AVCON Announces Five New Associate Vice Presidents

AVCON is acknowledging the achievements of five of its outstanding employees with their promotion to Associate Vice President(s). Their promotions are a testimony to their unwavering focus on client service, and leadership. Their ability to consistently and reliably provide technical solutions has produced desired outcomes for a wide variety of our clients’ projects.  

“Recognizing these new Associate Vice President is particularly exciting because it formally identifies them as firm leaders and owners,” said Sandeep Singh, PE, President & CEO. “Each of these talented individuals have demonstrated leadership attributes and have worked diligently to demonstrate their commitment to the firm, our invaluable clients, our employees, and to a successful future for all parties.”

Proving time and time again that he can consistently and reliably deliver desired project outcomes, John has earned the trust of numerous commercial and general aviation airports. Project owners particularly value his understanding of state and federal eligibility and funding, passion for streamlining airport development, and knowledge of reporting requirements for construction projects receiving AIP funds, John currently leads AVCON’s aviation practice in Northwest Florida, Georgia and Alabama and remains active in the industry through involvement in the American Association of Airport Executives – Southeast Chapter (SEC-AAAE), and the Florida Airports Council (FAC).  John also finds time to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Okaloosa County Planning Commission.

“I’m honored and humbled to be serving alongside such an incredible group of industry leaders and looking forward to this new role.  Projects completed for our clients have supported unbelievable economic growth over the past 20 years and I am excited to be a part of what we and our clients will accomplish together over the next 20.” -John Collins, PE

Many commercial and general aviation airports consult Mike for guidance on accelerating the completion of their critical projects because he’s an expert in FAA standards, requirements, and design criteria, and is adept at Civil 3D design and Water Management District permitting. He builds strong project teams, delivering projects while creating synergy with his clients.  Mike ensures that his projects are completed with minimal disruption to normal operations.  He currently leads AVCON’s West Central Florida operations and is an active participant in the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and the Florida Airports Council (FAC),

It’s an honor to work alongside wonderful clients and to have helped them overcome challenges and achieve some truly amazing things for their communities. I am looking forward to tackling the challenges of the future with AVCON. – Mike Coppage, PE

“The goal is to feel a part of something, not just play a part in anything.” – Simon Sinek – Bestselling Author of ‘Start with Why’ and ‘Find Your Why’

Municipalities turn to Mike for guidance on land development projects and his expertise in leading multidisciplinary project teams through all elements of the development design and permitting process including site layout, grading, traffic, access, roadways, stormwater management, and utilities, as well as helping them with the bidding process and serving as their advocate during construction by providing construction administration services. As a Central Florida native, Mr. Kerns feels a personal responsibility to positively impact every project he is involved with to include innovative and resilient designs to keep Florida and AVCON at the forefront of innovation. Mike is also an active member of the Florida Engineering Society (FES).

“I am very excited about becoming an Associate Vice President with AVCON and furthering my engineering and leadership role. It’s my greatest privilege to continue bringing innovative designs to our valued clients.” – Mike Kerns, PE   

Government and private sector clients have come to rely on Tonia’s expertise leading multidisciplinary teams to simultaneously meet the diverse needs of stakeholders on a wide array of programs and projects. This has included programs valued more than $330 million and projects spanning from airports, golf courses, and parks, to the construction of the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, and countless public & private sector developments. Her clients particularly value her ability to integrate environmental preservation and smart development with their overall objectives. As a recognized subject matter expert on land development, she’s earned the respect of permitting agencies including the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Water Management Districts, Department of Environmental Protection, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Tonia is an active member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), has served as their Continuing Education Chair for over 10 years, and volunteers with various organizations to educate and mentor future engineers in the K-12 age range.

“I always tell new engineers, that when you work with AVCON, the sky is the limit. AVCON allows you to dream big. My goal has always been to serve alongside the leaders of AVCON, so I am honored and excited to become an Associate Vice President with AVCON.” – Tonia Nation, PE

Many members of the traveling public in Florida enjoy a safer and more effective network of highways and roadways because of the many projects Clint has led throughout the state for municipalities and the FDOT. He leads and mentors large teams through every aspect of the design process including the development of alignment, geometry, cross sections, and drainage details through utility coordination and adjustments, project phasing, maintenance of traffic, cost estimation, and construction drawings, and providing bidding support and construction administration.  Clint is a past president of the Florida Engineering Society (FES) and continues to be involved in the FES as well as transportation-related societies to help find and inspire the next generation of engineers.

“I’m so grateful to have been able to spend the last 20 years of my career with AVCON.  The journey of starting as a junior project engineer and working my way up to lead our transportation department has been both humbling and rewarding.” -Clint Pletzer, PE

Founded in 1988, AVCON, INC. (AVCON) serves the aviation, facilities, transportation, and development industries and employs over 130 professionals with expertise in all aspects of aviation planning and design; civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing engineering; fire protection design; utilities coordination and design; traffic planning and highway design; and a full array of design and construction management services.  AVCON has built its reputation on delivering innovative and practical engineering solutions to clients, blending economic, sustainable, and technological elements into each project. Whether working on a building facility, roadway, or airfield, AVCON offers high-level technical expertise based on more than three decades of hands-on experience—ensuring the job is done right the first time.  AVCON prides itself on partnering with clients in Transforming Today’s Ideas into Tomorrow’s Reality.