Curtis P. Henderson
Director of Electronic Systems
Curtis brings over 30 years of electrical and technological systems design and construction expertise. His vast experience spans technology design and project implementation, focusing on inside and outside cable plant and pathway design to support adaptable technology system installations and operations.
Dean Knight
Project Manager, Designer
Dean brings over 35 years of expertise in commercial and industrial power distribution, lighting, and electrical design, from initial concepts to construction documentation. His skills encompass lighting control design, implementation, and submittal review. Dean has applied his extensive knowledge across a diverse range of educational facilities, including CU Boulder, CU Denver, Colorado State University (CSU), and multiple school districts such as Jefferson County, Denver County, Boulder Valley, Aurora Public Schools, Adams-Arapahoe, Douglas, Cherry Creek, and others. His portfolio also extends to parks, recreational facilities, retail shops, offices, restaurants, municipal maintenance facilities, and high-end residential projects.
Don J. Ackerman, P.E., LEED AP
President & CEO
Don founded Ackerman Engineering, Inc. in 2000, bringing over 40 years of extensive experience in electrical system design. His specialization spans a wide range of areas, including power distribution, emergency and standby power systems, lighting design (interior, exterior, ballfields, arenas, and events), life safety systems (fire alarms, detection, and remarkable suppression), lightning protection, grounding, voice/data communications, master clock systems, and security infrastructure.
Donnie Ackerman
Designer
With more than 20 years of diverse experience—from hands-on site investigation to managing complex maintenance and construction projects—Donnie offers a practical, solutions-driven approach to design that balances code compliance, system performance, and client priorities.
Helen Reschl, LEED AP
Vice President of Lighting, Project Manager
Helen brings over 25 years of expertise in designing lighting systems for various facilities, including schools, courthouses, offices, multi-use live/work lofts, parking lots, and exterior parks and recreation areas. Her design philosophy focuses on seamlessly integrating lighting with architectural elements, and she works closely with architects and owners to create visually striking, functional, and maintainable lighting systems.
John J. Reschl
Engineering Intern
John is a fourth-year architecture student at the University of Colorado Denver, currently pursuing a degree through the College of Architecture and Planning. He brings a strong foundation in AutoCAD, 3D modeling, and collaborative design, supported by an Associate of Arts degree and a drafting certificate from Red Rocks Community College.
Michelle Schiffbauer
Accounting Manager
Michelle brings over 30 years of experience in Accounting and Business Administration. Throughout her career, she has held numerous paid and volunteer positions that highlight her expertise in accounting, project management, and customer service. Since 2008, Michelle has contributed her skills in administrative support, office management, and bookkeeping at the Wheat Ridge office of Ackerman Engineering, Inc. Her dedication to maintaining efficient operations has been instrumental in the firm’s success.
Pamela O’Connor
Chief Operating Officer
Pamela brings over 20 years of industry experience leading business operations and enterprise-level transformation. Pamela’s leadership is grounded in a strong technical foundation, holding a degree in Electrical Engineering from Colorado State University, and a career built at Accenture, where she directed global operations and digital transformation initiatives for Fortune 500 clients and internal enterprise platforms.
Ryan Farrell
Engineer
Ryan is an innovative electrical engineer at Ackerman Engineering, Inc., where he contributes to the development of efficient, forward-thinking power and lighting systems for commercial and mixed-use spaces. With a background in electrical and mechatronic systems engineering, Ryan combines technical precision with creative problem-solving to deliver high-performance designs tailored to client needs.
Takako Thai
Project Manager, Lighting Designer
Taki brings over seven years of experience creating innovative, energy-conscious lighting solutions for high-profile architectural projects. Taki has led projects through every phase—from concept to construction—collaborating with architects, clients, and consultants to deliver impactful, award-winning designs. Her portfolio includes contributions to projects honored by the IESNYC Lumen Awards, including the Deutsche Bank Lobby and 320 South Canal St.
Tanner L. Ackerman, P.E.
Chief Technical Officer, Vice President of Power
Tanner brings over a decade of electrical engineering experience and has been a dedicated full-time member of the Ackerman Engineering, Inc. team since 2018, following five years of part-time engineering support. Now a licensed Professional Engineer, Tanner continues to deliver reliable, innovative solutions across a wide range of electrical design and consulting services.