Our team

Rudy Ortiz, PE, CGC: Owner, Founder & CEO

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Rudy Ortiz, PE, CGC: Owner, Founder & CEO

Rudy has more than 40 years of construction management, program management, testing/inspection, and engineering design experience in a variety of civil infrastructure projects, specializing in the design and construction of water/wastewater utilities, stormwater and drainage projects, neighborhood improvement projects, transportation facilities, and roadways. His experience includes program management of fast-track and complex water and wastewater projects, including consent decree programs for Miami-Dade County and Puerto Rico. With the City of New York, Rudy served as construction manager, resident engineer, and field engineer for a variety of multi-million-dollar roadway reconstruction and neighborhood improvement projects.

Juan Alfonso, AIA, NCARB, RID, CCM: President & COO

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Juan Alfonso, AIA, NCARB, RID, CCM: President & COO

Juan brings more than 25 years of extensive experience across all facets of the A/E/C industry including program management, project management, construction management, program and project controls, design management/development, business development and operations. This expertise stems from experience with representative projects such as stormwater, water/wastewater, transportation, commercial, justice, K-12, higher education, transit and rail, ports and coastal, environmental, healthcare, and residential projects. He has successfully led and managed large teams of professionals and has had a tremendous deal of success delivering excellent technical services through a collaborative and inclusive approach to management.  Having managed large and complex programs/projects in South Florida and throughout the nation on both the public and private sectors totaling more than $31 billion, Juan leads CES operations, strategic planning, and growth activities across all functional areas of the enterprise, drawing upon his valuable expertise to maximize operational and technical excellence, client partnerships, and champion growth into new markets.

Darlene Fernandez, PE: Senior Vice President of Business Development & Strategy

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Darlene Fernandez, PE: Senior Vice President of Business Development & Strategy

Darlene, a licensed Professional Engineer with a strong background in civil engineering, project planning, maintenance and operations, construction management, and budget and contract management, has 20+ years of diverse municipal leadership experience and exceptional technical expertise in Transportation Engineering, including six and a half years as the Assistant Director of the Department of Transportation and Public Works at Miami-Dade County. As the Executive Director of Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX), Darlene oversaw the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of five expressways in the county. She has led and supported multiple large-scale and complex projects, such as the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan, the MDX 2045 Master Plan, and the MDX System-to-System Interchange Program.

Darlene served as a board member for the Miami Dade Expressway Authority and Florida International University Deans Leadership Council and has received several honors and awards recognizing her leadership and achievements, including the In Company of Women Award, the Leadership Luminary Award, and the Woman of the Year Award. She is passionate about innovation, collaboration, strong partnerships, and inclusion, and strives to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the transportation industry. As the Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, Darlene will be leading the strategic planning and execution of business development initiatives from opportunity creation through proposal delivery support for all business units at CES and further developing CES’s Transportation Engineering portfolio. Her previous experience in the public sector is key in evaluating industry trends and opportunities with existing clients and creating partnerships with new clients. She also has a deep understanding of the development of proposals that align with client strategies and expectations for CES to be successful and continue its growth.

Michael J. Jelen, PE, FASCE: Executive Vice President/Principal, DC Metro Office

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Michael J. Jelen, PE, FASCE: Executive Vice President/Principal, DC Metro Office

As Executive Vice President and Principal, Mike leads all practices in CES’s DC Metro office, driving local initiatives and also helping to grow the Transportation sector into a national practice. With more than 35 years of experience in planning, design, and construction, he brings proven leadership in shaping the infrastructure of the DC region. Mike has spearheaded significant projects including the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and has played a key role in improving the region’s federal facilities, transportation systems, water infrastructure, schools and public housing.  A decorated U.S. Army veteran and retired Lieutenant Colonel, Mike brings a results-driven approach and a steadfast commitment to engineering excellence. His military service, including key roles at the National Defense University, Task Force Guardian: New Orleans, and organizing the Pacific Environmental Security Conference, further honed his leadership and program delivery skills.

Beyond project delivery, Mike is deeply engaged in the DC community. He served as President of the Board of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Metropolitan Washington and actively contributed to the National Complete Streets Coalition. Currently, he serves on the DC Board of Professional Engineering and is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Mike’s distinguished career includes directing multimillion-dollar contracts and leading large-scale infrastructure initiatives both nationally and internationally. He was appointed by DC Mayor Bowser as the Chief Project Delivery Officer for the Department of General Services, leading its $6 billion CIP. He established the General Directorate of Municipal Projects for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, overseeing $20 billion in capital outlays. His commitment to excellence extends to mentoring future leaders through his involvement in Smart Growth America’s Safe Streets/Smart Cities Academy and EPA Building Blocks workshops.

With his deep understanding of the DC landscape and a proven track record of success, Mike is poised to drive impactful change and advance infrastructure resiliency across the region.

Jose Caraballo, PE: Senior Vice President & Director of Engineering

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Jose Caraballo, PE: Senior Vice President & Director of Engineering

Jose has more than two decades of experience in civil, water, wastewater, stormwater, and drainage design; transportation and environmental engineering; and project management with various public entities, including more than 300,000 LF of residential water main, 200,000 LF of force main/sanitary sewer, and 50 pump and lift stations. He has been involved in a variety of civil and environmental engineering projects related to the improvement of roadways, public utilities, drainage systems, pump stations, lift stations, water treatment plants, ports and airports, Class IV Freshwater Wetland Permitting, and SFWMD Environmental Resources Permitting, among others. Jose has successfully overseen projects from the initial assessment, feasibility analysis, and conceptual stages through completion, including full design, permitting, construction management/administration, and close-out.

David Hoot, PE: Senior Vice President

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David Hoot, PE: Senior Vice President

David has more than 45 years of experience in engineering and business management, QA/QC, project planning and development, serving as client-consultant liaison, and construction-related services for infrastructure and environmental projects. He has significant experience in project management and direction of civil/environmental engineering design and plan preparation involving neighborhood improvements, sustainability and resiliency, site development and pre-development services, roadway and transportation-related design, stormwater pipe/culvert design, environmental permitting and stormwater management, environmental impact studies and assessments, utilities and infrastructure improvements, water and wastewater transmission and treatment systems, solid waste facility planning, permitting, design and CQA, and CEI and construction management.

Francisco Reboredo: Chief Financial Officer

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Francisco Reboredo: Chief Financial Officer

Francisco Reboredo brings over 15 years of experience in accounting and financial management, with a focus on optimizing operational efficiency and supporting strategic growth. As Chief Financial Officer, Francisco oversees all aspects of financial planning, reporting, and compliance, guiding the company’s fiscal health through informed analysis and robust internal controls. He is highly experienced in corporate and project accounting, audits, and capital improvement program (CIP) financial oversight. Francisco’s leadership ensures sound financial decision-making, by ensuring the ERP system complies with US GAAP standards, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and internal operational workflows.

Known for his organization, attention to detail, and collaborative approach, Francisco plays a key role in aligning financial operations with company goals. His skill set includes budget forecasting, cash flow management, payroll administration, and business continuity planning, as well as a strong understanding of human capital systems such as ADP and Paycom. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Francisco is an effective communicator across all levels of the organization and with external partners. His deep commitment to efficiency and excellence makes him an integral part of CES’s executive leadership team.

Morsy Said, PE: Senior Vice President, New York & New Jersey

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Morsy Said, PE: Senior Vice President, New York & New Jersey

Morsy leads CES operations in the Northeast, including managing all resident engineering inspection/construction management and design projects administered by public agencies such as the New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYCDDC) and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP), among others. He has more than 40 years of diverse experience in the civil engineering industry and a proven ability to lead projects from initial concept through completion in both the public and private sectors. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the City College of the City University of New York.

Rachel Sak: Vice President of Marketing & Communications

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Rachel Sak: Vice President of Marketing & Communications

Rachel serves as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for CES, where she leads firmwide marketing, communications, and business development support strategies across The CES Companies. With 25 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, Rachel is a trusted executive leader known for combining strategic vision with disciplined execution. In her role, Rachel oversees brand management, corporate communications, proposal strategy, and capture support—driving consistent, high-quality messaging and positioning across all markets and platforms. She leads the development and production of complex proposals and qualifications, supports pursuit strategy and competitive positioning, and partners closely with executive leadership to advance the firm’s long-range growth objectives.

Rachel has played a pivotal role in elevating CES’s marketing operations through the implementation of CRM and marketing data management systems, digital branding initiatives, social media strategy, and firmwide communications standards. Her leadership has strengthened operational efficiency, improved proposal quality, and enhanced CES’s visibility and market presence. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, Rachel collaborates across disciplines to support strategic planning, market research, and business development initiatives. She also oversees the professional development of the marketing team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Ahmad K. Alhalawani, PhD, PMP, PE: Vice President of Construction Services, New York & New Jersey

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Ahmad K. Alhalawani, PhD, PMP, PE: Vice President of Construction Services, New York & New Jersey

Ahmad is an esteemed leader in construction and engineering management, serving as the Vice President of Construction Services for CES’s New York & New Jersey offices. With a solid educational foundation, holding a PhD in Construction and Pavement Engineering, an MS in Construction Engineering Management, and a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rutgers University, Ahmad brings a wealth of expertise and academic rigor to his role. His 20+-year career spans significant positions where he has demonstrated exceptional ability in managing a plethora of complex infrastructure projects, including bridge, highway, and utility construction throughout New York and New Jersey.

Ahmad’s strategic vision and leadership have been pivotal in forging new client relationships and advancing the company’s goals. His hands-on experience in the field, combined with his academic contributions as an adjunct professor and author, make him a valuable asset to our leadership team and a cornerstone in our continued success and expansion.

Javier Cabrera-Marini: Vice President & Director of Program Controls & Technology

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Javier Cabrera-Marini: Vice President & Director of Program Controls & Technology

With over 30 years of experience in civil engineering and project controls, Javier specializes in program and construction management, data analysis, earned value management, risk assessment, and process optimization. Throughout his career, he has successfully led large-scale infrastructure projects across North America, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean. Javier is known for his ability to implement innovative project controls strategies and systems that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.

In addition to his technical expertise, Javier is a recognized leader in team development and strategic planning. He has a strong track record of fostering collaboration between stakeholders, ensuring projects meet their goals on time and within budget. His leadership at CES will drive continued excellence in project delivery and technological advancement, supporting our commitment to delivering world-class project controls, project management information system (PMIS), engineering, and program/construction management services.

Christopher R. Bennett, PE: Vice President & Regional Business Line Leader

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Christopher R. Bennett, PE: Vice President & Regional Business Line Leader

Chris brings over 25 years of expertise in civil engineering, public infrastructure management, program management, and resilience planning to CES as a Vice President & Regional Business Line Leader. He leads and supports strategic initiatives in engineering and program management, with a focus on stormwater, transportation, and utility infrastructure. His experience spans municipal public works, right-of-way permitting, large-scale capital improvement programs, and resilience-focused infrastructure planning.

Chris has played a key role in overseeing multi-million-dollar infrastructure programs as well as individual projects, including stormwater master plans, advanced metering infrastructure programs, and water and sewer consent order programs. A recognized expert in sustainable urban development, he has contributed to technical publications, led industry presentations, and provided executive-level guidance on climate resilience and regulatory compliance. Chris is a licensed Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Janean Maldonado: Director of Human Resources

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Janean Maldonado: Director of Human Resources

Janean directs CES human resources activities, including new hire onboarding, benefits enrollment, and employee activities. With nearly 15 years of experience, Janean brings extensive knowledge of human resources best practices and employee relations to her role, often serving as trusted advisor to CES senior leadership on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

James “Jim” Wille, CGC: Senior Vice President & Director of Construction

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James “Jim” Wille, CGC: Senior Vice President & Director of Construction

James (Jim) Wille, CGC is Senior Vice President and Director of Construction, bringing more than 40 years of experience leading complex, large-scale construction programs across healthcare, aviation, education, justice, public assembly, and municipal infrastructure. A seasoned construction executive, Jim has overseen high-profile projects totaling billions of dollars, including major healthcare campuses for Jackson Health System, the Miami-Dade County Probate and Civil Courthouse, and the City of Doral Parks Bond Program.

Jim is known for his ability to guide multidisciplinary teams through every phase of project delivery—from preconstruction and procurement through construction and closeout—while maintaining strict control of schedule, cost, quality, and risk. A Florida Certified General Contractor (CGC) and member of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), he brings a steady, solutions-driven leadership style and deep public-sector experience that consistently delivers successful outcomes for clients and stakeholders alike.

Rafael Urdaneta: Director of Construction Engineering Inspections

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Rafael Urdaneta: Director of Construction Engineering Inspections

Rafael has nearly 40 years of engineering experience, including design, construction management, construction project administration, and construction engineering inspection (CEI), with significant experience on roadway, bridge, and infrastructure construction projects. His experience includes public and private projects involving buildings, wastewater facilities, utilities, stormwater and drainage systems, water distribution, malls, high rise buildings, petroleum platforms, subdivisions, and medical centers. His background includes managing construction and maintenance projects throughout FDOT Districts Four and Six, for the Miami-Dade County Expressway Authority (MDX), the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Cities of Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Hialeah, Delray Beach, North Miami, Miramar, and Pembroke Pines, and Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties.

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