiler plants, and building automation systems.

A member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers and the American Council of Consulting Engineers, Mr. Coffey previously served as a board member for the Columbus Chapter of the ACE Mentor program, an organization dedicated to raising the awareness of high school students on career opportunities available in the architectural, construction and engineering fields.

When not at the office, Mr. Coffey enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchild; playing golf, swimming, bowling and being outdoors.

Ned Heminger, PE – Executive Vice President
Chief Engineer

LEED AP BD+C; ASHRAE – HBDP

Ned is executive vice president and chief engineer with HAWA Incorporated 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 ensuring 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.


Read More

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. Mr. Ortman has developed an expertise in projects involving the design of new and renovated health care and laboratory research facilities. He has recently led HAWA’s staff in the design of mechanical and electrical systems for healthcare projects with a total construction cost in excess of $1 billion. His resume includes experience in all phases of engineering design, from programming and design development through construction documentation and construction administration.

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

In his personal time, Mr. Ortman 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
6 backing vocals in a band, Mr. Ortman dedicates his time and expertise to the board of the Benefit Concert Association for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Heart Center.

Brad Shade, PE – Vice President – Electrical Department Manager

LEED AP – BD+C

Brad is a vice president and Electrical Department manager and has been with HAWA Incorporated 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.


Read More

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

Mr. Heminger’s time away from work is spent doing home improvement projects and assisting the in the development of ASHRAE 90.1

Andy Fouss, PE– Principal – Mechanical Department Manager

Andy is a principal in the firm and the Mechanical Department manager.  He has been with HAWA Incorporated 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.


Read More

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. Mr. Shade 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 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.

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

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


Read More

Mr. Fouss 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. Mr. Fouss is a member of ASHRAE.

Chris Gleich, PE– Principal – Mechanical Engineer

ASHRAE – HFDP

Chris joined HAWA Incorporated 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.


Read More

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. Mr. Porter’s strengths also include energy modeling and sustainable design related to LEED projects.

Mr. Porter 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
8 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, Mr. Porter 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. Mr. Porter 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

Nick

Nicholas D. Rittinger, PE – Principal – Manager of Cincinnati Operations

Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

Mr. Rittinger joined HAWA Incorporated 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.


Read More

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.

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

Jeff Sparks – Associate – Electrical Engineer

LEED AP BD+C

Jeff joined HAWA in early 2019 as a project manager in addition to a senior electrical engineering role in our Columbus office. Prior to joining HAWA, Jeff accumulated 15 years of experience in our industry working as the lead electrical engineer on numerous VA facility (Healthcare) renovations and new construction builds. Also, designing a wide range of commercial and education projects throughout the Dayton and Cincinnati area.


Read More

Mr. Watters has performed services for a variety of clients such as corporate, higher education and healthcare. He has been involved with numerous projects related to infrastructure upgrades, many of those at higher education facilities. He utilizes Building Information Modeling (BIM) software on many of his projects.

He is a member of NFPA, with a primary focus on the National Electric Codes, and is also a LEED-accredited professional through the U.S. Green Building Council.

Away from the office, Mr. Watters enjoys spending time with his wife and three children as well as working on cars.

Chris Daniels – Associate – Communications Infrastructure Designer

BICSI RCDD, NTS, ESS

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 Incorporated 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.


Read More

Due to his broad experience with many types of communications systems, Mr. Daniels has the ability to effectively communicate with clients’ IT staff, which can be challenging for electrical engineers without his depth of experience. Due to the partnerships he develops with IT staff, he has participated in updating IT design standards for several institutions, including Nationwide Children’s in Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Daniels maintains several BICSI certifications, including Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), Network Technology Systems (NTS) Designer and Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) Designer.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Mr. Daniels enjoys sporting clays, Buckeyes and Steelers football, golf, and motorcycles. He is involved in the Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Habitat for Humanity and the National Kidney Foundation.

Sam Manzella – Associate – BIM Managing Director & IT Manager

Sam is been a critical component of HAWA Incorporated’s 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.


Read More

Although often behind the scenes, Mr. Manzella 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.

Mr. Manzella 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, Mr. Manzella 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 – Associate – Lead Commissioning Agent

ASHRAE – CPMP

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.


Read More

During his 16 years at Cooper Energy, Mr. Wheeler 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, Mr. Wheeler 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 Incorporated as an electrical designer. Sean was promoted to associate in the company in 2018.


Read More

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.

Joshua J. Jewett – Associate – Mechanical Designer

Josh joined HAWA Incorporated 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.


Read More

While she is familiar with the design of all types of electrical systems, Ms. Winslow has a particular passion with the design of fire alarm systems, including utilizing these systems for building occupant notification.

Prior to joining HAWA, Ms. Winslow worked at the University of Cincinnati in their Design and Construction Department. From her experience with UC, she brings an insightful owner’s perspective to the HAWA office.

Ms. Winslow is a member of The Society of Fire Protection Engineers and currently serves as the Cincinnati chapter president.

When not working, Ms. Winslow enjoys reading, hiking, camping and volunteering with Cub Scouts and youth soccer.

Luke Harmon, PE – Associate – Mechanical Engineer

A graduate of Ohio Northern University, Mr. Harmon has worked on several projects during his tenure at HAWA Incorporated, 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.


Read More

Dough 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.


Read More

Jim Filippi, PE, ATD– Associate – Electrical Engineer

Jim is a licensed professional engineer and Uptime Institute TIER Designer with HAWA Incorporated. 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.


Read More

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.

Contact us Today!