Meet the Asphalt Testing Solutions & Engineering Team
The ATS team has combined experience working in numerous positions from Bituminous Manager to Independent Verification Inspector. Our technicians are certified in Asphalt Plant Level 1 & Level 2, Asphalt Paving Level 1 & Level 2, QC Manager and Asphalt Mix Designer.
Considered the “Asphalt Technical Expert” Steve McReynolds brings over 20 years of industry knowledge as the Director of Operations for Asphalt Testing Solutions & Engineering. As the District 5 Bituminous Coordinator and District 2 Bituminous Manager during his tenure with the FDOT, he is known for his consultative and technical advice which provides strategic problem solving with a variety of solutions.
Steve is contracted by Duval Asphalt as its QC Manager. His broad spectrum of construction knowledge and extensive application of project Specification requirements makes him a valuable resource to ensure customers are always compliant with state and local government regulations.
In his free time, Steve coaches youth baseball and enjoys fishing and camping.
See a list of Steve’s credentials here.
Nationally known for her dedication and contributions to the industry, Tanya is a reputable addition to the ATS team. Throughout her 20 years in the industry she served on many state and national committees and research projects expanding her knowledge in asphalt properties and characteristics nationwide. Exposure to international specifications and test methods led Tanya to experience the vast uses and challenges of asphalt pavements and products worldwide.
Tanya was instrumental in the development of PG Binder Specifications for recycled materials as well as the QC program for Florida’s Asphalt Liquid Suppliers. She was also involved in the development of an alternate binder specification making ground tire rubber and polymer modified binders a market driven product.
Tanya was also a driving force in the development and maintenance of the Florida DOT’s Asphalt Construction Data Management System. Her technical insight paired with her experience in research and field operations provides ATS customers with meticulous reporting after completing site investigations and forensic analysis cases.
Tanya graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Science & Biomechanics and a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering. When she’s not at work Tanya enjoys training in Martial Arts and playing soccer with her husband and daughter. Her bucket list includes “traveling around the world to find that perfect craft beer.”
See a list of Tanya’s credentials here.
Derek has spent ten years in the industry as a roadway and plant inspector and is certified in CTQP Asphalt Plant Levels 1 & 2 and CTQP Asphalt Paving Levels 1 & 2. He has worked for ATS since its inception. “I have seen it grow from three employees to a whole team of highly skilled professionals.”
Prior to working in the asphalt industry, Derek was active in promoting American roots music around the Jacksonville Beach area working with local and internationally touring bands. When he’s not at work, he enjoys spending time with his amazing wife Amanda and their three daughters.
Dawson began his career in the asphalt industry as a Performance Lab Technician at ATS Jacksonville and now manages the operations of the Performance Lab.
He is certified in AI Mix Design, Asphalt Plant Levels 1 & 2 and ACI Aggregates.
Dawson’s experience managing multiple projects simultaneously brings great value to this role, as does his experience testing and analyzes a multitude of research projects for ATS customers over the years.
When Dawson is not at work, he likes to spend time with his family, build and race cars and go fishing.
After serving our country for 22 years in the United States Marine Corps, John began his career in the asphalt industry. He has held numerous positions including Verification Technician, Verification Coordinator, Quality Control, Independent Verification and Bituminous Production Coordinator.
John is certified in QC Manager, Asphalt Paving Levels 1 & 2 as well as Asphalt Plant Levels 1 & 2. He spent 14 years in the industry, most recently working for the Florida Department of Transportation, and brings his knowledge and experience to ATS.
John remembers his first job when he was just a kid. “On the weekends my mom and I would drive around with the lawn mower looking for yards that needed to be cut. From there I built my customer base and had lawns scheduled to cut every weekend!”
When John isn’t working he enjoys spending time with his grandkids.
David Bone
David, better known as T-Bird, has been sharing his talents with the asphalt industry for over 25 years. He started as a Ground Man, shoveling and cleaning, and since then added Loader Operator, Ticket Writer, Plant Operator, Plant Foreman, Truck Foreman, Lab Technician and Mix Designer to his resume.
Before he joined the asphalt industry, T-Bird worked in hay fields, baling and loading hay. No stranger to hard work, he has since earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Zoology and is certified in Asphalt Plant Levels 1 & 2 as well as Asphalt Mix Design.
In his downtime, T-Bird enjoys riding his Harley and spending quality time with his family.
Julian Castro
Julian Castro is a Laboratory Specialist at ATS certified in Asphalt Plant Levels 1 & 2. Julian was destined to work with aggregates as he earned his BS in Geological Engineering and his MSc in Production Geology! Prior to working in the asphalt industry, Julian spent over forty years in the oil industry in various technical and executive positions.
When Julian isn’t working he enjoys traveling, watching movies and visiting pristine beaches!
Art Chancey
After attending college, Art began his career in the road construction industry. His experience over the past seven years covers asphalt paving, earthworks and concrete. Art is CTQP certified in Asphalt Paving Levels 1 & 2.
Alex Coleman
Since 2013, Alex has worked in multiple positions in the asphalt industry. Certified in Asphalt Plant Levels 1 & 2 and Asphalt Mix Design, he started as a laboratory technician and then a senior field technician. Alex now brings his experience to ATS having worked in the Performance Lab and currently in the QC Lab.
Renee Gordon
Renee joins the ATS team as a Binder Lab Technician. While this is her first time working in an asphalt binder lab, she is no stranger to lab work. Her first job was working as a lab assistant at the University of South Florida (USF) Department of Chemistry, and during her last semester working at a university lab, one of her students started a chemical fire, that luckily, she was able to extinguish!
Renee earned her BS in Health Sciences/Psychology from USF and her MS in Forensic Science from Saint Leo University. When she’s not at work, Renee loves to engage in any athletic activity – she’s a trained boxer!
Zara Koerber
Zara brings a great deal of experience to the ATS team as its Asphalt Roadway Specialist. While most of her focus will be handling quality control at the road as a CTQP Asphalt Paving Levels 1 & 2 certified technician, she is also certified in CTQP Asphalt Plant Levels 1 & 2, Earthworks 1 and and QC Manager. She began her career over five years ago working for an asphalt contractor and engineering firm. Well versed in DOT and FAA standards and specifications, she has worked on a multitude of projects from state jobs and airports to private jobs at Walt Disney World.
During her time on the roadway, she has seen some pretty crazy things! “One time we were paving the Sanford airport terminal road, and the police were chasing someone, and he side-swiped all the equipment!”
When she’s not at work, Zara enjoys taking care of her farm. Her piece of advice: “Giving up is viewed as weak or lazy, but knowing WHEN to give up is actually an incredibly useful skill to have.”
Rebecca Kohl
Rebecca Kohl joins the ATS team in the Binder Lab. While she is new to the industry, she is not new to customer service which will prove valuable in her role as an Asphalt Binder Technician. When she’s not working, Rebecca enjoys playing games, reading and listening to crime-related podcasts! Fun fact about Rebecca, she is in the 10% of people in the world who are left-handed!
Shawna Kovacs
Although Shawna is fairly new to the paving world, she brings over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. She has worked in an administrative role in building remodels, new construction and restaurants. She’s carried her strong work ethic with her from her very first job at Ryan’s Steak House; she was promoted from hostess to head waitress in just two weeks!
Poor Shawna was trapped in the back offices when she first came to work at ATS. “I didn’t have the code to get out, and I didn’t know anyone’s extension to call for help!” There was a nasty thunderstorm outside at this time, so she had to wait for the storm to stop or someone to find her. About 30 minutes later, an employee walked by and was able to let Shawna out!
This self-proclaimed “big kid” enjoys surfing with her family and traveling to foreign countries when she’s not at work.
Jeff Martin
After serving our country in the Marine Corps and raising his children, Jeff has joined the ATS team in the Binder Lab. Working in the asphalt industry is a far cry from his first job at Sports Unlimited, where he met his wife! When Jeff’s not working he enjoys spending time at the beach and traveling with his wife and also cheering on his Florida Gators! Native to the area, Jeff taught and coached his kids at the same high school he graduated from!
David McNabb
“I didn’t pick asphalt for a career, asphalt picked me,” David said. He began his career in the asphalt industry in 1996. At this time his wife was pregnant, and he needed a job with insurance. It was meant to be a temporary position, but “25 years later, here I am.”
Before his career in the industry, David had a job where he wore a shirt and tie to work every day. “I don’t miss those days,” he said. He earned his Associates degree in Business from Hiwassee College and his Bachelor of Science in Business from Tennessee Wesleyan University. He has worked in numerous positions in the asphalt industry from laborer to QC technician to mix designer. He is certified in Asphalt Plant Level 1, QC Manager and Asphalt Mix Designer. He was a mix designer in Tennessee, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
When David isn’t working he enjoys going to church, real estate and college football (Go Vols!). He loves cars and has a ‘72 El Camino, an ‘87 El Camino SS, and a 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT which he claims is his mid-life crisis car!
Parker Miller
Parker Miller joined the ATS team as a Laboratory Specialist. With two years’ experience in the construction industry working out on the roadways, Parker is embracing his role in the lab. Prior to this industry Parker played college golf, and his first job was at a golf course. When he’s not working, you can usually find him fishing.
Corbett Reynolds
For over 30 years Corbett has been a key player in the asphalt industry, working as a Field Technician and Field Services Director out on the roads. He started his career with Cal-Tech Testing in 1986 and now brings his experience and talent to ATS. He currently holds Asphalt Paving Levels 1 & 2 certifications and has earned Earthwork Levels 1 & 2, ACI Concrete Field Testing, FDOT Concrete Field Inspector, Nuclear Safety and Qualified Sampler Technician certifications in the past.
Corbett’s drive and work ethic dates back to when he was just 15 years old. He earned his GED at this time and went out in the world to work on a cattle ranch in south Texas where he grew up. He worked for the famous Bum Philips (former head coach of the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints).
When he’s not working, Corbett loves spending time with his family and friends. He loves to bow hunt deer, fish benefit tournaments and ride the trails with Jeeps and 4-wheelers. Before he and his wife had their son, he was a semi-professional fisherman in the Red Man and FLW tournaments!
Sonia Serna
Certified in NICET levels 1 & 2 and the Asphalt Institute’s National Binder Technician Certification, Sonia Serna brings over 31 years of asphalt industry experience as the Binder Lab Manager at ATS. After college (Windward Community College in Kaneohe, HI) Sonia worked for IPR (International Plant Research) with a variety of orchid plants. She transitioned to the asphalt industry (and the mainland) working as PRI’s very first asphalt technician. Acronyms seem to play a big role in Sonia’s life having worked at IPR then PRI now ATS, and she plans to continue working in the industry until she is RIP (retired in peace)!
When she’s not at work, Sonia enjoys being outdoors: walking or running, enjoying the beach and boating. She loves football season and watching NFL games, and she also enjoys taking ballroom dancing classes!
Molly (Soltis) Berry
Molly earned her advertising degree from Marquette University and has been in marketing roles in various industries throughout her career. She joined the Asphalt Testing Solutions & Engineering team about three years ago with no experience in the asphalt industry and has embraced all opportunities to learn more about it. She spent her first year working in the lab and on the roadway to get hands-on experience and earned certifications in Asphalt Paving 1 & 2, Asphalt Plant 1 & 2, Mix Design and Intermediate MOT. “Taking time to apply the skills and knowledge I learned to get certified in the lab and in the field definitely helps me in my current position!”
When she’s not at work, she enjoys traveling, golfing, going to concerts and cheering on her Wisconsin teams.
Robert Taliaferro
It’s sometimes helpful to compare asphalt production to cooking, and maybe because of that, Robert is making the transfer from the culinary industry to the asphalt industry with ease. From his very first job as a fry cook in Oakland, California, Robert has come quite a long way – but not a long way from the ovens! Working in the lab as ATS’ Client Manager, Robert’s experience working with people adds great value to his role. His strong work ethic is apparent – he even worked 23 hours straight during a Dave & Busters opening until Buster kicked him out to go get rest!
When Robert is not at work he enjoys spending time on the golf course. And fun fact, while Robert’s mom is an only child, he is one of 10 kids!
Swathi Theeda
Swathi is the Asphalt Binder Engineer at ATS, responsible for overseeing and developing a fully accredited asphalt binder lab. She is also responsible for consulting with existing and potential clients to provide critically thought-out solution paths as well as spearheading research and development of new and existing products and identifying possible growth opportunities.
Prior to ATS Swathi worked as R&D Engineer with Blacklidge Emulsions Inc. where she developed and led research projects in the pursuit of new and innovative premium asphalt and related products. In addition, she also provided technical support during product introduction or post-use by the customers, troubleshooted technical issues and provided resolution paths whenever applicable.
Swathi received her master’s in civil engineering from Texas A&M University with focus on construction materials, specifically asphalt materials, and bachelor’s in civil engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) with primary focus on cement concrete materials. She is certified in AI NBTC, AI NETC and Asphalt Plant Level 1.
During her graduate work, she was part of an effort to implement a chip seal binder specification in the state of Texas while she pursued research work on various concrete technologies during her undergraduate studies.
When she is not working with asphalt, you can find her doing CrossFit or hiking in one of the national parks or creating new art pieces/DIYing around the house!
Jamie Trull
With five years experience on the roadways and building sites, Jamie Trull joins the ATS team as an Asphalt Roadway Specialist. He earned his Asphalt Paving Levels 1 and 2, Earthworks Level 2 and FDOT Concrete Field Inspector certifications along with formal education in electrical and biomedical engineering.
When he’s not at work Jamie is involved with youth ministry through his church. He enjoys spending time with his family cooking on his smoker, fishing with his boys and playing guitar and singing with his girls. No stranger to music, Jamie spent time after high school touring with bands including Limp Bizkit!
Darrell VanBrocklin
From his early high school days working at Dominics Pizza and being scouted at Kona Skate Park, Darrell has been working in the asphalt industry for the past five years. He is new to the ATS performance lab, but previously, he was a hands-on distributor operator working out in the field with the paving crews. Now certified in Asphalt Plant Level 1 he is working on the testing side of the industry in the lab.
When he’s not working, Darrell enjoys hiking, camping, joyriding on his motorcycle and playing video games with his friends.
Gerad VanHoosier
Gerad VanHoosier joins the ATS team as a Performance Lab Technician. While he is new to the asphalt industry, Gerad is embracing his role in the lab and is certified in Asphalt Plant Level 1. With previous experience in manufacturing, fabrication and masonry, Gerad is no stranger to working with his hands. He moved from Ohio to Florida to join the team, which are two of seven states in which he’s resided over the years. When he’s not working, Gerad enjoys spending time with his wife and kids as well as gardening, fishing and hunting.
Jordan VanHoosier
Jordan VanHoosier is new to the asphalt industry but is embracing his position as a Laboratory Specialist. When he’s not working in the lab, Jordan is taking online classes for game design and development. He graduated from high school a year early, and he is still embracing the opportunity to continue his education!
In his free time, you can find Jordan spending time with his family and listening to music. Fun fact, Jordan has a pet scorpion named Dusk!
Jessica Walker-Gray
Although she has no previous experience in the asphalt industry, Jessica has embraced her role in the ATS QC lab and earned her CTQP Asphalt Plant Level 1 certification not long after she started and shortly after, added her CTQP Asphalt Plant Level 2 certification. While she works hard in the lab, she plays hard in her free time too! She is a Christian and enjoys sharing the gospel with others, and she loves to play pool and competitive volleyball. Jessica enjoys working out and, fun fact, she can bench press 215 pounds!
Jacob Wilson
Certified in CTQP Asphalt Paving Level 1 and Asphalt Paving Level 2, as an ATS Asphalt Roadway Specialist, Jacob has seen his fair share of excitement while providing quality control services out on the road. One incident included an accident where the perpetrator exited his vehicle and attempted to flee the scene! (This is a perfect time to remind anyone reading this to slow down in work zones and watch out for our crews!)
When Jacob is not at work he enjoys working on his truck, playing pool and hanging out with his friends. If you’re lucky, he’ll show you his party trick – he can juggle fire!
In loving memory of Bucky McDaniel…
On December 28, 2018, we lost Bucky, a beloved member of our team. He was our friend, favorite FSU fan, chef, our steady source of encouragement, animal lover and confidant. We are honored to have known him and be a part of his world. We will miss him dearly.
