New York – AKF Group announced the promotion of 12 individuals to the role of principal in acknowledgement of their dedication, embodiment of the firm’s core values, and significant contributions to the company.
The group was selected to elevate individuals who contribute a great deal to the firm through business operations, business development, or project management and whose efforts have continued to push AKF forward.
AKF’s general counsel, Jeanette Baiardi, ESQ helps build strong client relationships through drafting and negotiating balanced, thoughtful client contracts. Internally, she engages with executives and staff in all aspects of AKF’s risk management, compliance, licensing, insurance, and dispute resolution. She is a founding member of AKF’s Working Families group.
Michael Brumberg, RCDD leads AKF’s Philadelphia office. With his background in electrical engineering and an RCDD certification, he provides experience in the design and documentation of electrical distribution, telecommunications, and electronic security systems including access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, biometrics, and distributed antenna systems.
Director of management information systems, Alex Cabrera has over 25 years of experience in the IT field and has had an integral role in developing AKF’s information systems while ensuring a collaborative, secure, stable, and smooth business operation.
Rory Creegan, PE is technical leader and mechanical engineer whose experience on complicated healthcare projects with demanding requirements is paired with a client-focused perspective. He is adept at providing options and innovative solutions that allow design teams to execute projects that advance the end user’s vision.
Carrie Cremin, PE, LEED AP BD+C is a project manager and plumbing engineer whose expertise is focused on the healthcare and higher education sectors. She served as the president of the American Society of Sanitary Engineering’s New York Chapter from 2019- 2021 and was named a 2021 Top Young Professional by Commercial Observer.
Jennifer Ganesharatnam brings 20 years of AEC marketing experience to her role as director of marketing at AKF. She collaborates with cross-functional teams at all levels of the firm to develop high quality strategic proposals and marketing collateral across all sectors.
Victor Guzman serves as the leader of AKF’s Hamilton, N.J. office, as well as the firm’s MEXUS team, a group that integrates AKF’s U.S. and Mexico members. With a background in plumbing and fire protection engineering, he is valued for his ability to seamlessly manage projects while anticipating the dynamic needs of ever-evolving clients and spaces, according to the firm’s representatives.
Mark Harrison, PE is a project manager and leader in AKF’s New England division. His mechanical engineering expertise includes managing complex projects that require installation of new equipment and infrastructure while facilities remain fully operational.
As controller, Brian Hotovy, CPA is responsible for overseeing the financial health of the firm. He collaborates monthly with AKF’s Executive Committee and provides financial performance reports at bi-annual meetings.
Karen Lacroix brings over 30 years of experience to her role as AKF’s director of human resources, the past 15 years of which have been with architecture and engineering firms. In her role, she also serves as an adviser to the AKF Executive Committee regarding employee management and career development.
Christina Mahady, PE, LEED AP contributes mechanical design experience and project team leadership to AKF’s Healthcare and Science and Technology practices. Over the past 19 years, she has built a portfolio spanning four continents that includes research laboratories, new critical care and outpatient care facilities, and campus infrastructure upgrades.
Paul Shapiro, PE, LEED AP has 30 years of science and technology experience which ranges from mechanical design for research laboratories and gene therapy fit-outs to master planning for 1.2 million sq. ft. innovation parks. In addition to his role as national science and technology practice leader at AKF, he serves as an assistant professor at Drexel University’s School of Architecture.
