Leadership Team

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Email: dzabonick@patrioteng.com

Doug Zabonick has led Patriot as its President since March 2020. His leadership has guided the company successfully through a nationwide pandemic while experiencing unprecedented growth across each of Patriot's divisions. Over the past four years, Doug has been instrumental in strengthening Patriot's core business while focusing on unifying and building Patriot's team and culture. Today, we stand bold and united under a "One Patriot" mindset which speaks to Doug's servant-leadership mindset and beliefs. Inspired by John Wooden, Doug's management philosophy is "Do what you love in the service of those who love what you do." For those who know Doug, he embodies this philosophy every day and brings laughter and humor to each situation while teaching and inspiring his team forward.

Throughout his 35+ years in the engineering field, Doug has worked across each of Patriot's service lines: Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Testing, and Environmental Consulting. Prior to becoming Patriot's President, Doug was responsible for leading Patriot's Environmental Division across nine office locations. Doug's consultative approach to engineering provides our clients with hands-on engineering expertise while bringing a holistic approach to the problem they are solving, and practical applications mindful of budget and scheduling needs. Doug's desire to serve others has impacted a diverse client base in the areas of site investigations, remediation design and installation, environmental assessments and audits, environmental compliance, health and safety, EHS training, and solid waste management. He has experience in design, remediation, and closure of landfills. Doug has conducted numerous multi-media audits and is a frequent instructor and trainer on EHS topics. Doug has performed due diligence on thousands of sites and has conducted investigations and remediation on hundreds of properties impacted by petroleum, solvents, metals, and other compounds under various regulatory programs including CERCLA, RCRA, UST, VRP, and Brownfields.

When Doug isn’t working, you will find him enjoying time with his family (hopefully out on their boat) or relaxing with a good book.

Home Office: Evansville, IN
Email: jyoung@patrioteng.com

Mr. Young is the Executive Vice President of Patriot and is based out of the Evansville, Indiana office. Jeff is responsible for managing construction materials, testing, inspection, and consulting on large construction projects. His materials experience includes compaction control, investigation of pavement and floor failures, asphalt and concrete mix design, reinforcing steel inspection, post-tensioning inspection, pile installation inspection, load testing, and more. He has managed construction materials testing projects at landfill sites, industrial facilities, schools, casinos, commercial complexes, and transportation facilities. Jeff’s favorite pastimes are woodworking and spending time outdoors. He is currently building an arbor for his son’s wedding and a chicken coop for his daughter!

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Email: silmudeen@patrioteng.com

Mr. Ilmudeen is the Geotechnical Engineering group manager, BOM Secretary, and Senior Principal Engineer at Patriot. With 25+ years in professional geotechnical engineering, his experience includes highway and bridge projects, landslide/slope stabilization, high-rise structures, multi-level airport terminal buildings, parking structures, concourse concrete aprons, and commercial towers, foundation design consultations, and construction monitoring.

Salim also has specialized expertise in geotechnical engineering instrumentation, seismic analysis, geophysical exploration, pile load testing, pressure meter testing, resistivity testing, slug testing, as well as dewatering techniques and design. He has performed design and construction of several retaining walls and earth support systems such as soldier pile and lagging, sheet pile walls, soil mix walls, drilled pier walls, and others. Throughout his career, he has worked with notable mentors in the industry including world-renowned Mr. Clyde N. Baker Jr. In his free time, Salim enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Email: glacy@patrioteng.com

Mr. Lacy is a Principal and serves on Patriot’s Board of Directors. He is responsible for company oversight, client development, and risk management. Greg has successfully led offices in more than four markets simultaneously and has managed QA/QC teams with 30 staff members on a single project. Throughout his career, he has served on multiple public and private boards. His insight and experience with construction materials have provided repair recommendations in a variety of materials failures from soil repair to steel connection failures. Greg received his A.S. in Architecture and B.S. in Construction from Indiana State University. Interestingly, Greg and his wife named their children and pets with names that start with the letter "A."

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Job Title: Chief Financial Officer
Email: rkluger@patrioteng.com

Mr. Kluger is the Chief Financial Officer and on the Board of Managers of Patriot’s financial health since coming on board in 2015. He is involved in many finance-related activities including insurance, financing, taxes, financial reporting, human resources, and information technology. Rick is a Butler University graduate and is an Indiana Certified Public Accountant. He likes to spend his spare time with his wife of 25 years and his children. Here’s something you don’t hear every day—in college, Rick enjoyed throwing things (Javelin, discus, hammer, and shot put)!

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Email: cscheuermann@patrioteng.com

Mr. Scheuermann received his B.A. in Geology from Hanover College in 1997. He began his journey with Patriot in 1998 as an Engineering Field Technician. Today, he proudly serves Patriot as Manager of the Construction Materials Engineering Division, Principal, and member of the Board of Managers. Charlie has developed and managed construction materials quality control programs for Patriot over the past 23 years for several high-profile projects including Lucas Oil Stadium, JW Marriott Hotel Complex, IndyGo Redline, Hinkle Fieldhouse, and Indiana State Fair Coliseum, and Cummins Indianapolis Distribution HQ. Charlie’s favorite activity is hiking in the mountains with his family.

Home Office: Louisville, KY
Email: mvaught@patrioteng.com

Mr. Vaught has been involved in the QA/QC side of the construction industry for 36+ years and recently celebrated his 25-year anniversary with Patriot Engineering. Mike started at Patriot in 1997 as a Senior Technician/Project Manager and worked his way up to become Patriot’s Louisville Branch Manager in 2000 and a Principal Owner in 2006. In addition to the many local projects he has supported, Mike has led several large projects for Patriot within the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Mike is a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan!

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Job Title: CPA, CFO & Corporate Leader of Accounting, Finance, HR & IT
Email: rkluger@patrioteng.com

Mr. Kluger has been involved in Patriot’s financial health since coming on board in 2015. He is involved in many finance-related activities including insurance, financing, taxes, financial reporting, human resources, and information technology. Rick is a Butler University graduate and is an Indiana Certified Public Accountant. He likes to spend his spare time with his wife of 25 years and his children. Here’s something you don’t hear every day—in college, Rick enjoyed throwing things (Javelin, discus, hammer, and shot put)!

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Job Title: Corporate Director of Business Development & Marketing
Email: jdedon@patrioteng.com

Jody Dedon joined Patriot as the Director of Business Development and Marketing in November 2020. Jody leads the marketing and business development efforts across Patriot's nine offices. Dedicated to serving our external and internal clients, Jody's team is intentional about building relationships through generating awareness of Patriot's service offerings and delivering exceptional service through collaboration. As a client advocate, Jody and her team aim to take care of our clients and exceed expectations. Whether that is working collaboratively across our internal divisions or partnering with our clients to stay on top of our latest objective, we aim to serve.

Prior to joining Patriot, Jody spent 10 years in the nonprofit sector leading various organizations as Director of Development and Executive Director. Prior to her non-profit tenure, she spent 10 years leading civil engineering teams through project management/entitlements on statewide projects, and seven years in the environmental testing field serving national accounts.
In her spare time, Jody enjoys spending time with her husband and boys doing anything outdoors - hiking, running, and gardening. Jody is a musician at heart, playing six instruments including piano, clarinet, bass clarinet, bari saxophone, tenor saxophone, and xylophone. Jody is a graduate of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy, having served on their Board of Directors as Vice President and President. She served on the Board of Servants at Work (SAWs) in Indianapolis. Jody is an active community volunteer through St. Luke's United Methodist Church serving in youth ministry, hospitality, and with Freedom School. Jody is active in the Indianapolis Great Banquet, serving on several teams including as Speaker and Assistant Lay Director. Jody is a published author of Silent No More, released in December 2022.

Kara Hensley plays a key role at Patriot as the Director of Human Resources, leading the HR team and focusing on culture and strategies to establish and sustain Patriot as an Employer of Choice across all locations.

Her journey reflects a story of success, with a proven track record in shaping strategic, innovative, and value-added human resources, operations, and brand initiatives. This impact extends to the architectural and engineering services community, where she has significantly contributed to corporate growth and outcomes. Kara's approach combines operational insight with a genuine passion for building culture and managing the entire employee journey. She works hard to balance the diverse needs of employees at all levels with the broader mission and goals of the organization. As a leader, she prioritizes being a supportive guide and a trusted advisor, fostering a vibrant culture through meaningful connections and creative solutions that enhance engagement and ensure smooth business continuity.

Kara's professional journey is marked by diverse experiences, having held leadership roles at notable companies like Cripe, Keramida Environmental, Thompson Consumer Electronics, and Allison Transmission/General Motors. Her adaptability and success in navigating different business landscapes highlight her resilience and ability to thrive in various environments.

Kara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, graduating Cum Laude from DePauw University. Professionally, she a Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), showcasing her expertise and dedication to excellence in the field.

Outside of her professional commitments, Kara is actively involved in the Indianapolis nonprofit community. Her participation on various boards emphasizes her commitment to initiatives focused on children and education, showcasing her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the corporate world.

Home Office: Evansville, IN
Job Title: CME Division Leader
Email: jyoung@patrioteng.com

Mr. Young is the Executive Vice President of Patriot and leads the CME division at Patriot, based out of the Evansville, Indiana office. Jeff is responsible for managing construction materials, testing, inspection, and consulting on large construction projects. His materials experience includes compaction control, investigation of pavement and floor failures, asphalt and concrete mix design, reinforcing steel inspection, post-tensioning inspection, pile installation inspection, load testing, and more. He has managed construction materials testing projects at landfill sites, industrial facilities, schools, casinos, commercial complexes, and transportation facilities. Jeff’s favorite pastimes are woodworking and spending time outdoors. He is currently building an arbor for his son’s wedding and a chicken coop for his daughter!

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Job Title: Corporate Drilling Patriot Engineering and Environmental, LLC
Email: sburck@patrioteng.com

Mr. Burck leads the Drilling division at Patriot and brings 21+ years of hands-on experience in geotechnical and environmental drilling, including hollow-stem auger (HSA) and direct push technology (DPT). He has completed innumerable projects requiring soil and groundwater sampling, well installation and abandonment, soil gas sampling, and in-situ injection. Steve has managed drilling projects on US Air Force, US Navy, and US Army facilities and on USEPA-led project sites, as well as numerous industrial project sites and private property transfer drilling projects. Steve’s favorite pastime is vacationing with his family.

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Job Title: Environmental Division Leader (IN)
Email: ejoniskan@patrioteng.com

Mr. Joniskan is Patriot’s Indiana Environmental Group Manager and has 32+ years of experience providing environmental services to a wide variety of clients. Ed is very experienced in the management of complex investigation and remediation projects, due diligence, and the redevelopment of Brownfields and other contaminated properties. He works in partnership with clients to deliver exceptional and sustainable outcomes through the application of investigation principles, modeling, design, consultancy, engineering, and project management services.

Ed has deep experience with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) where he co-wrote significant parts of the original Risk Integrated System of Closure Guidance Manual. He has managed, performed, and overseen field activities on numerous projects involving site investigation, soil and groundwater remediation, and UST management. In addition, he mentors project teams while providing overall technical direction for projects for various major developers and multi-national petroleum and transportation clients. Ed has provided solutions-based management of environmental issues related to the strategic redevelopment of contaminated land through the preparation and review of remedial action plans, environmental management plans, and assessments of hydrogeology, soil, rock contaminants, and human health and environmental risks. Ed enjoys fishing and cooking/grilling meals while entertaining family and friends at his house.

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio
Job Title: Environmental Division Leader (OH & KY)
Email: mweinstein@patrioteng.com

Mr. Weinstein holds a B.A. in Geology from Wright State University and completed coursework towards an M.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Cincinnati. He has 35+ years of professional experience providing environmental consulting services to a wide variety of clients. Michael has expertise in the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater impacted by petroleum, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, PCBs, pesticides, and metals. He also has broad-based in-situ remedial expertise and large-scale site demolition and environmental construction management. Outside of work, Michael enjoys volunteering for various activities at his church.

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Job Title: Geotechnical Division Leader (IN & KY)
Email: silmudeen@patrioteng.com

Mr. Ilmudeen is the Geotechnical Engineering group manager, BOM Secretary, and Senior Principal Engineer at Patriot. With 25+ years in professional geotechnical engineering, his experience includes highway and bridge projects, landslide/slope stabilization, high-rise structures, multi-level airport terminal buildings, parking structures, concourse concrete aprons, and commercial towers, foundation design consultations, and construction monitoring.

Salim also has specialized expertise in geotechnical engineering instrumentation, seismic analysis, geophysical exploration, pile load testing, pressure meter testing, resistivity testing, slug testing, as well as dewatering techniques and design. He has performed design and construction of several retaining walls and earth support systems such as soldier pile and lagging, sheet pile walls, soil mix walls, drilled pier walls, and others. Throughout his career, he has worked with notable mentors in the industry including world-renowned Mr. Clyde N. Baker Jr. In his free time, Salim enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Job Title: Corporate Safety Director
Email: ctaylor@patrioteng.com

Mr. Taylor is Patriot's Corporate Safety Director, leading Patriot with top-tier safety protocols and procedures across our nine office locations serving the Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky markets.

Curtis has having successfully designed and administered safety programs for diverse environments including government, industry, and academia. His expertise extends to ensuring compliance with industry regulations and consensus standards such as the American National Standards Institute (“ANSI”) and Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”). Additionally, he has numerous years of experience in the Environmental sector, demonstrated success in safety management systems, ongoing training and education, risk management and controls, audits and remedial action planning, and hazardous waste management.

Curtis is a graduate of Wright State University, Ohio with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health Science. He is also a Certified Safety Professional (“CSP”) and Certified Industrial Hygienist (“CIH”). He lives in Fishers, Indiana with his wife and two children.

Home Office: Bloomington, IN
Job Title: Branch Manager
Email: shawk@patrioteng.com

Mr. Hawk leads Patriot’s Bloomington office where he brings his 20+ years of construction experience and six years of experience in construction materials testing and quality control. Outside of work, Shawn and his wife stay busy with their four daughters and one son.

Home Office: Evansville, IN
Job Title: Branch Manager
Email: bcrase@patrioteng.com

Mr. Crase is the Branch Manager of Patriot’s Evansville office. He has 25+ years of experience in construction materials testing with responsibilities ranging from quality control and materials testing to project management on a variety of large and high-profile construction projects. Outside of work you will often find Brian out camping at his favorite spots.

Home Office: Fort Wayne, IN
Job Title: Branch Manager
Email: rscruton@patrioteng.com

Mr. Scruton serves as Patriot’s Fort Wayne Branch Manager, providing leadership in office operations, staffing, technical elements, business development, and quality control. Richard earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba and his MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. His experience includes geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, and environmental and facilities engineering/consulting services. He has led high profile-projects in Canada and the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S., including Harrisburg International Airport, the O’Hare Modernization Program, and 30+ mid-rise and high-rise buildings in the Chicago Loop. In case you hadn’t guessed, Richard is originally from Canada!

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Job Title: Environmental Manager
Email: ejoniskan@patrioteng.com

Mr. Joniskan is Patriot’s Indiana Environmental Group Manager and has 32+ years of experience providing environmental services to a wide variety of clients. Ed is very experienced in the management of complex investigation and remediation projects, due diligence, and the redevelopment of Brownfields and other contaminated properties. He works in partnership with clients to deliver exceptional and sustainable outcomes through the application of investigation principles, modeling, design, consultancy, engineering, and project management services.

Ed has deep experience with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) where he co-wrote significant parts of the original Risk Integrated System of Closure Guidance Manual. He has managed, performed, and overseen field activities on numerous projects involving site investigation, soil and groundwater remediation, and UST management. In addition, he mentors project teams while providing overall technical direction for projects for various major developers and multi-national petroleum and transportation clients. Ed has provided solutions-based management of environmental issues related to the strategic redevelopment of contaminated land through the preparation and review of remedial action plans, environmental management plans, and assessments of hydrogeology, soil, rock contaminants, and human health and environmental risks. Ed enjoys fishing and cooking/grilling meals while entertaining family and friends at his house.

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Job Title: Geotechnical Manager
Email: silmudeen@patrioteng.com

Mr. Ilmudeen is the Geotechnical Engineering group manager, BOM Secretary, and Senior Principal Engineer at Patriot. Mr. Ilmudeen holds a B.Sc and a M.S.C.E. in
Civil Engineering (Geotechnical and Transportation Engineering) and is a registered professional engineer. With 25+ years in professional geotechnical engineering, his experience includes highway and bridge projects, landslide/slope stabilization, high-rise structures, multi-level airport terminal buildings, parking structures, concourse concrete aprons, and commercial towers, foundation design consultations, and construction monitoring.

Salim also has specialized expertise in geotechnical engineering instrumentation, seismic analysis, geophysical exploration, pile load testing, pressure meter testing, resistivity testing, slug testing, as well as dewatering techniques and design. He has performed design and construction of several retaining walls and earth support systems such as soldier pile and lagging, sheet pile walls, soil mix walls, drilled pier walls, and others. Throughout his career, he has worked with notable mentors in the industry including world-renowned Mr. Clyde N. Baker Jr. In his free time, Salim enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Home Office: Indianapolis, IN
Job Title: CME Division Manager
Email: cscheuermann@patrioteng.com

Mr. Scheuermann received his B.A. in Geology from Hanover College in 1997. He began his journey with Patriot in 1998 as an Engineering Field Technician. Today, he proudly serves Patriot as Manager of the Construction Materials Engineering Division, Principal, and member of the Board of Managers. Charlie has developed and managed construction materials quality control programs for Patriot over the past 23 years for several high-profile projects including Lucas Oil Stadium, JW Marriott Hotel Complex, IndyGo Redline, Hinkle Fieldhouse, and Indiana State Fair Coliseum, and Cummins Indianapolis Distribution HQ. Charlie’s favorite activity is hiking in the mountains with his family.

Home Office: Lafayette, IN
Job Title: Branch Manager
Email: akain@patrioteng.com

Mr. Kain is a Senior Project Manager and serves as Branch Manager for Patriot’s Lafayette office. Adam has 19+ years of experience in foundation inspection and deep foundation system construction including load testing and strain gage monitoring, reinforcing steel inspection, asphalt field testing and monitoring, floor flatness and levelness evaluation, and chemical stabilization reclamations testing and inspection. In his free time, you’ll find Adam with his 6-year-old son and/or playing golf (it’s never too early to get kids started!).

Home Office: Terre Haute, IN
Job Title: Branch Manager
Email: nfox@patrioteng.com

Mr. Fox began his career at Patriot in 2006 as a Field Engineering Technician and worked his way to become Laboratory Manager and Project Manager. In 2016, he began serving as the Branch Manager for Patriot’s Terre Haute office. Before joining Patriot, Nick worked as an EMT and firefighter.

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio
Job Title: Branch Manager
Email: mweinstein@patrioteng.com

Mr. Weinstein is the Cincinnati, OH Branch Manager and Environmental Division Manager for Ohio and Kentucky and holds a B.A. in Geology from Wright State University and completed coursework towards an M.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Cincinnati. He has 35+ years of professional experience providing environmental consulting services to a wide variety of clients. Michael has expertise in the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater impacted by petroleum, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, PCBs, pesticides, and metals. He also has broad-based in-situ remedial expertise and large-scale site demolition and environmental construction management. Outside of work, Michael enjoys volunteering for various activities at his church.

Home Office: Dayton, Ohio
Job Title: Branch Manager
Email: dshultz@patrioteng.com

Ms. Shultz is Patriot's Dayton, OH Branch Manager. With an impressive track record spanning over 26 years, she brings extensive expertise in delivering top-notch engineering services to a diverse range of clients, including public, private, and government agencies. Ms. Shultz specializes in construction materials testing and special inspection services, cementing her reputation as a seasoned professional in the field. She graduated from Ohio Northern University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and is a registered Engineering Intern (EI) in Ohio. Beyond her professional role, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and shares her faith across the Midwest. She is currently writing her first book about her inspirational journey.