Employee Owners

For Sean Butler, the secret to success is simple: “Do the hard thing first and make life easier for future Sean.” As a Senior Associate and Project Executive on BranchPattern’s Commissioning Team, Sean lives by this mantra, tackling challenges head-on so that every project runs seamlessly from start to finish. Whether guiding his team or mentoring new engineers, he believes in getting the toughest tasks out of the way early to pave the road for smooth, successful outcomes later.

Sean’s technical expertise, supported by a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of North Dakota and an Associate’s degree in Computer Programming from Pittsburgh Technical Institute, allows him to dive into complex mechanical systems with confidence. As a Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA), Sean knows that addressing challenges early leads to efficient, high-performing systems down the line. And while he's focusing on the present, he’s also planning for the future—working toward accreditation from the Uptime Institute to expand BranchPattern’s reach in data center commissioning. Sean applies this same forward-thinking mindset to sustainability. In his work with Pittsburgh’s 2030 District, he focuses on reducing carbon emissions in existing buildings, knowing that the hard work done now will yield long-term environmental benefits. For Sean, every project is not just about immediate results but about laying the foundation for a more sustainable future.

When Sean’s not guiding projects, you’ll likely find him in the gym, pursuing his passion for competitive powerlifting. It’s in the weight room where Sean thrives, pushing himself to hit new personal records and overcome physical and mental barriers. For him, powerlifting is a way to continually challenge himself and build resilience—both qualities that mirror his approach to life and work. Sean also brings this philosophy to his community work, co-leading the stewardship committee at the Pittsburgh office. Through volunteer efforts with organizations like the Pittsburgh Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and TreePittsburgh, Sean is committed to building a better future, one step at a time.

Susan Thomas is on a mission to create lasting, sustainable change. As a Project Executive for LEED Volume projects at BranchPattern, she’s the driving force behind certification efforts, leading a talented team of Project Managers to ensure every project meets the highest environmental standards. With her deep expertise as a Sustainable Building Consultant, Susan partners with clients to navigate the complexities of LEED and other sustainability certifications, offering technical guidance every step of the way. Her work doesn’t just reshape spaces—it inspires the people she works with, proving that sustainable change can be both impactful and transformative.

With a Master of Science from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge in sustainable practices. She’s a powerhouse in LEED Certification Consulting and Material Transparency, and her credentials—LEED AP BD+C and Active Score AP—back it up. Susan has already spearheaded the certification of 16 LEED v4 Volume Projects, showing her unstoppable drive to create greener, more sustainable spaces. As a member of USGBC Washington, she’s constantly pushing the envelope in sustainable building, helping shape a better future for the environment and the people in it.

Susan’s talent extends beyond sustainability—she’s also an accomplished singer, trained in Indian classical (Carnatic & Hindustani) and Western classical music. Her passion for music infuses her work with creativity and flair, giving her a unique approach to problem-solving. Whether she’s leading a project or carrying a tune, Susan is all about hitting the right notes—both in her work and in her musical pursuits!

Tu Le believes that success comes from embracing new opportunities, and as an Electrical Engineer at BranchPattern, he’s always looking for the next chance to improve. Tu specializes in creating detailed electrical system designs and selecting equipment that enhances system performance. The constant evolution of the industry keeps him engaged, offering plenty of moments to learn and grow.

Tu holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and while his technical expertise is key, his openness to collaboration and creativity is what drives him forward. He thrives on working with his team to explore new ideas and solve problems in innovative ways. Looking ahead, Tu is focused on earning his Professional Engineer (PE) license in the coming years. Always striving for growth, he knows that success comes from being ready to seize the right opportunities at the right time. His forward-thinking mindset keeps him on the path of continuous improvement, ensuring he’s prepared for whatever challenges come next.

Outside of work, Tu enjoys spending his free time working on cars, a passion he’s nurtured over the years. He’s currently restoring and building a 1973 Datsun 240z, a project that allows him to apply his problem-solving skills in a different, hands-on way. However, his greatest joy comes from spending quality time with his family. Together, they love exploring new restaurants and trying different types of food, always on the lookout for their next culinary adventure. Whether it's tinkering in the garage or discovering new flavors, Tu embraces each experience with curiosity and enthusiasm.

As Project Executive at BranchPattern, Zabdi Valdez leads the charge on international projects, guiding Project Managers through the LEED certification process for the Volume Program. She ensures everything is on track—overseeing documentation, enforcing quality control, and communicating directly with clients and stakeholders. Zabdi thrives on collaboration, and her passion for building strong client relationships drives every project forward with energy and precision.

Zabdi earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey University, equipping her with both the technical expertise and leadership skills to excel in complex, fast-paced environments. With a clear focus on sustainability, she’s known for her hands-on approach, ensuring every project exceeds LEED standards while fostering collaboration among teams. Her list of accomplishments includes certifying 10 LEED Volume v4 Silver and Gold projects in Mexico and the U.S. Zabdi also improved the billing and communication process for one of the firm’s largest clients in Mexico and is the primary point of contact for all Latin American projects under the v4 Volume Program. Whether she’s streamlining workflows or driving innovation in sustainability, Zabdi is known for delivering results with energy and focus.

Outside of the office, Zabdi’s creativity knows no bounds. Her passion for pen and ink aristry brings her a unique sense of fulfillment, allowing her creativity to thrive. The precision and patience required in her art reflect her approach to managing projects—thoughtful, detailed, and always aiming for excellence. Fluent in Spanish and English, and learning Portuguese, Zabdi is constantly seeking new challenges, both professionally and personally.

As a Green Building Certifications Consultant and Project Manager at BranchPattern, Aleni Tsikhlakis is known for her expertise in guiding projects to meet rigorous sustainability standards. Her dedication to sustainability is deeply influenced by the Greek concept of "Agape," which embodies selfless love and commitment. This philosophy permeates her professional and personal life, ensuring that each project achieves its environmental objectives with meticulous care.

Aleni's professional journey is marked by rapid growth and notable achievements. Since joining BranchPattern, she has quickly advanced in her role, earning new credentials and mastering various scopes of work. She holds LEED AP BD+C and ActiveScore AP accreditations, is a TRUE Advisor, and an Engineer in Training. Aleni graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science & Technology and a TIME MBE from the University of Crete, Greece. Actively engaged with the USGBC Central Plains Chapter, ASHRAE, and CREW KC, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her field.

In her personal life, Aleni enjoys competitive equestrian sports, playing music, and experimenting with makeup artistry. Her experience living in Greece has given her intermediate proficiency in Greek and a rich cultural background.

Allison Palmer is a Volume Project Administrator at BranchPattern, where she excels in guiding projects toward LEED certification under the LEED Volume Program. Her role allows her to blend her passion for green building with her technical expertise and to explore the AEC world's relationship to the environment and people's well-being.

Allison's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Design Engineering with a focus on Community Development and a minor in Public Affairs from the Colorado School of Mines. She was actively involved in the Humanitarian Engineering department and McBride Honors Program. As a LEED AP BD+C, Allison contributes to sustainability initiatives through her work and attending various USGBC events. Her goal of earning WELL and Fitwel credentials underscores her dedication to continuous learning and professional excellence.

In her personal time, Allison enjoys golfing, reading, hiking, and painting landscapes. Her creative side is further expressed through her love of live theatre and music. Her commitment to service is evident in her volunteer efforts with Habitat for Humanity, Denver Botanical Gardens, and Miners Alley Performing Arts Center.

Austin Oliver is a dynamic Commissioning Agent and Project Manager at BranchPattern, primarily leading Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) projects aimed at achieving various Green Building Certifications. His impressive portfolio includes WELL Performance Testing and IEQ testing for clients such as Highmark Health and Valmont, and commissioning projects for Carnegie Mellon University targeting LEED v4 certification.

Austin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University, which he leverages to bring a building science perspective focused on people’s well-being. As a WELL Performance Testing Agent and RESET AP, he channels his passion for healthier environments into providing data that validates building designs and operations. His dedication to healthier buildings drives him to pursue his WELL AP certification, ensuring he always puts clients first, delivering outstanding service and impactful results.

Outside the office, Austin’s talents are just as impressive. He’s a skilled handyman who fully renovated his father's childhood home, where he now resides. Adding to his list of accomplishments, Austin recently completed his first marathon, with many more likely on the horizon.

Avnee Patel is an HR Coordinator at BranchPattern, where she brings a burst of energy and enthusiasm to recruiting, onboarding, and employee engagement. As the CEO of First Impressions, Avnee takes pride in welcoming new hires, making them feel valued and supported from day one. She is passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive work culture, finding joy in connecting with employees across different offices and supporting them throughout their journey at BranchPattern.

Avnee’s educational background, featuring a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, fuels her strengths in organization, problem-solving, empathy, and adaptability. Her active membership in SHRM underscores her dedication to professional growth. Avnee’s relentless pursuit of skill enhancement and her commitment to setting a positive example contribute to a thriving and supportive work environment.

Avnee's creative side shines through in her love for cooking, DIY projects, and drawing. She delights in experimenting with new recipes, crafting unique projects, and expressing herself through art. Her creativity and passion for life infuse every aspect of her work and personal life, making her a dynamic and inspiring presence at BranchPattern.

Eric McGowan doesn’t just hear the difference, he makes the difference. As an Acoustics Consultant, he helps projects hit all the right notes by fine-tuning sound isolation, room acoustics, MEP noise control, and environmental noise. Whether troubleshooting a rattle or dialing in the perfect reverberation time, Eric works closely with architects, engineers, and clients to turn acoustic challenges into smooth, sound solutions. His secret? A mix of technical precision, easygoing collaboration, and the ability to explain decibels without giving anyone a headache.

With deep expertise in architectural acoustics and membership in the Acoustical Society of America, Eric has made waves on major projects like the NFL Headquarters in Inglewood and Sirius XM Studios in Hollywood. But perhaps the most meaningful sound to him is progress in his hometown of Kansas City, where he hopes to leave a legacy, one building and one well-balanced soundscape at a time.

When he’s not solving noise mysteries, you’ll likely find Eric strumming his guitar and enjoying life’s quieter joys. Music runs in his veins, as does his support for the Tourette Association of America. Whether tuning an instrument or consulting on a concert hall, Eric brings heart, humor, and harmony to everything he does.

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Bayly Holl is a Project Manager at BranchPattern, where she collaborates with project teams to achieve LEED certification for their buildings. She thrives on working with diverse teams, providing expert guidance on the best environmental and customer-focused strategies. Her passion for solving technical and complex problems makes her an invaluable asset in the pursuit of sustainable solutions.

Certified as a LEED AP BD+C and ActiveScore AP, Bayly possesses a deep understanding of green building practices standards. These certifications, combined with her unique skills such as conducting waste audits, underscore her commitment to comprehensive sustainability practices. Bayly continually seeks to expand her expertise, aiming to work on a broader range of building certifications and further her impact on sustainable development.

Bayly is driven by a deep commitment to the environment. She is always striving to be the best team member possible, continuously seeking opportunities to help the environment through increased volunteering efforts. Bayly’s dedication to environmental stewardship and teamwork exemplifies her unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable future.

When she’s not driving sustainable initiatives at work, Bayly embraces the great outdoors—whether skiing, backcountry skiing, climbing, or hiking through serene forests, her loyal dog is always by her side, sharing in every adventure. Bayly’s passion for environmental stewardship extends to reducing waste, particularly in improving construction and demolition waste practices. At home, she enjoys composting, turning kitchen scraps into rich soil that fuels her garden’s growth.

Caitlyn Ziegler is an energetic Proposal Coordinator at BranchPattern who fully embraces the mantra to "find joy in the ordinary." By being present and engaged, Caitlyn creates deep connections, and values the unique experiences each person and task brings. Her favorite moments are when she's collaborating with the technical team and learning how their work improves building environments for people. This collaboration fuels her creativity, resulting in compelling proposals and qualifications packages that consistently win new projects and make a real impact.

With a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Marketing, Management and Business Administration, from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, Caitlyn combines her communication prowess and creative flair to shine in her role. She is an active member of SMPS, continually growing and learning within her field. Beyond her professional growth, Caitlyn excels in interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with coworkers and clients alike. Her empathy and gift for creating meaningful connections leave a lasting impression, and her infectious positivity is simply unforgettable.

When she's off the clock, Caitlyn’s zest for life takes center stage. She's become quite the disc golfer in a short time, and her love for planning and strategy shines in her high scores in Stardew Valley. Caitlyn’s creativity comes to life through DIY projects, coloring, and crocheting. She’s also an avid reader and has an uncanny talent for remembering movie lines and lyrics verbatim. A true adventurer, Caitlyn has traveled to 34 states and 7 countries, with more journeys ahead.

Chinonye Uche is a dedicated Project Manager at BranchPattern, where she approaches every project with the mindset that "every race is an opportunity." Whether she's navigating complex ESG frameworks like LEED O+M, LEED Zero, GRESB, CHPS, Fitwel, or Fitwel Sites, Chinonye sees each new challenge as a chance to push boundaries and create meaningful change. She excels in project kickoffs, client communications, and documentation management, all while staying committed to her larger goal of bettering the planet through sustainable practices.

With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability from Cornell University, Chinonye’s expertise is backed by strong technical writing and research skills. She has a talent for managing projects with moving scopes, ensuring that even the most novel programs stay on course. A standout moment in her career was serving as the project manager for the 2022 Embodied Carbon paper and helping BranchPattern achieve its first GRESB submission—a perfect example of how she seizes every opportunity to drive success.

In her free time, she channels her love for puzzles into mastering sudoku, seeing each puzzle as a chance to sharpen her problem-solving abilities. She also brings this outlook to her personal development, always looking for ways to grow and refine her skills. Whether it's at work or in her hobbies, Chinonye embraces every challenge with focus and enthusiasm, ensuring that no opportunity is left unexplored.

Corey Griffiths is a Healthcare Plumbing Designer at BranchPattern, specializing in efficient plumbing designs for healthcare projects and advising colleagues. With over a decade of experience, Corey is known for his meticulous and detail-oriented approach, advocating for simplicity, organization, and a team-driven method to enhance project progression. He thrives on collaborating with engineers and architects to ensure every project is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Corey holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from Drexel University and is studying for the CPD (Certified Plumbing Designer) certification. He is a member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and actively volunteers with The Gathering Place, Habitat for Humanity, and Chatfield Farms Botanic Gardens. His career highlights include designing a Pediatric Operating Room Building for Albany Medical Center, a project that took almost three years to complete.

Corey believes in the importance of nature for rejuvenation and often hikes, backpacks, and camps in his free time. He enjoys trying new things and keeping his mind engaged with exciting challenges, whether it’s learning mountain biking or tackling a vehicle modification. Always eager to learn, Corey’s latest interest involves researching portable power stations with solar charging for an overlanding vehicle build.

Jenna Schufeldt thrives behind the scenes, keeping the LEED Volume program running smoothly. As an Executive Assistant at BranchPattern, she supports the team by coordinating everything from project tracking and client reporting to billing logistics and LEED Online registrations. Her knack for organization and natural ability to anticipate needs help streamline complex processes and make life easier for those around her. For Jenna, it’s all about enabling the team to work smarter and focus on the big picture.

She brings a calm, focused presence to a fast-paced environment, with strengths in communication, coordination, and problem-solving. One of her proudest accomplishments has been digging into legacy contracts to help bring the LEED Volume program into a cleaner, more organized system. Passionate about refining processes, Jenna is always looking for new ways to boost efficiency and clarity. Outside of work, she volunteers weekly with youth at her church, extending her commitment to support and structure beyond the office.

When she’s not immersed in client data or smoothing out systems, Jenna lives somewhere between serenity and adrenaline. She’s equally at home creating mixed media art or riding her dirt bike through rough terrain, reflecting a balance of creativity and boldness that mirrors her approach to work: methodical when needed, fearless when it counts.

David Pitts is a Mechanical Engineer at BranchPattern, where he excels in system design, load calculations, ductwork and piping design, and equipment selection. He prides himself on being an excellent team player, fostering a positive work environment through effective communication, collaboration, and support. Always willing to lend a helping hand and share knowledge, David has been invaluable in helping his team navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas, David brings a robust set of skills to his role, including communication, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability. A member of ASHRAE, he is committed to ongoing professional development and is currently studying to take his FE exam.

David lives by Sam Levenson's mantra, "Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going." This philosophy fuels his relentless drive, whether he's pushing through a tough workout at the gym, battling it out on the soccer field, or savoring the thrill of a Sporting KC game. Off the field, David turns into a culinary adventurer, constantly discovering new ways to prepare his favorite ingredient—chicken. Whether he's grilling, roasting, or experimenting with a wild new marinade, David’s kitchen has seen more chicken than a barbecue joint on a Friday night.

Davis Misloski is a Project Executive at BranchPattern, where he empowers Project Managers with expert guidance on LEED Volume Certifications. Driven by a passion for making a tangible impact on the built environment and enhancing occupant well-being, Davis thrives on building strong client relationships and continuously advancing his skills in sustainability. He is dedicated to forging meaningful connections and seeking out new opportunities to create positive change.

Holding credentials like LEED AP BD+C and ISSP SEA, Davis has successfully steered over 10 industrial projects to achieve Silver and Gold LEED Certifications. He is deeply fascinated by how the aesthetics of a building or space influence the quality of life for its occupants. To fuel his creativity and insights, Davis often turns to science fiction, drawing inspiration and warnings from stories like Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End.