Suzanne Vanderford

As Chief Executive Officer and Director of Administration, Suzanne Vanderford has guided Lewis Ross Associates through years of steady growth and transformation. With a career rooted in business management and accounting, Suzanne combines financial acumen with a genuine passion for people—ensuring that the firm’s operational strength is matched by a culture of care and integrity.

For more than two decades, she has managed all aspects of LRA’s business operations, from finance and human resources to strategic planning and team development. Suzanne’s leadership philosophy centers on accountability and open communication, empowering each team member to succeed while maintaining the efficiency and professionalism that clients have come to expect from Lewis Ross.

Her approach reflects a deep understanding that great engineering firms are built not only on technical expertise but on strong relationships—within the office, with clients, and throughout the broader community. Under her direction, LRA continues to thrive as a family-oriented business dedicated to long-term partnerships, consistent performance, and genuine service.

Fun Facts

• Actively involved in multiple charitable organizations supporting families in need

• Regularly volunteers her time to community service events and local fundraisers

• Known for her generosity and mentorship both inside and outside the firm

• Enjoys spending time with family, hosting gatherings, and supporting local causes

Gene Vanderford, PE

Gene Vanderford, PE

Principal Electrical Engineer with experience in commercial electrical design and construction projects. Industries served include commercial, industrial, manufacturing, government, healthcare, industrial facilities, solar PV, substation, and high voltage transmission projects.  Uses experience in the industry to lead design and construction projects with great efficiency, constant attention to user safety, and adherence to client directives.  Oversees project development and implements computer applications to provide accurate, coordinated, and cost-effective projects.

• Power distribution design

• Facilities engineering

• Protective device coordination

• Bid evaluations for equipment and sub-contractors

• Commercial power system design and construction

• Test, start-up and commissioning

• Electrical code compliance

• Utility coordinator

• Value engineering & constructability

• Report development

• Development of Procedures Manual

• Thorough knowledge of Electric Codes

• Coordinate regulatory authorities

• Inter-discipline coordination

• Title 24

• Municipal / Government

• Energy Code

• Construction administration

• Develop cost reduction strategies

• Managing RFI’s and CO’s

• Develop electrical single-line, three-line diagrams

• Solar and combined-cycle plants

• Labor conditions & job safety

Travis Premo, PE, LEED BD+C

“I believe that the MEP systems should fully respect the architecture and environment of a building. If we did our job right, you’d never know we were there.”

-Travis Premo

MEP Engineering Project Manager for commercial, multi-family, and high-end residential MEP engineering projects.  A passion for alternative HVAC and power design, uses experience in the industry to lead design projects with great efficiency, constant attention to occupant comfort, and adherence to client directives.  Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to absorb information quickly.  As the lead MEP Engineering Project Manager, oversees portfolio management and ensures consistency and quality across all projects.

Top Skills

• Energy code, Title 24

• Design Project Management

• Green Code / LEED water savings

• Solar PV

• Utility Company Coordination

• Inter-discipline coordination

• Retrofit and upgrade

• Commercial MEP

• Sustainability

• Power Distribution

• Chillers / Chill water fan coils

• Site survey

• CAD/BIM Management

• Municipal / Government

• Mechanical Code Compliance

• Equipment Specification

• Construction Administration

• Municipal / Government

• Design Project Management

• Industrial

• Controls & Low-voltage

Fun Facts about travis

• Travis and his wife, Nikki, lead their son’s Cub Scout den their daughter’s Girl Scout troop.

• He has played the role of Drosselmeyer in the the local dance academy’s annual production of the Nutcracker ballet.

• The Premo’s love the holidays and put on an elaborate holiday lighting display in their yard set to music and video.

• Travis has an extensive Lego collection

Courtney Skade

Senior Electrical Designer & Dry Utilities Specialist

Courtney Skade began her career with an eye toward architecture, but after joining Lewis Ross Associates, she discovered a true passion for engineering—and she’s been immersed in it ever since. Now a Senior Electrical Designer and Dry Utilities Specialist, she brings over a decade of experience delivering coordinated, constructible, and code-compliant designs across multifamily, commercial, and municipal projects throughout California and Hawaii.

Her combined background in design and technical disciplines gives her a rare perspective: Courtney not only understands the aesthetics and intent behind a project, but also how to translate that vision into practical, buildable systems. She’s known for her mastery of dry utility coordination, where she excels at navigating utility agency requirements, aligning service plans, and resolving complex site constraints with precision and foresight.

In addition to her technical leadership, Courtney is a mentor to emerging designers and an advocate for empowering women in engineering. She takes pride in helping others grow in their careers while maintaining LRA’s standards of clarity, accuracy, and coordination.

Community & Fun Facts

• Passionate about empowering women in engineering and supporting career growth for young designers

• Devoted aunt who never misses her nephews’ baseball games on the weekends

• Admires her father and credits him as one of her biggest influences

• Enjoys sketching, building, and creating one-of-a-kind projects for family and friends

• Has an adventurous palate and a reputation for adding heat to just about everything she eats

Ricky Templeton

Senior Electrical Designer

As a Senior Electrical Designer at Lewis Ross Associates, Ricky Templeton brings a dynamic blend of technical expertise, leadership, and enthusiasm to every project he touches. Known for his positive attitude and big personality, Ricky’s approach to engineering is rooted in collaboration—keeping projects moving forward with clarity, energy, and purpose.

Over his years with LRA, Ricky has developed deep experience in multifamily, commercial, and tenant improvement projects, consistently delivering designs that balance constructability, performance, and client priorities. His background spans electrical distribution, lighting, and power systems, and he is often the one teammates turn to when they need a quick, thoughtful solution.

Ricky’s leadership style combines technical precision with genuine care for the people he works with. Whether guiding younger designers, coordinating with clients, or working alongside contractors in the field, he’s known for his steady optimism and willingness to help—no matter the challenge.

Community & Fun Facts

• Passionate about promoting teamwork and positivity within the LRA design culture

• Dedicated to fitness and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle

• Consummate family man who values time spent with loved ones above all else

• Known for his upbeat personality and ability to keep morale high—even on the toughest deadlines