People

When Adam joined ENTRUST Solutions Group in February 2005, the firm had less than 100 employees in one location. Now, it employs more than 3,100 people nationwide. Adam launched the company’s first remote office in Baltimore, Maryland, and it became an excellent opportunity for him to learn and grow together with the company. This helped prepare Adam to take on another new role, this time as CEO, in November 2021.

“I believe the company culture sets ENTRUST apart. We are a tight knit group and feel comfortable collaborating and having fun together. Our employees make us who we are, and our leadership takes steps to create a culture of recognition and gratitude for hard work.”

At home and at work, Adam emphasizes the importance of giving 100 percent to every challenge he faces. He lightheartedly summarizes his approach to life with his favorite motto, “Go Biggam or go home!” He earned a bachelor’s degree in general engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and is a member of the American Gas Association and Midwest Energy Association.

Dave leads the design team, with responsibility for quality, execution, and resources. With more than 30 years of industry experience, he has specialized in designing systems for the transmission, distribution and storage of natural gas. His number one goal is to provide exceptional service and work alongside clients as an extension of their team.

“Our mission statement talks about building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. And, those relationships are not only with our valued clients, but with our employees.”

Prior to joining ENTRUST Solutions Group, Dave worked for Enron, Kinder Morgan, CalNev Pipeline and Nicor Gas in various engineering and manager roles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, and an MBA from The University of Chicago. An avid Bears fan, on Sundays during football season Dave proudly takes tailgating to new heights by engineering new recipes and sampling premium beers.

Steve came to ENTRUST Solutions Group in 2019 with over 30 years progressive experience in financial and operational management. As CFO, Steve’s focus is on business-critical responsibilities to ensure the financial well-being of the company while contributing to strategic corporate initiatives for growth and development.

“As the company continues to grow, I look forward to partnering with the team and to play an integral role in the continued success of the organization.”

Steve began his career as a CPA in “Big 4” public accounting and quickly expanded to include exposure to different industries and companies of varying size, stability, and growth. He has been both an entrepreneur and corporate leader through executive finance and operations roles in professional recruiting, construction, logistics, charter school management, and consulting.

Steve earned a BA in accounting from Michigan State University, an MBA from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management Program, and alumni status at Yale University from completion of the Global Executive Leadership Program. He and his wife enjoy spending time with their now grown children and hanging out at their mid-Michigan cottage.

Attracting, developing, and retaining employees who create value for customers are Michael’s top priorities. His focus is to ensure the company attracts the best talent in the industry and has the infrastructure in place where employees have the resources to build their careers and advance their knowledge and abilities.

“Our product is our people, so the quality of our employees is our competitive advantage. It’s truly a great privilege to be in a role where our HR team can help to realize the growth potential of this great company.”

Michael’s work experience began at age 16 in an iconic pet store in Chicago where he worked with exotic animals like monkeys and tigers. From this experience, Michael learned that it is a true blessing to be engaged in your work. In addition to leading the HR function at a professional services firm, he ran an HR consulting firm and served as an adjunct professor at Loyola and DePaul Universities. Michael received a doctorate in adult learning from Northern Illinois University in 2013, a master’s degree in human resource development from Northeastern Illinois University, and a bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Brian leads the technology teams and partners with leaders across the business to identify new technology solutions as we continue to grow and scale our business. He also safeguards our company from cyber threats. Brian joins us from an environmental planning and engineering firm, as their former CIO. There, he transformed the IT team to become a more proactive and operationally focused strategic business partner. Brian was awarded San Diego’s Top Tech Award in 2019 in the large private firm category. Throughout his career, Brian also served as Sr. Global IT Director at a transportation, defense training, and secure communications company and as IT Systems Lead at a multinational IT equipment and services company.

“Technology serves as a powerful catalyst for growth by driving innovation, streamlining operations, and enriching ENTRUST’s unique client-focused approach.”

Brian holds a BS degree in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Originally from Minnesota, Brian, his wife, and two daughters reside in San Diego

Ryan leads ENTRUST’s strategy and corporate development activities, which include sourcing, diligencing and executing mergers and acquisitions and driving other growth initiatives. He is excited to build on the historical growth of the business and further accelerate both organic and inorganic growth.

Ryan has spent the bulk of his career in M&A. Over the last decade he has worked in corporate development for a private equity-owned business and a public company. Prior to these roles, he worked in the M&A groups at multiple investment banks.

He received an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Franklin & Marshall College.

“ENTRUST is exceptionally well positioned for continued strong profitable growth. Leveraging the historical success of the business and a talented team I look forward to further cementing ENTRUST as an acquirer of choice.”

Jesse is responsible for the overall execution of the Infrastructure & Industrial division. He oversees all pipeline, industrial, and automation related projects, including client management and business development. Each day he focuses on customers—managing existing relationships, developing new relationships, and ensuring his talented team is providing quality work output.

“We truly want to be an extension of our customers’ engineering department. Many come to us because of resource constraints, and our goal is to partner with them, provide the same level of quality work, and build long-term relationships.”

From a young age, Jesse was interested in math and science and knew he wanted to be an engineer. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and is now professionally licensed in multiple states. Jesse volunteered as the community development commissioner in his hometown of Bensenville, Illinois, and provided guidance on ordinance variances and codes.

Keith has been with ENTRUST Solutions Group since its inception in 2002. In 2006, he accepted the challenge to relocate to Maryland to open the company’s first regional office and embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. Through the years, Keith has witnessed ENTRUST’s steady growth and expanded his responsibilities to include the oversight of all natural gas and electric utilities work, including design, consulting, and field service projects. His group is comprised of over 2,000+ team members specialized in servicing utility clients across 36+ offices.

“Hard work is recognized, valued, and rewarded at ENTRUST. The company employs a diverse group of professionals, including a great balance of young folks and industry veterans who are willing to share the knowledge they gained throughout their career.”

Keith’s exposure to engineering and design began at age 13 when he worked at his father’s janitorial and facility maintenance firm. One of the clients was an engineering firm, and he would chat with the chief engineer and designers, who encouraged him to pursue an engineering career. He went on to earn a degree in architectural technology and construction estimating.

Keith is an active member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), a group that is dedicated to ensuring the input of minorities in the discussion of energy policies and regulations.

John uses over 35 years of industry experience to lead the Renewable Energy initiatives at ENTRUST. John’s extensive knowledge and background includes not only natural gas pipelines, facilities, and underground storage, but also power generation and renewable energy. Throughout his career he has built numerous long-term relationships by identifying and solving utility, midstream, and industrial clients’ needs. With over 36 ENTRUST offices across the country, John looks to expand ENTRUST’s geographic renewable energy footprint and provide decarbonization solutions so our clients can meet their net zero goals.

“Renewable Energy is just not about going green. It is about identifying and implementing long-term carbon reducing / energy sustaining programs. ENTRUST’s mission is to provide innovative decarbonization strategies to our clients net-zero program.”

John joined ENTRUST Solutions Group in 2002 after working for Nicor Gas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1986. John plays competitive softball, and when he’s not working or playing softball, he enjoys hiking, scuba diving, and traveling around the world.

Jenny oversees the Oil & Gas Consulting Services group, focusing on pipeline integrity management, regulatory compliance, assessments, risk, corrosion control, metallurgical consulting, GIS analytics, and process safety management. She enjoys the wide variety of projects and people she works with every day, as well as the constantly changing and challenging regulatory environment.

“We are fortunate to employ individuals who are industry leaders and possess exceptional technical expertise. Our employees are active within the industry and have contributed to the company’s outstanding reputation.”

Jenny, who comes from a family of engineers, earned a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering from The Missouri University of Science and Technology. She is also NACE-certified and active in many industry organizations. She enjoys traveling internationally with her husband and experiencing the unique cuisines in the countries she visits. Jenny also employs her engineering expertise at home through her hydroponic garden in the basement and charting out plans for the next season’s outdoor garden.

As head of the Industrial Solutions group (focusing on refining, chemicals, industrial, and manufacturing), Dave’s primary goal is to ensure his team is client-focused and providing customers customized solutions while providing quality service to their clients. His team occupies space in four offices across the country, and he is hoping to further expand their footprint.

“Our tremendous growth offers countless opportunities for employees to step up and take on additional responsibilities. I get really excited about the development of our young professionals—it is really satisfying.”

Dave’s devotion to development and team building continues in his free time. For more than 30 years, he has coached youth baseball and basketball, and one of his favorite things is watching teams come together and achieve success. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Kentucky and is licensed as both a professional engineer and a professional land surveyor.

Cedric leads the utilities team in the western region for operations and execution of gas, electric, and telecommunications engineering, design, and field support for investor, owner, and municipal utility clients. This includes identifying opportunities to align ENTRUST service offerings with clients’ infrastructure expansion needs.

“ENTRUST partners with utilities, midstream companies, and other energy delivery companies, which is exciting. Even more, ENTRUST clients receive the care and attention of a small local firm, with all the horsepower and expertise of global energy experts.”

Cedric has been in engineering for close to 25 years. Starting in engineering consulting in 1993 for a small engineering firm, he eventually took a job with AECOM, supporting airport terminal building and utility operations. A love of utility operations led him to Baltimore Gas & Electric, where he spent nearly 20 years. He brought that considerable experience to ENTRUST when he joined in 2017.

Having developed a passion for the outdoors in the last few years, Cedric loves backpacking and trail hiking. He has a goal to schedule a planned hike at least once a month and has achieved it for the past year. He also spends time golfing, grilling, and playing basketball. He says, “basketball is a great way to take your mind off of critical tasks and helps with stress.”

Jason leads the utilities team for gas, electric distribution, telecom design, gas inspection, and pole inspection projects in the U.S. central region. With over 20 years of consulting experience and more than 13 years in the utility industry, he believes in building long-term relationships with clients by providing quality solutions for their most difficult problems.

“This role allows me to help our team.  I get to help our employees, both our brand-new hires and experienced long-time employees.  Whether it is supporting our orientation and training efforts, or discussing and developing career progression plans, our people have support and guidance to advance their careers.”

Jason joined ENTRUST in 2008 when the company had only two offices and 150 people focused mainly on natural gas engineering design, compared to today with 3,100+ people across 36 offices with expertise in natural gas, liquids, electric, telecom design, and a growing inspection group. He has always worked in the engineering consulting firm space and has a transportation and site development background before coming to ENTRUST.

A Valparaiso University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Jason is a licensed professional engineer in several states who loves a fast-paced and challenging work environment. An enthusiastic sports fan, Jason can often be found coaching soccer in his free time.

Patrick Carr describes ENTRUST as a rocket ship, most likely because his career at ENTRUST shot off like a rocket. He began his career as a power generation engineer in 2006, working in many coal-fired and natural gas plants and traveling the country working on DCS migration and other I&C controls programs and projects for Utilities.

He joined ENTRUST in 2011 as an electrical distribution engineer. He quickly moved to the Baltimore office, where he supported electrical and I&C work for gas clients and a variety of gas and electrical distribution projects in the mid-Atlantic. Since then, he has helped open the Cincinnati, Ohio office, managed the electrical utility business unit, became director of utility services—southeast, managed the East Region Utility services. He most recently took on a role as the Senior Vice President of Utility Services for the country focused on both gas & electric utility engineering and design services.

Patrick earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and is a member of IEEE, Southeast Electric Exchange, Edison Electric Institute, and the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering Alumni Association. Outside of work, Patrick enjoys spending time with his son Lincoln, and dog Mack. He enjoys outdoor activities such as golf, hiking, tennis, and running. When possible, he also enjoys traveling and experiencing new places around the world.

“Lindsay started with Entrust in 2018, opening and managing a new office in North Carolina. Since then, Lindsay has expanded her responsibilities to cover the South region for electric and gas utilities. Lindsay holds a bachelor’s & master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina Stata University and an MBA from Wake Forest University. She is a registered professional engineer and holds a PMP.

“Entrust has been an incredible place to call home. Over the past 5 years I’ve seen our organization grow in both numbers and the types of work we support. We have a great work environment and truly value the partnership with our clients”

Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys traveling with her husband, playing golf and pickleball, and working with her local humane society.”

“As Senior Vice President of Business Development, Michael oversees Marketing, Proposal Management, and Business Development within ENTRUST. The Business Development and Proposal teams strategize with internal operations to partner with our clients to understand their needs, while the Marketing team provides intelligence to the organization on our focus industries and composes external communications demonstrating ENTRUST’s expertise and culture.

“It is an exciting time to be with one of the leading solutions firms in the country focused on several diverse industries and our growth and success as a company are directly correlated to the partnerships we have with our clients.”

Michael began his career at one of the largest OEMs in Energy and has spent his career in business development, in sales and marketing focused roles. He has spent almost his entire career in Energy with various areas of focus from Power and T&D equipment to software, commodities markets, and now in engineering and solution wrapped services for clients throughout the US.

Michael earned a BBA in Entrepreneurial Venture and Management from the University of New Hampshire and remains engaged with his alma mater through an advisory role for the UNH Rines Angel Fund and as an Alumni Advisor for UNH’s FIRE Program in which he mentors students in the Paul Business School. As “self-proclaimed foodies” he and his wife live in New Hampshire with their three beautiful children and enjoy traveling and being outdoors together as a family.”