Our People
The Veridus Group is an Indianapolis-based firm that prioritizes building genuine relationships and helping our partners achieve their goals. Our team of experienced professionals from the construction, engineering, economic development, and government services industries is here to help our clients carefully plan and implement projects while identifying and overcoming issues that stand in the way of success. From start to finish, Veridus is on your side.
Jon Ackley-Jelinek
Project Manager
Jon, a graduate of Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University, contributes a multifaceted background to Veridus. With extensive experience spanning design, construction, non-profit work, and municipal government. He champions a human-centered approach to problem-solving. Jon’s unwavering dedication to efficient systems and processes significantly enhances the collective impact of the Veridus Owner's Representative team.
Read BioJessica Bachmann
Administrative Specialist
With over two decades of professional office experience, Jessica joins the Veridus Group’s Administration Team equipped with a diverse skill set that spans HR and accounting. Her track record of success, combined with her passion for helping others, positions her perfectly to provide the support and guidance that staff members need to excel in their roles.
Read BioNick Balentine, EI, LEED Green Associate, SITES AP
Project Engineer
Nick Balentine is a Project Engineer within the Civil / Site Engineering Team. Nick is a recent graduate from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and is working on diversifying his knowledge base and experience as he is pursuing his professional license. Nick’s engaging personality and passion for design make him a perfect addition to our Team for cultivating meaningful relationships so together we better our world.
Read BioLauren Belt
Marketing Specialist
After graduating from DePaul University, Lauren spent nearly seven years in elementary education in New York City and Indianapolis, during which she gained valuable organization, problem-solving, and communication skills. Lauren is applying these skills and utilizing her passion for design to assist the team in her role as Marketing Specialist..
Read BioJohn Bryant
Project Manager
John is a skilled project manager within the Owner's Technical Representation group with 3 years of experience. After graduating from Purdue with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, John has worked on projects of all sizes. John is a World Champion jet ski racer in 2008, is a youth ministries leader at Harbour Shores Church and his favorite food is Buffalo mac and cheese.
Read BioGreg Budd
Director of Client Development
Greg Budd brings over three decades of extensive experience in business development, marked by significant achievements in driving economic growth and community development, to his role of Director of Client Development at Veridus Group, Inc. Throughout his career, Greg has excelled in roles such as Client Manager, Manager of Member Services, and Business Development Director, in which he demonstrated a talent for relationship-building and strategic planning. His notable successes include facilitating key projects and various infrastructure initiatives, underscoring his commitment to fostering sustainable growth and enhancing community prosperity.
Read BioKelly Canter, PE
Project Manager
With 10 years of experience, Kelly has worked on a diverse array of projects, including those in the Industrial, Institutional, Commercial, Mixed-use, Multi-family, private, and public sectors. These projects have varied in size, spanning from 0.5 acres to over 200 acres. Kelly enjoys putting the clients vision on paper and making the project work from the client and the space.
Read BioGonzalo Castro Diaz, PE, DBIA
Project Manager
Gonzalo's extensive and diverse experience in site design has played a crucial role in successfully leading and managing projects within the Civil / Site Engineering Team. His expertise in environmental engineering has been instrumental in refining site designs for various projects, including schools, athletic facilities, industrial buildings, and multi-family residential developments.
Read BioAllison Duncan
Project Executive
Allison has a passion for supporting owners through strategic planning and complex project implementation. She relies on her strong leadership and communication skills to provide clients with efficient and effective solutions in owner’s technical representation, strategic planning, community engagement, trail development, and real estate acquisition and procurement.
Read BioAndrea Herschelman, Assoc. AIA
Director of Client Development, Southern Region
Project Manager
Project Manager
Andrea is a creative initiator with over 14 years’ experience in the architecture, design and construction industry. She has the unique advantage of experience on both the architecture/design and the client side of renovation and construction projects, having previously worked as a commercial Interior Designer as well as a Project Manager for a public university. Andrea is acutely aware of the challenges that both entities face while designing and constructing projects and provides insight and guidance to clients as they maneuver through the process.
Read BioKatie Jacobs, AIA, LEED AP
Project Executive
Katie’s career in the design/construction industry spans almost 30 years, first as an architect and member of her firm’s leadership team, and then as an owner’s representative at a large public university. She has an extensive background in project management, client relations, operations and leadership, and a proven history developing and upholding budgets, meeting schedules and leading teams. She believes in the power of teamwork and leverages everyone’s contributions to the mutual benefit of the project.
Read BioJennifer Lasch, PE LEED BD+C
Director
Jennifer provides a diverse civil engineering background to the Veridus Team with over 25 years of experience in a variety of land development projects ranging in size and complexity. As a primary member of integrated design teams throughout the process, she works closely with team members, owners, and regulatory agencies to find creative solutions for functional and environmentally conscious designs. Jennifer’s passion and enthusiasm for collaborative, thoughtful, and sustainable design are evident in her leadership of the Civil / Site Engineering team.
Read BioKody Leach
Project Associate
A soon-to-be graduate of Butler University's College of Communication, Kody Leach joined Veridus as a Project Associate with the Community & Economic Development team. His recent internship in the Community & Economic Development department underscores his commitment to professional growth and strategic advancement. Having recently finished his collegiate football career, Kody is eager to leverage his diverse experiences and looks forward to expanding his skill set as a Project Associate.
Read BioLandon Martin
Director
As a former electrician and general contractor, Landon’s experience in the construction industry has equipped him well to lead our Michigan expansion. Landon has a passion for learning and growing in this industry and values the focus on relationships the Veridus Group has. He also brings experience in the non-profit and affordable housing sector having managed and rehabbed properties as a part of Federal Home Loan Banks’ Affordable Housing Program.
Read BioLori Martin
Director
After graduating from Bethel College, Lori spent 9 years in the banking industry working at various positions within the accounting department. She then transitioned to Finance Director at a local nonprofit, overseeing HR and Accounting, where she served for 5 years. She enjoys making sure all the behind the scene details are taken care of and that the team has everything they need to succeed in their areas.
Read BioMatthew Mason
Project Executive
Matt brings 19 years of general contracting experience in the commercial industry from around the country. He has a diverse background in many markets from higher education, retail, office, stadiums, healthcare, senior living, historical restoration, and industrial wastewater. He is excited to expand his relationships moving forward.
Read BioAlex Oleson
Project Manager
Alex is a relationship oriented professional who values the unique qualities that communities can leverage for improving the quality of life for citizens. He brings experience in the community and economic development field working alongside community development corporations, government experience, and knowledge on how to bring access to capital to markets. In his careers he has worked to strengthen small businesses, worked on various municipal plans, and delivered policy recommendations to senators at the federal and state levels. He is involved in several economic development groups and is pursuing a Masters in Public Administration.
Read Bio Pete Olson, MPA, ICMA-CM
Director
Pete is focused on positive outcomes for all entities by creating impactful relationships with elected officials, appointed officials, residents, and stakeholders. He recently retired from public service after more than 20 years of experience in local government and enjoys utilizing various techniques to vision, implement, construct, and operate projects and government services that lead to successful communities. Utilizing his skills as a veteran high school football official, he is able to overcome conflicts while seeing both sides of the situation.
Read BioChiara Robinson, EI, LEED Green Associate
Project Engineer
Chiara is joining the team as a recent graduate in civil engineering from Valparaiso University. Chiara is a project engineer motivated to broaden her experience and apply her knowledge to the team’s projects. Chiara was a former swimmer for Valpo and is looking to bring her dedication and passion from the pool to the office.
Read BioRick Rush, AIA ACHA LEED AP
Project Executive
Rick has been dedicated to client-centered design throughout his 16+ year architectural career. He has managed over $300M of Healthcare projects, but has also led projects in the hospitality, municipal, higher education, public utility, and religious sectors. He is excited to continue his collaborative approach as a Project Executive on the Owner’s Technical Representation Team.
Read BioKevin Russell, LEED AP
Project Manager
Seventeen years of experience in an array of architectural markets and extensive construction experience provides Kevin with a platform to serve our clients well. Kevin excels at relationships, making him a bridgebuilder between people of different disciplines and backgrounds. Sorting through the complexities and armed with a strategic plan, Kevin leads our clients forward through the process into achieving their project vision and goals.
Read BioScott Senefeld, RLA
Project Executive
Scott is a skilled project manager within the Development and Construction Services Team as an Owner’s Technical Representative. With 25 years of experience, Scott has led public and private projects in both site and vertical design and construction. He is also a Registered Landscape Architect, which provides a creative approach to design.
Read BioLance Snedeker
Project Manager
With the missional purpose to serve others with excellence, Lance Snedeker brings 25 years of experience in the construction industry to the Owner's Technical Representative Team. In addition to his management of construction projects in both commercial and residential spaces, he also has extensive experience in hands-on execution of a variety of scopes in the construction process. As a Project Manager, he values fostering relationships with clients and with field craft to help promote a team environment and successful projects.
Read BioZach Stephens
Project Manager
After serving in the United States Army with the 10th Mountain 1-87th infantry regiment, Zach started his career in construction. He brings six years of valuable experience in the industry to his role of Project Manager in the Owner's Technical Representation department.
Read BioAndres Talero
Project Engineer
Andrés Talero is a Project Engineer working within the Civil / Site Engineering team. He obtained his bachelor's degree from La Salle University in Colombia. In addition to college, he has had the opportunity to study in New Zealand, Brazil, and Panama. As a Veridus Group Project Engineer, Andrés is able to utilize the knowledge and skills that his career has given him both in the office and on-site.
Read BioDan Weekes, AIA, BECxP, CxA+BE
Consultant
With 20 years of experience in the design and construction industry, Dan is a Building Forensics Consultant. Bringing a detail-oriented focus with great communication skills, his work on building enclosure evaluations, water infiltration investigations, ADA evaluations and construction administration services ensures success for every client.
Read BioJack Woods
Director
Jack is a project analyst on the Community and Economic Development team. He has national experience and understands a variety of unique challenges that communities may face. Using his background in quantitative and qualitative analysis, Jack helps clients understand economic trends to form implementable development goals.
Read BioMarc Griffith, LEED GA
Vice President
Leading our Development and Construction Services Team, Marc builds long-lasting relationships with clients. With construction management experience with multi-million-dollar projects as well as small but complex work, his knowledge and strong communication skills have led to the successful completion of projects, regardless of scale.
Read BioDavid Rainey
Vice President, Owner's Technical Representation
David’s engaging personality and positive attitude is an asset to the Owner's Technical Representative Team. His experience isn’t limited to building assessments but includes civil design and representing owners in complex projects. David was the very first employee to join The Veridus Group back in 2012 and has continued to build a reputable relationship with new and existing clients.
Read BioTim Jensen, PE LEED AP
Principal / President
Being a broker, developer, and contractor, Tim has an experienced background that provides a deep knowledge in seeing projects come to life. In 2011 Tim founded Veridus Group and has been the Owner’s Technical Representative on over $800M of public and private work. His passion to serve provides high-level leadership to the Veridus team and clients throughout every project.
Read Bio