Kleinschmidt Associates appoints Nick Ciomei as Engineering Technical Director and Alison Jakupca as Principal Consultant
27 February 2024
Engineering, regulatory, and environmental consulting firm Kleinschmidt Associates has announced the appointment of Nick Ciomei, P.E., to position of Engineering Technical Director. With over 13 years of engineering expertise, Nick will spearhead the Hydrology and Hydraulics, Fisheries Engineering, and Civil Engineering divisions at Kleinschmidt.
Nick's tenure at Kleinschmidt spans a decade, specializing in dam safety and Part 12D inspections as a FERC-approved Independent Consultant. His extensive skill set encompasses emergency action plan exercises, Potential Failure Mode Analyses, Risk Assessments, dam safety surveillance and monitoring, and the development of technical documentation. Noteworthy contributions include Probable Maximum Flood analyses, dam breach analyses, dam inundation mapping, and leading inspections and stability analyses for diverse dam structures. Additionally, Nick has played a pivotal role in designing rehabilitation and new concrete structures like spillways, abutments, and retaining walls.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Nick Ciomei stated: “Kleinschmidt has provided me an exciting and challenging professional home for over a decade. This is an incredible opportunity to help guide an amazing group of leaders and technical experts. I look forward to utilizing my past experiences and focus on forward-thinking to give others the same pathways for growth and satisfaction I have had on this journey.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Nick into his new role as Engineering Technical Director,” said Kelly Larimer, Chief Technical Officer at Kleinschmidt, “His leadership and expertise are crucial as we continue to deliver sustainable and impactful solutions to our clients. Nick’s dedication to advancing our engineering practices will help ensure we meet and exceed client expectations.”
Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine with a minor in Business. He is trained in Semi-Quantitative Risk Analysis and SPRAT Rope Access (Level I) and has received specialized training in Embankment Dam Remediation and Dam Safety Evaluation. As a FERC-approved Independent Part 12D consultant, Nick's role is further enhanced by his professional engineering licensure in Maine,
In a parallel announcement, the company welcomes Alison Jakupca as Principal Consultant. With an impressive regulatory background spanning over two decades, Alison brings extensive experience in guiding clients through hydropower licensing processes with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Her areas of focus include strategic planning, meeting facilitation, and process coordination, bolstered by a background in fisheries and wildlife biology, which she adeptly applies to provide informed guidance to clients.
Alison’s expertise extends to navigating federal licensing regulations and fully understanding FERC practices, procedures, and legal precedents. She excels in compiling a variety of licensing documents, including Preliminary Permits, Notices of Intent, Pre-Application Documents, Study Reports, License Applications, Exemption Applications, Surrender Applications, and adeptly responds to Additional Information Requests by FERC.
“Alison’s appointment as Principal Consultant testifies to her exceptional leadership and regulatory prowess,” said Jon Christensen, Chief Executive Officer at Kleinschmidt. “Her dedication to excellence and her significant contributions to our firm make her an invaluable asset to Kleinschmidt, her co-workers and our clients.”
“Alison brings an unwavering commitment to client service, collaborative energy in working with stakeholders, and enthusiasm for transferring her knowledge and inspiring others,” added Steve Layman, Southeast Regional Vice President at Kleinschmidt. “These qualities will all serve her well in continuing to excel as a Principal Consultant.”
Alison holds a B.S. in Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Wildlife Biology from Clemson University and remains actively engaged with the National Hydropower Association (NHA). In addition to her project responsibilities at Kleinschmidt, she serves as Chair of the Kleinschmidt Board of Directors.
