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.
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Jesse Cowger, PE Principal Engineer, President
Leads with a steady hand and a clear vision, making complex engineering feel surprisingly straightforward.
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Kurt Holland Principal Engineer, Vice President
Thrives on tough engineering puzzles and has a knack for turning complexity into clean solutions.
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Daniel Cowger, PE Principal Engineer
Detail focused by nature and proud of it, Daniel makes sure everything works exactly the way it should.
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Ben Varela, Principal Engineer
Spokane born and construction minded, Ben bridges the gap between design and real world build-ability.
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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.
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Jeff Moran Project Manager
A true Spokane lifer with decades at Varela, Jeff knows how things work, and how to make them work better.
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John Patrouch, PE Senior Engineer
Focused, dependable, and detail aware, Pete keeps municipal projects moving smoothly from plan to pavement.
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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.
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Tran Pham Engineering Designer, CAD Supervisor
Relentlessly precise, Tran is the quiet force behind drawings that actually make sense in the field.
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Nathan Hutchens, PE Civil Engineer
Hands on from day one, Nate brings real world grit and a practical mindset to every civil design.
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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.
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Kevin Taft, PE Civil Engineer
Grounded, hardworking, and thoughtful, Kevin approaches engineering with the same care he brings to family and community.
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Brian Thompson, EIT Civil Engineer
With a construction background and a problem solver’s mindset, Brian designs with the builder in mind.
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Tammy Turner Office Manager
Keeps the office running smoothly with organization, experience, and an unflappable attitude.
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Rae Jean Jones Project Accounts, Payroll Administrator
Decades of accounting experience and unmatched attention to detail keep the numbers accurate and the wheels turning.
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Abby Gromlich Project Funding & Development
Connects projects to funding with clarity, persistence, and a knack for navigating complex processes.
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Phil Barto, PE Asphalt Whisperer
With nearly five decades of experience, Phil knows asphalt so well it barely needs to explain itself.
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Todd McEachran Construction Management, Field Inspection
Field tested and people focused, Todd brings a practical eye and steady presence to every job site.
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Dillon McCardle, EIT – Civil Engineer
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Tyler Spence, PE – Electrical Engineer
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Cynthia Fuller , Funding Specialist