Axsel Pelico

Associate Engineer I

Mr. Axsel Pelico is a mechanical engineering professional with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a concentration in Mechatronics from Tennessee Technological University. His technical background includes hands-on experience with mechanical design, programming, robotics, and automation.

During his engineering studies, Axsel helped develop a motorized walker designed to improve mobility for a child with spina bifida and a metal-detecting robot incorporating Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ultrasonic sensor technologies. He is proficient in SolidWorks, MATLAB, Arduino IDE, C++ programming, numerical data analysis, and Microsoft Office. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Axsel also brings strong problem-solving, adaptability, time management, and interpersonal skills, along with a demonstrated commitment to teamwork, safety, and high-quality performance.

Lakin Slay

Calibration Technician

Ms. Lakin Slay joined McHale & Associates, Inc. as a Calibration Engineer. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Mississippi State University and brings hands-on experience in medical equipment maintenance, calibration support, and regulatory compliance.

Prior to joining McHale, Lakin served as a Biomedical Technician II, where she performed preventive maintenance, diagnosed and repaired critical medical devices, managed equipment records, and collaborated with healthcare staff and vendors to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime. She also participated in undergraduate research focused on mechanotransduction and smooth muscle cell phenotype modulation. Lakin combines strong technical skills with excellent organization, communication, and teamwork, and is proficient with engineering and laboratory software including SOLIDWORKS, MATLAB, AutoCAD, LabVIEW, and Microsoft Office.

William Nunley

Calibration Technician

Mr. William Nunley is a calibration and industrial technician with more than 20 years of experience supporting manufacturing, metrology, and highly regulated industrial environments. His expertise includes in-lab and on-site calibration to NIST-traceable standards, preventive and corrective maintenance, equipment diagnostics, and quality system compliance.

Throughout his career, William has worked with industrial, manufacturing, and field service organizations, performing calibration, equipment installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance while ensuring audit readiness and regulatory compliance. He is recognized for his collaborative approach, working closely with quality, engineering, and production teams to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime. William holds OSHA 10, MSHA Part 46, Rigging, and First Aid certifications, an active TWIC card, and TVA clearance, reflecting his strong commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence.

Matthew Knowles

Calibration Technician

Mr. Matthew Knowles is a metrology and calibration professional with more than 15 years of experience supporting highly regulated laboratory, manufacturing, and industrial environments. His expertise spans the calibration of temperature, pressure, humidity, electrical, dimensional, and other precision measurement instruments, with extensive knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems, calibration procedures, and asset management.

Throughout his career, Matthew has served in technical and leadership roles, including Metrology Supervisor and Calibration Lab Manager, where he led calibration teams, developed procedures, maintained accredited laboratory capabilities, and ensured compliance with quality and regulatory standards. He is also experienced in PLC programming, LabVIEW development, and Six Sigma methodologies. A graduate of Corning Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology, Matthew completed advanced U.S. Navy calibration training and brings a strong commitment to precision, continuous improvement, and customer-focused service.

Pamela K. Rudd

Executive Assistant

Ms. Pam Rudd has served as Executive Assistant with McHale & Associates, Inc. since 2009. In addition to managing corporate travel arrangements for the McHale team, she has served as the firm’s Office Manager, providing administrative and operational support that helps ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the company.

Pam brings more than 40 years of experience in corporate travel, office administration, and customer service, including leadership roles managing the Knoxville office, overseeing travel operations, and supporting executive teams. A Certified Travel Counselor, she is recognized for her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding service.

Larry Graham Vice, Jr.

Senior Warehouse Technician

Mr. Graham Vice is a detail-oriented and highly organized Senior Warehouse Technician with McHale and Associates, Inc.  As such, he specializes in McHale’s analytical hardware and software for performance testing power plants. As the Dangerous Goods Coordinator, Graham is responsible for filling out shipping forms, preparing the correct shipping packages and training all of McHale employees in shipping procedures via FedEx for Dangerous Goods.

Graham received his training from Tennessee Tech, where he pursued his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also attended training at the Labors-AGC Training Facility.  He has obtained various certificates, including the FedEx Dangerous Goods Training Certificate and TVTC Basic Plus Training Certificate. Past certificates and training include RCT Core Radiological Training, Hazpower Training, Rad Worker II Training, and Department of Energy L Clearance Training, among others.

Claudia D. Kim

Senior Sales & Marketing Coordinator

Ms. Claudia Kim is an administrative, sales, and marketing coordination professional with over twenty (20) years of experience and over ten (10) years of specific experience supporting management and engineering in the Power Generation and Energy Sectors. Ms. Kim’s initiative and willingness to learn have enabled her to use her language skills in this field to support various departments and business units within the organization, including, but not limited to, marketing and business development and project management support and coordination efforts for international projects, and further expanding her employer’s marketing presence in the power generation industry.

She holds two (2) Associate of Arts degrees in Visual Communication, which she has put to use in the management of the company’s marketing materials, social media, and re-design of the company website. As well, her proficiency with layout and editing software has made her the go-to person for the preparation and formatting of several documents and reports.

Chloe Davies

Senior Accountant & HR Manager

Ms. Chloe Davies is an accounting professional with over 10 years of experience. As McHale’s Senior Accountant and HR Manager, she manages a variety of accounting tasks in order to deliver accurate financial reporting, maintain multi-state compliance, and provide efficient client service. Additionally, Ms. Davies leads human resources functions and oversees payroll processing for all staff.

Ms. Davies began her career at McHale in 2015 as a Project Accountant. This experience involved meticulous cost tracking, collaborating with project managers, and delivering high-quality work for a diverse clientele. Prior to joining McHale, she gained valuable experience in real estate accounting, payroll processing, and fixed assets analysis.

Ms. Davies holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Washington.

Chiho H. Lai

Controller

Mr. Lai joined McHale & Associates, Inc. in 2010 and is Controller at McHale. As the Controller, he manages the accounting, finance, IT and administrative groups and provides operational leadership across the company as well as project support for various clients.

Mr. Lai first joined McHale as a Project Accountant focusing on job cost accounting and ensuring efficient and high-value deliverables for a wide portfolio of global clients. In his current role as Controller, he uses that same client-focused perspective to create internal processes, system enhancements, and staff development solutions that benefit both McHale and our customers. As Controller, Mr. Lai oversees all of the operational functions of accounting and finance, including compliance, cash management, financial forecasting, and client, banking, and vendor relationships.

Mr. Lai’s professional background includes an emphasis on internal controls, database, and ERP implementation and configuration, custom report development, job cost accounting, sales and use tax multi-state compliance, and organizational management. Prior to joining McHale, Mr. Lai worked as a full-charge accountant in the nonprofit sector.

Mr. Lai has a Bachelor’s from Western Washington University and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of North Alabama.

Maureen J. Volz

Vice President of Finance

Ms. Volz joined McHale & Associates, Inc. in 2002 and is Vice President of Finance and Administration at McHale. In this position, Ms. Volz is responsible for the overall financial strategy and direction at McHale, as well as human resources. Within finance, she guides the controller, accounting, payroll, tax, and internal audit functions to pursue the company’s aggressive growth strategy and meet its clients’ and owners’ expectations.

With over 30 years of accounting and management experience, Ms. Volz has extensive experience in global, federal, and state registration and taxation, strategic accounting, budgeting & modeling, tax, risk management, and insurance, as well as HR and Administrative core corporate development. Her emphasis is a collaboration with the executive team and across the company to ensure quality and accuracy in all aspects of company financial information to ensure high levels of internal controls.

Her prior background and experience in the development of strategic new edge accounting internet multi-state revenue recognition and administrative policies for Spectrum Wireless, Inc., a global wireless company and Links. Time internet booking company startup. During this period, she was part of a selective core client resource team at KPMG to provide insight and contribute to developing accounting standards for internet revenue recognition guidelines.

Having attended the University of Washington, Seattle, WA majoring in Accounting, Ms. Volz also completed the University of Washington Business School Executive Management Program in 2001. 

 Ms. Volz has been a board member of the American Society of Women Accountants since 2008, serving as president of the Bellevue Chapter from 2010-2011.

Karsten M. Kopperstad

Performance Engineer – PV Technical Lead

Mr. Karsten Mikal Kopperstad received his Bachelors of Science degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Stavanger in Stavanger, Norway. During his time at University of Stavanger, Karsten partook in a student organized research and development organization where he, along with a team of multidisciplinary engineering students. Here the organization designed and manufactured a remotely operated underwater vehicle wherein

Karsten lead the efforts of the design and manufacture of the thruster system for the vehicle. Upon completion of his BSc, Karsten attended the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering where he pursued a Master’s of Science degree in mechanical. Here, under the guidance of Dr. Koroush Shoele and Dr. Rajan Kumar, Karsten worked as a graduate research assistant at the Florida Center for advanced Areo Propulsion facility located in Tallahassee, Florida. Here his topics of research included experimental and computational fluid mechanics fluid structure interaction, and renewable energy. During his pursuit for his master’s, Karsten is conducted research of the aerodynamic properties found in the wake regime behind a floating wind turbine and has published works within the field.

Currently Karsten works for McHale & Associates, Inc. where he is applying his extensive thermo- and fluid dynamic educational and research background into power plant performance testing.

Brody Q. Weber, P.E.

Principal Performance Engineer

Mr. Weber is an expert in performance testing and the thermal design and optimization of power plants with over sixteen (16) years of experience. As a Principal Engineer, he is responsible for the design and conduct of performance tests at fossil and renewable power plants, as well as consulting services related to the thermal design and optimization of power plants.

Mr. Weber has been responsible for working closely with clients, including extended travel to client’s over-seas offices, to develop techno-economic optimization and selection analyses related to a variety of power and petrochemical applications. Included in Mr. Weber’s competencies are thermal performance of fossil and renewable projects, performance testing, EPC performance guarantees, performance optimization, heat balance developments, system design specifications, purchase specifications, bid evaluations for major equipment, and project design support.

Mr. Weber graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Missouri and in the State of California. He is a member of ASME PTC 6 and is fluent in English, Spanish, and conversational in French.

Lee Kirkpatrick, PMP

Project Manager

Mr. Kirkpatrick has had twenty-five years of combined experience in both the financial sector and construction industry.  During this time, he has managed multiple projects across both industries with budgets that have ranged from as small as $10,000 to as large as $1,000,000.  He also has extensive experience in each industry in business management and business development.

He will be managing both domestic and international projects of all sizes during his time with McHale.
Mr. Kirkpatrick joined McHale in 2022 and is currently expanding his experience to include project management in the power generation industry. He has a B.S. in Mathematics from East Tennessee State University.

Gerben Baalbergen, P.E.

Principal Engineer

Mr. Gerben Baalbergen, P.E., is a Principal Engineer with McHale & Associates, Inc., bringing more than 20 years of experience in power generation design, start-up, performance testing, and plant operations. He has extensive expertise across a wide range of power systems, including combined-cycle, simple-cycle, cogeneration, and coal-fired facilities.

Mr. Baalbergen is highly skilled in cycle design, heat balance development, and performance optimization, with advanced proficiency in industry-standard tools such as GateCycle, GT PRO, and Cycle-Tempo. His experience includes conducting and leading performance testing in accordance with ASME PTC standards (PTC 4, 4.4, 6, 6.2, 22, and 46), as well as implementing plant monitoring and optimization solutions using PMAX and predictive analytics platforms such as SmartSignal.

In addition, he has significant experience developing technical specifications and evaluating bids for major power plant equipment, including combustion and steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators, condensers, cooling towers, and feedwater heaters. Known for applying fundamental principles of physics and thermodynamics to real-world challenges, Mr. Baalbergen delivers practical, results-driven engineering solutions.

Hal M. Stephens, P.E.

Senior Consulting Engineer

Mr. Hal Stephens is a Licensed Engineer with 40 years of experience in performance engineering with a central office test group in power generation. Over his career, he has worked in the areas of testing, operation, maintenance, safety, environmental programs, engineering, and management, and has worked on complex issues individually and as a team member to identify opportunities, evaluate solution alternatives, and implement solutions in a cost-effective, timely, safe, and environmentally responsible manner on projects locations both national and international.

As a Mechanical Engineer, Mr. Stephens has an extensive working background in plant equipment testing utilizing ASME PTC test methods and applications of other standards including ASTM, HEI, and AMCA. His equipment analysis areas include dynamic, hydraulic, electrical, control, pressure, combustion, heat recovery, noise, and environmental equipment. This includes systems failure analysis through the use of structure problem resolution processes utilizing advanced failure analysis tools including process control, fault trees, Weibull, FMEA, and EMEA. Other experience includes statistical solid fuel measurement and sampling analysis and methods.

Mr. Stephens received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee. He is an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and a Licensed Engineer in the state of Tennessee since 1984.

John H. Bannen, P.E.

Principal Performance Engineer

Mr. John Bannen possesses over twenty (20) years of utility, industrial, commercial power, and heating project experience. In addition to his experience with capital equipment proposals and writing equipment specifications, Mr. Bannen also has an extensive working knowledge of analysis tools, lab testing, and field startup / troubleshooting. He is accomplished in customer, client, and public sector interactions and relationships and consistently produces results across a broad spectrum of assignments and challenges. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Bannen has been a key contributor to increasing a power boiler retrofit business from $25M to $150M.

As a Principal Engineer for McHale, Mr. Bannen currently supports a Site Lead role for time-sensitive testing projects – primarily combined cycle projects, which entails significant client interaction activity. Mr. Bannen performs mathematical modeling, procedure development, and reporting, and provides supervision and mentoring to as many as eight (8) engineers.

Mr. Bannen graduated from the University of Main with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He is a registered Professional Licensed Engineer in the state of New Hampshire.

Ashley H. Maveety, P.E.

Project Manager

Ms. Maveety began her career with McHale & Associates, Inc. in 2006 as an Assistant Performance Engineer, gaining experience in the power industry initially with gas turbine emissions tuning and performance testing projects and later with combined cycle and various component performance testing projects. 

As a Project Manager, she now coordinates thermal performance and emissions testing scopes for simple cycle, combined cycle, and fossil applications worldwide. 

Ms. Maveety graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2004. She earned her Masters of Science in Environmental Engineering & Science, also from Clemson University, in 2006. Ms. Maveety is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of North Carolina.

Shawn M. Goedeke, Ph.D.

Principal Performance Engineer &
CTI Program Manager

Dr. Goedeke has experience extending from Research & Development to Power Plant Performance and Maintenance. His performance testing experience includes Gas Turbine Generators, Heat Recovery Steam Generators, Boilers, Air Heaters, Cooling Towers and Solar Energy.

Dr. Goedeke is the Cooling Tower (CTI) Program Manager with McHale & Associates, Inc. and is responsible for business development, operations, and technical leadership of the CTI Testing Program.

Prior to working at McHale, Dr. Goedeke has done research into microelectromechanical (MEM) sensors and non-contact thermometry, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Research topics have also included triboluminescent materials for impact sensors. He has also worked with a team at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette to develop non-burning tracers for the US Army.

Dr. Goedeke received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, at Tennessee Technological University in December 2002 while serving as a research associate for the Electric Power Center from 1996 to 2002 and as a Research Intern at ORNL from 2000 to 2002.

Michael P. McHale

President

Mr. McHale founded McHale & Associates, Inc. in 1995. He has over 35 years of experience in performance testing, thermal analysis and instrumentation and has developed thermal test monitoring and analysis software including programs for conducting performance tests of power plants, long term plant performance monitoring, plant economic 

optimization, thermal vacuum tests of space vehicles, thermal control systems, and aircraft electronics testing. Analysis includes development of performance test models, thermo-economic optimizers, as well as finite difference and finite element heat transfer and fluid flow numerical simulations. Instrumentation and control system experience includes specification and review of pressure, thermal, and flow transducers for various projects.

Mr. McHale is a member and former Chair of the ASME Performance Test Codes Standards Committee, Chair of PTC 1 General Instructions, a member of ASME PTC 4.4 Gas Turbine Heat Recovery Steam Generators, a member of ASME PTC 46 Overall Plant Performance, a former member of ASME MFC Measurement of Fluid Flow in Closed Conduits, and the founding Chair and current member of ASME PTC 6.2 Steam Turbines in Combined Cycles.  Mr. McHale has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington where he graduated Suma Cum Laude.  Mr. McHale is the 2018 recipient of the ASME Performance Test Codes Medal.

Dr. Thomas Keith Kirkpatrick, Ph.D.

Senior Vice President of Operations

Dr. Kirkpatrick currently serves as the Senior Vice President of McHale & Associates, Inc. and is responsible for the overall operations management. Dr. Kirkpatrick is a 26-year practitioner of engineering focused in the area of thermal performance testing, improvement, monitoring, and consulting within the power industry. Dr. Kirkpatrick received the PhD. in Mechanical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University in May 1999 while serving as a research 

engineer in the area of thermal performance for the Electric Power Center from 1995 to 1999. In 1999, he became a member of Environmental Systems Corporation, Power Generation Technologies (PGT) Division, where in 2004, left the position as Technical Manger II of the Advanced Thermal Performance Group to join McHale & Associates, Inc.

Dr. Kirkpatrick is a 28-year member of ASME and serves on the ASME Performance Test Codes Standards Committee. He is the Vice Chair of the PTC Standards Committee; a member of PTC 1 General Instructions; the former Chair of ASME PTC 46 Overall Plant Performance; the founding Chair and current member of ASME PTC 51 Gas Turbine Inlet Air-Conditioning Equipment; a founding and current member of ASME PTC 6.2 Steam Turbines in Combined Cycles; a founding and current member of ASME RAP/PTC SC Heat Rate; a contributing member of ASME PTC DVR Control and Quality Improvement of Process Data; a contributing member of ASME PTC 19.5 Flow Measurement; a member of ASME PTC 6 Steam Turbines; as well as a contributing member of ASME PTC 52 Concentrating Solar Power Plants. Dr. Kirkpatrick is the 2017 recipient of the ASME Performance Test Codes Medal.

Wilson G. Davis, P.E.,

Director of Operations

Mr. Davis is a results-driven problem solver with over eighteen years of experience in power plant thermal performance testing. He began his career as a field performance test engineer and after years of success in meeting client technical needs, has expanded to include client commercial needs as well. Mr. Davis currently supervises a group of skilled proposal and project managers who are adept at matching project scope with McHale technical talent and instrumentation to meet the project requirements.

Mr. Davis is responsible for all Operations and Commercial aspects of the Testing Services Division of McHale and is involved with proposal management, project management, and as-needed engineering efforts as well. He has contributed to the development and standardization of communication methods and lines within McHale to better meet project goals and to provide customers with consistent quality and approach.  

Mr. Davis has a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University as part of his technical background and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Tennessee.

Wesley M. Newland

Director of Engineering and Testing Services

Mr. Newland is McHale’s Director of Engineering and Testing Services and has over twenty years’ experience in thermodynamic analysis, testing and monitoring.  Mr. Newland is responsible for the development, implementation, and execution of McHale’s analysis and testing program.  He ensures  that all performance related documents and tools (test procedures, data analysis models, thermal models, reports, etc.), are produced in compliance with the respective ASME Performance Test Codes or other applicable industry standards and good industry practices

He has valuable experience with design and development of thermal test monitoring and analysis systems, computerized analysis of power plants and other complex thermo-mechanical systems.  His testing experience includes gas turbine, steam turbine, boilers, combined cycle, nuclear, geothermal, and biomass facilities ranging from 15 MW to over 2,000 MW.  Mr. Newland serves supports a variety of ASME Performance Test Code activities including as a member of ASME PTC 51.

Mr. Newland graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid flow and has completed his comprehensive exams and coursework in 2001 toward a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering.  

Joseph M. McHale, P.E.

Director of Renewable Energy Engineering

As Director of Environmental Measurement Services, primary responsibilities include planning, organizing and controlling the measurement services department to and ensuring the professional development, training, and work efficiency of personnel while maintaining the quality of deliverables.  

Mr. McHale has over sixteen (16) years of experience in the power industry primarily focused on the performance evaluations of power plants.  Mr. McHale’s possesses experience in the planning, conductance, analysis and reporting with testing requirements for a variety of power cycles including renewables (solar, geothermal, and biomass) as well as experience with fossil fuels (coal and biomass fired boilers, and natural gas and liquid fuel fired simple and combined cycle power plants).  Mr. McHale’s experience is in the implementation of thermal performance monitoring systems, interfacing with PI historian systems to provide in order to calculate and report real-time precision measurement systems, performance monitoring, as well as in conducting power plant thermal performance and emissions compliance tuning.

Mr. McHale acts as the Department Head, Project Manager and Technical Lead on projects, overseeing the successful delivery of project deliverables and ensuring technically accurate products meeting the budget, scope and goals of the project.