About Us
Shawn Ausel, PE, CBSI
Principal Engineer
Shawn founded Areté Engineers in Boone in 2014. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and Certified Bridge Safety Inspector (CBSI) with over 24 years of experience in civil and structural engineering. At Areté, Shawn leads a team of engineers doing bridge and transportation engineering design and inspection as well as commercial and residential structural engineering.
Following his service in the US Army, Shawn graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 2000. Shawn has a wealth of experience working with various states’ Departments of Transportation both as an employee and consultant, performing or overseeing the design of dozens of bridges and bridge preservation projects. He has a depth of experience in construction engineering and inspection (CEI), bridge design, bridge inspection of in-service bridges (NBSI) as well as commercial and residential structural engineering. In addition, in 2009 and 2010, he served as the structural engineering advisor for the Marine Corps command-element-headquarters in Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, assisting with base expansion and bridge repair plans.
Shawn enjoys outdoor activities, fishing, and anything entrepreneurial. He lives in Boone, NC with his wife Janet and sons, Jonathan and Zachary.
Adam Felmlee, PE, CBSI
Principal Engineer
Adam began working with Areté Engineers part-time in 2014 and became a full-time member of the Areté Team in 2016. Adam is a licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Bridge Safety Inspector (CBSI) with over 20 years of experience in manufacturing, design, and structural engineering in the communication, residential, and transportation industries. At Areté, he leads the bridge division and has a wealth of experience in the engineering of many NCDOT post-award construction projects. In addition, Adam supports the bridge inspection team as a Bridge Inspection Team Leader. In addition to DOT work, he has experience with some more specialized projects. These projects have included structural engineering using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP).
Adam graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH in 2004. After graduation, he worked in the manufactured housing industry and became familiar with the aspects of residential engineering. From 2006 to 2015, Adam was an engineer and engineering manager at a small and growing manufacturing company in the communications industry.
Adam lives in Lenoir, NC with his wife (Leah) and 4 children Acacia, Titus, Arlee, and Amelia.
Janet Ausel, PE
WATER AND SANITATION ENGINEER
Janet began working with Areté at its inception. She is a licensed Professional Engineer with over 25 years of experience in environmental engineering and international relief and development work. At Areté, Janet consults with international non-profit organizations on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects. In addition, she provides marketing and proposal development support to Areté Engineers.
Janet graduated with a B.S. in 1995 and a Master of Engineering in 1996 both in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. She has extensive experience in site environmental assessment and remediation work as well as international water and sanitation engineering. She has worked on WASH projects in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America, and the Caribbean. In addition, she lived and worked in Uganda for half a decade managing and leading groups of engineers, architects, surveyors in designing orphanages, schools, Bible colleges, and water projects throughout East Africa.
Janet enjoys living, working, and hiking in the mountains of North Carolina. She lives in Boone, NC with her husband, Shawn and sons Jonathan and Zachary.
Mason Bumgarner, PE
PROJECT MANAGER/ENGINEER
Mason was an intern with Areté Engineers in the Summer of 2018 and was hired full time after graduating in 2019. Mason is a licensed Professional Engineer and currently works in the residential department at Areté. Mason manages and performs structural assessments, deck and framing design, heavy timber design, remodeling plans, and supports NCDOT bridge inspections. Mason also performs design analysis for FRP pedestrian truss bridges for our sister company Areté Structures.
Mason graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2019 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering along with a minor in Mathematics. Mason currently lives in Maiden, NC with his wife Abbey and dog Riley.
Jamie Coleman
Operations Manager
Jamie came to work at Areté Engineers in 2018 as the operations manager. She has over 15 years of experience in administration and finance. At Areté Jamie serves on the leadership team, supports finances and accounting, human resources, and overall management of the company.
After graduating with a degree in International Business in 2004 and working for a marketing company, Jamie moved overseas and began working for a non-profit organization. There, she did everything from teaching English to developing and running educational and humanitarian programs for children in crisis. In 2009, Jamie moved to Boone with her husband, and began working at a local nonprofit where she managed finances and logistics for mobilizing hundreds of international field staff.
Jamie lives in Boone with her husband and children and enjoys all the beauty and fun this area has to offer.
Leah Felmlee
MARKETING
Leah began working with Areté in 2016. Leah has served in a variety of capacities over the years including event planning, new employee on-boarding and marketing. Leah also enjoys her position as sales assistant at Areté Structures.
Leah is a 2003 graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Communication. Prior to working with Areté, Leah worked as an account executive for two Christian radio stations. At both radio stations, Leah worked closely with clients that wanted to grow their business through the avenue of Christian Radio Advertising. Leah also built and maintains an existing account database for Ducarle Enterprises, an automotive undercoating company based out of Butler, Pennsylvania.
Leah enjoys coaching dance and gymnastics and lives in Lenoir, North Carolina with her husband and 4 children.
Jack Hertzfeld
BRIDGE INSPECTOR/DRONE OPERATOR
Jack began working for Areté Structures in 2019. Jack is a field technician for Areté Engineers who assists in the inspection of DOT bridges. In addition, he is a licensed Part 107 drone operator. He has worked on many bridge inspection teams with Areté Engineers, utilizing his experience in drone operation. Jack earned his Aerial Boom Lift Operation certification allowing him to operate man lifts to further assist in the inspection of DOT bridges.
Jack graduated from Appalachian State University in 2018 with a B.S. in Sustainable Development.
Jack is interested in making things and enjoys gardening and fishing in his down time. He lives in Crumpler, North Carolina with his wife, Kayla, and two children.
Will Hollifield, PE, CBSI
PROJECT MANAGER/BRIDGE ENGINEER
Will joined Areté Engineers in January of 2020. Will is a licensed Professional Engineer and works in the bridge department. In his role at Areté Engineers, Will performs design services and rating analysis for private and NCDOT bridges, as well as structural analysis needs for bridge rehabilitation projects. He also designs FRP pedestrian truss bridges for our sister company, Areté Structures. In addition, Will is a Certified Bridge Safety Inspector (CBSI), and performs bridge inspection for NCDOT bridges throughout North Carolina, as well as US forest Service bridges.
Will graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in December of 2019.
When he isn’t working, you can find him fly fishing nearby rivers or camping throughout North Carolina with his Allie and their dog. Will and Allie live in his hometown, Bostic, NC.
Kevin Johnson
CEI PROJECT MANAGER
Kevin joined the Areté team in February of 2024. Since joining Areté, Kevin has enjoyed working with the NCDOT Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) team in the Elkin office of Division 11.
Kevin graduated from Liberty University with a B.S. in Business Administration – Project Management in 2022 and completed the MBA program at Western Governors University in 2023. Prior to joining Areté, Kevin worked as a contracted welding & coating inspector for multiple oil and gas pipeline companies across the United States since 2008. Kevin currently holds an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification, and an AMPP Certified Coating Inspector certification.
Kevin currently lives in North Wilkesboro, NC with his wife and dogs. Even with the years of traveling for inspection work in multiple states, he loves what North Carolina has to offer.
Trenton Mastin
INTERN
Trenton is currently a senior at North Carolina State University studying Civil Engineering. Trenton is specifically concentrating in structural engineering and mechanics, along with some broader civil design topics.
Throughout his early career, Trenton has had experience in multiple different fields of civil engineering ranging from construction inspection, land development, and structural design/analysis. Trenton is currently providing residential design services with Arete. Since starting with Arete, Trenton has performed structural modeling analysis, heavy timber design, and structural assessments.
Beyond his professional and educational endeavors, Trenton is an avid outdoorsman that enjoys waterfowl hunting and fishing for mountain trout in his free time.
Caleb Presnell, EI
BRIDGE ENGINEER
A Watauga County native, Caleb has been with Areté since the beginning of 2024. At Areté Engineers he works in the bridge department, primarily performing bridge inspections and preparing bridge load ratings.
Caleb graduated from North Carolina State University in 2018 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Caleb’s previous work experience primarily consists of product design and process improvement in the automotive and marine manufacturing industry. While performing these roles, he gained a strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and a thorough knowledge of product design and configurator tools such as SolidWorks and DriveWorks.
Whether it’s fishing, hunting, hiking, or gardening during his free time, Caleb enjoys spending his time outdoors with his friends and family. Caleb has lived in West Jefferson, North Carolina since 2023.
Martin Russ, CBSI
BRIDGE INSPECTION MANAGER/TEAM LEAD
Martin began working with Areté Engineers in 2017. Martin is a Certified Bridge Safety Inspector (CBSI) and leads Areté’s bridge inspection team. He is certified as a SPRAT Level 1, Rope Access Worker. In addition, he supports various residential remodels, home additions, and new construction projects.
Martin graduated from Appalachian State University’s Building Science program in 2017 with a concentration in Sustainable Building Systems. He also gained a couple years of experience working with a local general contractor while attending Appalachian.
When he is not working, you can find Martin rock climbing at any one of the many great outdoor climbing areas in and around Boone, NC. When the weather does not allow for climbing outside, you can find him at the local climbing gym where he volunteers his extra time as a climbing route setter. Martin and his wife live in Boone, NC.
Isaac Scott
CEI TECHNICIAN
Since beginning work with Areté in 2024, Isaac has performed bridge inspections, and is currently a full time CEI engineer, performing inspections on various DOT projects in Division 11.
Isaac completed his undergraduate studies at Appalachian State University in 2010, earning a B.S. in Building Science with a minor in Town and City Regional Planning. Prior to his current role at Areté, Isaac gained valuable industry experience working with a general contractor, where he honed his skills in project management, site supervision, and quality assurance.
As a native of Ashe County, Isaac is deeply rooted in his community and is passionate about contributing to its growth and prosperity. He currently resides there with his family, cherishing the natural beauty and tight-knit community atmosphere of his hometown.
John Shirley PE, CFM
HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS PROJECT MANAGER
John joined Areté Engineers in early 2023. John is a licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) as well as certified in Erosion Control Design. John has over 14 years of water resources engineering experience in the federal regulatory, transportation, commercial, and residential sectors. As the hydrology and hydraulics manager at Areté he provides floodplain permitting support for a variety of bridge replacement and residential projects, and Emergency Action Plans (EAP) for dam owners in North Carolina. He has extensive experience working with county and state agencies, as well as developers and contractors.
John graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the North Carolina State University in 2009. After graduation, he went to work for private consulting firms performing flood risk analysis under contract by FEMA for the National Flood Insurance Program. His expertise includes hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analysis for North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) projects, including bridge, roadway drainage, and erosion & sediment control plans, floodplain permitting in support of stream restoration and community greenway projects. Additionally, John has provided engineering support under FEMA’s Levee Analysis and Mapping Program (LAMP) for community levees.
John resides in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife, Linda.
Tanner Smith
STAFF ENGINEER
Tanner joined Areté in 2023. Tanner works with the residential department at Areté where he focuses mainly on full structural residential design.
Tanner Graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology in May of 2021. Prior to joining Areté, Tanner worked for Duke Energy helping to commission various power grid projects in the Carolinas. During high school and college Tanner gained significant experience in commercial and residential construction.
When Tanner is not working, he can be fixing up cars or enjoying the beautiful outdoors fishing or hiking. Tanner lives in Boone, NC.
David Thornton
DESIGNER/DRAFTER
David began working for Areté Engineers in the spring of 2018 as a designer/drafter for residential and commercial design projects. David works on deck expansion/remodels, foundation repair plans, minor structural assessments, bridge design and drafting, full structural residential design, retaining wall design, full general house design and design renovations.
David graduated from Appalachian State University’s Building Science program in 2018 with a concentration in Architectural Technology and Design.
When David is not behind his computer, he can be found focusing on his golf game and hiking with his wife and puppy. David lives in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Turner Trivette
DESIGNER/DRAFTER
Turner began working with Areté Engineers in 2015. During this time, he has prepared plans for various construction/rehabilitation projects including residential and bridge construction, worked as a bridge inspector, developed structural assessment reports, and plays a role in marketing and advertising for Areté. Turner is also the lead fabricator and shop manager for our sister company Areté Structures; where we design, manufacture, and deliver pre-fabricated pedestrian bridges.
Turner graduated from Appalachian State University in 2017 with a B.S. in Construction Management along with a minor in Business. He developed a strong interest in the construction industry while attending Watauga High School, where he gained experience in residential construction, metal fabrication, and worked on various projects under Watauga’s construction program and was awarded the state championship in Carpentry his senior year.
In addition to Areté, Turner is a Senior Ski Patroller at Appalachian Ski Mountain where he enjoys skiing and keeping people safe. In warmer weather, he is an avid cyclist. Turner lives in Boone, NC with his wife and puppy.
Michael Wiseman-Floyd
STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT MANAGER
Michael began working with Areté Engineers in 2021. Michael works with the residential department at Areté where he focuses mainly on residential structural assessments.
Michael earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from University of Illinois, specializing in structures and foundations. Throughout his career he has started several of his own businesses, has taught chemistry, physics, and civil engineering technology. In addition, he and his wife were missionaries and teachers in the Dominican Republic and Haiti for nearly a decade, where they worked in an orphanage, taught and administrated schools, and worked on engineering projects. Alongside his technical career he simultaneously pastors churches.
Michael and his wife Annie have four grown children in their 20’s including their youngest daughter who they met in the Dominican Republic, who now loves helping to raise children without parents. They live in Boone, North Carolina.
