Team

Our team of dedicated professionals has vast experience providing Inland Northwest communities with the infrastructure and funding needed to improve their services and standard of living.

We share a commitment to outstanding service and we hold each other accountable. We’re a team — and a family. That contributes to the quality and reliability of our service to you.

Click the photos below to learn about each Varela team member, from our professional backgrounds to personal interests. We think you’ll appreciate our down-to-earth approach and enjoy working with us.

  • Varela Engineering & Management leadership team member showcasing professional engineering experience.

    Jesse Cowger, PE Principal Engineer, President

    Leads with a steady hand and a clear vision, making complex engineering feel surprisingly straightforward.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Principal Engineer and Vice President providing leadership in civil engineering.

    Kurt Holland Principal Engineer, Vice President

    Thrives on tough engineering puzzles and has a knack for turning complexity into clean solutions.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Principal Engineer providing leadership in civil engineering.

    Daniel Cowger, PE Principal Engineer

    Detail focused by nature and proud of it, Daniel makes sure everything works exactly the way it should.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Principal Engineer providing leadership in civil engineering.

    Ben Varela, Principal Engineer

    Spokane born and construction minded, Ben bridges the gap between design and real world build-ability.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Principal Engineer providing leadership in civil engineering.

    Dana V. Cowger, PE Principal Engineer

    Brings steady experience and long term perspective, with a calm approach shaped by Montana roots and years in the field.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Project Manager supporting engineering and infrastructure projects.

    Jeff Moran Project Manager

    A true Spokane lifer with decades at Varela, Jeff knows how things work, and how to make them work better.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Senior Engineer supporting environmental and infrastructure projects.

    John Patrouch, PE Senior Engineer

    Focused, dependable, and detail aware, Pete keeps municipal projects moving smoothly from plan to pavement.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Civil Engineer supporting municipal and infrastructure projects.

    Peter Cowger, PE Civil Engineer

    Pete was born in Billings, Montana and was raised in Spokane. He attended Washington State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Engineering Designer and CAD Supervisor supporting civil engineering projects.

    Tran Pham Engineering Designer, CAD Supervisor

    Relentlessly precise, Tran is the quiet force behind drawings that actually make sense in the field.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Civil Engineer supporting municipal and infrastructure projects.

    Nathan Hutchens, PE Civil Engineer

    Hands on from day one, Nate brings real world grit and a practical mindset to every civil design.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Civil Engineer in Training supporting engineering and infrastructure projects.

    Jared Anderson, EIT Civil Engineer

    Grew up in Lake Chelan and never stopped loving the outdoors, Jared brings energy, curiosity, and fresh perspective to the team.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Civil Engineer supporting municipal and infrastructure projects.

    Kevin Taft, PE Civil Engineer

    Grounded, hardworking, and thoughtful, Kevin approaches engineering with the same care he brings to family and community.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Civil Engineer in Training supporting engineering and infrastructure projects.

    Brian Thompson, EIT Civil Engineer

    With a construction background and a problem solver’s mindset, Brian designs with the builder in mind.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Office Manager supporting administrative and operational functions.

    Tammy Turner Office Manager

    Keeps the office running smoothly with organization, experience, and an unflappable attitude.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Project Accounts and Payroll Administrator supporting administrative operations.

    Rae Jean Jones Project Accounts, Payroll Administrator

    Decades of accounting experience and unmatched attention to detail keep the numbers accurate and the wheels turning.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Project Funding and Development professional supporting infrastructure projects.

    Abby Gromlich Project Funding & Development

    Connects projects to funding with clarity, persistence, and a knack for navigating complex processes.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Senior Engineering Specialist with expertise in asphalt and roadway construction.

    Phil Barto, PE Asphalt Whisperer

    With nearly five decades of experience, Phil knows asphalt so well it barely needs to explain itself.

  • Varela Engineering & Management Field Inspector supporting construction management and infrastructure projects.

    Todd McEachran Construction Management, Field Inspection

    Field tested and people focused, Todd brings a practical eye and steady presence to every job site.

  • Dillon McCardle, EIT – Civil Engineer

  • Tyler Spence, PE – Electrical Engineer

  • Cynthia Fuller , Funding Specialist