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OUR TEAM
Leaders in Engineering Consulting
Driven by the vision of our founder, Dr. Paul Rizzo, our leadership team sets the strategic direction and prioritizes client satisfaction. Supported by a dedicated committee of engineers and geoscientists, we ensure expert project management, technical leadership, and business development to achieve both client goals and corporate objectives. With extensive consulting experience across multiple engineering disciplines, our team brings exceptional insight and expertise to every project.
RACHELLE RIZZO, MBA
PRESIDENT | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Ms. Rachelle Rizzo is the President and CEO of RIZZO International, Inc. With over 33 years of experience at RIZZO, she has a strong background in business development, administrative management, and human resource development for the company’s corporate headquarters and its national and international branches. Ms. Rizzo is responsible for providing strategic oversight, leadership, and vision to ensure the company has the proper operational controls, management, and administrative procedures and policies in place to effectively drive growth.
Ms. Rachelle Rizzo is the President and CEO of RIZZO International, Inc. With over 33 years of experience at RIZZO, she has a strong background in business development, administrative management, and human resource development for the company’s corporate headquarters and its national and international branches. Ms. Rizzo is responsible for providing strategic oversight, leadership, and vision to ensure the company has the proper operational controls, management, and administrative procedures and policies in place to effectively drive growth.
MICHAEL EDWARDS, P.E.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Mr. Michael Edwards, P.E., is the Chief Operating Officer at RIZZO. He oversees the company's day-to-day operations and manages key areas such as sales and business development, project management and execution, accounting, information systems, and quality assurance and control. With extensive engineering experience, Mr. Edwards specializes in geotechnical analysis and design, nuclear power plant site characterization, forensic analysis, and hydroelectric power plant siting and development.
Mr. Michael Edwards, P.E., is the Chief Operating Officer at RIZZO. He oversees the company's day-to-day operations and manages key areas such as sales and business development, project management and execution, accounting, information systems, and quality assurance and control. With extensive engineering experience, Mr. Edwards specializes in geotechnical analysis and design, nuclear power plant site characterization, forensic analysis, and hydroelectric power plant siting and development.
MARA R. McCLAIN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | ADMINISTRATION
Ms. Mara McClain is the Senior Vice President of Administration at RIZZO, bringing nearly 20 years of experience to her role. She provides expert leadership across various functions within the organization, supervising administrative staff at all office locations, and overseeing Project Administrators who support project execution. Additionally, she coordinates overseas travel and manages relationships with hotels and rental car services to meet both project and employee needs.
With a master’s degree in social work (MSW), Ms. McClain fosters an environment of collaboration, support, and strategic growth within the organization. Ms. McClain serves as the liaison with the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), maintaining WBE certifications, and volunteering with the council. Furthermore, she contributes her insights as the secretary on RIZZO’s Board of Directors.
Ms. Mara McClain is the Senior Vice President of Administration at RIZZO, bringing nearly 20 years of experience to her role. She provides expert leadership across various functions within the organization, supervising administrative staff at all office locations, and overseeing Project Administrators who support project execution. Additionally, she coordinates overseas travel and manages relationships with hotels and rental car services to meet both project and employee needs.
With a master’s degree in social work (MSW), Ms. McClain fosters an environment of collaboration, support, and strategic growth within the organization. Ms. McClain serves as the liaison with the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), maintaining WBE certifications, and volunteering with the council. Furthermore, she contributes her insights as the secretary on RIZZO’s Board of Directors.
JOHN PAUL GIUNTA, P.E., PMP
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | FINANCE
Mr. John Paul Giunta, P.E., PMP serves as RIZZO’s Senior Vice President of Finance, overseeing the finance and accounting department. His responsibilities encompass the day-to-day management of all financial matters, including reporting, insurance, budgeting, contract review, and financial systems. With over 23 years of experience at RIZZO, Mr. Giunta has held various roles within the company. He’s a registered Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional and has managed some of RIZZO's largest and most complex projects. Mr. Giunta's technical expertise lies in civil and geotechnical engineering.
Mr. John Paul Giunta, P.E., PMP serves as RIZZO’s Senior Vice President of Finance, overseeing the finance and accounting department. His responsibilities encompass the day-to-day management of all financial matters, including reporting, insurance, budgeting, contract review, and financial systems. With over 23 years of experience at RIZZO, Mr. Giunta has held various roles within the company. He’s a registered Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional and has managed some of RIZZO's largest and most complex projects. Mr. Giunta's technical expertise lies in civil and geotechnical engineering.
JOHN P. OSTERLE, P.E.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | DAMS AND WATER RESOURCES
Mr. John P. Osterle, P.E., has nearly 40 years of experience as an engineering consultant, specializing in civil, hydraulic, geotechnical, and structural engineering projects. He’s a nationally recognized expert in dam, levee, and flood protection engineering. Throughout his career, Mr. Osterle has worked on some of the largest dam rehabilitation and construction projects in the U.S. and abroad, including Taum Sauk Upper Reservoir Dam and Saluda Dam as well as Bagnell Dam, Kerr Dam, Valenciano Dam, Bear Creek Dam, Wyaralong Dam, Santee Cooper Project, Stevens Creek Dam, Rio Dam, Remmel Dam and Carpenter Dam. A registered professional engineer in 23 states, he holds both an M.S. and B.S. in civil engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Osterle is currently serving as the chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee for the United States Society on Dams (USSD). He has authored 16 technical papers and regularly participates in dam safety and hydro power conferences.
Mr. John P. Osterle, P.E., has nearly 40 years of experience as an engineering consultant, specializing in civil, hydraulic, geotechnical, and structural engineering projects. He’s a nationally recognized expert in dam, levee, and flood protection engineering. Throughout his career, Mr. Osterle has worked on some of the largest dam rehabilitation and construction projects in the U.S. and abroad, including Taum Sauk Upper Reservoir Dam and Saluda Dam as well as Bagnell Dam, Kerr Dam, Valenciano Dam, Bear Creek Dam, Wyaralong Dam, Santee Cooper Project, Stevens Creek Dam, Rio Dam, Remmel Dam and Carpenter Dam. A registered professional engineer in 23 states, he holds both an M.S. and B.S. in civil engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Osterle is currently serving as the chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee for the United States Society on Dams (USSD). He has authored 16 technical papers and regularly participates in dam safety and hydro power conferences.
VANN K. STEPHENSON, P.E.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE
"Mr. Vann K. Stephenson, P.E., brings over 40 years of leadership experience in engineering and project management within the utility industry. He's been fully responsible for the engineering, construction, and commissioning of large power generation projects, encompassing nuclear, gas, clean air, renewables, and transmission. Notably, he managed site selection, site characterization, site-specific engineering, and regulatory interface for the NRC-issued Levy County COLA.
With over 25 years of experience in nuclear operations, Mr. Stephenson has held various management positions in engineering and plant operations departments and possesses an SRO management certification. At RIZZO, he oversees the engineering development and execution of large civil infrastructure projects. His responsibilities include power plant siting and site characterization, new nuclear feasibility and system layout conceptual design, regulatory licensing strategy, civil engineering, construction management, project management, and the development and support of green energy technology projects."
"Mr. Vann K. Stephenson, P.E., brings over 40 years of leadership experience in engineering and project management within the utility industry. He's been fully responsible for the engineering, construction, and commissioning of large power generation projects, encompassing nuclear, gas, clean air, renewables, and transmission. Notably, he managed site selection, site characterization, site-specific engineering, and regulatory interface for the NRC-issued Levy County COLA.
With over 25 years of experience in nuclear operations, Mr. Stephenson has held various management positions in engineering and plant operations departments and possesses an SRO management certification. At RIZZO, he oversees the engineering development and execution of large civil infrastructure projects. His responsibilities include power plant siting and site characterization, new nuclear feasibility and system layout conceptual design, regulatory licensing strategy, civil engineering, construction management, project management, and the development and support of green energy technology projects."
JUAN JOSE GUTIERREZ, Ph.D., P.E.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | ENGINEERING
Dr. Juan Jose Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E., is a senior engineer at RIZZO, bringing more than 15 years of professional experience. He's a geotechnical engineer, specializing in geomechanical analysis, forensic analysis of foundations, settlement analysis, soil liquefaction analysis, and bearing capacity analysis. Additionally, Dr. Gutierrez is skilled in planning and executing field geotechnical investigations, as well as conducting advanced geotechnical analysis and numerical modeling for slope stability and static and dynamic soil-structure interaction analyses. He often manages small to large projects and staff teams involving all the disciplines in RIZZO’s engineering practice, including geotechnical, structural, and water resources engineers. He often collaborates with RIZZO geoscientists, including geologists and seismologists.
Dr. Juan Jose Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E., is a senior engineer at RIZZO, bringing more than 15 years of professional experience. He's a geotechnical engineer, specializing in geomechanical analysis, forensic analysis of foundations, settlement analysis, soil liquefaction analysis, and bearing capacity analysis. Additionally, Dr. Gutierrez is skilled in planning and executing field geotechnical investigations, as well as conducting advanced geotechnical analysis and numerical modeling for slope stability and static and dynamic soil-structure interaction analyses. He often manages small to large projects and staff teams involving all the disciplines in RIZZO’s engineering practice, including geotechnical, structural, and water resources engineers. He often collaborates with RIZZO geoscientists, including geologists and seismologists.
MICHAEL F. ROSENMEIER, Ph.D.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | EARTH SCIENCES
"Dr. Michael F. Rosenmeier, Ph.D., is a distinguished geoscientist with nearly 25 years of professional experience spanning both consulting and academia. His areas of technical expertise include natural hazards analysis, geology and engineering geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, watershed hydrology, hydroclimatology, and geomorphology.
At RIZZO, Dr. Rosenmeier oversees and provides technical guidance for a variety of projects related to power generation, critical infrastructure, and water resources, including dams. He has played a pivotal role in numerous nuclear power plant site characterization studies and typically leads RIZZO’s efforts in geologic and natural hazards analyses, environmental assessments, and environmental report preparation.
"Dr. Michael F. Rosenmeier, Ph.D., is a distinguished geoscientist with nearly 25 years of professional experience spanning both consulting and academia. His areas of technical expertise include natural hazards analysis, geology and engineering geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, watershed hydrology, hydroclimatology, and geomorphology.
At RIZZO, Dr. Rosenmeier oversees and provides technical guidance for a variety of projects related to power generation, critical infrastructure, and water resources, including dams. He has played a pivotal role in numerous nuclear power plant site characterization studies and typically leads RIZZO’s efforts in geologic and natural hazards analyses, environmental assessments, and environmental report preparation.
EDDIE M. GUERRA, P.E.
SR VICE PRESIDENT | CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Eddie M. Guerra, P.E., is a licensed structural engineer with over a decade of leadership and management experience in civil and energy infrastructure projects worldwide. His project portfolio spans many countries around the world, including the United States, Perú, Brazil, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, South Korea, China, Japan, Argentina, and Canada. A recognized leader in the U.S. energy sector, Mr. Guerra led a delegation of engineers to the White House to discuss the role of commercial nuclear in matters of national security. He is a frequent speaker at legislative hearings on critical infrastructure and served as the youngest member of the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee, advising the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on the competitiveness of the U.S. nuclear industry. Mr. Guerra has contributed to industry standards and guidance including for the International Atomic Energy Agency, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Mr. Guerra has co-founded non-profit organizations, including the Voluntariado of Engineers of Puerto Rico and The Nuclear Alternative Projects.
Mr. Eddie M. Guerra, P.E., is a licensed structural engineer with over a decade of leadership and management experience in civil and energy infrastructure projects worldwide. His project portfolio spans many countries around the world, including the United States, Perú, Brazil, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, South Korea, China, Japan, Argentina, and Canada. A recognized leader in the U.S. energy sector, Mr. Guerra led a delegation of engineers to the White House to discuss the role of commercial nuclear in matters of national security. He is a frequent speaker at legislative hearings on critical infrastructure and served as the youngest member of the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee, advising the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on the competitiveness of the U.S. nuclear industry. Mr. Guerra has contributed to industry standards and guidance including for the International Atomic Energy Agency, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Mr. Guerra has co-founded non-profit organizations, including the Voluntariado of Engineers of Puerto Rico and The Nuclear Alternative Projects.
YIGIT ISBILIROGLU, Ph.D., P.E.
VICE PRESIDENT | STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
"Dr. Yigit Isbiliroglu, Ph.D., P.E., brings over 15 years of experience in the field of soil-structure interaction (SSI) analyses for nuclear power plant structures, as well as in seismic probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), including fragility calculations for mechanical and electrical equipment, structures, and distribution systems.
He's led numerous seismic margin analyses in support of mitigating strategies assessments and has participated in and led seismic walkdowns for the evaluation of electrical and mechanical components.
Dr. Isbiliroglu also manages projects focused on the structural analysis and design qualification of nuclear structural components—such as fuel storage assemblies, flask bogies, and shield gate structures—under both seismic and thermal loading conditions. In addition, he has directed the development of automation tools to streamline engineering workflows and improve efficiency across these complex projects.
"Dr. Yigit Isbiliroglu, Ph.D., P.E., brings over 15 years of experience in the field of soil-structure interaction (SSI) analyses for nuclear power plant structures, as well as in seismic probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), including fragility calculations for mechanical and electrical equipment, structures, and distribution systems.
He's led numerous seismic margin analyses in support of mitigating strategies assessments and has participated in and led seismic walkdowns for the evaluation of electrical and mechanical components.
Dr. Isbiliroglu also manages projects focused on the structural analysis and design qualification of nuclear structural components—such as fuel storage assemblies, flask bogies, and shield gate structures—under both seismic and thermal loading conditions. In addition, he has directed the development of automation tools to streamline engineering workflows and improve efficiency across these complex projects.
CAGRI CINKILIC, P.E.
VICE PRESIDENT | GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
Mr. Cagri Cinkilic, P.E., has 13 years of professional experience in the area of Geotechnical Engineering. Mr. Cinkilic’s expertise includes geotechnical field investigation program, foundation design, settlement, bearing capacity, liquefaction analysis, and numerical methods applied to geotechnical problems. Mr. Cinkilic has coordinated geotechnical field investigation programs involving drilling, sample collection, and laboratory testing and drafted geotechnical calculation packages and advanced geotechnical finite element models as part of Safety Analysis Report for construction permit application for Nuclear Power Plant project.
Mr. Cagri Cinkilic, P.E., has 13 years of professional experience in the area of Geotechnical Engineering. Mr. Cinkilic’s expertise includes geotechnical field investigation program, foundation design, settlement, bearing capacity, liquefaction analysis, and numerical methods applied to geotechnical problems. Mr. Cinkilic has coordinated geotechnical field investigation programs involving drilling, sample collection, and laboratory testing and drafted geotechnical calculation packages and advanced geotechnical finite element models as part of Safety Analysis Report for construction permit application for Nuclear Power Plant project.
JILL LYNCH REED
VICE PRESIDENT | CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
Ms. Jill Lynch Reed brings over 35 years of progressively responsible experience in both engineering and construction environments. Her extensive involvement in both aspects of projects has given her a solid understanding and ability to identify critical features and key aspects of prospective projects for the company. Ms. Reed has managed numerous domestic and international infrastructure projects for RIZZO, overseeing scope, schedule, budget, quality assurance, quality control, and supervision of construction support services. She is currently involved in the southern border fence construction upgrades, as well as dams and water resources projects.
Ms. Jill Lynch Reed brings over 35 years of progressively responsible experience in both engineering and construction environments. Her extensive involvement in both aspects of projects has given her a solid understanding and ability to identify critical features and key aspects of prospective projects for the company. Ms. Reed has managed numerous domestic and international infrastructure projects for RIZZO, overseeing scope, schedule, budget, quality assurance, quality control, and supervision of construction support services. She is currently involved in the southern border fence construction upgrades, as well as dams and water resources projects.
“True success is built when each individual contributes their unique strengths with precision and purpose. At RIZZO International, every role is essential, every person invaluable—together, we are a team defined by clarity, collaboration, and shared achievement.”
RACHELLE RIZZO
President | CEO
RIZZO Insights
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