Refining & Process Engineering Leader | Hydroprocessing, Fractionation & LNG FEED Expert | Driving High-Value Debottlenecking, Simulation & Unit Optimization

Overview

A senior process engineering specialist with extensive experience leading refinery and gas plant process design, revamp engineering, and performance optimization. Work spans hydrocarbons, renewable fuels, LNG expansion, and biofuels, with deep capability in simulation, hydraulic evaluation, fractionation design, fired heater modeling, and relief system assessments. Known for advancing project scopes from conceptual studies through detailed design and supporting commissioning and troubleshooting activities across diverse operating environments. Brings a strong foundation in both operations and engineering, enabling practical, high-value solutions to complex unit constraint

Short Bio

Chemical engineer with more than 25 years of experience in refining, gas processing, and renewable fuels engineering. Specializes in process design, unit optimization, and advanced simulation across hydroprocessing, fractionation, and gas plant systems. Supports both FEED and detailed design phases while guiding facility revamps, troubleshooting, and commissioning.

What I Bring

Deep technical expertise across refinery and gas plant systems
Proven success leading FEED, revamps, and complex troubleshooting efforts
Strong command of process simulation and hydraulic modeling tools
Ability to diagnose constraints and develop clear debottlenecking scopes
Experience supporting grassroots, expansion, and modernization projects
Strong collaboration with operations, mechanical, and EPC teams
Extensive knowledge of refinery process units and equipment

Key Technologies & Product Expertise

Aspen HYSYS, Pro/II, Petro-SIM, ProMax
FRNC-5 fired heater modeling, HTRI heat exchanger design, Aspen exchanger design
Cryogenic gas processing, amine treating, dehydration systems
Hydrocrackers, hydrotreaters, crude/vacuum units, FCC, delayed coking
Renewable diesel process design and revamp scopes
Relief system evaluation and flare header design
Fractionation modeling, heater revamp design, NOx/SCR projects

Titles Held

Process Engineering Consultant, RVN Inc. (2022 – Present)
Process Engineering Consultant, Keystone Engineering (2020 – Present)
Process Engineering Consultant, KBC Advanced Technologies (2019)
Process Engineer, Independent Consultant (2018 – 2019)
Lead Process Engineer, Independent Consultant (2015 – 2018)
Process Design Consultant, Cool Planet Energy Systems (2014)
Lead Process Engineer, Keystone Engineering (2011 – 2013)
Operations Training Manual Development, KBC Advanced Technologies (2011)
Lead Process Design Engineer, URS Engineering (2006 – 2011)
PSM Consultant, Hovensa LLC (2005 – 2006)
Process Design Engineer, Valero St. Charles Refinery (2003 – 2005)
Process Engineer, BP/ConocoPhillips Alliance Refinery (1997 – 2003)
Intern Engineer, BP Oil & ConocoPhillips (1995 – 1997)

Career Highlights

Served as PE of record for major LNG facility expansion FEED phase
Led renewable diesel revamp scopes including hydraulics and relief system redesign
Delivered numerous hydrotreater and hydrocracker revamp studies for increased throughput
Developed major crude unit, vacuum unit, and FCC fractionation revamp packages
Designed gas plant cryogenic upgrades and new deethanizer column installations
Supported commissioning for biofuels and cryogenic gas facilities
Developed refinery-wide training manuals and technology guides
Executed complex heater revamps with SCR/NOx reduction and air preheat upgrades
Conducted major amine plant modeling projects for energy and rate improvements

Education & Professional Certifications

BS, Chemical Engineering, University of Akron (1997)
PE License No. 30523, Louisiana
Aspentech HYSYS Simulation Course
PRO/II Simulation Course
Petro-SIM Simulation Course
ProMax Simulation Course
Fluid Catalytic Cracking Training
Catalytic Reforming Training
Sulfur Recovery Training
Sulfolane Aromatics Extraction Training
Sulfuric Acid Alkylation Training
Reciprocating Compressor Training
MBA Accounting & Economics Courses, University of New Orleans

Impact

Delivered major throughput, energy efficiency, and reliability gains across refinery and gas plant units through advanced simulation, hydraulic modeling, and targeted revamp design.
Unlocked substantial economic value by diagnosing root-cause constraints and developing clear, actionable debottlenecking scopes for hydrotreaters, hydrocrackers, crude/vacuum units, FCC fractionation systems, and cryogenic gas plants.
Increased production capacity for multiple facilities by enabling revamps that raised unit rates, expanded feedstock flexibility, and improved fractionation recovery and cutpoints.
Strengthened operability and regulatory compliance through SCR/NOx heater upgrades, relief system revalidation, and comprehensive safety-critical design packages.
Elevated project execution quality by leading FEED phases for LNG expansion, renewable diesel conversions, and major refinery configuration changes, reducing technical risk and accelerating engineering readiness.
Enhanced long-term plant performance through commissioning support, troubleshooting leadership, and development of robust operating procedures and training materials.