Rincon Expands Leadership to Better Serve Clients Across California
Rincon is proud to welcome a group of senior leaders whose expertise strengthens our technical depth, expands our statewide reach, and enhances our ability to deliver integrated, defensible environmental solutions for complex projects. Together, these leaders bring decades of experience working with public agencies, utilities, and private clients across California’s most regulated and dynamic markets.
Their collective expertise reinforces Rincon’s commitment to practical problem-solving, regulatory certainty, and long-term client partnerships across infrastructure, energy, transportation, water resources, natural resources, and community-focused projects.
Carie Montero, RPA
Senior Principal, Transportation
Carie Montero brings more than 30 years of experience leading environmental compliance for transportation and infrastructure projects across California. She is widely respected for her work on highways, bridges, transit, rail, and active transportation projects, guiding clients through CEQA/NEPA compliance, permitting, complex Section 106 issues, and agency coordination.
A Registered Professional Archaeologist, Carie is known for developing defensible compliance strategies, managing risk, supporting grant pursuits, and navigating complex stakeholder environments. Her leadership strengthens Rincon’s transportation services in the Bay Area and Northern California while supporting integrated solutions statewide.
“We are thrilled to be adding Carie as another game-changing leader for our Transportation market sector team. As not only a high caliber environmental professional with deep and broad leadership experience and connections in Transportation, but also an incredible cultural fit for Rincon with her friendly and energetic entrepreneurial and team-first spirit, Carie is poised to help take our Transportation team to the next level.”
– Rich Daulton, Executive Vice President
Christopher Kallstrand
Principal, Arboriculture & Community Forestry
Christopher Kallstrand leads Rincon’s Arboriculture and Community Forestry practice, bringing more than 20 years of experience supporting municipalities, utilities, and agencies throughout California. His work focuses on native tree protection, urban forest planning, tree risk assessment, and regulatory compliance for development, infrastructure, and post-fire recovery projects.
Chris has managed urban forest management plans, tree ordinance compliance programs, and advanced tree risk evaluations using diagnostic technologies. He brings deep experience supporting CEQA and NEPA documentation and works closely with Rincon’s planning, biology, and GIS teams to deliver coordinated, efficient solutions for clients navigating complex permitting and environmental review processes.
“We are excited to welcome Chris to the Rincon team. His leadership and expertise will be instrumental in strengthening our Arboriculture and Community Forestry practice and expanding these valuable services for our clients.”
– Steven Hongola, Vice President
Kelley List, PG
Principal, Water Resources
Kelley List brings over two decades of experience helping clients navigate groundwater management, water policy, stormwater capture, and funding programs across California. Her background includes 17 years with the State of California, where she played a key role in implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, Integrated Regional Water Management, and Stormwater Resource Planning programs.
Kelley is widely recognized for translating complex regulatory and funding frameworks into actionable strategies. She has worked closely with public agencies, Tribes, agricultural interests, and disadvantaged communities to move water projects from planning through implementation. Her expertise strengthens Rincon’s ability to deliver resilient, compliant, and fundable water resource solutions.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Kelley as our new Principal for Water Resources. Kelley is not just filling a role—she’s bringing strategic relationships, specialized expertise, and leadership that directly advance several of our team’s priorities: groundwater sustainability, watershed resilience, funding strategy, and coalition building.”
– Rosalyn Prickett, Principal
Mike Strand
Senior Principal, Energy & Utilities
Mike Strand brings over 27 years of experience supporting energy delivery and utility infrastructure projects, including transmission lines, substations, pipelines, and renewable energy development. His expertise includes CEQA and NEPA compliance, routing and siting studies, and early-stage project planning.
Mike’s specialized experience strengthens Rincon’s qualifications in utility and transmission siting, supporting clients during critical early phases of project development. His long-standing relationships with major California utilities enhance Rincon’s ability to serve as a trusted advisor for complex energy and infrastructure programs.
“We’ve worked closely with Mike for many years as a teaming partner, working with some of our highest priority clients and projects. Mike has always been a pleasure to work with, collaborative, creative, thoughtful and curious. I’m excited to see what Mike will achieve as part of our great team!”
– David Daitch, Vice President
Thomas Liddicoat
Director, Natural Resources
Thomas Liddicoat strengthens Rincon’s Natural Resources services in San Diego and Southern California, bringing more than 20 years of experience in environmental consulting and regional agency coordination. His background spans wildlife biology, permitting, and environmental compliance for public infrastructure and private development projects.
With longstanding relationships throughout Southern California, Thomas provides clients with practical insight into local regulatory environments while supporting efficient project delivery. His experience enhances Rincon’s ability to serve clients in the San Diego region with responsive, technically sound natural resources solutions.
“I am really looking forward to working with Thomas on continuing to develop a portfolio of Natural Resources work in the San Diego area, supporting the growth and development of our current team, and expanding our presence in the region.”
– Rob Fletcher, Principal
Veronika Archer
Director, Natural Resources
Veronika Archer brings over 25 years of experience in environmental compliance, permitting, and conservation planning for infrastructure, utility, water, transportation, and development projects throughout Southern California. Her expertise includes CEQA/NEPA compliance, Clean Water Act permitting, ESA consultation, and multi-agency coordination.
Veronika plays a key role in advancing Rincon’s conservation planning and programmatic permitting capabilities, particularly for large-scale utility and public works projects. Her deep experience with regional Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans strengthens Rincon’s ability to deliver efficient, coordinated regulatory solutions across Southern California.
“Veronika brings a fresh perspective and years of experience to Rincon, and her willingness to share her insights and enthusiasm to help others and grow the program has been greatly valued and appreciated.”
– Gary Busteed, Principal