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Tag: Structural Engineer

Celebrating Rod McComas’s Retirement and Tom Miltner’s New Role

Written by O'Donnell & Naccarato on . Posted in Blog.

Celebrating Rod McComas’s Retirement & Tom Miltner’s New Role

November 27, 2023

O’Donnell & Naccarato announced Rod McComas, P.E., S.E. will retire from the company at the end of this calendar year. Beginning with the merger of McComas Engineering in August 2019 into the O’Donnell & Naccarato family, Rod has been crucial in the growth of the firm’s national presence.

Over his forty-two-year tenure, Rod has been responsible for approximately 10,000 projects in 2,000 cities throughout the United States. Some of the highlighted projects are The Fashion Mall and The Children’s Museum in Indianapolis, IN, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Republic Air Headquarters in Carmel, IN, United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute, IN, United States Penitentiary ADMAX in Florence, CO, Leavenworth Correctional Facility in Leavenworth, KS, precast concrete wall panels around the U.S., retail stores around the U.S., restaurants around the U.S., and, swimming pools for universities, communities, military, training, Olympic training and U.S. Embassies. Founding McComas Engineering Structural Engineers in 1991, he grew the company in specialized building sectors into a highly profitable and respected entity from coast to coast.

Rod shared his thoughts, stating, “I am fortunate that I had the opportunity to develop many friendships and clients around the United States through my work at McComas Engineering and O’Donnell & Naccarato. Thank you all for the trust you put in me and the teamwork we built on each project. I am confident that our clients are in great hands with Tom Miltner and the entire O’Donnell & Naccarato team.”

For several years, Tom Miltner, P.E., has led the Indianapolis office alongside Rod, and was promoted to the position of principal one year ago. He will continue in his role. Tom, a steadfast presence at McComas Engineering and subsequently O’Donnell & Naccarato for the past 29 years, will take the reins. With more than three decades of engineering experience and a profound understanding of our industry, Tom is poised to continue the legacy of excellence. He is a seasoned leader who participates in all phases of projects, driving our teams to exceed expectations and delivering the most cost-effective structural solutions.

“It’s an honor to be selected to lead O’Donnell & Naccarato’s Indianapolis office,” said Tom Miltner. “I look forward to working alongside my teammates and continue providing the highest quality of structural engineering services to our new and existing clients.”

“We are grateful for the contributions Rod has made to O’Donnell & Naccarato, his leadership and collaboration will be missed,” said Anthony Naccarato, PE, SE, F.ASCE President of O&N. “We are confident in Tom’s ability to take the reins as the new leader of the Indianapolis office and are excited to see all the success that he brings to the role.”

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O’Donnell & Naccarato Expands into Ohio

Written by O'Donnell & Naccarato on . Posted in Blog.

O&N Expands into Ohio

We are expanding our national footprint with the addition of distinguished leader and regional director Brian Starrett, BIM Manager Ken Cover, and structural project designer Isabel Chesko. These additions will strengthen our presence in the Ohio region.

Brian Starrett, PE, SE, is a seasoned structural engineer with an impressive track record spanning over three decades. Over the course of his career, Brian has assumed a multitude of roles and has engaged in diverse projects, including the design of steel, concrete, masonry, timber, and metal building structures. His portfolio encompasses a wide spectrum of projects, ranging from aviation and commercial to educational, healthcare, industrial, military, and residential endeavors. This varied experience has provided Brian with a solid foundation for his exceptional ability to solve complex problems. He has established himself as the go-to expert for tackling complex and unconventional challenges, particularly in the context of historical structures. Brian’s dedication to his field is reflected in his professional registrations in over 20 states.

Ken Cover’s career spans 30 years in the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and CAD Design. Throughout his extensive tenure, Ken’s professional journey has allowed him to hone his knowledge and skills, emerging as a highly proficient expert in AutoCAD, BIM, including REVIT and Inventor software. Ken has assumed pivotal roles in crafting intricate documents for new construction projects, as well as the renovation and reinforcement of electrical transmission towers, communication towers, and various building types. His expertise extends across a spectrum of materials, including structural steel, concrete, masonry, wood, and cold-formed metal framing, making him a versatile asset in the field. Ken has extensive experience in producing detailed drawings for telecommunications towers, monopoles, transmission towers, and poles.  He has had the pleasure of working in the architecture and engineering markets, where he has provided structural drawings and details for a diverse range of projects, spanning from standalone brick-and-mortar stores to expansive warehouses and multi-story buildings.

Isabel Chesko, EIT, is a skilled and committed engineering professional. Her expertise spans a diverse range of design disciplines, encompassing concrete, cold-form metal framing, deep foundations, masonry, modifications and repairs, structural steel, wood, shallow foundations, and a comprehensive understanding of various building codes and standards. Her portfolio is a testament to her versatility, boasting a rich array of projects across academic, recreational, government, and other sectors. Structural engineering is not just a profession for Isabel; it’s her passion. She is drawn to this field because it produces tangible results, with multiple creative solutions to reach a project’s completion. Collaborating with a dedicated team to develop efficient designs and collectively standing behind those decisions are what fills her with pride as a structural engineer.

 We are thrilled to welcome Brian, Ken and Isabel to our team and know their skills and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to O&N’s continued growth and success.

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Cori Kwitkin Joins O&N!

Written by O'Donnell & Naccarato on . Posted in Blog.

Cori Kwitkin Joins O&N!

Cori Kwitkin, PE has joined O’Donnell & Naccarato’s New York office as a Senior Associate, bringing more than 22 years of experience in structural analysis and design to the firm.

Cori’s addition is part of O&N’s larger strategic vision and efforts to expand our team of structural engineering experts and specialists in key markets across the country. A LEED Green Associate and licensed professional engineer in New York and Florida, Cori has specialized in large-scale projects, with an outstanding portfolio that includes projects throughout the U.S. and Asia. She joins O&N from the Hatfield Group, where she served as Associate Principal since May 2021. Prior to that, she worked at Thornton Tomasetti for over 20 years.

Cori has a strong background in project coordination and management on a variety of building types including healthcare, mixed-use, commercial, educational, sport facilities, renovation/tenant fit-out, residential, and aviation. She also has deep experience in peer-review projects and high-rise facilities. Cori has worked on several award-winning projects, including Huntington Hospital Emergency Department, Northwell Health in Huntington, New York; Socar Tower in Baku, Azerbaijan; Seoul International Finance Center in Seoul, South Korea; Cornell University Physical Sciences Building in Ithaca, New York and many others. 

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Front view of Honorable Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex | Liam McNamara Guarini Justice Complex

Senior Associate Liam McNamara Discusses the Guarini Justice Complex

Written by Kristin Wyka on . Posted in Blog.

Senior Associate at O'Donnell & Naccarato Liam McNamara | Liam McNamara Discuses the Guarini Justice Complex

Senior Associate Liam McNamara Discuses the Guarini Justice Complex 

April 7, 2023

Recently, Senior Associate Liam McNamara had the opportunity to talk to the American Society of Civil Engineers magazine, The Civil Engineering Source,  about our Honorable Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex project, currently underway in Jersey City, NJ. Boasting an impressive 405,000 SF and spanning 5 floors, this state-of-the-art justice complex is a monumental replacement of the outdated Hudson County Administration Building, constructed in 1957.

In his discussion with the ASCE, Liam delved deep into the intricate structural challenges that come with creating a modern, aesthetically pleasing structure that can withstand even the most catastrophic forces. He recounted the innovative measures taken to mitigate any possible progressive collapse in the event of a large explosion on the lower floors, drawing on the tragic bombing that destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995.

One of the complex’s most awe-inspiring features is the pair of massive steel trusses, stretching an incredible 700 ft in length and standing tall at approximately 35 ft, designed specifically to safeguard the upper floors from any potential disaster. This design-build complex is a testament to the resilience and innovative capabilities of modern engineering.

To read Liam’s interview with the American Society of Civil Engineers, check out the link here: The Civil Engineering Source: Guarini Justice Complex

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