Meet Our Staff
Stephen M. Yingst, P.E., CBIE is the President and Owner of Criterium-Yingst Engineers. Mr. Yingst's special expertise is in the evaluation and analysis of commercial and residential properties. As a Professional Engineer, he has personally inspected thousands of commercial and residential buildings. His experience ranges from a 750,000 square foot shopping mall, to a 100-unit apartment building, to primary residences and houses at every stage of construction. He provides in-depth consultations with building owners on specific problems such as basement water infiltration, EIFS (Exterior Insulated Finish System) water infiltration, mold and mildew issues, structural repairs, roof certifications, and design/build assistance. He is distinguished as an expert in the field of investigative engineering and frequently testifies in court as an expert witness.
Mr. Yingst is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University. (Go Lions!) He is a member of the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE), the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA), and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Mr. Yingst is a continuing education instructor for the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS, and his technical articles have appeared in numerous publications. Mr. Yingst has also received a Certified Building Inspection Engineer (CBIE) designation through a program established by NABIE.
As Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Criterium-Yingst Engineers, Kathy E. Yingst is responsible for day-to-day management of the company. In this capacity, she oversees the scheduling and secretarial functions, coordinates report review and delivery, and performs the firm's accounting and bookkeeping functions. In addition, Kathy coordinates the firm's marketing efforts and public relations through meetings with potential customers, marketing surveys and mailing of quarterly newsletters. Kathy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania.
Susan P. Grant, P.E. is a Structural Engineer and Licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Point Park University. Sue resides in the Pittsburgh area and heads up our Pittsburgh area office. With over 16 years of experience in the construction industry, Sue is responsible for performing commercial and residential building evaluations, structural evaluations, engineering and design, investigative engineering, and construction monitoring. She has performed hundreds of inspections of buildings ranging from single family homes to office buildings, motels and shopping malls. She also performs Transition and Reserve Studies for townhouse and condominium associations. Mrs. Grant's background in structural engineering and design of steel, concrete and wood framed buildings enables us to provide our clients with comprehensive structural inspections and evaluations. Sue is a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE) and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). She is well versed in CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) and is currently an adjunct professor of CAD at Point Park University.
Lee E. Engel, P.E. is a Project Engineer with Criterium-Yingst Engineers, Inc. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with over 16 years of experience in the discipline of Civil Engineering. Lee has over seven years of experience in stormwater managment/erosion and sedimentation control design for small commercial projects to large residential subdivisions, six years of experience in geotechnical subsurface investigations and bridge design from single span culverts to multiple span pre-stressed concrete bridges, and approximately 3 years of other civil engineering experience including, but not limited to, topographic surveying, telecommunications, construction inspection and administration. He also has expereience in architectural drafting and cartography. Lee's skills and site development knowledge supplements our design and inspection services team. Lee was a former member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology from Penn State University.
Andrew D. Dionne, R.S. is a Project Manager with Criterium-Yingst Engineers, Inc. with over 12 years of expertise in the preparation of Reserve Fund and Transition Studies for community associations throughout central and western PA. Andrew has also earned the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Reserve Specialist (R.S.) designation and serves on the CAI Central Pennsylvania Regional Council.
Since joining Criterium-Yingst Engineers, Inc. in 1999, Andrew has completed hundreds of commercial and residential building inspections and has a solid understanding of building technology. Andrew continues to serve as the Environmental Coordinator for the company with over 16 years of experience in Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) and hazardous waste and wastewater related projects. Andrew also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Southern Vermont College.
Brandon M. Shirk, RA is a Licensed Architect with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who specializes in designing solutions that meet our clients' needs and budgets in an innovative way. Brandon is a graduate of Drexel University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. His friendly and practical approach to each project enables him to understand our clients' objectives and offer efficient design solutions. His experience with both residential and commercial projects is an asset to our design team.
Kirk B. Knappman, E.I.T. is a Building Inspection and Design engineer with over four years of expertise in structural, HVAC, electrical, plumbing evaluation and design. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in chemical engineering from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. His engineering training combined with his knowledge of the International Building Code provides Kirk with the background necessary to inspect, evaluate and design residential and commercial buildings for our clients. Kirk is also a Certified Radon Specialist in accordance with the standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. His experience ranges from residential and commercial inspections to complete residential and commercial design. Additionally, Kirk utilizes the lastest building information modeling (BIM) technology to provide our clients with an efficent and cost effective approach to mechanical, electrical and plumbing designs.
Dave T. Hoffsmith is our drafting and architectural design technician. Mr. Hoffsmith has more than 10 years of experience in a variety of projects ranging from residential design and remodeling to light commercial design. Dave's responsibilities include the preparation of all phases of a project's building plans including site work, building information modeling (BIM) and computer-aided drafting (CAD). Dave is also well versed in statewide building codes required to perform his design tasks. Dave attended the Pennsylvania College of Technology, affiliated with Penn State University, where he completed courses in drafting and architectural design.
Our office at 421 W. Chocolate Avenue in Hershey just wouldn't run as smoothly without the efforts of Heather Kegerise and Kimberly Walker, our Client Services Managers. Together, they have direct contact with our customers, schedule appointments, proofread and edit reports, and keep the rest of the staff on track. Their pleasant voices, knowledge of the services we provide, and dedication to providing quality customer service greatly enhance the professionalism of our firm. Heather has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Kim attended Lehigh County Community College, Allentown, PA, and has completed various computer certification courses.