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News and Insights

Atwell welcomes Zora Raoufpour as a Senior Technical Advisor and Project Sponsor

 

Zora Raoufpour brings deep experience and expertise in the natural gas industry, with a strong background in natural gas pipeline and facilities engineering, project management, regulatory compliance, and organizational leadership. She possesses depth in both technical execution and strategic leadership for midstream and distribution operations. She served in progressively senior roles at Atmos Energy, most recently as Director of Engineering Services.

In Raoufpour’s role at Atwell, she will serve as a Senior Technical Advisor and Project Sponsor for our portfolio of energy projects, providing guidance, leadership, and direction to our project management and technical staff. Selected areas of expertise include natural gas transmission pipeline system design, compression and processing facility design, DOT/railroad commission regulatory compliance, capital project management, interconnect design and pipeline integrity programs, measurement, instrumentation and control system design, environmental compliance and permitting, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs.

Raoufpour holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical and petroleum engineering and a Master of Science in hazardous and waste materials management. She has held leadership roles with AGA and GPA and is a current member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Project Management Institute.

Please join us in welcoming Zora Raoufpour to the team!

News and Insights

Atwell appoints Rajeev Gollarahalli as Chief Technology Officer

 

Sept. 29, 2026 (Southfield, MI) – Atwell, a leading consulting, engineering, and construction services firm, has named Rajeev Gollarahalli as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In this role, Gollarahalli will lead Atwell’s technology strategy, including the company’s continued investments in digital tools, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) as Atwell grows across its markets.

The CTO role will strengthen how we use technology to support our teams, serve our clients, and scale with the company’s continued growth.

“We are excited to welcome Rajeev to Atwell at an important time in our growth,” said Matthew C.  Bissett, President and CEO of Atwell. “As we expand across power, energy, and land development industries, technology is becoming increasingly important to how we deliver high-quality work efficiently for our clients.”

Gollarahalli brings more than 25 years of experience leading technology and digital transformation, including extensive experience in the architecture and engineering industry. His background includes information technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data, cybersecurity, cloud platforms, enterprise systems, automation, and mergers and acquisitions.

“Rajeev understands both the engineering and operational sides of a firm like ours,” said Bissett. “His focus will be on building the technology and data foundation that allows Atwell to grow, while putting AI and other emerging technologies to work where they can make a difference for our teams and clients.”

Prior to joining Atwell, Gollarahalli served as Chief Information and Digital Officer at a global engineering firm, where he was a member of the executive leadership team, leading the company’s global IT and digital strategy. In this role, Gollarahalli established and scaled an AI practice projected to generate more than $100 million in new revenue, led more than 15 M&A technology integrations, and helped modernize the company’s technology operating model. He also led automation initiatives that delivered significant time and cost savings.

Gollarahalli holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business and Finance from Xavier University, a Master of Science (MS) in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation and Control Systems from Bangalore University.

News and Insights

Atwell welcomes Annie Winter and Alex Cross as Directors of Environmental – Power & Energy

 

Atwell welcomes Annie Winter and Alex Cross as Directors of Environmental in our Power & Energy group. In their new roles, Winter and Cross will help strengthen relationships with existing clients and expand our environmental and permitting capabilities in Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic, and beyond. They will lead environmental and permitting efforts across a range of power and energy infrastructure projects, including transmission and distribution, solar, wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and data centers.

Annie Winter brings over 14 years of project and program management experience shepherding large, complex infrastructure projects from preliminary diligence through detailed design, permitting, and construction. She offers deep expertise in renewable energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure, specializing in environmental planning and permitting, renewable energy siting and development, strategic account leadership, and business development. Before joining Atwell, she served as the Mid-Atlantic Renewables Team Lead at a global engineering firm, expanding the regional team 6x to meet growing client demand and deliver the highest-quality, full-service permitting solutions. Winter holds a Master of Science in Water Resources Management from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics & Economics and Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. She was also a Fulbright Scholar in the Netherlands, studying water resources and climate resiliency.

Alex Cross brings over 13 years of experience in environmental and multidisciplinary team management experience across renewable and traditional energy markets, including solar, wind, battery energy storage, hydroelectric, natural gas, and transmission. Throughout her career, she has helped clients move projects from early site characterization and permitting through design, construction and operations, while also supporting client relationships, business development and account growth. With expertise in energy siting, permitting, regulatory strategy, environmental compliance and project execution, her experience spans numerous multi-state regulatory programs and high-value engagements with a focus on creating long-term value for clients. Most recently, Cross served as Vice President and Operations Manager at a global engineering firm, where she led a multidisciplinary team of more than 45 professionals and provided strategic oversight for complex energy projects across the United States and internationally. Cross holds a Master of Business Administration from the College of William & Mary and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Virginia.

Together, they strengthen our ability to help clients navigate regulatory requirements, manage project risk, and advance complex energy projects from planning through implementation.

Please join us in welcoming Annie Winter and Alex Cross to Atwell.

News and Insights

Atwell names Sean McMillen as Chief Financial Officer

 

Sept. 9, 2026 (Southfield, MI) – Atwell has named Sean McMillen as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), succeeding longtime CFO Roderick Petschauer, who will retire at the end of September after nearly 16 years with the company.

During his tenure with Atwell, Petschauer has been a key member of the leadership team, helping guide the company through significant growth and change. His financial leadership and steady guidance have helped position Atwell for the future.

“Rod has been a trusted partner to me and so many others across the Atwell Family of Companies,” said Matthew C. Bissett, President and CEO of Atwell. “For nearly 16 years, he has brought tremendous commitment to our company and our people, and I’m grateful for the role he has played in helping make Atwell what it is today.”

As Atwell looks to the future, McMillen will build on the strong foundation established during Petschauer’s tenure, bringing more than two decades of finance leadership experience to the role. McMillen has a strong track record of helping growing organizations strengthen their financial operations and plan for what’s ahead. Throughout his career, he has built and led finance teams, improved financial planning and forecasting, modernized systems and reporting, and supported organizations through acquisitions and periods of significant growth.

“Sean brings the experience, perspective, and leadership that will be valuable as we look ahead,” Bissett said. “He understands how finance can be a strategic partner to the business, giving our teams the information and insights they need to make thoughtful decisions. I’m excited to welcome Sean to Atwell and work alongside him as we continue building our future.”

As CFO, McMillen will work closely with Atwell’s leadership team and teams across the Atwell Family of Companies to strengthen the company’s financial strategy, enhance financial planning and reporting, and provide insights that support informed decision-making and long-term success.

News and Insights

Atwell supports Acceleration Solar in historic Michigan siting approval

 

Atwell supported Ranger Power’s Acceleration Solar project in securing approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), marking the first solar energy facility approved through Michigan’s new state-level siting process established under Public Act 233 of 2023. The 90-megawatt project will be located in Leslie, Onondaga, and Vevay townships in Ingham County, Michigan.

Our team supported Acceleration Solar throughout the state siting process, preparing the MPSC application, and providing site planning, civil engineering, environmental, stormwater and drainage, land-use, and permitting services. We also helped develop plans addressing landscaping and visual screening, traffic and construction, vegetation management, and the eventual decommissioning and restoration of the site. This comprehensive approach helped Acceleration Solar navigate Michigan’s new siting requirements while addressing considerations important to the project and surrounding communities. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with commercial operation anticipated in 2028.

We’re proud to have supported Acceleration Solar in reaching this historic milestone and to bring our multidisciplinary expertise to a project helping shape the future of renewable energy development in Michigan.

News and Insights

Courtney Schmidt named Chief Transformation Officer at Atwell

 

August 24, 2026 (Southfield, MI) – Atwell announced today that Courtney Schmidt will be the company’s first Chief Transformation Officer. The new position will play a critical role in the organization’s continued growth, strengthening its ability to anticipate clients’ evolving needs and deliver meaningful, lasting impact. In this role, Schmidt will drive the execution of Atwell’s enterprise transformation agenda and value creation plan, along with other high-priority initiatives.

Schmidt is a seasoned leader with more than two decades of proven success creating value across strategic, operational, and sales functions, drawing on long-standing relationships to accelerate growth and deliver strong operational results. She has led nationwide operations, developed business in new markets, and paired core client services with advanced technical capabilities to meet evolving client needs during her time at Atwell.

“I’m energized by the opportunity to help guide our continued growth and build on the strong foundation our leadership has created,” said Schmidt. “At the heart of what we do is a simple commitment: solve our clients’ challenges and create meaningful opportunities for our people. By staying focused on those priorities and working together, I’m confident we’ll continue to deliver exceptional work and lasting value.”

“We believe Courtney is the perfect fit for this new role given her strong track record and deep understanding of key transformation priorities that stretch across growth, technology, talent, operations, cultural alignment, and integration,” said Matthew C. Bissett, President and CEO of Atwell. “She will be working closely with the full executive leadership team to establish priorities, mobilize resources, remove potential barriers, overcome challenges, and accelerate decisions while maintaining accountability for execution.”

News and Insights

Atwell ranks #28 on Crain’s Detroit Business Fast 50 list

 

The Crain’s Fast 50 award recognizes the fastest-growing companies throughout the Detroit region. Award winners are based on revenue growth over the last five years.

Atwell ranked #28 based on impressive growth of 185 percent and is joined by other high-performing companies across a myriad of industries. We are proud of our growth and the quality work that is driving our achievements, and look forward to continued growth and innovation in the years ahead.

News and Insights

Atwell welcomes David Adams as Director, Energy Infrastructure

 

With nearly three decades of field-to-office leadership experience across electric power transmission, renewable energy, telecommunications infrastructure, and professional services, David brings a rare blend of firsthand field expertise and executive-level strategy to the team. His career began in survey, construction layout, and tower erection before progressing into roles leading national business units and enterprise growth initiatives along with large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) programs.

Based in Colorado, David will focus on building out operational excellence in transmission and renewables, including wind and solar, while also drawing on his deep experience in telecom and fiber. He brings particular strength in subsurface utilities and supporting multidisciplinary teams across geospatial survey and aerial engineering.

Prior to joining Atwell, David led a number of high-profile projects including serving as Regional Manager on Pattern Energy’s SunZia project which is one of the largest clean energy infrastructure projects in the United States. SunZia is a 730-mile, 3.5 GW, 535 kV wind generation and transmission line spanning Arizona and New Mexico. Most recently, he served as Director on another significant effort- Nevada Energy’s Greenlink project, a 700-mile, 525 kV transmission project connecting the state.

David holds Bachelor of Arts, Juris Doctor, and Master of Laws degrees from the University of Missouri and the University of Denver.

Outside of work, David is a part-time fly-fishing guide on weekends and enjoys mountain biking and skiing in his home state of Colorado.

Please join us in welcoming David to the team!

News and Insights

Atwell and NEI Electric Power Engineering unite to build a national platform to power data centers, grid modernization, and the energy transition

 

July 1, 2026 (Southfield, MI) – Atwell today announced the acquisition of NEI Electric Power Engineering, Inc. (NEI), uniting two industry leaders to create an integrated platform for critical power and energy infrastructure. The combined team is equipped to support clients across the full project lifecycle, from site selection, routing, and development through engineering, construction support, and operations. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The creation of this national platform comes amid rising electricity demand driven by data center growth, electrification, and renewable energy development, trends that are placing increasing pressure on the nation’s power infrastructure and the engineering resources needed to deliver it.

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, NEI is a recognized leader in transmission engineering, substation design, and power systems engineering. The firm’s more than 380 technical professionals serve utilities; renewable energy developers; industrials; hyper-scalers; engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors; and large-load infrastructure clients across 38 states.

“NEI has built a remarkable organization known for technical excellence and solving complex power engineering challenges,” said Matthew C. Bissett, President and CEO of Atwell. “Demand for power is outpacing the infrastructure to deliver it, and that gap is the defining challenge facing our clients. By combining NEI’s expertise in transmission, substations, renewable interconnections, and power systems engineering with Atwell’s capabilities in land development, permitting, surveying, environmental, and program delivery, we can move a project from raw land to an energized grid as a single integrated team. That means helping clients modernize the grid, expand transmission networks, integrate renewable resources, and meet growing power demands, while compressing timelines the industry has long treated as fixed.”

Atwell and NEI have successfully partnered on projects for more than a decade, giving the combined firm a proven working relationship and a delivery model built to reduce risk on complex infrastructure programs.

“Joining Atwell represents an exciting opportunity for our employees, clients, and the future of our business,” said Clifton Oertli, President and CEO of NEI. “For more than four decades, NEI has built its reputation on industry-leading expertise, trusted client relationships, and a commitment to delivering solutions through adaptation, collaboration, and innovation. Atwell shares those values. Our clients will continue working with the same trusted teams while gaining access to expanded resources, additional services, and a nationwide network of expertise.”

The combined platform positions Atwell among the leading firms serving the fastest-growing segments of the power and energy market, from data center development to grid modernization and transmission expansion across North America. Moreover, it will drive the Atwell flywheel across land development and infrastructure, where projects benefit from similar expertise.

For Atwell, Morrissey Goodale served as financial advisor, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel. For NEI, Black Iron Advisers served as financial advisor, and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP served as legal counsel.

News and Insights

Atwell supporting Related Digital on $16 billion Oracle data center project in Saline Township, Michigan

 

Related Digital is advancing a $16 billion hyperscale data center campus in Saline Township, Michigan, developed for Oracle and marking the largest capital investment in the state’s history. The more than 1,000-megawatt campus will help expand advanced artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities for Oracle and Open AI.

Atwell is supporting the project with concept planning, due diligence, land surveying, civil engineering, wetland permitting, landscape architecture, and construction management services. Our team is helping move this large-scale development from early planning through execution while supporting the infrastructure needed for long-term growth and innovation.

“Projects of this scale require strong collaboration and thoughtful planning from day one,” said Eric Lord, Vice President at Atwell. “We’re excited to help deliver the infrastructure needed to support long-term innovation and growth in Michigan.”