OUR TEAM
THOMAS B. CONNOLLY,
PE, CEM, LEED-AP
Principal
Tom is Principal in Charge of Engineering at Connolly Consulting Engineers, PLLC. He oversees all phases of engineering project administration, design, and construction administration. Tom assumes personal responsibility for performance results and client satisfaction on all projects. His background includes four years installing/troubleshooting HVAC systems, five years as an energy engineer with a large natural gas distribution company, and nine years as a consulting engineer with other firms prior to launching Connolly Consulting Engineers in 2002.
Education
- University of Kentucky, 1985: Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Licensure
- Professional Engineer: Indiana 1989
- Professional Engineer: Kentucky 1991
- Professional Engineer: Ohio 2012
- Professional Engineer: Tennessee 2014
Professional Associations
- American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and A/C Engineers
- Association of Energy Engineers
- Kentucky Society of Healthcare Engineers
- United States Green Building Council
Accomplishments
- Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Manager, 1999 and Green Building Engineer, 2008
- “Leadership Lexington”Leadership Development Team Leader, 2002
- Certification in Managing Hospital Construction KSHE, 2005
- LEED-AP BD+C Accredited Professional, U.S. Green Building Council, 2009
Skills and Strengths
- Leading engineering teams on a wide variety of complex facilities renovations and system analysis/best solution development
- Engineering an assortment of facility mechanical and electrical systems
- Expertise in health care, research, and educational facilities
- Forensic evaluation and correction of HVAC system and IAQ problems
- Performing building systems audits, energy modeling and estimates, life cycle cost analysis and construction cost budgeting
- Modeling, designing, and overseeing turn-key energy savings construction projects
LUKE POWELL, PE
Principal
Luke is a Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Project Manager and Lead Design Engineer at Connolly Consulting Engineers, PLLC. He manages engineering projects from design through construction administration. He has valuable design experience and a broad understanding of various building systems, construction, and underlying engineering principles.
Education
- University of Kentucky, 2011: Bachelors of Science, Mechanical Engineering
- Transylvania University, 2011: Bachelors of Science, Physics
Licensure
- Professional Engineer: Kentucky 2017
Professional Associations
- American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and A/C Engineers
Accomplishments
- Member of the Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society
- Member of Pi Tau Sigma, Mechanical Honorary, UK Chapter
Skills and Strengths
- Existing facility systems investigation and documentation
- Engineering mechanical and electrical projects with varying scope and scale
- Forensic evaluation and correction of HVAC and IAQ problems
- 2D and 3D drafting/modeling
- Estimating mechanical and electrical engineering projects’ cost of construction
- Collaborating with owner and/or design team for project specific, cost-effective design
JASON DIXON, PE
Electrical Engineer
Jason is the lead electrical engineer with Connolly Consulting Engineers. He has been practicing engineering professionally since 1997 and has been involved in the electrical contracting industry since his youth in the 1970s. His experience includes utility, commercial, industrial, military and institutional electrical systems design and installation.
Education
- University of Kentucky 1998 – Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- BCTCS – Associate in Applied Science Air Conditioning Technology (Projected Spring 2023)
Licensure
- Professional Engineer: Kentucky 1997
- Professional Engineer in Kentucky and West Virginia
- Master Electrician in Kentucky
Accomplishments
- Jason designed the electrical/communication systems for Asymmetric Warfare Group Training Facility at Fort A.P. Hill. The project received the 2015 ACEC National Engineering Excellence Award and 2014 ENR Mid- Atlantic Best Project, Government/Public Buildings Award. His electrical design also received the highest ACASS rating (Excellent) from the Federal Government on the project, higher than all other disciplines in the design firm on the project.
Skills and Strengths
- Existing facility systems investigation and documentation
- Engineering electrical projects with varying scope and scale
- Forensic evaluation and correction of power distribution systems
- 2D drafting/modeling
- Estimating mechanical and electrical engineering projects’ cost of construction
- Collaborating with owner and/or design team for project specific, cost-effective design
- Design, analysis, and trouble-shooting of industrial and commercial electrical power systems.
TRENT CLASSEN
mechanical Engineer
Trent joined CCE in 2020 after graduating from Cedarville University. He has become the primary Mechanical Designer for the firm and is knowledgeable in plumbing and electrical systems. Trent also has experience in Construction Administration. He is very detailed in his designs and thoughtful toward the user experience. Beyond providing exceptional solutions, he also values the relationship between CCE and our clients.
Education
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Cedarville University, 2020: Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Accomplishments
- Dean’s List Honors (Cedarville School of Engineering)
- NCAA All-American in Track and Field
- 3X NCCAA National champion (Track and Cross Country)
Skills and Strengths
- 2D/3D drafting/modeling
- Design automation
- Communication
- Mechanical design experience for medical facilities, surgical suites, food service, industrial manufacturing, multi-family apartments, and commercial facilities.
ALEJANDRA FIGUEROA LOPEZ
Electrical Engineer
Alejandra is an Electrical Designer at Connolly Consulting Engineers, PLLC. She started as an electrical design in 2012 in Queretaro, Mexico. She recently joined CCE and is charged with lighting, power, data, security and access control design and other electronic systems. Every new project is a challenge for her to improve her skills and knowledge to be able to deliver quality results for the client.
Education
- Morehead State University, 2021: Master of Science, Engineering and Technology Management
- Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, 2011: Bachelor of Science, Engineering in Automation (Process Instrumentation and Control)
Accomplishments
- Residence Counselor (RC) for Craft Academy at Morehead State University. As an RC of 18 students, some of her responsibilities were supervised and monitor student residential life, create a safe and orderly atmosphere, developed academic, social, and cultural activities, and volunteer as a Spanish tutor.
Skills and Strengths
- Investigating and documenting existing M/E/P systems
- Collaborating across disciplines to achieve a well-coordinated design
- Experience in designing M/E/P for medical facilities, food service, multi-family apartments, and other commercial facilities
- Catching inconsistencies across project drawings and specifications
- 2D and 3D drafting/modeling
NINA McCLURE
Plumbing Designer &
Solutions Specialist
Nina’s determination, creative problem-solving skills, and strong attention to detail earned her the title of Solutions Specialist when she originally joined Connolly Consulting Engineers in an administrative role. These same skills have helped her succeed as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system designer since 2018. She became CCE’s primary Plumbing Designer in 2020 and enjoys being involved in all phases of engineering projects.
Education
- Asbury University, 2014: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Professional Associations
- Member of American Society of Plumbing Engineers, 2022
- Member of Women of ASPE Special Interest Group, 2022
Skills and Strengths
- Investigating and documenting existing M/E/P systems
- Collaborating across disciplines to achieve a well-coordinated design
- Experience in designing M/E/P for medical facilities, food service, multi-family apartments, and other commercial facilities
- Catching inconsistencies across project drawings and specifications
- 2D and 3D drafting/modeling