PEOPLE: PROFESSIONALS
Louis P. Roth, MPA
Director of Government Relations
Lou manages the firm’s state and federal government relations practice area. His brings unique insight and perspective to the legislative process and is adept at simplifying complex legislative issues. Prior to his time at Delta, Lou worked for Holston & Associates, a government relations firm located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He also worked in a variety of roles for U.S. Representative George Gekas in Washington, D.C.
Director of Government Relations
Lou manages the firm’s state and federal government relations practice area. His brings unique insight and perspective to the legislative process and is adept at simplifying complex legislative issues. Prior to his time at Delta, Lou worked for Holston & Associates, a government relations firm located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He also worked in a variety of roles for U.S. Representative George Gekas in Washington, D.C.
Bonnie Wilkinson Mark
Principal, Historic Resources and Tax Credit Services
Bonnie has more than 29 years of experience working with historic resources and the use of historic tax credits. Because of her strong public-sector experience, Bonnie was responsible for the technical review and administration of the Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit program (historic tax credits) for Pennsylvania.
Principal, Historic Resources and Tax Credit Services
Bonnie has more than 29 years of experience working with historic resources and the use of historic tax credits. Because of her strong public-sector experience, Bonnie was responsible for the technical review and administration of the Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit program (historic tax credits) for Pennsylvania.
Christian Muniz
Senior Consultant
Christian joins Delta Development Group after more than 20 years of public and private sector experience focused on Pennsylvania state government. Over that time, his work for clients has included community and economic development incentives, tax and pension reform, and a multitude of legislative policies. He brings project management and leadership skills to the service of Delta’s clients. Most recently, Christian served as a contract lobbyist with Pugliese Associates. Within state government, he served as a legislative staffer to a former House leader and later as the Legislative Director at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) under former Governor Ed Rendell. Christian is a Navy veteran, having served as a cryptologist from 1988 through 1994. Today he also volunteers his time as an appointed Planning Commissioner for Carlisle Borough.
Senior Consultant
Christian joins Delta Development Group after more than 20 years of public and private sector experience focused on Pennsylvania state government. Over that time, his work for clients has included community and economic development incentives, tax and pension reform, and a multitude of legislative policies. He brings project management and leadership skills to the service of Delta’s clients. Most recently, Christian served as a contract lobbyist with Pugliese Associates. Within state government, he served as a legislative staffer to a former House leader and later as the Legislative Director at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) under former Governor Ed Rendell. Christian is a Navy veteran, having served as a cryptologist from 1988 through 1994. Today he also volunteers his time as an appointed Planning Commissioner for Carlisle Borough.
Christopher Johnston
Senior Consultant
Chris Johnston leads transit, economic development, and funding projects for Delta Development Group’s clients with a background in funding, and federal transit. Chris has worked at all levels of government. Chris’ previous experience includes serving as Executive Director for the Department of Parking and Transportation at California University of PA and as Assistant Deputy Secretary for Local and Area Transportation at PennDOT overseeing the bureaus of Public Transit, Rail Freight ports and water ways and municipal services. He developed and implemented a new managed parking system that created policy development, permit distribution, enforcement guidance, revenue accountability and a new shuttle service serving a campus with 3800 parking spaces and a multi-level garage. Chris’ unique background in all modes of transportation provides him with a balanced transportation perspective. He is experienced with federal and state funding programs, particularly regarding transportation modes, and has developed strong relationships with senior state and federal transportation agency officials.
Senior Consultant
Chris Johnston leads transit, economic development, and funding projects for Delta Development Group’s clients with a background in funding, and federal transit. Chris has worked at all levels of government. Chris’ previous experience includes serving as Executive Director for the Department of Parking and Transportation at California University of PA and as Assistant Deputy Secretary for Local and Area Transportation at PennDOT overseeing the bureaus of Public Transit, Rail Freight ports and water ways and municipal services. He developed and implemented a new managed parking system that created policy development, permit distribution, enforcement guidance, revenue accountability and a new shuttle service serving a campus with 3800 parking spaces and a multi-level garage. Chris’ unique background in all modes of transportation provides him with a balanced transportation perspective. He is experienced with federal and state funding programs, particularly regarding transportation modes, and has developed strong relationships with senior state and federal transportation agency officials.
Lynda Conway
Senior Consultant
Lynda has more than 30 years of experience in public transportation, including a 28-year career at Port Authority of Allegheny County where she retired as Assistant General Manager of Planning and Service Development. She used her expertise gained at Port Authority to successfully complete a wide variety of public transportation projects for Clear View Strategies, and has joined the Delta team where she advances clients’ transit projects.
Senior Consultant
Lynda has more than 30 years of experience in public transportation, including a 28-year career at Port Authority of Allegheny County where she retired as Assistant General Manager of Planning and Service Development. She used her expertise gained at Port Authority to successfully complete a wide variety of public transportation projects for Clear View Strategies, and has joined the Delta team where she advances clients’ transit projects.
Carol Lee, Ph.D
Senior Consultant
Carol has over 35 years of experience working with local history and focuses primarily on the significance section for National Register of Historic Places nominations and Part 1 of the Historic Preservation Certification applications. Previously, she retired as the coordinator for the National Register and Survey Program at the Bureau for Historic Preservation, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. She was the project manager and participated in the development of statewide contexts for African American Resources, historic educational resources, and the agricultural context.
Senior Consultant
Carol has over 35 years of experience working with local history and focuses primarily on the significance section for National Register of Historic Places nominations and Part 1 of the Historic Preservation Certification applications. Previously, she retired as the coordinator for the National Register and Survey Program at the Bureau for Historic Preservation, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. She was the project manager and participated in the development of statewide contexts for African American Resources, historic educational resources, and the agricultural context.
Dane Higbee
Senior Consultant
Dane brings in-depth analytical and writing skills to Delta’s team. At Delta, Dane assists the Community & Economic Planning and Private Funding teams with delivering accurate and client-oriented deliverable products. Prior to joining Delta, he graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As a student at Indiana, he was able to amass skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, data research, report writing, and GIS mapping. Dane also has insight into the public planning process through his internship with Franklin County, Pennsylvania’s Planning Department.
Senior Consultant
Dane brings in-depth analytical and writing skills to Delta’s team. At Delta, Dane assists the Community & Economic Planning and Private Funding teams with delivering accurate and client-oriented deliverable products. Prior to joining Delta, he graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As a student at Indiana, he was able to amass skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, data research, report writing, and GIS mapping. Dane also has insight into the public planning process through his internship with Franklin County, Pennsylvania’s Planning Department.
Edward Durst, Jr.
Senior Consultant
Edward (Ed) Durst brings over 16 years’ experience in both state and local emergency operations management and healthcare emergency management. He has developed and led numerous exercises, to include mass casualty response, hospital and governmental facility evacuations, and business and downtime continuity exercises, from conception through the after-action review process, utilizing the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) concepts. He has developed multiple annual hazard vulnerability assessments (HVAs), written both healthcare centric and state emergency operation plans, with an all-hazards focus encompassing the key elements of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, and he has led a 60-person hospital incident management team through both natural and manmade disasters and during cyber response incidents.
Senior Consultant
Edward (Ed) Durst brings over 16 years’ experience in both state and local emergency operations management and healthcare emergency management. He has developed and led numerous exercises, to include mass casualty response, hospital and governmental facility evacuations, and business and downtime continuity exercises, from conception through the after-action review process, utilizing the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) concepts. He has developed multiple annual hazard vulnerability assessments (HVAs), written both healthcare centric and state emergency operation plans, with an all-hazards focus encompassing the key elements of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, and he has led a 60-person hospital incident management team through both natural and manmade disasters and during cyber response incidents.
Joshua Walter
Senior Consultant
Joshua (Josh) has been working as an emergency management and disaster preparedness consultant and has helped with the development of several CPG-101-compliant emergency operations plans. His work and academic experience have provided him with an understanding of the National Incident Management System (NIMS); Incident Command System (ICS); hazard, vulnerability, and risk assessments; crisis communications; planning; and exercise design and evaluation. Before joining Delta, Joshua was an emergency planner with Savior Associates where he was involved in the development, execution, and evaluation of multiple HSEEP-consistent tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises, specifically in the public health and emergency services sectors. Additionally, Joshua was part of the project team to develop COVID-19 response after-action reports (AAR) and improvement plans (IP) for Johns Hopkins Health System, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Suburban Hospital, Howard County General Hospital, and Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
Senior Consultant
Joshua (Josh) has been working as an emergency management and disaster preparedness consultant and has helped with the development of several CPG-101-compliant emergency operations plans. His work and academic experience have provided him with an understanding of the National Incident Management System (NIMS); Incident Command System (ICS); hazard, vulnerability, and risk assessments; crisis communications; planning; and exercise design and evaluation. Before joining Delta, Joshua was an emergency planner with Savior Associates where he was involved in the development, execution, and evaluation of multiple HSEEP-consistent tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises, specifically in the public health and emergency services sectors. Additionally, Joshua was part of the project team to develop COVID-19 response after-action reports (AAR) and improvement plans (IP) for Johns Hopkins Health System, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Suburban Hospital, Howard County General Hospital, and Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
Maggie McGahen
Senior Consultant
Maggie brings a thorough understanding of economic theory and modeling approaches, combined with in-depth analytical and critical thinking skills to Delta’s team. She has a deep understanding of economic data and the appropriate methods of analysis to interpret data. Prior to joining Delta she graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and interned at the 41st National Presidential Nominating Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. She also served as a Congressional Office intern for the United States House of Representatives and as a Congressional Committee intern for the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, specifically in the subcommittee of the Coast Guard and Maritime. During the summer of 2018, Maggie assisted the economic development team for her hometown to revitalize their main street, where she gained hands-on experience and understanding on adapting and implementing new ideas.
Senior Consultant
Maggie brings a thorough understanding of economic theory and modeling approaches, combined with in-depth analytical and critical thinking skills to Delta’s team. She has a deep understanding of economic data and the appropriate methods of analysis to interpret data. Prior to joining Delta she graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and interned at the 41st National Presidential Nominating Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. She also served as a Congressional Office intern for the United States House of Representatives and as a Congressional Committee intern for the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, specifically in the subcommittee of the Coast Guard and Maritime. During the summer of 2018, Maggie assisted the economic development team for her hometown to revitalize their main street, where she gained hands-on experience and understanding on adapting and implementing new ideas.
Diane Lizambri
Consultant
Over the past 20 years, Diane’s responsibilities have included managing the administration of Delta’s network infrastructure, collaborating with the IT team on application development projects, creating graphic design artwork; and assuming the role of quality assurance analyst, lead product trainer, and technical writer for Delta’s emergency management solutions software. Diane contributes to Delta’s Disaster Preparedness Solutions team by participating in exercise planning and personnel support for exercise conduct.
Consultant
Over the past 20 years, Diane’s responsibilities have included managing the administration of Delta’s network infrastructure, collaborating with the IT team on application development projects, creating graphic design artwork; and assuming the role of quality assurance analyst, lead product trainer, and technical writer for Delta’s emergency management solutions software. Diane contributes to Delta’s Disaster Preparedness Solutions team by participating in exercise planning and personnel support for exercise conduct.
Crystal Spence
Consultant
Crystal posses over 20 years of continuous leadership and management experience in the disciplines of health services and education and training. With her extensive military background in the United States Air Force, Crystal brings experience in disease and disability education, care, and evaluation of nursing care. In addition, she has provided disaster training for medical and non-medical personnel, and has obtained intermediate to expert fluency with programs associated with various medical systems.
Consultant
Crystal posses over 20 years of continuous leadership and management experience in the disciplines of health services and education and training. With her extensive military background in the United States Air Force, Crystal brings experience in disease and disability education, care, and evaluation of nursing care. In addition, she has provided disaster training for medical and non-medical personnel, and has obtained intermediate to expert fluency with programs associated with various medical systems.
Samantha Berman
Consultant
Samantha (Sam) has a variety of experience in disaster preparedness. While employed with Insight Global as a Case Investigator she worked independently conducting interviews with COVID-19 patients to determine how they may have contracted and spread COVID-19. She reports to the Pennsylvania Department of Health epidemiologists and assists in identifying outbreaks and high-risk cases of COVID-19. Working with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Joint Rapid Response Task Force, she used WebEOC to track COVID-19 outbreaks in K-12 schools. Sam is a member of Team Rubicon, an international disaster response nonprofit, who provides training in disaster planning, response , and recovery to provide rapid relief to communities in need. This opportunity provided her a chance to strengthen her knowledge of the incident command systems and incident management. With Team Rubicon she was deployed to Philadelphia, PA to assist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency COVID-19 vaccinations held at the Philadelphia Convention Center. She is also a member of Kenyon International Emergency Services as a team member who is contracted to respond to mass causality incidents.
Consultant
Samantha (Sam) has a variety of experience in disaster preparedness. While employed with Insight Global as a Case Investigator she worked independently conducting interviews with COVID-19 patients to determine how they may have contracted and spread COVID-19. She reports to the Pennsylvania Department of Health epidemiologists and assists in identifying outbreaks and high-risk cases of COVID-19. Working with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Joint Rapid Response Task Force, she used WebEOC to track COVID-19 outbreaks in K-12 schools. Sam is a member of Team Rubicon, an international disaster response nonprofit, who provides training in disaster planning, response , and recovery to provide rapid relief to communities in need. This opportunity provided her a chance to strengthen her knowledge of the incident command systems and incident management. With Team Rubicon she was deployed to Philadelphia, PA to assist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency COVID-19 vaccinations held at the Philadelphia Convention Center. She is also a member of Kenyon International Emergency Services as a team member who is contracted to respond to mass causality incidents.
Michael Owens
Consultant
With his background in medicine and public health, Michael (Mike) is a key player on the disaster preparedness solutions team. Michael interned with the Dayton Metropolitan Medical Response System (DMMRS) where he was involved in the development of Quickdrill information presentations for first responders at the beginning of COVID-19. These presentations provided pertinent pathogen information along with recommended safety measures conveyed to the public. Michael also participated in the development of After-Action Reports (AAR) and Improvement Plans (IP) for tabletop and full-scale mass casualty incident exercises for DMMRS, Wilson Memorial Hospital, Wilson Health, Quincy EMS, Perry Point-Salem Rescue, Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association, Southwest Ohio Regional Trauma System, and City of Sidney: Fire, Police, and County Sheriff.
Consultant
With his background in medicine and public health, Michael (Mike) is a key player on the disaster preparedness solutions team. Michael interned with the Dayton Metropolitan Medical Response System (DMMRS) where he was involved in the development of Quickdrill information presentations for first responders at the beginning of COVID-19. These presentations provided pertinent pathogen information along with recommended safety measures conveyed to the public. Michael also participated in the development of After-Action Reports (AAR) and Improvement Plans (IP) for tabletop and full-scale mass casualty incident exercises for DMMRS, Wilson Memorial Hospital, Wilson Health, Quincy EMS, Perry Point-Salem Rescue, Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association, Southwest Ohio Regional Trauma System, and City of Sidney: Fire, Police, and County Sheriff.
Kathleen Hall
Consultant
Kathleen (Katie) has a strong background in state and local government experience with distinct economic and qualitative abilities. Prior to Delta, Katie worked as a modeling and development analyst where her primary role was to analyze projects related to Pennsylvania's economic development programs and the impact on the state economy. She analyzed a variety of economic development incentives offered across the state and developed models to estimate the economic impact of certain programs on the Pennsylvania economy. As a budget and policy analyst for the Colorado Governor's Budget office she managed policy matters that affected the state's department of Health Care Policy and Financing that carried a fiscal impact.
Consultant
Kathleen (Katie) has a strong background in state and local government experience with distinct economic and qualitative abilities. Prior to Delta, Katie worked as a modeling and development analyst where her primary role was to analyze projects related to Pennsylvania's economic development programs and the impact on the state economy. She analyzed a variety of economic development incentives offered across the state and developed models to estimate the economic impact of certain programs on the Pennsylvania economy. As a budget and policy analyst for the Colorado Governor's Budget office she managed policy matters that affected the state's department of Health Care Policy and Financing that carried a fiscal impact.
Brandyn Smith
Consultant
Brandyn has a keen understanding of economic theory and data analytics that is coupled with his extensive knowledge of funding opportunities through the Commonwealth grants and loans. Brandyn worked for the Governor's Center for Local Government Services within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development where he administered the Municipal Assistance Program and the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act. Brandyn was a key player in the development of the Early Warning System that compiles financial, demographic, and socio-economic indicators of financial distress as a means of being proactive against distress before it reaches significant levels of concern.
Consultant
Brandyn has a keen understanding of economic theory and data analytics that is coupled with his extensive knowledge of funding opportunities through the Commonwealth grants and loans. Brandyn worked for the Governor's Center for Local Government Services within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development where he administered the Municipal Assistance Program and the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act. Brandyn was a key player in the development of the Early Warning System that compiles financial, demographic, and socio-economic indicators of financial distress as a means of being proactive against distress before it reaches significant levels of concern.
Kate Dunlap
Consultant
Kate has had an array of experience in public health, specifically with public health preparedness and disaster planning. Kate interned with the Watauga County Health Department (known as AppHealthCare) in Boone, NC where she focused on public health preparedness as well as collaborating with a team of interns to manage and troubleshoot the implementation of North Carolina’s COVID-19 vaccine database. Kate has also interned with the Florida Division of Emergency Management as a Special Projects Intern where she assisted in revising the company website. She was selected to be a fellow with Appalachian State’s Public Health Preparedness Fellowship where she worked with 4 other students to discuss and analyze COVID-19 trends in the area and become up to date on the latest preparedness ideas and public health innovations.
Consultant
Kate has had an array of experience in public health, specifically with public health preparedness and disaster planning. Kate interned with the Watauga County Health Department (known as AppHealthCare) in Boone, NC where she focused on public health preparedness as well as collaborating with a team of interns to manage and troubleshoot the implementation of North Carolina’s COVID-19 vaccine database. Kate has also interned with the Florida Division of Emergency Management as a Special Projects Intern where she assisted in revising the company website. She was selected to be a fellow with Appalachian State’s Public Health Preparedness Fellowship where she worked with 4 other students to discuss and analyze COVID-19 trends in the area and become up to date on the latest preparedness ideas and public health innovations.
Trent Miller
Consultant
Trent is an associate with Delta Development Group, Inc. He will be working with the Development Services team. Trent is experienced in community and economic development practices and principles and has experience with the Commonwealth’s funding opportunities through both grants and loans.
Prior to joining Delta, Trent interned with Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, or ABCD Corp., in Altoona, Pennsylvania where he focused on grant writing/coordination, in order to secure funding for local projects. He also collaborated with local leaders and elected officials to ensure sustainable and equitable growth throughout Blair County and other surrounding counties.
Consultant
Trent is an associate with Delta Development Group, Inc. He will be working with the Development Services team. Trent is experienced in community and economic development practices and principles and has experience with the Commonwealth’s funding opportunities through both grants and loans.
Prior to joining Delta, Trent interned with Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, or ABCD Corp., in Altoona, Pennsylvania where he focused on grant writing/coordination, in order to secure funding for local projects. He also collaborated with local leaders and elected officials to ensure sustainable and equitable growth throughout Blair County and other surrounding counties.
Daniel J. Kennedy
Senior Consultant
Dan Kennedy has expertise with private corporate incentive projects and clients. In this capacity, he has secured local, state, and federal incentives for companies that are making new business investments. Prior to joining Delta, Dan held several senior management positions with the Governor’s Action Team, where he was instrumental in helping more than 300 businesses expand or locate in Pennsylvania. Some of the businesses he worked with include Lockheed Martin, Sony Electronics, Starbucks Coffee, and Cabela’s
Senior Consultant
Dan Kennedy has expertise with private corporate incentive projects and clients. In this capacity, he has secured local, state, and federal incentives for companies that are making new business investments. Prior to joining Delta, Dan held several senior management positions with the Governor’s Action Team, where he was instrumental in helping more than 300 businesses expand or locate in Pennsylvania. Some of the businesses he worked with include Lockheed Martin, Sony Electronics, Starbucks Coffee, and Cabela’s