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Staff
Staff
AMY HUFNAGEL
Executive Director
AMY HUFNAGEL
Executive Director
Amy joined ACE Houston as the Executive Director in April of 2022 after being involved with the program as a mentor and board member for almost ten years. She initially got involved with ACE Houston as a mentor in 2012 while working at Walter P Moore and later served as a lead mentor for three years at the Downtown location. Amy joined the Executive Board of Directors in 2017 and became the Chair of the inaugural Associate Board in 2018. Amy graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a MS in Structural Engineering and is a licensed professional engineer.Connect with Amy: amy@acementorhouston.org
BILL PALAMOUNTAIN
Bookkeeper
BILL PALAMOUNTAIN
Bookkeeper
Bill has served as the CFO for public and private companies operating nationally and internationally. He also founded a company producing recycling equipment nationally for 25 years. Bill joined the ACE Houston team as a volunteer in 2021.
board members
board members
INGA ZUNTE
Chair
INGA ZUNTE
Chair
Inga is a Design Manager and Architect at Gensler within their Lifestyle practice area. She brings over 17 years of experience working on restaurants, hotels, retail centers, and cruise ship interiors, including new construction projects as well as complex renovations that bridge the gap between interior and architecture design. Inga started volunteering as a mentor at the Downtown location in 2015, served as an Associate Board Member for many years, and joined the Executive Board in 2022.
DEREK SOLTES
DEREK SOLTES
Chair Elect
Chair Elect
Derek is an Architect with Mongomery Roth Architecture & Interior Design, who is inspired by working with others towards a better world for all of us. Being involved with ACE Mentor Program Houston is a natural fit and an extension of his desire to help others reach their goals through leadership and support. Derek got involved with ACE Houston as a mentor in 2016 and joined the Executive Board in 2017. He is currently serving his second consecutive term as Treasurer.
ANDRE COOPER
ANDRE COOPER
Treasurer
Treasurer
Andre Cooper is a Project Manager with Hensel Phelps and brings over 19 years of experience delivering complex commercial, institutional, aviation, healthcare, and infrastructure projects totaling over $1.5 billion. He has successfully led projects using Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and CMAR delivery methods, consistently delivering quality projects on time, within budget, and with a strong commitment to safety. Known for his collaborative leadership and problem-solving skills, Andre excels at managing clients, project teams, subcontractors, and stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes. Andre is passionate about developing future industry leaders and joined the Board of ACE Mentor Program Houston in 2025, has served as a mentor at the Galena Park location, and was elected as Treasurer in 2026. He is committed to helping grow the ACE organization, strengthen its community impact, and inspire the next generation of professionals in architecture, construction, and engineering.
VERR SOLTES
VERR SOLTES
Secretary
Secretary
Verr is a Senior Associate and Studio Director at Kirksey Architecture in the Science, Technology, and Healthcare studio. She began her architecture journey as a freshman in high school and has a heart for helping introduce students to careers in built environments. She is a Registered Architect, Registered Interior Designer, Licensed in Real Estate, and a LEED Green Associate. Verr has participated in various philanthropic organizations focused on youth, including the Space City Chapter of National Charity League, Rodeo Houston, Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation, various booster and PTA groups, and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Gulf Coast Chapter. Verr has been a friend of ACE since 2019 and got involved in 2022. She joined the Executive Board and was elected as Secretary in 2024; she also serves on the Fundraising Committee.
LAUREN MADISON
LAUREN MADISON
At-Large EC Member
At-Large EC Member
Lauren is a Principal and Senior Project Manager with Dally + Associates, Inc., Structural & Civil Engineering. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelors in Architectural Engineering. Lauren and her husband lived in Chicago for 14 years prior to moving to Houston in 2015 to take advantage of professional opportunities in the growing area. Lauren has been involved with ACE Houston since then as a mentor at several different locations. She was named a Mentor of the Year in 2021-2022 after helping her student team win 3rd place in the national ACE/CIRT design competition in Washington D.C. Lauren brought a fresh perspective and excitement with her as she joined the Executive Board in 2024. She was elected as At-Large Executive Committee Member in 2026.
ALISON SUARATO
ALISON SUARATO
At-Large EC Member
At-Large EC Member
Alison is an Environmental Coordinator with Port Houston. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and began her career at an engineering consulting firm in New Haven, CT prior to relocating to Houston in 2015. Alison became involved with ACE Houston in 2016 and joined the Executive Board in 2024. During the past eight years, she has served as a mentor, lead mentor, Associate Board Member, and Chair of the Mentor Committee. She was elected as At-Large Executive Committee Member in 2026.
CHARLENE ANTHONY
CHARLENE ANTHONY
Charlene is the Senior Director of Professional Development for the Associated General Contractors of America - Houston Chapter, and has spent her entire professional career in non-profit organizations. She has been involved in ACE Mentor Houston since 2008, making her one of our inaugural members. She is passionate about education and scholarships.
KRISTY BAUMER
KRISTY BAUMER
As Business Manager for Turner Construction's Houston office, Kristy shapes strategic vision for operations, leads portfolio management and drives initiatives focused on sustainable growth. Her passion for the AEC industry began as a Civil Engineering student at the University of Southern California and it was through mentorship by alumni that she became exposed to the role of a general contractor. Kristy joined the ACE Houston Alumni Committee in 2023, the Executive Board in 2025, and hopes to encourage ACE students to stay connected throughout the entire lifecycle of their educational and professional careers. Kristy also serves as Executive Sponsor to Turner's Young Professionals Network and has been named on two Houston Business Journal Lists: 40 Under 40, and Women Who Mean Business.
ALEX BUSCHER
ALEX BUSCHER
Alex is a Senior Project Manager with Jacob White Construction. He graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelors Degree in Construction Engineering in 2014 and has been managing construction projects since graduating. In addition to being a graduate of the ACE Mentor Program of America, he's now been involved as a volunteer for over 8 years. During that time, he has served as a mentor, lead mentor, as well as the ACE Houston Associate Board and various committees. He joined the Executive Board in 2025 and supports with the Fundraising Committee.
ANASTACIA CASTRO
ANASTACIA CASTRO
Anastacia is a Business Intelligence Analyst with USAL Solutions and an MBA candidate at Rice University. She loves helping others feel comfortable and excited in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields. In her professional experience, she enables business teams to leverage analytics for data-driven decisions. Anastacia joined the ACE Houston Board in November 2025 through the Rice Business Board Fellows Program and looks forward to giving back to the community.
ANGELA COTIE
ANGELA COTIE
Angela has 25+ of experience as a construction management professional and executive. A Penn State graduate, Angela was an ENR Texas/ Louisiana Top 20 under 40 in 2015 and a 2018 STEAM Role Model for Houston Women’s Chamber. She is working with the AGC starting a local Women in Construction initiative. Angela served as ACE Mentor Houston’s Chairman of the Board for five years and now serves as Past Chair. She is also a board member for PSU’s Architectural Engineering Program, Board Member for Houston Parkinson’s Society, a Galveston Career Connect leader, HISD chamber member, and active with her children's school FFA and activities.
ADAM CRYER
ADAM CRYER
Adam Cryer is Co-founder and President of Pinnacle Structural Engineers, headquartered in Houston, Texas. He is a graduate of Rice University, who subsequently obtained his Masters in Structural Engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. In 2014, Adam was named as a Top 40 Under 40 Professional by Building Design & Construction magazine, as well as one of Structural Engineering magazine’s Top 15 Rising Stars in the U.S. Adam has been involved with ACE Houston since 2012, and since then has served as a mentor, board member, Executive Committee member, and Vice Chair of the Board.
DIANA DAVIS
DIANA DAVIS
As Managing Director of the Houston office of Perkins & Will, Diana provides strategic, executive and financial leadership, while supporting excellence in design. As Principal and Healthcare market sector leader for the Houston practice, she brings over 20 years of experience working with academic medical center and community hospital clients. Diana joined the ACE Houston Executive Board in 2019, and currently serves on the Alumni Committee.
NICK FLOYD
NICK FLOYD
Nick is an Associate Principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc (SGH), where he has focused on investigation and remedial design of building enclosures for over 20 years. A University of Texas at Austin graduate, Nick moved back to Texas in 2015 to help SGH start their Houston office. Nick joined the ACE Houston Scholarships Committee in 2021 and the ACE Houston board in 2024. He currently serves as the Chair of our Scholarships Committee.
JENNIFER GONZALES
JENNIFER GONZALES
Jennifer Gonzales is the Houston Regional Director for Rogers-O’Brien Construction, leading high-performing teams that deliver complex healthcare, industrial, and advanced-manufacturing projects across Texas. With more than 27 years in the industry, she’s known for her steady leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to bring clarity and momentum to challenging pursuits. She’s also deeply engaged in community and workforce development through organizations such as AGC Houston, ACE Mentor Program Houston, and regional economic development groups. A longtime member of ACE Houston's Fundraising Committee, she joined the Executive Board in November 2025.
DAVID HOFFMANN
DAVID HOFFMANN
David is a Project Manager and Business Developer for Kitchell CEM. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and brings an array of experience with a background in marine construction. David became a proud member of ACE in 2024 serving on both the Fundraising and Events Committees. He joined the Executive Board in November 2025 as Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee.
ERIN KUEHT
ERIN KUEHT
As a structural engineer and Principal at Walter P Moore, Erin is passionate about helping students realize their potential and recognizing and reaching the opportunities that are available to them. She has filled the roles of mentor, lead mentor, board member, and Board Secretary since she started with ACE when the Houston affiliate started in 2009. Erin was born and raised through Houston ISD schools and loves teaching and explaining some of the amazing experiences she has had in her 20 years of experience in the industry.
JORDANA PAKER
JORDANA PAKER
As Business Development Manager with Austin Commercial, Jordana oversees the growth of new business in the Southwest Region. Leveraging more than 20 years of national and regional commercial real estate experience, Jordana excels in cultivating high-performance partnerships and driving market expansion. Originally from Chicago, IL, Jordana first got involved with the Chicago affiliate of ACE, along with the Engineering Futures program. She started volunteering for the ACE Houston Scholarship Committee in 2021 and joined the Executive Board in 2022. She is currently the Chair of our Fundraising Committee.
A.J. SUSTAITA
A.J. SUSTAITA
A.J. is a Principal for DLR Group with a focus on K-12 Education design. As a native Houstonian and a second-generation architect, he brings 30 years of experience in the AEC industry. He has a passion for philanthropy and assisting the next generation of leaders in design. Previously, A.J. has supported ACE through individual connections and sponsorship opportunities. He joined the Executive Board in 2024.
DEREK WEBB
DEREK WEBB
Derek is a Principal and Founder of DEK Studio in Houston, TX. Derek has practiced architecture in Houston since 2004 and joined the ACE Houston Executive Board in 2021, where he has consistently served on the Scholarships Committee. Derek’s work can be characterized as having a deep connection to place, memory, and an intimate relation with people. A past President of AIA Houston and an AIA National 2015 Young Architect Award winner, Derek and his work have been published locally and nationally, and he is a regularly invited critic at Houston area design schools. By joining ACE, he is excited to help mentor and influence the next generation of design and construction professionals.
CHRIS PALAMOUNTAIN
CHRIS PALAMOUNTAIN
Legal Counsel
Legal Counsel
Chris is Senior Counsel in the Labor & Employment practice group of Seyfarth Shaw LLP. Chris began serving as legal counsel to the ACE Houston Executive Board in 2019.
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