Cory Rozwat

Rebecca Berkey

Administrative Assistant

Rebecca brings over 25 years of business administration and an extensive customer relations background to the East Hills Team.

Her experience includes working as a Firm Administrator and Accounting Assistant, where she established herself as an integral part of the leadership team. Her many roles have included Director of Firm Events, Marketing/social media, Human Resources and Executive Assistant. Becky joined East Hills Engineering in November of 2020 and serves as the administrative support to the entire East Hills Team.

She enjoys baking – especially cake balls & detailed sugar cookies, cooking, painting and crafting. She also enjoys golfing and boating with her husband and 2 boys and spending time with friends and family.

You can contact Becky at [email protected]

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Susan Muha

Systems CAD Technician

Susan has over 25 years of drafting experience and has a BA from the University of Pittsburg at Johnstown.

She first developed a love for hand drafting in high school but didn’t pursue a career in drafting until 1994.

Her experience includes 5 years at a local architectural firm in Johnstown and then started a home business providing architectural drafting and printing services to stay home with her two children. Susan joined East Hills Engineering in September 2017.

Susan enjoys being outside exercising or working in the yard and spending time with friends and family.

You can contact Susan at [email protected]

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Michael Finnigan, CPDT

Plumbing Systems CAD Technician

Michael graduated from Forest Hills High School in 2006 where he received the Engineering Technology Award.

After High School, he attended Triangle Tech Institute in Greensburg, PA, where he received an Associate Degree in Architectural Design. He has been in the CAD Drafting/System Design Field from 2008 until 2015 when he joined EHEA in the HVAC Department as an HVAC Systems CAD Technician.

In June of 2018, he transitioned into the Plumbing Department as a Plumbing Systems CAD Technician where he works on many different types of projects including multi-family, commercial, retail, institutional and industrial buildings and where he will continue his knowledge and growth in the Plumbing System Design Field.

When Michael is not working, he enjoys bowling, cars and spending time with family and friends.

You can contact Michael at [email protected]

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Mariah Hillegas

Plumbing Department as a Systems CAD Technician

Mariah graduated from Somerset County Technology Center in 2013, where she studied Pre-Engineering/Drafting and Design. At SCTC she was also the school wide SkillsUSA President and the Western Region SkillsUSA Conference Vice President.

After graduating, Mariah went on to graduate from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in 2015 with an AAS in Architectural and Civil CADD. She also made Deans List every semester, became a lifetime member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Alpha Pi, and graduated with the honor of Magna Cum Laude.

Prior to being employed at East Hills Engineering Associates, she worked for three years as a structural designer in the construction industry. She is now working in EHEA’s Plumbing Department as a Systems CAD Technician.

When Mariah is not working, she likes hiking, reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.

You can contact Mariah at [email protected]

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Kyle Koval, CHD

HVAC Department Supervisor

Kyle E. Koval is a 2010 graduate of Triangle Tech Institute, Greensburg, PA with an Associates of Applied Science in Architectural Computer Aided Drafting and Design.

Over the length of the 2-year program, Kyle made the Deans List each semester while also receiving other various awards. In February of 2010, Kyle graduated from Triangle Tech Institute with High Honors and Valedictorian Merit. He is still involved at Triangle Tech as an Academic Curriculum Board Advisor.

Kyle joined East Hills Engineering Associates in March of 2010 as an HVAC Systems CAD Technician, where he quickly moved through the ranks to Designer Level I & II. Kyle now oversees the HVAC Department as the Department Supervisor where his responsibilities include scheduling, design and coordination with Owners and Contractors as well as training and mentoring new members of EHEA.

When Kyle can’t be found at work, he loves spending anytime he has with his wife Mandi, daughter Averi and son Kaleb. Among spending time with his family, he enjoys hunting, sports, fixing things and volunteering for his Church as member of the Building Renovations Board and on Sunday mornings as Audio Technician.

You can contact Kyle at [email protected]

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Judi Lynch

Systems CAD Technician

Judi started her career in electrical design in 1977 working on commercial buildings.

She specializes in health care facilities, which includes hospital administration suites, operating suites, maternity suites, pediatric suites, psychiatric suites, MRI, CT scan, CAT scan, X-Ray, emergency departments, pharmacies, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and outpatient facilities.

In addition to healthcare projects she has worked on primary, secondary and vocational schools, business offices, theatres, federal government projects, state correctional facilities, national park service facilities, postal service facilities, food service facilities, retail stores, vehicle dealership facilities, vehicle repair garages, fire halls, parking garages and convention centers.

In her spare time, she enjoys creating artwork with subjects such as portraits, landscape, still-life’s and recreating masterworks. She uses pastels, ink, pencil, colored pencil and charcoal to create her artwork.

You can contact Judi at [email protected]

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Jim Washko

Plumbing Department Supervisor

Jim completed the Computer Programming Course at ICM School of Business in 1983 and has completed a various amount of drafting and design classes since then.

He has been employed at East Hills Engineering Associates since 1990, where he started out as the company’s first computer-aided draftsman. Shortly after starting he worked his way into the Plumbing Department and became a Plumbing Systems designer.

Currently, Jim is the Plumbing Department Supervisor where he oversees plumbing designs, drawings, scheduling, and specifications. Jim has been a member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) since 1997 and is a Charter Member of the Johnstown Chapter.

Outside of work Jim enjoys golfing, bowling, family vacations, and attending various sporting events.

You can contact Jim at [email protected]

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George DeFrehn

Founder Emeritus

In 1984, George DeFrehn and Gerald Kiniry founded East Hills Engineering Associates to provide Mechanical and Electrical Building System Design to Architects and Building Owners.

During George’s long career, that started in 1972 after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Main Campus with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. George has been the Engineer of record for well over 2,000 successful projects.

Over that period George brought together a top-notch group of Engineers and System Designers of which he could not be prouder. That group of dedicated people will continue to thrive and grow under the visionary leadership of Christopher Albright and Brett Yonish.

Grandchildren and golf will continue to become a larger part of George’s life as he transitions from his Ownership role into retirement/part-time employee.

You can contact George at [email protected]

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Electrical Systems CAD Technician

Cory started his career at East Hills Engineering Associates as an electrical draftsman after graduating from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in 2012 with an Associate degree in Applied Science.

There, he studied Architecture and Civil drafting and design with courses related to electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems design. Prior to being employed with East Hills Engineering Associates, he worked as an apprentice for a general contractor, working on miscellaneous residential jobs.

While working in the carpentry field, he was able to familiarize himself with the multiple building systems integration such as structural construction, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and HVAC systems.

In his spare time, he enjoys putting his skills to the test in the craft of woodworking, exploring the great outdoors and most importantly, spending time with his family.

You can contact Cory at [email protected]

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Chris Mazzarese

Electrical Systems Designer

Chris joined East Hills Engineering Associates in 2015 after graduating from Triangle Tech Greensburg with an Associates Degree in Mechanical Drafting and Design.

Chris gained experience in the Building industry while working for his father’s Plumbing and HVAC business which proves to be a valuable experience, allowing him to add practicality to his design process.

Chris works in the Electrical department as an Electrical Systems CAD Technician working on multi-family housing, commercial, industrial and institutional facilities.

When Chris is not working, he enjoys mountain biking and hiking with friends.

You can contact Chris at [email protected]

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Chris Albright, PE, LEED AP

Principal

Christopher has a genuine interest in making things better and has engineered hundreds of HVAC systems since joining East Hills Engineering Associates in 2003.

Christopher gained early experience with the HVAC industry while tagging along on service calls with his father, an HVAC technician, and later worked as a laborer for an Electrical Contractor. Christopher graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree, earned his Professional Engineer’s license in Pennsylvania in 2009 and is now registered as a Professional Engineer in eight (8) States, PA, MD, OH, VA, WV, DE, NJ, and NC.

When he is not working, Christopher enjoys spending time with his family and friends and playing golf.

You can contact Christopher at [email protected]

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Bryan Philips

Senior Electrical Designer

Like many of Johnstown’s working-class Bryan began his working career in a local steel mill, where he eventually worked his way up to becoming a Turn Foreman at US Steel in the Johnstown Foundry Division before being laid off.

He then went back to school to Greater Johnstown Vocational Technical School (Post Secondary Education) where he studied Drafting and Design. Bryan started with East Hills Engineering in 1984 as a Drafter for Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing.

Shortly thereafter he moved into the Electrical Department where he has been ever since. While working full-time he also graduated from ICS studying to be an Electrician and from Cambria County Area Community College (Penn Highlands) with a degree in Building Systems Design. He has been involved in all types of projects including Waste Water Treatment, Water Treatment, Industrial Electrical Projects, Commercial Buildings, Defense Contractor Facilities, Housing Projects, Schools, Hospitals and numerous others.

When not at work, Bryan enjoys being involved with the Paint Creek Regional Watershed Association, remodeling projects, grandchildren, family, and fishing.

You can contact Bryan at [email protected]

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Barbara Hershberger

Accountant

You can contact Barbara at [email protected]

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Brett Yonish, P.E., LEED AP

Principal

Brett graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with an Electrical Engineering Technology Degree, including a Math Minor and Physics Minor in 2006 and joined East Hills Engineering Associates days after graduation.

Brett became a LEED Accredited Professional in 2009 and then earned his Professional Engineer’s License in Pennsylvania in 2013. He is now registered as a Professional Engineer in seven (7) states including PA, MD, VA, WV, DE, NJ, and NC.

In 2016, Brett was honored with the Young Engineer of the Year Award by the Johnstown Chapter of Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. Brett is very passionate about his work as Head Electrical Engineer and as one of the Principals of the company, and truly values his relationships with clients.

Outside of work, Brett is a proud father and husband, enjoys sports, cars, hunting, working around the house, and being active in the community and his local church.

You can contact Brett at [email protected]

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Cory Rozwat

Cory started his career at East Hills Engineering Associates as an electrical draftsman after graduating from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in 2012 with an Associate degree in Applied Science.

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Rebecca Berkey

Rebecca brings over 25 years of business administration and an extensive customer relations background to the East Hills Team.

Susan Muha

Susan has over 25 years of drafting experience and has a BA from the University of Pittsburg at Johnstown.

Michael Finnigan, CPDT

Michael graduated from Forest Hills High School in 2006 where he received the Engineering Technology Award.

Mariah Hillegas

Mariah graduated from Somerset County Technology Center in 2013, where she studied Pre-Engineering/Drafting and Design. At SCTC she was also the school wide SkillsUSA President and the Western Region SkillsUSA Conference Vice President.

Kyle Koval, CHD

Kyle E. Koval is a 2010 graduate of Triangle Tech Institute, Greensburg, PA with an Associates of Applied Science in Architectural Computer Aided Drafting and Design.

Judi Lynch

Judi started her career in electrical design in 1977 working on commercial buildings.

Jim Washko

Jim completed the Computer Programming Course at ICM School of Business in 1983 and has completed a various amount of drafting and design classes since then.

George DeFrehn

In 1984, George DeFrehn and Gerald Kiniry founded East Hills Engineering Associates to provide Mechanical and Electrical Building System Design to Architects and Building Owners.

Cory Rozwat

Cory started his career at East Hills Engineering Associates as an electrical draftsman after graduating from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in 2012 with an Associate degree in Applied Science.

Chris Mazzarese

Chris joined East Hills Engineering Associates in 2015 after graduating from Triangle Tech Greensburg with an Associates Degree in Mechanical Drafting and Design.

Chris Albright, PE, LEED AP

Christopher has a genuine interest in making things better and has engineered hundreds of HVAC systems since joining East Hills Engineering Associates in 2003.

Bryan Philips

Like many of Johnstown’s working-class Bryan began his working career in a local steel mill, where he eventually worked his way up to becoming a Turn Foreman at US Steel in the Johnstown Foundry Division before being laid off.

Barbara Hershberger

Brett Yonish, P.E., LEED AP

Brett graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with an Electrical Engineering Technology Degree, including a Math Minor and Physics Minor in 2006 and joined East Hills Engineering Associates days after graduation.