Meet the Team

Bethel Engineering staff come from diverse backgrounds that work together to form a strong team of professionals. Education, experience, and longevity produce a team that works well together and understand the challenges our client’s face in navigating projects through concept, design, approval, and construction.

Russell Garrison P.E., QSD/QSP

Principal Engineer/ President

Russ came to Bethel Engineering in 1990. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Technology from Cal Poly SLO. He is the Principal Engineer and Company President. He has extensive experience in development projects, taking projects from concept through to completion. He specializes in roadway and drainage design. He oversees project designs, provides value engineering review, and manages the engineering staff.

Lori M. Speer P.E.

Senior Engineer/Vice President

Lori came to Bethel Engineering in 2001. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly SLO. She specializes in Public Works projects, providing contract development review for the City of Lompoc and serving as the District Engineer for Los Alamos Community Services District. She also to supervises large-scale residential and agricultural development projects providing in-house QA/QC review. In 2020, was recognized by APWA (American Public Works Association) as “Professional of the Year” for her service to Los Alamos Community Services District, the City of Lompoc, and the City of Santa Maria.

Brian Deale P.E., QSD/QSP

Senior Engineer

Brian came to Bethel Engineering in 2001. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Cal Poly SLO. He is the project manager
for residential development as well as public works projects. He also provides structural and septic system design oversight. He provides inspection/construction administration/certification services and supervises SWPPP preparation/inspection services.

Stephen R. Shively P.E.

Principal Engineer/President Emeritus

Steve co-founded Bethel Engineering (formerly Dennis Bethel and Associates) in 1981 and served as Chief Engineer until 1993 when he assumed the role of President and Principal Engineer. Steve has extensive experience in development projects, specializing in value-engineered designs that can be seen throughout the central coast. His public works experience includes serving as the District Engineer for Los Alamos Community Services District and Public Works Director for the City of Solvang.

Art Plascencia

Art came to Bethel Engineering in 2017 with over 20 years experience of Design/Drafting including 15 years in Civil Engineering. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design from ITT Technical Institute. In addition to plan preparation, he writes Storm Water Control Plans for new projects and has a pending certification as a Qualified Industrial SWPPP Practitioner (QISP).

Brandon Heavener

Brandon came to Bethel Engineering in 2014. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from CSU Chico. He has experience in manufacturing and fabrication. He specializes in large-scale commercial developments as well as road design. His duties include preparing the necessary plans and reports for the entitlement and construction phases of the project cycle and construction support and inspection services.

Gonzalo Correa. (EIT)

Gonzalo came to Bethel Engineering in 2016. He came to Bethel with 5 years Engineering Associate experience. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly SLO. He specializes in multi-family/high density and single family rural development projects, preparing the necessary plans and reports for the entitlement and construction phases of the project cycle.

Trevor Lauridsen P.E., QSD/QSP

Trevor came to Bethel Engineering in 2014. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly SLO. He specializes in the design of residential and small commercial development projects and provides SWPPP inspection/testing services.

Tina Johnston, Controller

Tina has been with Bethel Engineering since 1999, when she was hired as a receptionist. She quickly took initiative to accept all secretarial duties and assist the accounting department. Through continuing education and on the job training, she took over all accounting duties. Currently, as Controller, she handles all accounting and HR administrative duties as well as supervising secretarial and receptionist services/personnel.