Meet Our Team | Asphalt Testing Solutions & Engineering

Caleb Mathews, Laboratory Specialist

Certified in CTQP Plant Level 1 and Plant Level 2, Caleb Mathews joins the ATS team in the Quality Control Lab. Prior to working at ATS Caleb played college basketball for Faulkner University before transferring to Liberty University where he graduated with a degree in business administration. When he’s not at work Caleb enjoys playing video games and working out.

Swathi Theeda, Asphalt Binder Engineer

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!

Robert Taliaferro, Client Manager

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!

Molly Berry, Marketing & Business Development

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, playing tennis and golf, going to concerts and cheering on her Wisconsin teams.

Shawna Kovacs, Admin Support Specialist

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.

Sonia Serna, Asphalt Binder Lab Manager

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!

Jeff Martin, Asphalt Binder Technician

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!

Rebecca Kohl, Asphalt Binder Technician

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. While working full time in the lab, Rebecca earned her degree in Forensic Investigations from Keiser University!

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!

Dawson Padgett, Performance Lab Manager

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.

Renee Gordon, Asphalt Binder Technician

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. She is a certified National Binder Technician by the Asphalt Institute. When she’s not at work, Renee loves to engage in any athletic activity – she’s a trained boxer!

Gerad VanHoosier, Performance Lab Technician

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.

Art Chancey, Asphalt Roadway Specialist

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.

David McNabb, Aspahlt Mix Designer

“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!

Katherine Hernandez, Performance Lab Technician

No stranger to the asphalt industry, Katherine joins the ATS team from Duval Asphalt! She worked on the paving crews at Duval Asphalt as a roller operator, laborer, and forklift operator.

Katherine is a certified Forklift Operator and Class I, IV and V Warehouse forklift Operator.

When she’s not at work, Katherine enjoys hiking, and those who know her, knows she loves Batman!

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!

Jamie Trull, Asphalt Roadway Specialist

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!

Zara Koerber, Asphalt Roadway Specialist

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 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.

Corbett Reynolds, Asphalt Roadway Specialist

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!

Jessica Walker-Gray, Laboratory Specialist

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!

Stacey Taylor, Laboratory Specialist

Stacey Taylor joins the ATS team as a Laboratory Specialist. He’s new to the asphalt industry and when he’s not working, Stacey enjoys fishing.

Parker Miller, Laboratory Specialist

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.

Kendell Hulett, Laboratory Specialist

Kendell Hulett joins the ATS team as a Laboratory Specialist. His very first job was washing dishes at a seafood restaurant – not a far cry from washing aggregates in the QC lab! When he’s not working Kendell enjoys spending time with his wife and friends, playing the guitar and making music. Fun fact, Kendell can solve that Rubik’s cube you’ve been working on forever!

Julian Castro, Laboratory Specialist

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.

David Bone, Laboratory Specialist

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.

John Holton, Quality Assurance Lab Manager

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.

Derek Bennett, Quality Assurance Roadway Manager

Derek has spent over 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.

Tanya Nash, Director of Engieering

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.”

Steve McReynolds, Director of Operations

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, an asphalt mix producer and paving contractor, 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 enjoys spending time with his family and fishing.

Using Asphalt Modifiers to Enhance Pavement Performance

As technologies continue to develop and progress, how do transportation personnel know what’s available on the market and how each option works? Available modifiers are performance driven and fall into the following categories: chemical (anti-strips, warm mix), rejuvenators (crude oil, corn oil), recycled (ground tire rubber), polymers (latex, elastomers) and mixture (fibers, lime).

St Johns County Sheriff's Office Training Complex

Completed project overview of St Johns County Sheriff’s Office Training Complex in St. Augustine, Florida. Paving of three parking lots, entrance road and county road, 33 sq. yard test track. Watch a short video overview of the completed project here!

Help! What's Wrong with my Pavement? (And What Do I Do About It?)

Your pavement (roads and parking lots) is one of your property’s largest expenses. Did you know there are ways to extend the life of this asset, saving you thousands of dollars? Learn different solutions to fix pavement deficiencies and how to discuss options with contractors. Having a proper maintenance plan in place is vital to the safety and aesthetics of your roads and/or parking lots. You can check out our short animated video with helpful tips here!

QC Manager Class Dates

July 8 – 9

August 19 – 20

September 23 – 24

October 21 – 22

November 18 – 19

December 15 – 16

FAA Airfield Paving: Flexible Pavement P-401 changes

Trying to sift through pages and pages of specifications to find the updates can be a daunting task, but our team has you covered! In this session attendees will review differences between AC-150-5370-10 and AC-150-5370-10H. Our instructor will review Part 6 (Flexible Pavements) and focus on P-401 and P-403 which are most common in Florida. We will also touch on P-404 (fuel resistant) under Part 6. Attendees will also learn about the updates in Part 8 (Surface Treatment) including P-632 (Rejuvenation).

The Future of Balanced Mix Design & Asphalt Performance Testing

Learn what the future of mix design looks like for your state by reviewing the concepts of NAPA’s Balanced Mix Design and FHWA’s Performance Related Specifications.

With so many new variables in binder and mixtures to consider, such as higher RAP, asphalt rejuvenators and polymers, selecting the correct test(s) and interpreting the results are more important than ever. Implementing asphalt performance testing will not only apply to mix designs but will also open possibilities for more innovation in asphalt binder and mixture modifiers.

This presentation will cover the most common performance tests involved in balance mix design, such as Hamburg Wheel Tracking and I-FIT tests, best practices involving sample preparation and compare traditional volumetric design with balanced mix design. Current asphalt specifications and implementation will also be discussed.

Discover what the next steps are and how to prepare for your future with balanced mix design.

Mixture & Binder Additives - What Are They and Do I Need Them?

Due to the increase in asphalt modifiers available in the market, how do I know what I need and if I am getting what I asked for? How do different additives perform? What do I need to know about testing them?

Most commonly, when modifiers are discussed in the asphalt industry, they are referring to asphalt binder modifiers. These modifiers can be a range of polymers, chemical additives, organic materials, softening agents, asphalt rejuvenators, etc. Each category contains an endless line of products.

Modifiers are not isolated to the asphalt binder – mixtures are being modified as well. An ideal asphalt mixture modifier will focus on improved resistance to rutting and cracking. Some of these modifiers fall in the categories of fibers, treated plastics, fillers and recycled materials.

Learn about these different types of modifiers, some of the common tests to evaluate them and the benefits they bring during production and paving. Also hear about a few projects that attribute to their successes to mixtures containing modifiers.

Pavement Preservation - A Facelift for Pavements

Want to know how to extend the life of your pavement with less costly processes than a traditional “mill and fill?” It’s all about applying the right treatment to the right place at the right time to save or delay future expenditures. Pavement preservation increases the average condition of pavement while decreasing the average spending. It is a cost-effective, “green” way to maintain our roads’ integrity and longevity. Roads are a capital asset in which we must take a proactive approach to protect.

Learn about a typical pavement lifecycle deterioration curve and the different treatments used to preserve it before it hits the point of accelerated deterioration. While no pavement preservation specifications are currently owned by the FDOT, the Florida Pavement Preservation Council (FPPC) partnered with them to write asphalt specifications that can be applied to city and county roads.

QC & QA Basics and Importance

Asphalt Quality Control is the system used by a contractor to monitor, test and make adjustments to their production and placement processes as needed to ensure the final product will meet defined asphalt specifications. It is a process that helps a company ensure it creates quality products and that its staff and management alike make minimal mistakes. Training and goals help a company achieve high quality. Quality Assurance is planned and continued actions and observations to provide confidence that a product or facility will perform up to the required standards in service. It’s a system process for failure prevention which ensures that the final deliverable product or service is error free or within limits. It’s a process to audit the asphalt quality control measurements against the requirements. If they match up, then the quality assurance process is considered successful. Both systems are vital to the success of any asphalt production and paving project.

Learn the “accountability chart” to define roles of quality assurance and understand the responsibilities of each role during a project. Discuss the elements involved with these concepts such as agency acceptance, dispute resolutions and independent assurance, and discuss the top causes of poor pavement performance. Understanding the causes of poor performance is the first step in making the necessary adjustments for improvement.

The Evolution and Changes of Superpave Asphalt

First there was Hubbard Field, then Hveem and then Marshall mix design. Today we follow the Superpave system. Superpave mix design was developed to create a performance-based asphalt binder and asphalt mixture specification. While the binder performance-based specification took shape in the form of the PG specification (AASHTO M 320), the performance-based mix design system turned out to be more complex than anticipated and a volumetric mix design system was implemented as AASHTO M 323.

Over time with experience and technology, each state has modified or adjusted the specifications for AASHTO M 320 and M 323.

Learn about the differences how the Superpave system is used with the different AASHTO specifications released. Where is Superpave going and what is with balanced mix design, Superpave5 and low air void mixtures?

100% RAP Roads - Truth or Dare

Asphalt is 100% recyclable and the United States’ most recycled product. Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is produced when an old road is ground up by a milling machine. These millings or RAP is then saved, brought back to an asphalt plant and recycled into future asphalt mixtures. The majority of the asphalt mixtures around the country use RAP, averaging just over 20% by weight of the aggregate.

Depending on the state, location and placement of mixture, different percentages of RAP are accepted in asphalt mix designs. With the availability of softer asphalt binders and the increased use of asphalt rejuvenators, just how much RAP can we use in our asphalt mixes; can we use 100% RAP to produce an acceptable pavement? Does anyone currently approve a 100% RAP mix design for a surface mixture?

Discuss what components must be considered to ensure a smooth, long-lasting ride when using a 100% RAP mixture.

Meet the Asphalt Testing Solutions & Engineering Team

Select a team member's picture to read the bio!

Steve McReynolds

Tanya Nash, PE

Quality Control / Quality Assurance Team

Derek Bennett

John Holton

David Bone

Julian Castro

Kendell Hulett

Caleb Mathews

Parker Miller

Stacey Taylor

Jessica Walker-Gray

Art Chancey

Zara Koerber

Corbett Reynolds

Jamie Trull

Jacob Wilson

Performance Lab / Asphalt Mix Lab Team

Dawson Padgett

Katherine Hernandez

Gerad VanHoosier

David McNabb

Binder / Emulsion Testing Lab

Sonia Serna

Renee Gordon

Rebecca Kohl

Swathi Theeda, PE

Administrative

Molly Berry

Shawna Kovacs

Robert Taliaferro

Affiliates and Associations

Affiliates and Associations

Meet the Asphalt Testing Solutions & Engineering Team

Select a team member's picture to read the bio!

Steve McReynolds

Tanya Nash, PE

Quality Control / Quality Assurance Team

Derek Bennett

John Holton

David Bone

Julian Castro

Kendell Hulett​

Caleb Mathews

Parker Miller

Stacey Taylor

Jessica Walker-Gray

Art Chancey

Zara Koerber

Corbett Reynolds

Jamie Trull

Jacob Wilson

Performance Lab / Asphalt Mix Lab Team

Dawson Padgett

Katherine Hernandez

Gerad VanHoosier

David McNabb

Binder / Emulsion Testing Lab

Sonia Serna

Renee Gordon

Rebecca Kohl

Swathi Theeda, PE

Administrative

Molly Berry

Shawna Kovacs

Robert Taliaferro

Affiliates and Associations

Affiliates and Associations

Kendell Hulett