Angela Barron
Angela Barron leads our Human Resources department and initiatives. Angela is an innovative and strategic human resources expert who enjoys translating business vision into HR initiatives that improve performance, profitability, growth and employee engagement. Angela earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University of Fresno and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. She is a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Society of Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and a Certified Mediator.
Blake Wright, PE
Blake has worked with staff, architects, consultants, subcontractors, and other project team members to provide professional consulting services with passion and integrity. He will capably continue enhancing the San Antonio CoMET department’s reputation of excellence. Blake exemplifies our Raba Kistner core value of community by giving back to our profession through involvement in professional organizations, teaching new generations studying construction and engineering, and serving in the United States Navy Reserve.
Rhiana Ward
As Director of Cultural Resources, Ms. Ward is responsible for the management and coordination of the RKI cultural resources program. Her responsibilities include developing and maintaining client relationships, budget and proposal preparation, developing research designs, permitting, and directing field operations. She works closely with clients and oversight agencies to develop project scopes for regulatory review under federal, state, and local compliance, including the Texas Antiquities Code and the City of San Antonio’ Unified Development Code. Ms. Ward has 14 of experience in cultural resources compliance, specializing in historic and Spanish Colonial archaeology.
Doug Wiersig, PE
Doug serves as Raba Kistner’s strategic growth leader in the North Texas marketplace and oversee the regional growth of Raba Kistner’s four business lines across public and private sectors — engineering consulting, infrastructure, environmental, and project management. He has executive experience leading a comprehensive municipal Transportation & Public Works department encompassing transportation programming, street maintenance, traffic management, environmental management, stormwater management, capital project delivery, facility management, and parking management. Doug has managed annual operating and capital programs of over $315 million, a roadway system of 7,767 lane miles, 437 bridges and 890 traffic signals and led major efforts including the development of capital and maintenance programs and two $500 million bond programs.
Joe A. Irizarry
Prior to joining Raba Kistner in 2004, Joe Irizarry spent most of his career with a Fortune 500 service industry firm, focusing on sales management, strategic planning, leadership development, and process improvement. He now leads Raba Kistner’s business development and marketing initiatives, and enjoys helping the firm, its clients, his community and business networks elevate their performances. A Southwestern University graduate, Joe also is chairman of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council.
Newel White, PE
Newel has extensive experience managing civil engineering and construction projects. As Vice President, he takes on substantial managerial responsibilities for our work on infrastructure projects. Newel has been involved in the execution of the some of the largest projects performed in the Western U.S. including the $1B South Mountain Freeway, $1.5B City Creek Center and the $1.1B Utah I-15 Corridor Expansion. His roles included management of quality plans, inspection programs, and materials testing, off site fabrication inspection, design review and construction engineering.
David White, RRC, RWC, RRO, CDT, CEI, CIT-III
David’s primary duties consist of facilities project management with emphasis on scope development, budget estimates, roofing inspection reports, surveys, roofing redesigns, and engineering solutions with attendant specifications. He actively serves as the client’s trusted advisor by planning, staffing, and executing projects involving roofing and building forensics services. Additionally, David oversees project management tasks covering roofing consulting and design work. He monitors the professional practice of his staff, including QA/QC protocols, and ensures compliance with generally accepted policies.
Devin Williamson
Devin brings over 20 years of sales and marketing experience to Raba Kistner. His primary responsibilities include establishing and managing client relationships throughout the Central Texas region covering New Braunfels and the IH-35 corridor, along with participating in project development for geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, environmental and cultural services, and building science services. These responsibilities have overlapped to our sister company, Project Control, since he helped launch the Austin office in 2016, which provides project and program management services.
Martin Vila, PE, F. ASCE
Martin has over 30 years of engineering experience and has supported Raba Kistner’s clients since 1994. As Senior Vice President, he oversees Raba Kistner’s consulting operations in the Houston area. He is responsible for the management, administration, and coordination of geotechnical, environmental, construction materials engineering and testing, forensic, and due diligence studies. Martin oversees infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, commercial, industrial, and residential projects.
Ryan Venable
Ryan has a 20-year track record of achievement and experience in operations and business development for technology and engineering companies and specialized knowledge in oil and gas, petrochemical and construction industries. As Senior Vice President, Gulf Coast Marketplace Leader, Ryan is helping establish new offices in Texas and Louisiana and leading the firm’s growth strategy in the Gulf Coast region, including Houston.
Elliot Townsend, CRAME
Elliot has over 15 years of professional experience within the environmental field, serving as both a public agent and environmental consultant. His career has primarily involved leading teams of environmental consultants and engineers, where he's managed and developed business units that primarily service industrial clients. In Elliot’s current role he is leading the growth of development of his team’s capabilities, service offerings and clients.
Steve A. Tomka, PH.D, RPA
As the Cultural Resources Program Director, Dr. Tomka is responsible for all Cultural Resources activities of the firm. He works closely with Prehistoric and Historic Project Archaeologists and Field and Laboratory Technicians to complete archaeological projects. He has more than 35 years of experience in archaeology. Dr. Tomka has authored 60 cultural resource management reports, peer-reviewed 23 journal articles, and delivered 27 papers at national and international meetings in his areas of expertise.