Vista Issue 2--Year End 2025
Vela Tech is comprised of a portfolio of companies and over 500 people. The portfolio includes AlfaTech USA, EDG2, Verity Commercial, AT-PD, AlfaTech Asia, and IFMG; and with services ranging from real estate and development, turnkey, PM/CM, and MEP engineering, lighting and technology design, and facility management.
VISTA
Issue 2 | Year End 2025
Newsletter of Vela Tech and Companies
Mission, Vision and Core Values
Innovation Framework
The Big Idea
Entity Company News
Mission, Vision, Core Values
OUR MISSION To create a quality experience for every client. OUR VISION To become global trusted advisors. OUR CORE VALUES Creating Opportunity - For each other Sustainability - For a better future One Team - Help seeking and help offering Joy - Because it needs to be fun
WELCOME As we close out another remarkable year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what makes us so special—our people, our projects, and our clients. Your dedication, creativity, and resilience are the true drivers of our success. Together, we have achieved milestones that would not have been possible without your hard work and commitment. For that, I am deeply grateful. Looking ahead, the future is bright. With our collective talent and spirit of collaboration, I am confident that we will continue to achieve even greater success in the years to come. It is a privilege to be part of a team that not only sets ambitious goals but also has the heart and determination to exceed them. As the holiday season approaches, I encourage each of you to pause, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends. May this season bring joy, rest, and reflection, and may the new year open with fresh energy and inspiration for us all. With gratitude and optimism, Vic
Cross-Selling… The BIG Idea
support—when we collaborate across teams, we can offer a seamless, integrated solution that goes beyond the sum of its parts. This not only increases our chances of winning the project but also strengthens client relationships by demonstrating our ability to meet a wide variety of needs under one roof. Ultimately, the success of cross-selling is a direct reflection of our "One Team" core value. By sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities, we create a culture where every team member’s success is intertwined with the success of others. We are not siloed but rather connected in a way that allows us to achieve more together than we could individually. By embracing this mentality, we ensure that Vela Tech continues to grow stronger as a company, offering more value to our clients and cultivating an environment where everyone benefits from the collective success. Together, we truly are greater than the sum of our individual companies.
At Vela Tech, the concept of cross-selling is more than just a sales strategy—it’s an opportunity to leverage our collective expertise for the greater good of both our clients and our team. By sharing common clients and project pursuits, we can offer more comprehensive solutions that address a broader range of needs. When we actively cross-sell each other’s services, we not only enhance the value we deliver to our clients but also strengthen the collaborative fabric that makes us a powerful, unified team. Whether it's site selection, PM/CM services, engineering design or Commissioning, the ability to cross-sell fosters a holistic approach to problem-solving. If we commit to cross-selling one another’s capabilities, the benefits extend far beyond individual successes. Each team member brings unique expertise to the table, and by connecting those capabilities, we maximize the value we provide to clients. Imagine a client needing both engineering design services and construction management
Go and be great today!
SPOTLIGHT
Rebuilding Asheville, Rebuilding Community
By Steve Dunn
As Rev. Rowles in Pearlington, MS, taught me on my first day of my first mission trip following Hurricane Katrina, ” these trips are a great opportunity to rebuild someone's damaged community while building your own community.”
This year’s mission trip included a couple of decks, a porch stair, and major renovations of two manufactured homes. The conditions are always heartbreaking, but the work is equally rewarding.
Geoff Cope and Steve Dunn of EDG2’s Bethesda, MD office, have led and participated in over a dozen mission trips over the past 20 years with their church. They have lent a hand with light construction projects for countless victims of earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods throughout the Western Hemisphere. This year’s trip was to Asheville, NC, on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene. The team included several seasoned veterans who know their way around most projects and a healthy bunch of rookies who were eager to learn and pitch in. Hurricane Helene severely impacted the Appalachian region of Western North Carolina during late September 2024, causing at least 106 reported deaths, over 2,200 landslides and significant destruction of infrastructure, communications, transportation and destroying communities across the region. The residents of Asheville were without power and water for 28 days following the storm. Asheville Regional Airport recorded 19.38" of rainfall before losing communication. Other areas nearby reported over 30" of rain. Much of the area, and the economy is still struggling to get back on its feet.
EDG2 Scales Up with Precision and Speed
Snapshot of what we deployed and tested:
35 Diesel Generator Sets (2,500 kW each) 35 UPS Containers (1,500 kW each) 35 Automated Switchboards (3,000 amp) 35 Maintenance Bypass Switchboards (2,000 amp) 140 Split Unit AC Systems 105 Distribution Switchboards 120 Static Transfer Switches
•
•
•
In just three months, EDG2’s commissioning team delivered an impressive 45 MW of critical power—an achievement that underscores both technical excellence and operational agility. The team swiftly tested and validated the electrical and mechanical infrastructure across five Data Halls spanning two buildings from the moment the client issued the Notice to Proceed. A 7-to-make-6 Catcher System powered each hall. The team designed them to support 9 MW of critical load. These systems are built for resilience, with six Primary Systems and one Reserve System per hall. Each system includes a 2,500 kVA transformer, a 3,000 amp switchboard, a 2,250 kW diesel generator, a 1,500 kW UPS module, four 600 amp Static Transfer Switches (STS), and four 500 kVA Power Distribution Units (PDUs). The team tailored the cooling strategies to each hall’s needs: three halls used Munters SyCool Split Units with Free Cooling, while the other two relied on 500-ton air-cooled chillers paired with Fan Walls. The scale of the commissioning effort was nothing short of extraordinary. This milestone reflects the precision, speed, and scale that define EDG2’s approach to data center commissioning. It’s a testament to the team’s expertise and commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure under tight timelines.
•
•
•
•
120 PDUs
•
528 Starline Busways
•
14 Chillers 50 Fan Walls
•
•
72 SyCool Systems
•
Plus EPMS, MBS, Plant Managers, and IR Scanning
•
Completed Project Highlight ICHOR UNITY Ichor Unity is a greenfield project involving the design and construction of a new manufacturing facility for Ichor Systems. The facility comprises 11,000 sf of ISO 5 cleanroom, 14,000 sf of ISO 7 cleanroom, 10,000 sf of office space, 6,000 sf of cafeteria area, and 80,000 sf of CNC machining space, supporting advanced precision manufacturing. The project scope included full M&E system integration and utility infrastructure, featuring a 400 RT water-cooled chiller system, 25 m²/hr ultra-pure water system (18 mega-ohm resistivity), 40 m³/hr effluent treatment system, 12,000 cfm air scrubber, and an 11 kV power upgrade providing 3,745 kW. The facility also includes a fully automated electro-polishing line with a capacity of 7,500 parts per day, supported by bulk gas systems with 10,000 L nitrogen and 5,000 L argon tanks. Delivered to meet stringent cleanroom and process requirements, Ichor Unity stands as a state-of-the-art facility that reflects AlfaTech’s commitment to engineering excellence, sustainability, and precision-built industrial environments.
Public Utilities Board (PUB) Waterworks is a government project that spans three different locations and involves addition, alteration, and improvement works across twelve operational buildings. This completed project includes the demolition and construction of new office spaces, alteration and upgrading of toilets and pantries, and underground piping works for plumbing and sanitary systems. It also covers the overhaul of the ACMV system, including the design and installation of new VRV and FCU units, as well as the upgrading of the electrical distribution network to enhance energy efficiency and system reliability. This project presents a high level of logistical and coordination complexity, as all works are carried out within live operational environments. Close collaboration and careful planning are essential to minimise disruption to the daily operations of the various water treatment plants, ensuring smooth progress while maintaining safety and functionality throughout. Public Utilities Board
AlfaTech Asia Mid-Year Celebration 2025
Congratulations
The AlfaTech Asia team gathered at 39 MacTaggart Road – The Outset to celebrate our achievements from the first half of the year. It was an evening of connection and celebration, featuring great food, engaging games, and a lucky draw with exciting prizes. A highlight of the night was the Long Service Awards, recognizing team members for their dedication and contributions. Events like this reflect AlfaTech Asia’s culture of appreciation, teamwork, and unity. Thank you to everyone who made the celebration a success. Here’s to more milestones ahead!
Kudos to Paul Tan on His Promotion!
Paul Tan has been promoted to Director of Projects at AlfaTech Asia, effective 25 August 2025. Paul has been a cornerstone of our success, previously serving as Deputy Director of Projects, where he brought over 7 years of experience as a mechanical engineer. In that role, Paul led projects from estimation and budgeting through completion and close-out, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction. His leadership in procurement, project leveling, and team collaboration has consistently delivered outstanding results. This promotion reflects Paul’s dedication, expertise, and commitment
Donation Drive & Flea Market
AlfaTech Asia recently held a Donation Drive and Flea Market, bringing employees together to support sustainability and community welfare. Staff across different departments donated pre-loved clothes, books, and household items — giving them a second life while raising funds for a charity supporting migrant workers. The team ran the largest booth at the Deepavali Flea Market, held at a migrant workers’ dormitory, where all items were sold at minimal prices to ensure affordability and accessibility. The booth completely sold out! Their generosity and team spirit truly embodied the values of unity and compassion that make AlfaTech who we are.
to excellence. Please join us in congratulating Paul on this well deserved achievement!
From Abilene to the World Stage
By Cameron Fini, Director of Business Development
I’m thrilled to share the continued momentum and success across our business. Since our last update, we’ve seen a surge in the commercial sector— an encouraging indicator of our presence in the market and a sustained expansion in the rapidly growing AI data center space. Over the past year, our team has achieved remarkable success, securing several major data center projects beyond the Stargate sites. Through strong partnerships with some of the world’s most influential technology companies, we’ve expanded our reach and earned new opportunities—including additional collaborations with Microsoft and Google. These accomplishments not only reinforce our reputation as a trusted partner in the data center industry but also reflect the dedication and excellence of our team in delivering world-class solutions. Eighteen months ago, we began leading the design and project management for Stargate in Abilene, Texas—the world’s first and largest AI-driven data center. That project has positioned our company on the global stage as a recognized leader in AI data center design and innovation. As a result, we are now engaged in exciting new opportunities across the globe, including partnerships in Morocco, Ghana, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. It’s truly inspiring to witness how far we’ve come in such a short time. What’s most exciting, however, is that this feels like only the beginning. The possibilities ahead are immense—and together, we are just getting started.
Milestones & Celebrations A big round of applause for Paula Venegas, Associate, on passing her PMP exam. Congratulations to Bjorn Thorsen on earning his PE License. Cheers to Roberto Cortez on achieving his Certified Plumbing Engineer (CPE) credential. A warm congratulations to Angelo Baraan and his family on welcoming their new baby girl this summer. A very special congratulations to Kyle Dutra on welcoming his beautiful new son, Jett Nathaniel , born March 7, 2025.
Casino Royale: A Night to Remember On September 12th, our AlfaTech, AT-PD, and Vela Tech teams came together for our Annual Corporate Gathering at the Treehouse Hotel in Sunnyvale — and what a night it was! From the casino tables to the dance floor, the evening was filled with energy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Our Casino Royale theme brought out everyone’s inner high-roller, complete with award-worthy costumes, a lively tarot card reader, a talented cartoonist, an always-busy photo booth, and nonstop entertainment — from live music to dancing that went well past “just one more song.” It was truly wonderful to see so many faces from across all our offices come together to celebrate, connect, and make memories as one big team. Here’s to another year of collaboration, creativity, and a little friendly competition — until next time, may the odds be ever in your favor!
Congratulations to Razly Nasoordeen from our Monrovia office on the arrival of his baby boy, Uwais Idris, born June 25 th . Congratulations to Johana Quandt on her engagement. Jett Nathaniel Dutra
Spotlight Mia Garza Senior Finance Director
I focus on connecting financial goals to real outcomes, using data to guide smarter decisions, and making finance a partner in innovation — not a barrier to it. My leadership style is collaborative and transparent, and I believe that when people understand the financial picture, they’re more empowered to make decisions that move the firm forward. Q: What do you see as the biggest opportunities or challenges for our company’s financial growth in the coming years? Our biggest opportunity for financial growth is our people. We have an incredible team, and their talent and dedication really set us apart. By investing in them, supporting their development, and encouraging collaboration, we can deliver great results for our clients — and that drives the firm’s growth. At the same time, our challenge is ensuring that our financial strategies evolve alongside that growth — allocating resources wisely, managing project costs, and maintaining profitability as we expand. I also think our ability to stay at the forefront of new industries will continue to set us apart as a leader. Q: How do you like to collaborate with other departments to ensure financial goals align with broader business objectives? I work closely with other departments to understand what they’re trying to achieve and where they might need support. Then I translate financial goals into practical insights they can use — whether that’s budget guidance, cost tracking, or planning advice. For me, it’s about being a partner and helping teams succeed while keeping the business on solid financial footing. .
We’re excited to spotlight Mia Garza, Senior Finance Director , who joined AlfaTech earlier this year. Mia brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for using finance as a strategic tool to empower teams, drive growth, and strengthen the business. We sat down with her to learn more about her journey, her leadership philosophy, and a few fun things outside the spreadsheets. Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in finance, and what continues to motivate you today? I got into accounting right out of college, partly following in my mom’s footsteps — she worked in payroll and accounting, so I was exposed to it early. Over the years, I’ve worked in nearly every finance role, which really helped me understand how all the pieces connect. What keeps me excited is using finance to drive the business forward. I love working in professional services, especially consulting engineering, where cost accounting and project tracking make such a real impact. For me, finance isn’t just about managing numbers — it’s about supporting teams, enabling growth, and helping the firm make smart, strategic decisions. Q: What’s your approach to building strong financial strategies that support both growth and innovation? My approach to financial strategy is about balance — being disciplined with resources while making sure we’re investing in the areas that drive growth and innovation. That means supporting our technical teams with the tools and flexibility they need to deliver great work, while keeping the business financially strong.
Q: How would you describe your leadership style? I lead the way I’d want to be led — patient, respectful, and supportive, while keeping everyone focused and on track to get things done. Q: Outside of work, what helps you recharge and stay inspired? Outside of work, I love traveling, baking, and entertaining friends and family. I also stay active with running and weightlifting — it’s the best way to clear my head and relieve stress. Q: One fun fact most people might not know about you? I’ve completed six Spartan races! Q: Favorite TV show? Stranger Things. Mia’s passion for connecting people, purpose, and performance shines through in everything she does. Her collaborative approach and commitment to using finance as a strategic driver make her an invaluable addition to the AlfaTech leadership team. We’re thrilled to have her onboard — and we can’t wait to see all the great things ahead.
Congratulations We celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of our team members as they achieve new milestones in their careers. Their energy, passion, and commitment exemplify the values that drive our vision and mission forward. We remain steadfast in supporting their continued growth and development, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. • Paula Venegas, Promoted to Associate, Project Management • William Harrison, Promoted to Associate, Controls • Cory Frederickson, PE, LEED AP , Promoted to Associate, Mechanical, San Francisco • Michael Garrison , Promoted to Engineer, Technology
Listening, Evolving & Growing Together: Our New Performance Review Approach By Cheryl Avrabos
Cheryl Avrabos Vice President, People & Culture
Over the past year, we’ve spent time listening closely to our people. Through surveys, conversations, and candid feedback, one theme came through loud and clear: our team members want clearer career growth, more regular feedback, and meaningful development conversations that go beyond an annual review. In response, we’ve completely reimagined our performance review process, shifting the focus from evaluation to growth. This wasn’t about updating a form or tweaking a rating scale; it was about creating something that truly helps everyone understand where they stand, what’s next, and how to get there. Ultimately, this change is about fostering a culture of continuous learning, one where feedback is part of everyday work, and where every team member can see a future here that’s both challenging and rewarding. Why We Made the Change Our industry continues to evolve rapidly. To stay at the forefront, we need to invest in our people as intentionally as we invest in our projects. We recognized that our traditional review model no longer reflected how our teams actually work: collaboratively, dynamically, and in real time. By modernizing our process, we’re ensuring that career growth and performance discussions are more timely, transparent, and forward-focused. The Benefits We Hope to See By shifting the focus from evaluation to development, we aim to: • Encourage open, two-way dialogue that builds trust and alignment. • Empower everyone to take an active role in their own growth and career direction. • Strengthen our leadership pipeline and develop future-ready talent. • Create a consistent, fair process that celebrates achievement while identifying opportunities for growth. Looking Ahead Anchored in our core values - teamwork, spirit, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship - his evolution brings our Employee Value Proposition to life by fostering a culture of growth, connection, and opportunity where people can thrive and make a lasting impact. Our hope is that this new approach turns feedback into something to look forward to, a tool for connection, learning, and success. We know change takes time, and we’re committed to refining the process as we learn from your experiences and feedback. Because when our people grow, we all grow, and that’s what drives our success.
PROJECT WIN: AT-PD Takes Lead on 74MW AI Data Center We’re proud to share that AT-PD has been awarded the construction
Congratulations to the team for their dedication and expertise. Your work continues to elevate AT-PD's reputation across the industry.
This win highlights ATPD’s strength in project recovery and leadership in digital infrastructure. With cutting-edge AI capabilities at the core, this project represents yet another flagship data center in our portfolio. impact initiative. Phase 1, 24mw will be completed in April 2026, and Phase 2, 48mw in April 2027. -- management of a 74MW AI Data Center in Kansas City, Missouri, code named Project Blitz in partnership with Primary Digital Infrastructure. The client, a collaboration between Lambda and Microsoft, selected ATPD to replace the previous PM firm and realign the project for success. Our team was brought in to stabilize operations and ensure timely delivery of this high
By Bradley Waldrop, Vela Tech Executive Director Great project management isn’t just about hitting deadlines—it’s about building trust through teamwork, character, and consistent processes. With Deltek Vantagepoint, teams gain real-time financial visibility that transforms how they collaborate, solve problems, and deliver results. Instead of sifting through outdated reports, teams share one source of truth for budgets, forecasts, and expenses—creating clarity, accountability, and faster decision-making. Standardized tools make financials easier to communicate, building client confidence and internal alignment. Most importantly, this shift empowers every team member—not just leadership—to engage with data, anticipate issues, and work together toward shared goals. The result? A culture of trust, where competence meets character, and predictability drives performance. For us, this is more than a software upgrade. It’s a leap forward in how we lead, serve, and grow as trusted advisors. And I’m grateful for the support each of you has provided to make this transformation possible. The best is yet to come. Unlocking Team Potential Through Financial Transformation
Verity Celebrates
and Milestone This June, Verity came together to honor a significant chapter in our company’s 15-year history — a moment of reflection, celebration, and new beginnings. We marked the occasion in true Verity style — with heartfelt speeches, dancing, laughter, and even a few tears. The night was a celebration of who we
STARGATE Verity and Partners Deliver One of the Nation’s Most Significant 1.2 GW Data Center Projects We’re proud to spotlight Verity’s role in one of the most significant data center projects in the country—Stargate, a cutting-edge hyperscale campus in Abilene TX. In partnership with our client Crusoe and partnered with our Vela Tech sister companies, AlfaTech and AT-PD, Stargate is redefining what’s possible in data center development and infrastructure. This is a major milestone for the industry, and we’re truly honored to have Verity involved in what may be one of the most impactful projects in the world.
are and what we stand for: trust, teamwork, innovation, and an unshakable drive to succeed.
As part of this celebration, we honored our founders Herm Diebler and Ken Traenkle who have stepped aside from day-to-day operations to make room for new leadership opportunities within our team. Their vision will continue to guide us, as both remain involved as trusted advisors.
and help shape the future of critical infrastructure. It’s empowering to contribute to a sector that keeps the digital world running — and to do it while paving the way for more women to take their place in this evolving space. With that in mind being part of Verity family and having the honor to call myself a Veritarian means upholding our founder’s legacy. It is a higher level of professionalism. It is not only being good at what you do, it is staying true to yourself, standing by your decisions and always being passionate about what you do. Our 2025 Team Celebration gave me a perspective I always hoped for and didn't know I needed. Seeing everyone, connecting with everyone, and supporting one another at their highs and lows was truly rewarding. Finally, hearing everyone speak, especially Herm and Ken made me proud and grateful to be here. Verity means Honor and Integrity to me. I hope I can make our founders proud and uphold their legacy.
Being a woman in data center construction means breaking barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men — and doing so with confidence, skill, and vision. It’s about bringing a unique perspective to high stakes projects that demand precision, collaboration, and rapid innovation. Every day offers an opportunity to challenge outdated norms, lead with both technical expertise and emotional intelligence, Boss Level Builders By Polina Tymoshenko, Verity PM
Congratulations
Gary & Kloe Tackett welcomed new son Cooper Allen on Friday 7/11/25 (shown with brother Reese far right).
Originally constructed in 1890, The Mansion at Waverly Park has long stood as a symbol of Leesburg’s rich architectural and civic history. The building’s historic frontage and unique interior space have made it a focal point of the local landscape for over a century. Ellie Bechtle successful sale of 20k sf historical building
Innovation Framework Overview
By Andrew Pigeon, PhD CEng Fiet, Chief Innovation Officer, Dorsch Global
At Dorsch Global GMBH, we believe that true progress is built on the courage to innovate, the drive to develop novel solutions, and the commitment to advance our business for the future. Our Innovation Framework empowers every entity in our multi-brand group to think beyond the ordinary and actively shape our future. By providing a globally supported platform, centralized financial backing (through EBITDA relief), and a robust process for idea generation, evaluation, and delivery, we enable our people to transform ideas into tangible results. Our framework is designed not just to support business-as usual, but to unlock opportunities that deliver real impact -- enhancing our competitive edge, driving business development, advancing skillsets and securing our strategic positioning for years to come. For questions and details regarding our innovation framework program, please see your entity leadership team.
From Silicon Chips to Shared Principles
The Story of IFMG
By Gisella Philipart de Foy, HR and Marketing Specialist
Ron Espana and Camilo Pascua first crossed paths in 1997 at a high-tech chip manufacturing company in Fremont, California—right at the height of the dot-com boom. Both were early in their careers, full of energy and curiosity: Camilo, a young architect; and Ron, a young project manager. Together they formed a natural partnership, tackling complex, high-value projects that would be impressive even by today’s standards—let alone for two ambitious twenty something's working for one of Silicon Valley’s leading chip makers. By 2000, their careers evolved into the world of biotechnology. Ron accepted a director-level role at a South San Francisco biotech company—later acquired by Pfizer—where he helped build one of the industry’s first LEED Gold-certified facilities. Around that time, their paths diverged: Ron launched his own firm, while Camilo continued to work with several leading biotech companies, including Genentech, Dendreon, and Exelixis. Decades later, in 2021, their professional journeys reconnected through IFMG. After 28 years of shared experiences, milestones, and lessons learned, Ron and Camilo still hold fast to the same core principles that shaped their early partnership: work hard, strive to become the best version of ourselves, and embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Ron Espana, IFMG CEO
Camilo Pascua, Principal
John Gutierrez CFO
Jeff Fini Founder & Chairman
Vic A. Sibilla CEO
Elizabeth Monti Global Branding and Marketing
Cameron Fini Business Development Director
Cory Lindsley CIO
Bradley Waldrop Executive Director
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker