Our Team
Experienced professionals bringing insight, collaboration, and practical perspective to every project.
Alicia Avick
PE, LEED AP, CxA
B.S. Mechanical Engineering,
University of Notre Dame
President
Alicia Avick founded Advantus Engineers in 2004 and has led the firm through more than two decades of complex building and infrastructure projects. A registered Professional Engineer with a background in mechanical engineering, controls, and commissioning, she brings deep technical knowledge and a systems-level perspective to project delivery, from design and construction through building operations.
Her experience includes commissioning management, design and submittal reviews, commissioning specifications, systems testing oversight, and owner-focused project support. She has worked extensively on high-performance and sustainable buildings and brings a broader project perspective that connects design decisions, building systems, construction quality, and long-term performance.
Julie Barg
PE
B.S. Civil Engineering,
University of Notre Dame
Director of Environmental Services
Julie Barg joined Advantus Engineers in 2015, bringing an extensive background in environmental and water resources engineering. She is a registered Professional Engineer and a certified Environmental Management System (EMS) Lead Auditor. Prior to joining Advantus, Julie worked for Michael Baker International, where her experience included stormwater compliance, sustainability planning, remedial investigation, facility planning, and environmental management systems.
At Advantus, her work includes significant project management and coordination responsibilities, particularly for multi-year public infrastructure programs. She supports project delivery through stakeholder coordination, schedule and task management, reporting, and program administration, drawing on both her engineering background and extensive experience supporting public-sector projects.
Angelica Ciranni
LEED AP BD+C ID+C O+M, WELL AP, LFA, Certified Energy Manager, Fitwel Ambassador
B.S. Civil Engineering,
University of Pittsburgh
Director of Sustainability
Angelica Ciranni joined Advantus Engineers in 2019 as Director of Sustainability. She works with owners, design and construction teams, and operations staff to integrate sustainability into projects and improve the performance of buildings and organizations. Her work includes green building certification, sustainability planning, carbon emissions analysis, and strategies related to energy, water, materials, waste, and occupant well-being. She also provides project management for commissioning efforts, coordinating project teams, documentation, schedules, and implementation throughout design and construction.
Prior to joining Advantus, Angelica led the Pittsburgh 2030 District as Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Green Building Alliance, managed PNC Bank’s green building program, and managed sustainability and public art programs for the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Her experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors brings a broad perspective to sustainability and its role throughout the building lifecycle.
Glenn Avick
PE, LEED AP, CxA
B.S. Aerospace Engineering, University of Pittsburgh
M.B.A., Duquesne University
Senior Engineer
Glenn Avick brings more than 45 years of engineering, facilities, and project management experience to Advantus. Over the course of his career, he has worked as a consulting engineer, construction project manager, chief facilities engineer for a five-million-square-foot university campus, and leader of an engineering firm. That range of experience gives him a broad perspective on how facilities are designed, constructed, operated, maintained, and improved over time.
His technical and project experience includes central chiller and heating plants, industrial and institutional ventilation systems, hydronic heating, clean room design, and other complex building systems. Glenn continues to specialize in project management while remaining actively involved in engineering and assessment work, bringing decades of experience to evaluating problems, identifying options, and developing effective solutions.
Wayne Wehrle, Jr.
PE
B.S. Mechanical Engineering,
University of Pittsburgh
Senior Engineer
Wayne Wehrle brings more than 40 years of experience in mechanical engineering, facilities engineering, project management, and administration. He joined Advantus in 2017 following his retirement from Pittsburgh Public Schools, where he developed extensive experience with building systems, facility maintenance, and operations.
His background in mechanical engineering, construction, and facilities management supports Advantus’ work in design, project administration, and commissioning. Wayne brings an owner and operator perspective to projects, with a strong understanding of how building systems perform over time and what is required to maintain them effectively.
Daniel Katz
B.S. Mechanical Engineering,
The Pennsylvania State University
Project Engineer
Daniel Katz joined Advantus Engineers in 2023 as a mechanical engineer. Prior to joining Advantus, he worked for a design/build contractor and served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. His background as a military veteran and his experience in design/build provide a strong foundation for working in active construction environments and coordinating across project teams.
At Advantus, Daniel’s work includes building commissioning, MEP construction administration, and mechanical system assessments. He is actively involved in both field and project work, including site observations, drawing and submittal reviews, functional testing, and evaluation of existing building systems.
Mike Duke
Commissioning Assistant
Mike Duke joined Advantus Engineers in 2023 and brings more than 30 years of experience in building operations, maintenance, and mechanical systems. Prior to joining Advantus, he served as Steamfitter Foreman at the LEED-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center, where he oversaw the operation and maintenance of HVAC, steam distribution, climate control, refrigeration, and fire protection systems.
His extensive field and facility experience gives him a strong understanding of how building systems perform in actual operation, including the maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordination required to keep facilities running effectively. At Advantus, Mike applies that perspective to commissioning, system assessments, and construction-related project work.
Carmella Markovich
Director of Administration
Associate in Science - Secretarial Specialist
Carmella Markovich brings more than 30 years of administrative experience to Advantus Engineers. As Director of Administration, she supports the day-to-day operations of the firm, working closely with the President and staff while also coordinating with clients and project teams.
Her responsibilities include bookkeeping, payroll, human resources, and other essential business functions that support both the firm and its employees. Her experience and organization help keep Advantus’ internal operations running smoothly and provide consistent support across the company.