JMPE Staff

Art Calisto, PE; Project Manager

Art joined JMPE in March 2007 with 28 years experience in project engineering and management; construction supervision; marine, mechanical and structural design and analysis. Since 2002, Art has owned a consulting firm with an emphasis on defense industry contracts including work for the U.S. Navy, Raytheon Corporation and Alion Science & Technology. Art’s extensive commercial projects include work with Iwerks Entertainment; Tetra Tech and SolarWorld Industries America. Today, Art’s engineering and project management expertise provides outstanding direction to the JMPE team.

Born and raised in Peru, Art’s family immigrated to the USA in the 1970s. Fluent in Spanish, Art graduated from George Washington University in Washington, DC with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (1979) and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (1982). He achieved his Professional Engineer (PE: Mechanical) certification in 1991. From 1980-2002, Art served as Chief Engineer for several industrial corporations in the USA and notably, from 1996-98, was Manager of the Engineering Review Board for Universal Studios Hollywood, providing multi-disciplinary engineering review and approval of all rides and shows at Universal Studios Japan theme park in Osaka. When not dreaming of new structures and mechanisms, Art and his family savor music, travel and the beach near their home in Ventura.

Steve Friesen, Utility Coordinator

Steve joined JMPE in June 2006 after an illustrious 25-year career with Southern California Edison. From meter reader to groundman to planning assistant to planner, Steve’s vast experience encompassed more than 3,000 projects during the 16 years he served as a planner — including using scheduling tools, electrical distribution systems, overhead construction, underground construction and coordinating construction projects with other utilities. His expertise extends to street lighting and area lighting installation requirements as well. Steve’s utilities project planning knowledge is instrumental for JMPE clients. Steve also owns his own consulting firm based in Santa Barbara and serves as a utilities consultant for Cottage Health Care Systems responsible for coordination of utility work associated with the $485 million replacement of Cottage Hospital Santa Barbara.

Steve earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Long Beach State in 1971. He lives with his family in Santa Barbara, is an active community volunteer with the United Way, AYSO, and serves as United States Soccer Federation referee.

Patricia J. Hayes, PE; Electrical Engineer

Patricia is an integral part of the JMPE team designing efficient electrical and communications systems. She prepares cost estimates, answer requests for information, produce addenda and change orders, review equipment submittals, make field surveys, document observations and instruct changes if necessary. She prepares lighting calculations in accordance with Title 24 requirements and LEED certification requirements.

A graduate of California State University-Fresno with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Patricia was recipient of the Barcellos Calculus Prize, was on the National Deans List from 2001-2002, and on the Deans Honor Roll in 2001 and 2003. After graduation, Patricia worked with several firms where she designed plans and specifications for voltage distribution, power installations, indoor and outdoor lighting installations, fire alarm, telephone, data, CCTV, intercom, sound, nurse call, code blue and intrusion alarms. 

Patricia’s certifications and licenses include: 

• P. E. Professional Engineer ( License #E18935)
• State Approved Electrical Apprenticeship Certification
• C-10 Electrical Contractors License #674387
• CBEST Certification

She has advanced training and has completed coursework in: AutoCAD, Advanced Cad Drafting, Visual Basic Programming, Computer Architectural Drafting, Robotic Fundamentals, Computer Graphics, Digital Imaging, Electrical Power and Digital Signal Processing. Patricia enjoys attending symposiums, seminars and classes to keep current with changes in Title 24, generators, grounding, lighting efficiency and lighting controls while working at JMPE.

Additionally, Patricia has worked as an electrician for various contractors before becoming an electrical engineer—that gives her unique insight into all client projects today.

Salvador Melendez II, PE;  Electrical Engineer

A native of Santa Barbara, Sal joined the staff of JMPE as an Electrical Designer full time in 1998. During the summers of 1995, 1996 and 1997, Sal served as an Electrical Engineer Assistant to John Maloney, PE. In May 1998, Melendez was awarded his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California (USC). His primary emphasis of studies focused on analog circuits, power systems, distribution and supply. During his terms at USC, Melendez worked as motor design team leader for the IEEE MicromoUSC project--encompassing funding, designing and building a working automatic robot mouse. Between coursework, Sal performed trumpet in the USC Trojan Marching Band.

Sal passed his Professional Engineer (PE) examination in September 2005. Currently, his work at JMPE includes electrical plans, fire alarm layout, power and voltage drop calculations, ensuring compliance with NEC, CEC and UL standards and acting as a client liaison. Professional studies and continuing education are on-going with Sal. He has taken National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) training for fire alarm design and is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); and regularly attends topical seminars and workshops. In his limited spare time, Sal enjoys playing guitar, reading fiction thrillers, and exploring the great outdoors with family and friends.

Annie Reis, Project Manager / Architect

Born and raised in Phoenix, Annie moved to Santa Barbara in early 2006 and joined the staff of JMPE in May 2006. Previously, Annie spent more than 20 years in greater Phoenix as an architect and interior designer, specializing in commercial interiors and residential remodeling. Annie has a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin (1988) and worked an internship with Barton Meyers in Los Angeles. In addition to her architectural work, Annie has several years experience as a producer in the independent film industry in Arizona. At JMPE, she is responsible for supervising projects and provides specialized architectural design expertise to JMPE clients and staff.

Ken Towery, Field Service Manager

Ken joined JMPE in October 2008 after 25 years of stellar service as Electrical Maintenance Supervisor and Lead Electrical Worker with the Kern High School District, California's largest grades 9-12 district with more than 35,000 students and 3,500 employees. Ken is an IBEW Journeyman Electrician.

Based in the JMPE Bakersfield office, Ken is an expert in on-site problem solving and brings considerable school site knowledge to his position of Field Service Manager. At JMPE, Ken’s responsibilities include verification of as-built conditions, reviewing construction progress, and assistance with the design process. He is a graduate of Bakersfield College and resides in Bakersfield with his three dogs and three cats. His leisure time is spent with the greatest joys of his life — two children and two grandsons.

Alfonso Cipres, Drafting Technician

Since joining JMPE in Bakersfield in 2008, Alfonso creates and stores drawings electronically so they can be viewed and printed.  The drawings include technical details and specify dimensions, materials, and procedures.  He fills in technical details using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, and calculations made by engineers.  He prepares wiring and lays out diagrams used by clients who erect, install, and repair electrical equipment and wiring in communication centers, power plants, electrical distribution systems, and buildings.  A Terra Bella resident, Alfonso enjoys spending time with his family.

Fred Gutierrez, Drafting Technician

A 1997 graduate of ITT Technical Institute with an Associate Degree in Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD), Fred joined JMPE in October 1997. In March 2001, he received his Bachelors Degree in Computer Visualization Technology from ITT Technical Institute. Fred's role as a drafting technician includes using and operating a CAD system, preparing sketches into full working drawings, creating details, schedules, and interacting with project engineers. In his spare time, Fred, an Oxnard resident, enjoys model car building, restoring vintage cars, music, and spending time with friends.

Manuel Gomez, Drafting Supervisor

Joining JMPE in May 1997, Manuel's role as a Drafting Supervisor includes overseeing the work of all JMPE drafting technicians, problem solving and project coordination. He is a graduate of Oxnard High School and earned his Associate Degree in Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD) at ITT Technical Institute in April 1997. Manuel has extensive experience using and operating CAD systems, is known for his speed and accuracy as well as ability to interact seamlessly with project engineers. An Oxnard resident, Manuel enjoys music, sports and working on low-rider cars in his spare time.

Chris Nieblas, Bakersfield Office Facilitator and Drafting Technician

Chris is a graduate of Lindsay High School and ITT Technical Institute with an Associate Degree in Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD). He has more than 12 years professional experience in CADD specializing in Civil and Architectural areas and spent several years in residential project management. Joining JMPE Bakersfield in early 2009, Chris is a true “Jack of all trades” with his technical CADD support as well administrative filing, organizing and project assistance in this busy office. A Porterville resident, he enjoys spending time with his family and restoring his 1972 GMC pick-up truck.

Laura Kath, Marketing Director

In early 1994, Laura met with John Maloney to strategize about his dream to form his own design firm. Ever since, Laura and her marketing team have helped create the JMPE brand and promote his constantly evolving company. A Michigan native and resident of Santa Barbara County since 1985, Laura served as the Director of Sales & Marketing for the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce/Conference & Visitors Bureau from 1985-88. She has operated her own consulting firm, Mariah Marketing, since 1989. Laura specializes in “unlocking the mysteries of communication” for service-oriented businesses and entrepreneurs. She graduated from Michigan State University (1982) with a Bachelors degree in Hospitality Business & Tourism Marketing. Laura is the author of 16 non-fiction books including “Fun with the Family in Southern California” and a founding director of the Santa Barbara Book & Author Festival. Since 1983, Laura has served as a volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation and was honored in 2005 for her efforts as a “Santa Barbara Community Hero.” Her leisure pursuits not so coincidentally include traveling, reading voraciously and aqua aerobics.

Gloria Garcia, Executive Secretary

Since 1994, Gloria has served as the word processing backbone for all JMPE offices and staff. If it has to do with data, Gloria processes it. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, she has owned her own business, Wordesigns, since 1982. Gloria is a graduate of San Marcos High School, has an Associate Degree in Business from Santa Barbara City College, and an additional Associate Degree from Santa Barbara Business College. She is active in the community and volunteers with the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara. When getting away from her computer, Gloria enjoys reading and hiking the area’s scenic trails.

Melissa Ruskauff, Santa Barbara Office Coordinator Kelsey Matter, Santa Barbara Office Facilitator

Melissa (Missy) pictured on the left, and Kelsey have kept the office work flowing at JMPE Santa Barbara since 2005. Missy is responsible for filing, organizing and project coordination. Kelsey focuses on printing, copying, deliveries and assisting engineers. Both natives of Santa Barbara, Missy graduated from San Marcos High School (2007) and is going to be a freshman at San Diego State University in Fall 2007. Kelsey graduated from high school in 2006 and attends California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks where she is a sophomore majoring in psychology. Missy and Kelsey are a dynamic team that both enjoy hiking and going to the beach.