About

Director of Health and Safety, EEO Officer

Elise Agness is the Director of Health and Safety and EEO Officer at Pacific States Environmental Contractors, where she has been contributing her expertise since 2019. A graduate of Sonoma State University and a Bay Area native, Elise has dedicated her career to advancing workplace health and safety programs, developing policies that protect employees, and fostering a culture of accountability and care. She has extensive experience in regulatory compliance, risk management, and employee training, ensuring that safety remains a top priority across all levels of the organization. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys hiking, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family.

Program Manager

Robin has 18 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning her career in 2007 as a PSEC Contract Administrator. With strong knowledge and training in administrative functions. She developed expertise supporting complex projects. In 2019, Robin was promoted to Program Manager. She also plans and manages company-wide events and gatherings, coordinating all details for smooth execution. Outside of work, Robin enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.

Controller, CCIFP

Kevin is a Bay Area native with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo. After working a few years in management consulting, Kevin joined the organization 2003. Since then, Kevin has led various teams within the accounting department and became Controller in 2017. Kevin is also heavily involved with maintaining and evolving the company’s ERP system and in-house custom software applications. In 2012 Kevin earned the CFMA’s Construction Industry Financial Professional Certification. Kevin and his wife live in Dublin and enjoy traveling to both mountainous and tropical locations.

Project Engineer

Bryan has been working for PSEC in the Soils Management Department since 2011. He started out as a Soil Sample Technician traveling the entire Bay Area, visiting hundreds of job sites, collecting soil for testing. He is currently a Project Engineer managing multiple reclamation sites throughout the Bay Area but most notably the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline project in Alviso, CA. Working with local agencies the project received soil for future use to restore levees creating new areas for the public to explore and healthier wetlands for wildlife. He grew up in Crockett, CA, best known for C&H Sugar. He graduated from Chico State in 2008, moving back to the Bay Area soon after to rejoin his family, start a career and start a family of his own. He has a son and twin daughters. In his spare time, Bryan enjoys building and racing RC drones and riding motorcycles.

Sr. Project Cost Accountant

Gloria has worked in the construction industry since 1995. Joining PSEC in 2001, She is the Sr. Project Cost Accountant at PSEC where she currently maintains cost reports and billings for ~50 projects. She has also taken the role of Accounts Receivable for PSEC since May 2020. Prior to joining the team, Gloria worked at RGW Construction for 6 yrs as the Payroll Admin and developed her experience as a Job Cost Manager. She was born in Chicago and raised in the East Bay. Gloria lives in Livermore and enjoys shopping and spending time with her granddaughter.

Estimator

Michael has been with PSEC since 2008 starting as a summer intern. Since graduating CSU Chico with his degree in Construction Management in 2009, Michael has worked his way up from Intern to Sample Technician, then Project Engineer to Soils Approval Manager. He is now currently working as an Estimator. Michael’s movement through the company has given him an extensive look into all facets of the Environmental Construction industry. Michael has worked on a variety of projects through the years that include excavation, remediation, grading, paving, fire debris management and cleanup, and other civil and environmental construction work. Michael has also worked on these projects at all points along the projects life cycle – beginning with assistance in the entitlement process for new developments, to reviewing and interpreting Environmental and Geotechnical site assessments and soil management plans. As an Estimator, Michael is now tasked with identifying and pricing new construction work, interfacing with clients and vendors, and negotiating contracts. In his spare time Michael enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and anything that takes him outside including mountain biking, wakeboarding, snowboarding, or just enjoying a day by the pool.

Contract Administrator

Tori joined PSEC in March of 2026. Prior to joining PSEC, she attended the College of San Mateo where she earned her AA in Psychology. While at CSM, she played softball and helped her team win the first State Championship in program history. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Cal State East Bay. Outside of work, she enjoys giving back to her community by coaching youth softball. In addition to coaching, Tori spends her free time hiking, reading, and trying new matcha shops. She looks forward to continuing to grow her career while making a positive impact at PSEC.

Project/Estimating Engineer

Joseph was hired by Pacific States Environmental in 2024. He graduated from San Jose State University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Joseph is working as an Engineer assisting the Estimating and Operations Team. He is a quick technical learner and assists the company by creating accurate earthwork takeoffs. Joseph lives in Hayward and enjoys playing sports such as Basketball and Badminton and trying new foods with his girlfriend.

Superintendent

Rich was born and raised in Martinez CA. He has worked with the Pacific States Environmental and DeSilva Gates since 1998 and has achieved a great deal. In 1998, Rich started off as an operating engineer working on a local landfill closure. Through the years Rich has worked on several types of projects including basement digs, contaminated sites, emergency clean up jobs and other landfill enterprises. For the past 27 years Rich has spent his time with the Soils Management Division of PSEC planning and running several unique projects. Rich’s concentration has focused on the reclamation of old quarries like Dumbarton Quarry; however, much of his time has been dedicated to updating Bay Area levees. Rich has worked to improve levee sites such as Bair Island and The City of Alviso. On his days off, Rich likes spending time with his family, playing bocce, going to concerts and going on vacation with his wife.

Project Engineer

Carson earned his degree in Finance with a Minor in Real Estate from Santa Clara University, where he developed a keen interest in construction through specialized courses in construction management and cost documentation. Following his graduation in 2024, he began his career as an intern with Pacific States in the Soils Management Department before moving into Operations, where he now works as a Project Engineer. His project experience includes a wide range of environmental and infrastructure efforts, from wildlife habitat restoration to the cleanup of hazardous waste. Residing in San Francisco, Carson lives an active lifestyle playing soccer, golfing, hiking, and running the occasional marathon. Beyond the field and trails, he is also an accomplished photographer whose work has taken him behind the scenes of major events such as the Billboard Music Awards and the Oscars.

Senior Estimator

Keith has been with PSEC & DeSilva Gates Construction since 2005. He brings over 40 years of expertise in project management and estimating in the commercial & public construction industry including environmental site remediation, landfill construction, and site restoration. Keith went to Hayward State University for his Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Business Administration. His extensive experience and knowledge in the fields of estimating, value engineering, project development, project management, and integrated project delivery culminated with the delivery of the Dumbarton Quarry Park to the East Bay Regional Park District in 2021. He lives in Walnut Creek and enjoys spending time with his family including children, grandchildren, and dogs

Vice President

Originally from a small farming town in Missouri, Bryan moved to the Bay Area in the 90’s. This was a temporary assignment, working on a landfill closure project in Martinez, CA. During this project, he was introduced to and began working for this organization in 1998. The last 17 years have been mostly dedicated to the Soils Management Department, managing the soil import and export needs throughout the organization. Bryan served in the US Air Force from 1988-1992 where he was proudly deployed to Desert Storm, based in Jedda, Saudi Arabia. Bryan and his family are often found at the Martinez Gun Club where they enjoy shooting and socializing with old and new friends.

PE, Senior Project Manager

Brian Eychner is a Senior Project Manager. He has been in the construction industry since 1985. He started in residential and commercial demolition with his family company, Thomas D. Eychner Co., Inc. in 1992 and transitioned into environmental earthwork when he joined PSEC in 2012. Brian is a licensed California Civil Engineer and has a BS in Civil Engineering from California State Chico & MBA from Saint Mary’s College, Moraga.  Brian and his wife live in Martinez, CA, He volunteers as a Commissioner with the City of Martinez Parks, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission as well as a docent with the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento.

Project Engineer

Lance is a Project Engineer at Pacific States Environmental Contractors and a recent entrant to the civil engineering field. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2024—with a specialization in geotechnical engineering—he returned to his hometown in the Bay Area to begin his career. Eager to apply his academic background to real-world projects, Lance is focused on gaining hands-on experience and growing his portfolio in the world of project management. In his free time, Lance likes to cook and play Badminton.

Foreman

Justin has worked in the construction industry since 1998. Prior to joining PSEC in 2004 he worked in stone restoration while attending college. Justin holds a BS in Criminology from California State University Sacramento. He resides in Martinez with his wife and children. In his free time he enjoys exploring the outdoors.

Approvals Manager

Jason has been with Pacific States since 2016 working on data review as well as tracking soil movement. After graduating from Texas A&M, Jason began working various jobs in the environmental industry including clean ups of all sizes and hazards across the Western US, followed by work at fixed facilities and regional managerial jobs for a large environmental firm. When he is not playing in the dirt, Jason lives with his family in San Ramon.

General Superintendent

Jon has been a Superintendent at PSEC since 1999. Prior to joining the team Jon worked in grading and landfill closures for Groundwater Control Inc. for three years. He grew up in South Dakota and attended college at South Dakota State University. Jon enjoys working with subcontractors and making sure each job is done to the best of his ability. He coaches his daughter’s club soccer team, enjoys boating on the Delta and camping when he can get away. Jon lives in Martinez with his wife and teenage children.

Program Manager/Water Treatment Operations

Matt Hromatka brings over 35 years of experience in heavy civil construction, specializing in water treatment solutions for marine, infrastructure, hydroelectric, dam, and pipeline projects. He has been a leader in developing innovative compliance technologies, including helping establish Chemically Enhanced Sand Filtration (CESF) as a recognized Best Management Practice.

Matt has supported both the 2009 and 2023 Construction General Permit (CGP) updates, contributing to Active Treatment Systems guidance for the California State Water Resources Control Board. He now serves as Program Manager of Water Treatment Operations at Pacific States Environmental Contractors, delivering effective groundwater, stormwater, and industrial wastewater solutions for clients.

Based in Martinez, California, Matt enjoys spending time outdoors with his family when he’s not working.

Project Engineer

Dutch began his journey as an intern with the DeSilva Gates / Pacific States organization in 2018. He joined Pacific States Environmental Contractors full-time in 2020 and was part of the 2020 Northern Branch Fire Cleanup project team. Dutch proved to be an excellent addition to the team and has been a Project Engineer since. He has worked within multiple departments, helping our materials department create engineered fill for projects around the bay managing water treatment systems for dewatering projects within the Water Treatment Department as well as assisting with managing projects with the Operations Department. Dutch lives in Pleasanton and enjoys spending time with friends and golfing.

Project/Estimating Engineer

Cato was hired by Pacific States in 2022. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the December 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Cato is working as an Engineer assisting the Estimating Team. He is a team-oriented employee with strong technical skills. Cato lives in San Francisco and enjoys photography, gardening and staying fit.

Construction Manager

Mike joined Pacific States in 2011 and has held the position of Superintendent of Operations, for the last 9 years. He graduated from California State University, East Bay with a BS in Business Administration and a focus in Corporate Management. Mike enjoys working on unique and challenging projects that demand strategic solutions. He has a passion for golf and enjoys biking and traveling with his family on weekends.

Project Manager

Erin is proud to have worked for Pacific States over the years. Starting from a runner in 1998 to Project Manager and community/hiring coordinator for the fire clean ups. In that role she facilitated the training of over 400 operators and laborers for the cleanups and ensured a local hire rate of over 50%. Erin is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a BA in Political Science, where she spent time in Northern Ireland studying Peace and Conflict Studies. She also has an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She enjoys being in nature, family and good craic (Irish for lively conversation and a good time).

President

Robert has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Santa Clara and a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from The University of Utah. He is a Registered Provisional Civil Engineer and holds A-Haz Contractors Licenses in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Utah. His five decades of experience includes design, permitting and construction of infrastructure, quarries, recycling facilities, soil remediation, water treatment and wetlands restoration. Recent years have been heavily focused on California wildfire cleanup responses and mine reclamation and restoration. Robert founded PSEC in 1994 to find creative solutions for impacted land uses and materials. We have grown into the leading environmental contractor in northern California, finding beneficial reuse of millions of tons of materials annually, and have redeveloped hundreds of properties and restored thousands of acres of park and wetlands since our founding. Robert lives in Oakland, California and enjoys sailing on SF Bay and points beyond, as well as hiking and skiing with his wife and grown children.  

Project Engineer/Soils Approval Technician

Johnrich Medina is a Project Engineer/Soils Approval Technician. Johnrich has 14 years of laboratory experience in environmental sample analysis. Johnrich’s main duties include laboratory data review and quality assurance of laboratory data. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, powerlifting, running, and spending time with his family.

Senior Project Manager

Gary Overton started his construction career in 2004, where he began in heavy civil and public works grading and paving, and transitioned into environmental earthwork and demolition when he joined Pacific States in 2011. When Gary started with Pacific States, he was a project engineer, and he is now our Senior Project Manager. With over 20 years of experience and vast knowledge of construction he has established an impressive record of project success. Gary has a BS in Agricultural Economics from UC Davis. Gary lives in Dublin, CA and enjoys staying fit, bowling, spending time with his children, and mountain biking all around the Bay Area.

Estimator

Chris has been an estimator at PSEC since 2015. Prior to joining the estimating team, Chris worked for PSEC building storage tanks. He grew up in Alameda and graduated with a degree in Geography from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Chris then joined the Peace Corps, where he served his two years in rural Paraguay. Chris joined PSEC after returning from the Peace Corps. Chris lives with his wife and two children in Alameda and enjoys working on projects that further the development in and around the Bay Area.

Project Manager

Danny has over 30 years’ experience and is the third generation to work in the civil construction field. Danny started in heavy civil underground working on subdivision tracts, city and county infrastructure work, and water sewer treatment facilities. He then moved on to grading and paving where he worked large commercial, residential and institutional projects. Danny’s experience includes design build and value engineering projects in tech, education and major sports franchises. Other work includes hazardous site remediation on several large-scale projects for public and private customers working with state and federal agencies to deliver a cleaner environment. This extensive experience has given him the knowledge to collaborate with estimating, value engineering, lean construction methods, project development, project management, multi trade project delivery and build relationships within the industry that have helped deliver a vast portfolio of successful projects throughout California. When Danny is not working, he enjoys spending time on his family farm with his wife and children, and camping and traveling.

D.Env., CIH, Safety

After graduating from high school in 1966, Dennis was draft bait. He outsmarted them and joined the Marine Corps. In addition to a tour in Vietnam, the Corps gave him the discipline, direction and through the GI Bill the financial assistance to attend college.  He obtained a BA in Zoology, Masters in Environmental and Occupational Health, and a Doctorate in Environmental Science and Engineering.  He considers himself a commonsense environmentalist. Dennis has worked at Pacific States since 2007. When not assisting with project safety, Dennis can be found on the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Chemist/Approvals Manager

Dimple has been working in the environmental industry for the last 29 years. She graduated with B.S. in chemistry and Biology from Punjab University, India before coming to the United States in 1991. She started as a prep technician in an environmental laboratory and worked her way up to project manager. She gained her hazardous waste management experience by managing waste for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies before starting at Pacific States Environmental in 2017. When she is not working, she spends her time outdoors running and hiking. She is also a wine connoisseur and enjoys her free time learning about winemaking and tasting.

Chief Estimator

With over 30 years of experience in construction, Nigel has been a part of the PSEC team since 2017. Nigel is an expert in excavation, shoring, demolition, site planning and value engineering. In addition to his project management experience, Nigel brings an honest and fresh perspective with his business development and client relations approach. Residing on the Peninsula, Nigel is involved in projects throughout the Bay Area. In his free time, he enjoys camping, fishing, live music and spending time with his family and friends.

(Emeritus)

Pete was a Vice President in charge of estimating at Pacific States until his semi-retirement in 2025 and has been in the environmental construction industry since 1986. He started in underground storage tank removals and shifted into earthwork when he joined PSEC in 1997. Pete continues to assist PSEC estimating with more of an advisory and mentorship role. Pete has a BS in Fermentation Science from UC Davis. Pete and his wife live in Walnut Creek, CA and enjoy wine tasting and day-hiking all over Northern California.

Soil Sampling Technician

A northeast Missouri native, Andy joined the Coast Guard after high school in hopes of gaining all-expenses paid access to new motorcycling opportunities.  The plan worked.  Tours of duty based out of Florida, Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, and finally California provided much riding joy (and occasional trips to local ERs).  Wife Kathie and three kids (all now young adults) decided to call NorCal home after Andy’s last military assignment ended here in 2017.  His mountain biking and off-road motorcycling habits gave him an unrealized affinity for soil analysis – a natural fit for grooming under the direction of PSEC’s Soil Management Division since 2018. Andy works with project representatives and laboratories across the Greater Bay Area to ensure materials are appropriately collected and tested in support of clients’ essential site characterization demands.