Staff
by GreenEIAdmin
on February 3, 2008 - 14:40
Chris Ladner is a Partner of Viridian.
Chris has a BS in engineering from Iowa State and is a LEED Accredited Professional and a Certified Energy Manager (CEM). Through his previous experience Chris has expertise in building HVAC systems, performance contracting, controls as well as knowledge of industrial controls.
In 2008, Chris was a Commissioner on the Arkansas Governor’s Commission on Global Warming. Through this commission greenhouse gas reduction policies will be developed for the Governor and Arkansas Legislators.
As a consultant to the Clinton Climate Initiative, Chris works with cities and other institutions to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Chris currently serves as Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council National Chapter Steering Committee and holds positions on various USGBC sub-committees. He is an Arkansas delegate to the USGBC Southeast Regional Council and the regional Co-Chair. His past positions with the Arkansas Chapter of the USGBC include Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and coordinator of the annual Sustainable Arkansas conference.
Chris has participated in various types of LEED projects including: LEED-Neighborhood Development, LEED-Commercial Interiors, LEED-New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, and LEED-Homes.
As the team leader of a volunteer design team Chris is helping the Argenta Community Development Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas with their Green Homes project. The project is an effort to demonstrate the financial, environmental, and occupant benefits of the LEED-Homes sustainable standard in an affordable home project.
Chris has presented on sustainable design and construction to various groups including Master Speaker at the USGBC Greenbuild Conference, American Planning Association, National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB), the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), graduate architecture programs, and various sustainability conferences.
Matt Bell is a Partner of Viridian.
He is a LEED AP with a BS in Business Administration from University of Arkansas. His previous experience brings expertise in construction estimation and project management.
Previously, Matt was an executive in the construction industry as co-founder of Bell-Corley Construction, a commercial general contracting firm located in Little Rock. While at BCC, Matt Bell and Boyd Corley were recognized locally by Arkansas Business Magazine and nominated for Business of the Year in both 2005 and 2006. Nationally BCC was recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a member of the HOT 100 fastest growing businesses ranking 26th and the Inc Magazine Inc. 500 as the 44th fastest growing company in 2006.
Matt is also a partner in the Vertical Lofts residential real estate development located in Little Rock, AR. Vertical Lofts is a 22 unit townhome project that is registered to achieve LEED for Homes and is slated to be the first LEED Platinum home project in the state of Arkansas.
Matt currently serves as the Chair of the Green Schools Advocacy Committee through the USGBC Arkansas Chapter.
Current responsibilities include providing sustainable design and construction assistance to owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to enhance their ability to budget, plan, design, and finance a facility that respects occupant needs, financial responsibilities, and the environment. Primarily responsible for the project management of all LEED new construction projects and coordination of all project team member responsibilities.
Former responsibilities as a commercial general contractor included job cost estimating, project management, financial management, and sales and marketing.
Jim Chidester is a project manager for Viridian.
Jim graduated Cum Laude with a BS in Engineering with Professional Concentration in Mechanical Engineering from Arkansas State University.
He brings expertise in HVAC and Plumbing systems design, commissioning, energy studies and construction observation. Jim is a LEED AP, Certified Energy Manager and registered engineer in fifteen states.
Jim has served as a part-time Engineering Instructor at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, worked at several Central Arkansas Engineering firms and is currently owner of Chidester Engineering.
He is a member of ASHRAE and a former Chairman and current Vice-Chairman for the USGBC Central Branch.
April Ambrose is a project manager for Viridian.
April received her BS in a self-designed Environmental Education major, which included an Arkansas high school teaching certificate, from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. April is a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction.
April is the first Chair of the Little Rock Sustainability Commission, first Chair of the educational non-profit Elevate, and the founder of Arkansas Earth Day Foundation.
She has presented on sustainable to various groups including: RePower America, LeadAR, Arkansas Municipal League, Arkansas Business Publishing Group's Green Guide, US Green Building Council's Sustainable Arkansas Expo, Little Rock Sustainability Summit, Little Rock Racial & Cultural Diversity Commission and National Guard Women’s Speaker Series, Arkansas Earth Day Festival, Natural State Expo, Arkansas Festival Association Conference, Arkansas Green Restaurant Alliance, LifeQuest, Sierra Club, Arkansas Governor's School, Rotary Clubs, Hendrix College, UALR, UCA, and media outlets.
Her previous experience brings expertise in lifestyle greening, education, advocacy, organizing, public relations, coalition building and project management.
April’s current responsibilities include managing the Viridian office as well as coordinating LEED and sustainability consulting projects and providing assistance to owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to enhance their ability to budget, plan, design, and finance a facility that respects occupant needs, financial responsibilities, and the environment. Specific areas of expertise include team building, public relations, networking and LEED subject areas: site and community, water, materials, IAQ, and ID credits.
She has been involved with the design and implementation of over 30 LEED® projects. She has been the LEED® certification project coordinator for LEED®-CI, LEED®-EB, LEED®-NC, LEED®-CS, LEED®-ND, LEED®-Schools, and LEED®-Homes projects.
Chad Oppenhuizen is a Project Manager for Viridian.
Chad holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and is an Arkansas Registered Landscape Architect
Chad served as a Landscape Architect and Project Manager for MESA Landscape Architects. Here he worked on a wide range of project types including broad based master planning and constructed projects with a focus on recreational, zoological, and botanical projects for public and private clients.
Chad has multiple years of experience working on large multi-disciplinary projects where he was responsible for the coordination between architects, engineers, planners, designers, contractors, government agencies, and clients. As the point of contact for the daily management of multiple projects, Chad ensured each project met individual design benchmarks on time. As such, he was responsible for the creation and maintenance of cost estimates, schedules, and construction documents. Additionally, he directed submittals, change orders, RFIs, pay requests, and various other details required to successfully manage construction projects and maintain client satisfaction.
Rick Vance is a Project Manager for Viridian.
Through his previous experience, Rick has expertise in sustainable development and LEED certification for a range of large scale, international projects including hotels, high-rise residential and commercial buildings, and community developments. In addition, Rick has worked with global companies to develop organizational energy and carbon management policies, including low carbon product development and connected real estate services. Rick has participated in various types of LEED projects including: LEED-Neighborhood Development, LEED-Commercial Interiors, LEED-New Construction and LEED for Existing Buildings.
Rick has presented on sustainable development and energy management to various groups including the Dubai Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulating authority, RealComm and BOMA, Dubai International Business Women Group, and the Global Project and Process Management Association.
Current responsibilities include sustainable building energy services including fundamental and enhanced commissioning, functional performance testing, building electrical and mechanical design review, sustainable construction consulting, and project stakeholder education.
Commissioning services provided to private, governmental agencies, K-12 schools, non-profit organizations as well as higher education. On-call commissioning provider for the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Former responsibilities include: Business development for energy management services company, sustainability consulting, project director, and training provider.
Cecil is a Project Manager for Viridian.
Cecil holds a B.A. in Marketing from Delta State University and Masters of Science in Architecture from Mississippi State University.
It was during his time in graduate school at Mississippi State that Cecil, a native of Greenwood, MS, was encouraged by his professors to explore the world of “green” construction and design. As a result, he became so intrigued by these principles and methods that he became a LEED Accredited Professional. In the past Cecil has worked in marketing, engineering, and graphic design.
With his background and education in design and sustainability, Cecil has the experience and knowledge to guide clients through the intricacies of green building certification.
Current duties include serving as a facilitator for clients engaged in the LEED certification process and overseeing marketing/business development duties.
Jesse is a Project Manager for Viridian.
Jesse’s professional experience has allowed him to develop a technical expertise in energy analysis. Currently focused on optimizing facilities for peak energy performance, Jesse is adept at current state facility analysis that allows for energy savings projections.
In 2004 Jesse completed his studies in Mechanical Engineering at Arkansas State University. During the same period he received his certification as an Engineer Intern after successfully completing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Continuing his education, Jesse went on to attain a Master of Business Administration in 2006 at Arkansas State University.
Current responsibilities include sustainable building energy services including fundamental and enhanced commissioning, functional performance testing, building electrical and mechanical design review, sustainable construction consulting, and project stakeholder education.
Former responsibilities include: Designed and implemented high-speed digital controls for turbo-compressors, gas turbines, and steam turbines. Provided application support for industrial control hardware and software.
J.R. Anderson is a Commissioning Agent for Viridian.
J.R. received his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering-Co-Op and his Master of Science in Industrial Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Past employment includes Anderson Engineering, Delta Process Management, Kemmons Wilson and Great Dane Trailers though he has over 45 years as a practicing engineer and business manager.
He brings expertise in mechanical engineering, commissioning, systems design, energy management, strategic planning, CADD, testing and balancing and building controls.
J.R. is a local, regional, and national active member of the Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), including serving as an officer as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the local chapter. Presently serving as the Chair of the Technical Energy, and Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the Board of Governors of the local Memphis Chapter. Serving on the Region level as Vice Chair of Chapter Programs.
He has served for ASHRAE on the national level as a voting member of the T.C. 7.9 committee on Building Commissioning; as a voting member of GPC-OP The Commissioning Process, and as a voting member of GPC-1-1996R HVAC Commissioning. He is a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers for 20 years, serving in all local officer capacities, including President. He is a founding member of the Society of Computer Graphics Association in Memphis and a member of the US Green Building council and corresponding member of the New Construction Energy and Atmosphere Committee.
