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Criterion

Criterion

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A unique blend of planners and specialists

A unique blend of planners and specialists

Suzanne Kowarsch
Chief Executive Officer

Suzanne Kowarsch

Chief Executive Officer
Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media Studies – University of California, Los Angeles
Suzanne joined Criterion in 2005 and transitioned to the role of Owner/Principal five years later. With a strong background in Fortune 500 Account Management and an enthusiastic focus on business leadership, she has channeled her strengths toward the more than 500% growth in Criterion’s overall team size and revenue in recent years. In her role as Chief Executive Officer, Suzanne stewards the strategic visioning of Criterion, articulating core values and maintaining sustainable growth of both the company and within the team. Additionally, she continues to champion Criterion’s philanthropic activities, committing a dedicated portion of profits to giving back and involving team members in ample, diverse opportunities to participate in local and global service throughout the year.

Affiliations: The Association of AE Business Leaders (AEBL); American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE); San Clemente Chamber of Commerce; C12 Member – Irvine Chapter
Heather Porto
President, Principal

Heather Porto

President, Principal
Bachelor of Science in Biology – University of California, San Diego
Heather launched her career in the early 2000s as a laboratory planner, completing hundreds of projects in the medical, academic, research and biomedical fields both nationally and internationally. Since joining Criterion in 2016, she has applied her sophisticated blend of expertise and technical skills toward the delivery of countless more high-profile healthcare projects. As President, Heather is responsible for the overall guidance of Criterion, including oversight of company-wide operations, setting and meeting goals, establishing standards, building new business and maintaining existing client relationships. She is also closely involved in strategic partnership decision-making and considering new business opportunities.
Selena Peirson
Vice President, Principal

Selena Peirson

Vice President, Principal
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies – Saint Mary’s College
Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts in General Education – Ohlone College
Selena joined Criterion in 2017, having spent the prior 13 years working directly for three prominent Bay Area healthcare systems. In her time with the company, she has played a key role on numerous high-profile healthcare projects throughout California, carrying them through the entire planning, procurement and delivery life cycle. As Vice President, Selena champions Criterion’s company-wide best practices and service delivery innovations. She also oversees the Procurement and Activation service lines and works directly with the President in providing leadership and oversight to all project team members.

Affiliation: Paralegal Certificate, Saint Mary’s College
Siera Kegel
Director of Finance & Operations

Siera Kegel

Director of Finance & Operations
Bachelor of Arts in Communications – Westmont College
Certificate of Achievement in Accounting – Irvine Valley College
Siera joined Criterion with over 16 years of experience in professional finance and accounting. As Director of Finance & Operations, she is responsible for ensuring the successful growth of the company through establishing and maintaining a series of strategic financial plans, ensuring proper support for growth and stewarding charitable giving donations in alignment with giving goals. Siera oversees all aspects of Criterion’s Finance and Operations departments, including accounting, payroll, contract review, human resources, recruiting, professional insurance management, contract negotiations, professional development and general company operations.
Victor Donahue
Director of Medical Equipment Planning

Victor Donahue

Director of Medical Equipment Planning
Bachelor of Science in Technology Management – Amberton University
Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy – El Centro Community College
Victor brings more than 25 years of experience in healthcare delivery and medical equipment planning. His vast expertise represents all phases of the medical equipment planning lifecycle – from inventories to installation – and he is highly proficient in all medical equipment planning software and systems. Victor is a Board Certified Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and a Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT) who has run pulmonary function laboratories and served as an ICU Clinical Coordinator, adding a unique, clinical perspective to his planning efforts. Prior to joining Criterion, Victor also spent several years leading equipment planning firms outside of California. In his role as Director of Medical Equipment Planning, Victor oversees Criterion’s Medical Equipment Planning service line to ensure quality and consistency, leading key projects and providing training and guidance to planning team members. He also participates in pursuit strategy and resource allocation activities.

Affiliation: Registered Respiratory Therapist
Charlie Cornaire
Director of Procurement & Activation

Charlie Cornaire

Director of Procurement & Activation
Bachelor of Science in Sociology – Central Michigan University
Charlie began his procurement and logistics career while serving as Captain with the United States Army where he oversaw daily logistics operations including long-range strategic planning, equipment inventories, tracking, readiness and maintenance. His post-military career included several years as a Material Planner/Buyer, where he led the domestic and international movement of universal power systems and electronics. As Director of Procurement & Activation, Charlie oversees Criterion’s Procurement and Activation service line to ensure quality and consistency across all projects. He maintains close involvement during Construction Administration, applying proven procurement strategies to leverage purchasing power and achieve best overall value for clients. Additionally, Charlie provides training and guidance to supporting team members.

Accreditations: SAP Super User; Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Mindy Nickerson, CPSM
Director of Marketing & Business Development

Mindy Nickerson, CPSM

Director of Marketing & Business Development
Bachelor of Science in Communication – San Diego State University
Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM)
Mindy is a tenured services marketing professional with over 15 years’ experience in AEC industry marketing. Her primary responsibilities include marketing strategy, proposal writing, development of qualifications packages, copywriting, communications, client interface and special projects. Prior to joining Criterion in 2016, Mindy’s professional background included over a decade with architecture and engineering firms where she was responsible for assembling proposal responses, submitting projects for awards, website content development/maintenance, and public relations, including securing feature editorials as well as writing and distributing press releases.

Affiliation: Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)
Kari Seekatz
Director of Marketing & Strategy

Kari Seekatz

Director of Marketing & Strategy
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts and Sciences, Public Administration – San Diego State University

Kari joined the AEC industry in 2002 as a project assistant and transitioned to professional services marketing in 2005. She has dedicated the last 17 years to working with nationally renowned consulting and architectural firms, enabling her to successfully develop and implement marketing strategies. In her role at Criterion, she is responsible for responding to proposal requests, developing both written and visual content, client relations and general marketing communications. Additionally, she oversees proposal, qualification and presentation timelines, performs updates to the sales forecast to ensure accurate workload predictions and resource allocation and works with Criterion’s Finance department on predictive business analytics.

Affiliation: Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)
Alex Cannas
Medical Equipment Planner

Alex Cannas

Medical Equipment Planner
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – California State University, Fullerton
Alex joined the Criterion team in 2016 as a recent graduate of California State University, Fullerton and quickly became immersed in the many aspects of the medical equipment planning arena. Directly supporting Criterion’s senior equipment planning team, Alex’s responsibilities include submittal preparation and documentation, researching equipment and alternatives, tracking project schedules, attending design team and user group meetings, performing existing equipment inventories and leading significant logistics efforts.
Amaya Elu
Senior Medical Equipment Planner

Amaya Elu

Senior Medical Equipment Planner
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education – San Francisco State University
Amaya offers over 26 years of experience in healthcare and medical equipment planning, infrastructure coordination and project, program, transition and clinical operations management. Prior to joining Criterion, she worked directly for Sutter Health in medical equipment and facility planning and for Stanford Health Care as a design and construction project manager. Well versed in both Attainia and Attainia PLAN, Amaya is adept at supporting numerous stakeholders simultaneously and has a proven track record of leading diverse teams to a successful project completion. Additionally, she is highly familiar with HCAI (formerly OSHPD) requirements and JCAHO standards.
Anthony Peña
BIM Coordinator

Anthony Peña

BIM Coordinator
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology – California State University, Los Angeles
Associate Degree in Design – Don Bosco Technical Institute
Anthony is a multi-disciplined BIM Designer with over 10 years of drafting, design and field/installation experience. Prior to joining Criterion, much of his experience centered around medical equipment design and manufacturing, where he gained acute knowledge and expertise with imaging modalities, clean rooms and critical water systems. He is equally familiar with both the development and implementation of standards, placing great focus on adhering to standards to ensure accuracy of deliverables. An AutoCAD Certified Professional, Anthony offers a solid background in Revit, BIM, 3D modeling and Bluebeam.
Armani Munoz
Project Assistant

Armani Munoz

Project Assistant
Armani supports Criterion project teams in developing medical equipment lists and budgets, participating in client meetings, researching medical equipment, compiling project documentation, performing existing equipment surveys and visiting project sites during construction. She brings experience interacting with patients and planning targeted events for a significant area healthcare provider in addition to several certifications: Foundations of Project Management, Project Initiation – Starting a Successful Project, Project Planning – Putting it All Together and Project Execution: Running the Project. Armani is currently working toward her Bachelor’s degree in business management and obtaining a marketing certificate.
Avantika Gurung
BIM Specialist

Avantika Gurung

BIM Specialist
Master of Science in Architecture – Kansas State University
Bachelor of Interior Architecture – Chatham University
Avantika is an East Coast transplant who joined Criterion from design firms in Maryland and Pennsylvania. She brings experience in BIM 360 Revit, Sketchup and AutoCAD, in addition to several other programs. In her role as BIM Coordinator, she develops equipment placement drawings in Revit, attends user group meetings, builds custom Revit families, supports vendor coordination for site-specific drawings and participates in the QA/QC process to ensure accuracy between lists and drawings. She holds a Master of Science in Architecture from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from Chatham University in Pittsburgh.
Chris Riley
Senior Project Manager

Chris Riley

Senior Project Manager
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – University of California, Davis
Novell Certified Network Administrator – Foundation College
Graduate Psychology Program – JFK University Graduate School
Chris is an accomplished veteran in healthcare facilities, biomedical and IT systems planning who offers over 21 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. He is proficient in all phases of project design and delivery and is adept at leading teams from validation through close-out. Chris has a fervent affection for technology integration between medical equipment and Healthcare IT systems which, paired with his keen eye for details, makes him an exceptional project manager. He enjoys taking a proactive approach to addressing project challenges and offering “out of the box” solutions.
Diane Gilbert
Operations Assistant

Diane Gilbert

Operations Assistant
Prior to joining Criterion, Diane spent several years as Human Resources Manager and Executive Assistant to the Superintendent for the Newcastle Elementary School District. In her role as Operations Assistant, she supports her local project teams by participating in company-wide operations, coordinating educational presentations, ensuring all office operations run smoothly and planning teambuilding and charitable giving opportunities. Diane is a graduate of Santa Barbara’s Westmont College.
Christine Foley
Finance Assistant

Christine Foley

Finance Assistant
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – University of California, San Diego
Christine participates in a broad range of Criterion’s finance and operations activities, interacting regularly with in-house team members and external clients. On the finance side, she creates and analyzes custom reports, sets up new projects in Criterion’s internal time tracking database, assists with monthly invoicing, reconciles financial accounts and maintains accuracy of financial and budget records. On the operations side, she creates and maintains SOPs, continually improves the efficiency of internal administrative systems and participates in the analysis of new software and equipment to enhance operations. Christine has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from University of California San Diego.
David Lin
Senior Technical Lead

David Lin

Senior Technical Lead
Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design – Columbia University
Bachelor of Architecture – Tamkang University, Taiwan
David brings over 20 years’ experience in healthcare planning and design, where his career has been marked by an acute focus on medical equipment, imaging modalities and HCAI (formerly OSHPD) review projects. He is especially skilled with MEP/S and ADA coordination for HCAI projects and enjoys developing creative solutions in response to project challenges. Having spent over two decades working directly for prominent healthcare architecture firms, David blends his architectural perspective with the consultant role to provide optimal service that greatly benefits both the owner and design team.
Jasmine Bunning
Medical Equipment Planner

Jasmine Bunning

Medical Equipment Planner
As a procurement specialist, Jasmine spent five years performing purchasing and procurement for engineering, housing development and patient-monitoring medical equipment prior to joining Criterion in 2016. In her role, she solicits bids from vendors, tracks purchasing and delivery schedules, inputs requisitions and purchase orders, and provides delivery and logistics oversight during the move-in phase. She also participates in existing equipment inventories and meeting coordination.
Jennifer Ludlam
Senior Medical Equipment Planner

Jennifer Ludlam

Senior Medical Equipment Planner
Bachelor of Architecture – University of Texas School of Architecture
Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience in medical equipment planning, healthcare architecture, project management and transition planning. This vast experience is marked by proficiency coordinating with all project team disciplines on the technical equipment details and an aptitude for reviewing vendor drawings. In her role as a Senior Medical Equipment Planner, Jennifer is responsible for managing projects from inception through close-out, serving as the primary day-to-day client contact, leading user meetings, seeking opportunities for innovation, facilitating the procurement process and ensuring successful project delivery.
Katie Weber
Procurement & Logistics Lead

Katie Weber

Procurement & Logistics Lead
Bachelor of Arts – California State University, Fullerton
Katie is a seasoned procurement and logistics specialist who has worked directly in the field since 2005. Her considerable level of experience issuing purchase orders, collecting and analyzing bids, processing credits and rebates, managing change orders and providing on-site delivery and logistics expertise and support make her a valuable resource to healthcare systems. Katie is proficient in many procurement-related programs and is adept at representing a wide variety of end users and stakeholders, developing consensus and executing goals in a collaborative and organized manner. In her role, she is responsible for soliciting quotes, developing and tracking purchasing and delivery schedules, inputting requisitions and purchase orders, and providing delivery and logistics oversight during move-in.
Kayla Garcia
Procurement Assistant

Kayla Garcia

Procurement Assistant
Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability – San Diego State University
Kayla joined Criterion as an Operations Assistant and quickly developed a passion for healthcare design, prompting her to join the production side of medical equipment planning and procurement.  In her role as Procurement Assistant, Kayla supports Criterion’s Procurement and Delivery teams through product research, soliciting quotes, inputting requisitions and purchase orders, collecting and analyzing bid packages, and coordinating with vendors. Kayla’s high level of dedication, energy and positivity are a welcome addition to any project team.
Laura Parkins
Procurement & Logistics Lead

Laura Parkins

Procurement & Logistics Lead
Laura is a seasoned procurement specialist with over 14 years of experience in medical equipment planning and procurement. Laura plays an integral role in the implementation and transition process. Her typical duties include soliciting vendor quotes, developing bid packages, reviewing procurement packages, assisting in equipment evaluation review and selection, communicating with project team members, researching equipment alternatives, reviewing submitted drawings, coordinating approval, performing on-site punch lists and providing oversight for installation and logistics teams.
Meisha Brady
Medical Equipment Planner

Meisha Brady

Medical Equipment Planner
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design – Baylor University
Meisha joined Criterion in 2017 after receiving her Council for Interior Design Accredited Bachelor of Science from Texas’ Baylor University where she studied interior design. She provides support for both planning and Revit consulting services and is a regular face at user group meetings, design team coordination meetings and on project sites. Meisha’s regular responsibilities include assistance with equipment list development and modifications, equipment research, performing existing equipment inventories and Revit equipment placement drawings.
 
Nancy Heung, RA, EDAC
Medical Equipment Consultant

Nancy Heung, RA, EDAC

Medical Equipment Consultant
Bachelor of Architecture – University of Southern California,
Cum Laude
Registered Architect – License No. C32862
Nancy is credited with the implementation and evolution of Criterion’s BIM and Revit services, which have grown exponentially in both scale and demand since she joined the firm in 2015. With a robust architectural background and over 15 years’ industry experience, Nancy offers the tenacity and know-how needed to tackle even the most challenging of projects. Nancy stays up-to-date on code and HCAI (formerly OSHPD) compliance changes to safeguard against delays in the permitting process. Recognizing that growth and improvement are ongoing facets of any successful enterprise, Nancy continually couples lessons learned from past projects with current planning innovations to deliver exceptional quality service.

Affiliation: Toastmasters Advanced Communicator Bronze/Competent Leader
Natalie Boyett
Procurement Assistant

Natalie Boyett

Procurement Assistant
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies – Concordia University
Natalie joined Criterion in 2018 as Operations Assistant but quickly turned to project work after developing an interest in planning and procurement. As Procurement Assistant, she participates in a broad range of procurement activities, including maintaining the procurement and delivery schedule, assisting with existing equipment inventories, participating in value engineering opportunities, compiling information for purchase orders, meeting preparation and attendance, vendor coordination and decommissioning.
Nicole Blaes
Operations and Talent Specialist

Nicole Blaes

Operations and Talent Specialist
In her role with Criterion, Nicole is responsible for ensuring the continuity of the company’s daily operations, from recruiting exceptional candidates to assisting with human resources, operations and finances. She also manages lunch and learn presentations, internal team member development, and conference and workshop attendance. With a sincere passion for serving others, Nicole champions Criterion’s numerous volunteering engagements and interfaces directly with representatives from a multitude of non-profit organizations, including Kids Around the World, Better Together Ministries, Boys & Girls Clubs, United States Marine Corps and Family Assistance Ministries.
Norm McCollum
Procurement & Logistics Manager

Norm McCollum

Procurement & Logistics Manager
Norm joined Criterion after serving 17 years in a variety of procurement and logistics roles with Apria Healthcare where he was responsible for logistics management, profit centers, strategic planning, operational procedures, client relations, training and more. As Procurement & Logistics Manager, he coordinates several critical project components such as comprehensive site logistics and schedule, staging plans, receiving plans and procurement best practices. Norm manages the end-to-end supply chain process, including equipment validations, RFQs, PO issuance and vendor follow-up. He is also a regular on-site face, providing oversight to the logistics field team, warehouse and dock team members throughout construction.
Olivia Jones
Operations Assistant

Olivia Jones

Operations Assistant
Bachelor of Liberal Studies – Vanguard University
Olivia is a member of Criterion’s Operations Departments, where she supports multiple aspects of the firm’s internal operational success. In her role, she utilizes her technical skills to champion organization and teambuilding, stepping into any variety of tasks needed for successful delivery. She also supports coordination of service projects, event planning and employee care initiatives. Olivia is a recent graduate of Vanguard University where she earned her Bachelors in Liberal Studies.
Rene Zarate
BIM Lead, Medical Equipment Planner

Rene Zarate

BIM Lead, Medical Equipment Planner
Bachelor of Architecture – University of Southern California
Rene’s professional experience includes technical coordination spanning all phases of design and construction for healthcare and mixed-use projects. His primary responsibilities consist of Revit technical coordination, development of Revit families, understanding architects’ Revit model requirements, MEP discipline drawing coordination and performing quality control. Also included among his responsibilities is the researching and testing of new technologies prior to introducing them firm-wide, such as virtual reality platforms like Fuzor, Enscape and Iris VR. Rene’s experience represents a wide variety of project sizes and types, ranging from minor tenant improvements to major, ground-up facilities.
Sam Piper, RA, EDAC, LEED Green Associate
BIM Coordinator, Assistant Medical Equipment Planner

Sam Piper, RA, EDAC, LEED Green Associate

BIM Coordinator, Assistant Medical Equipment Planner
Bachelor of Architecture – Cal Poly, Pomona
Registered Architect – License No. C39936
Sam is a licensed architect and well-rounded drawing professional with over five years’ experience spanning an array of project types, including healthcare, residential, education and assisted living. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly, Pomona, is a LEED Green Building Associate and holds an Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC). In his role, Sam is responsible for creating Revit families, developing equipment placement drawings and performing quality control for many of Criterion’s complex projects.

Affiliations: LEED Green Building Associate; Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC)
Samantha Reyes
Logistics Specialist

Samantha Reyes

Logistics Specialist
Bachelor of Business Administration, Management and Human Resources – CSU Dominguez Hills
Samantha joined Criterion with several years’ experience in logistics management where she gained vast experience in creating standard operating procedures, participating in inventory control and reinforcing quality control procedures. As Logistics Specialist, she supports Criterion’s procurement and logistics activities in the development of comprehensive site logistics, scheduling, staging plans, tracking equipment deliveries and returns and ensuring on-site readiness. As a regular on-site presence, she also addresses on-site changes, coordinates equipment testing and commissioning prior to final acceptance and assists with final punch lists and corrective action plans. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Management and Human Resources from CSU Dominguez Hills and is also licensed to operate a forklift!
Shawn Montieth
BIM Coordinator

Shawn Montieth

BIM Coordinator
Shawn is a seasoned BIM professional who takes ‘attention to detail’ to a new level. In his 15+ years’ experience providing drafting and design services for architectural and engineering teams, he has placed great focus on delivering projects in a timely manner with complete accuracy, improving processes and procedures along the way. Shawn has an affinity for ‘enjoying the ride’; while he loves the sense of accomplishment that comes with delivering a successful project, he is equally enamored with participating in the process. Shawn has an affinity for design-related programs like Revit and Bluebeam and is also passionate about video production.
Sysouk Vongphasouk
BIM Lead

Sysouk Vongphasouk

BIM Lead
Bachelor of Fine Arts – Iowa State University
Sysouk is a drawing and coordination ninja with robust experience integrating technology into the planning and design process. His 20-year background is marked by significant experience working directly with internationally renowned architects and engineers, making him a dynamic asset to any project team. Highly skilled in BIM 360, Sysouk is a LEED Green Associate who holds both an Advanced Communication Bronze and an Advanced Competent Leadership Toastmasters Certification. He is currently in progress to become a Revit Architecture Certified Professional. Sysouk brings a passion for exploring various avenues that contribute to production efficiency and quality delivery both within Criterion and as a member of project teams. He champions embracing emerging technology and exploring opportunities for enhanced innovation and integration with Criterion’s architectural partners.
Vince Edson
Senior Medical Equipment Planner

Vince Edson

Senior Medical Equipment Planner
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Studies – San Jose State University
Vince has over eleven years of experience in materials management and healthcare operations. He regularly serves as the key point of contact for projects and offers the skills and experience to oversee a project from inception through move-in. His professional strengths include medical equipment planning, Revit modeling, asset management, budget and cost analysis, and negotiating supplier contracts and purchase agreements. Having served in various roles on both the planning and internal/clinical side of projects, Vince brings a unique perspective to every project.

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(949) 488-3456

34700 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 206

Capistrano Beach, California 92624

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(530) 878-6689

11641 Blocker Drive, Suite 210

Auburn, California 95603

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