Pablo Garcia-Chevesich
Chief Science Officer
Pablo Garcia-Chevesich has a B. Sc. in Forest Engineering, an M. Sc. in Watershed Management, and a Ph. D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Expert in hydrology, soil erosion processes and control, and climate change mitigation from the natural resources management perspective, including green building technologies.
Being the author of “Procesos y control de l erosion”, the most updated textbook about the engineering of soil erosion and its control, within the Spanish literature, Garcia-Chevesich teaches a course in the topic at the University of Arizona, and is constantly involved in scientific and development projects in several countries.
Pablo is also Adjunt Faculty Member in several universities and colleges in the US and Chile. With experience in the United States, Africa, and South America, Pablo is an active committee member at the International Development and the SOIL (save our international land) programs of the International Erosion Control Association.
James A. Hennessy
Business Development
James A. Hennessy, was born in Tucson, Az and has spent time living in Toronto, Canada; California’s Bay Area, Denver, Colorado and Central and South America. As a student at the University of Arizona with Bachelors in Regional Development and Business, James’ studies focused on the revitalization of inner cities, transportation, zoning and land use. These specific areas of research have allowed James to understand and appreciate smart growth and sustainable communities. While attending the University, James began as an independent Real Estate Investment Agent, building valuable relationships while taking advantage of real estate investment opportunities and ventures. James has worked with investors, developers, planners, architects, engineers and custom builders on commercial and residential projects in various market locations.
James has also been involved in the renewable energy sector collaborating with companies and leaders in the field in solar technologies and renewable energy solutions. James has volunteered his time with Big Brothers Big Sisters and is a supporter of Casa de los Ninos in Tucson.
Today James is a member of TYP (Tucson Young Professionals), NAR (National Association of Realtors) and the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) and continues to help investors take advantage of projects in the Tucson and Denver markets. With ten years of experience dealing with a variety of real estate investments and now renewable energy solutions, James is able to identify the unique opportunities in the changing world of real estate.
Francis Maasland
LEED Certified Green Builder
My personal experience and strengths that I can bring to the board is the cumulative of 25 years of experience in construction ranging from very “high-end” apartment renovations, constructing secondary residences in the country to rebuilding commercial spaces in New York City, to homes of principals in both Los Angeles and Seattle. Having worked with clients such as Gallagher the Comedian, Dino Dinelli of the Rascals, Giorgio Di Sant Angelo & Carol Horn Designers, Trump Tower Restaurant, The Calder Family, The Mayan Theater, Walt Disney, Paramount Pictures, The Fisher Family, NBBJ & HOK architects and as a Builder in Tucson for several prominent companies.
In Tucson I worked in the pre-construction procurement department of the Sundt Companies and became LEED Certified in 2004 and working on government housing projects for the military nationwide, using the governments model known as the spirit program, for energy savings and sustainability.
With Pepper Viner I worked in tandem on writing the high performance specs and creating the greener side of Pepper Viner at Civano North.
I have developed a thorough working method to successfully deliver the very best that construction can offer to the discriminating homebuyer. In Tucson, working for John McCaleb, constructing custom homes in Sabino Canyon for his clients with great success. With US Home, quickly moving up the ladder becoming the starter for their communities and delivering many homes to clients that truly where zero defect to great satisfaction of both management and the buyers, and rated consistently in the top 20-builder list nationwide for US Home & Lennar for both quality and production combined.
Currently one of my strongest points is creating a fresh new look with the latest technology and products as demonstrated in the custom Pepper Viner home on my lot. The hands on experience caps and confirms that you can offer not only the best of materials but also the best building science during the normal course of construction to obtain maximum energy efficiency and sustainability. As of August 2007 I have launched my own construction company MAASLAND, LLC.
David Plotkin
LEED Certified Architecture
Board Member of US Green Building Council, for Southern Arizona.
David is the principal architect of the Tucson-based firm DKP Architecture and Consulting—focusing on commercial and residential projects that embrace environmentally responsible building practices. Prior to forming DKP Architecture and Consulting, David worked for various firms in New York, Nashville, Chicago, Los Angeles and Tucson—among the firms he worked for were world renowned Frank Gehry & Associates and Morphosis Architects. His design and management experience includes single-family residential, multi-family housing, office, retail, educational, and industrial projects. In 2005, the American Institute of Architects Southern Arizona chapter presented David with a design award for the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade building. He is currently the Secretary, Education Chair and Board Member for the U. S. Green Building Council Southern Arizona Branch. As a Registered Architect and a LEED Accredited Professional, David has been practicing and researching sustainable architecture and design since his academic experience at the University of Cincinnati’s School of Architecture, from which he graduate in 1996 with a Bachelor of Architecture. His academic experience also includes teaching as an Adjunct Lecturer for first and second year design studios at the University of Arizona’s College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.
Michael Harris
Chief Engineer
Mr. Harris has been a practicing Structural Engineer for 40+ years, at one time holding licenses to practice in over 20 states and possessions, of which 10 are currently active.
As a general structural consultant for the first 20 years of his career he designed over 300 significant public buildings ranging from the Tucson Museum of Art and City of Tucson Main Library to numerous buildings for the University of Arizona as well as other Universities. During this tenure he was Engineer of Record for many award winning buildings and was designated as “Young Engineer of the Year” by the Arizona Chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers.
As Principal Structural Engineer for the firm of ADP Architects and Engineers for 12 years he headed engineering efforts for this firm which was named Rocky Mountain Firm of the Year by the American Institute of Architects. During this engagement he contributed to numerous award winning institutional buildings including the Solar Energy Research Facility at the National Energy Research Laboratories in Golden, Colorado.
Prior to establishing his own firm, he served as Project Director for design and construction projects for the international firm of Fluor-Daniel, which acquired ADP in 1995. In this capacity he was responsible for both design and construction of major manufacturing facilities for Fortune 500 companies at both foreign and domestic locations.
Mr. Harris brings this unique blend of experience to his current structural engineering practice, established in 2002 to focus on singular and unique projects which would directly benefit from his personal “hands on” approach and his 40 years of design and construction experience.