As Civiltec Engineering enters its 40th year, the firm is proud to announce the addition of three new Associates, Gretel Ochoa-Nhac, PE, Heber Torres, PE, and Ben Townsend, PE. This milestone reflects not only individual achievement, but Civiltec’s continued commitment to long-term stability, leadership development, and internal ownership.
The Associate role represents a meaningful step in Civiltec’s leadership structure, bridging the transition between senior technical leadership and future ownership. Associates take on expanded responsibility for mentoring teams, strengthening client relationships, supporting firm operations, and contributing to the firm’s strategic direction.
The Associate program strengthens continuity for clients and creates clear growth pathways for employees by formalizing leadership that is already shaping the firm. By investing in experienced professionals who embody Civiltec’s values, the firm reinforces its ability to serve communities with consistency, insight, and long-term commitment.
Gretel Ochoa-Nhac, PE – Project Manager
Gretel Ochoa-Nhac’s career at Civiltec reflects the firm’s long-standing culture of growth, mentorship, and opportunity. Joining the firm two years into her career, Gretel has become a trusted Project Manager known for her expertise in planning, hydraulic modeling, and client-focused problem solving.
Looking back on her journey, Gretel notes that her growth at Civiltec has been both professional and personal. Over more than a decade with the firm, she has developed strong client relationships, built collaborative teams, and found particular fulfillment in mentoring others. That commitment to helping others succeed is central to her leadership approach.
“Communication and transparency are central to how I lead,” Gretel shared. “I’ve always believed that leadership means working alongside your team, being present, and making sure everyone has the support they need to succeed.”
As an Associate, Gretel is especially passionate about contributing to Civiltec’s continued growth, both by strengthening existing client relationships and helping expand the firm’s reach through quality work and collaboration. Her planning and modeling expertise continues to support communities as they plan for reliable water service, fire protection, conservation, and long-term infrastructure investments.
“I’ve always wanted my work to have a positive impact on the public,” she said. “As an Associate, I look forward to continuing that work while helping guide Civiltec forward alongside our teams.”
Heber Torres, PE – Principal Electrical Engineer
With more than two decades of experience in electrical, instrumentation, and controls engineering, Heber Torres leads Civiltec’s Electrical Engineering department, supporting both the firm’s water and wastewater teams as well as a growing base of external clients. His role is integral to delivering coordinated, reliable solutions across complex, multidisciplinary projects.
Heber’s relationship with Civiltec spans many years and multiple roles, including as a subconsultant, colleague, and now Principal Electrical Engineer, making his appointment as Associate a natural progression in a long-standing professional partnership.
“Being part of Civiltec’s leadership team allows me to contribute not only through our electrical and controls services, but also to support the firm’s overall growth,” Heber said.
Known for his technical precision and client-focused approach, Heber plays a key role in aligning electrical design excellence with project delivery, operational needs, and long-term client relationships. As an Associate, he will continue strengthening those connections while supporting the strategic growth of Civiltec’s services.
“Civiltec’s success has always been built on strong client partnerships,” Heber shared. “As an Associate, I’m focused on continuing to build those relationships while helping expand our services, team, and capabilities.”
Ben Townsend, PE – Principal Engineer / Prescott Branch Manager
Based in Northern Arizona, Ben Townsend has played a key role in Civiltec’s regional growth through his work as Principal Engineer and Prescott Branch Manager. With more than 20 years of experience in civil engineering, Ben provides steady leadership across a wide range of municipal and infrastructure projects, supported by strong relationships with local agencies and communities.
For Ben, being named an Associate represents both recognition and responsibility. “This milestone reflects the work I’ve put in, technically and in building relationships, and motivates me to continue contributing to Civiltec’s long-term success,” he said.
Ben views the Associate role as a reinforcement of his leadership responsibilities, particularly in mentoring staff and fostering collaboration across teams.
“I try to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute,” he shared. “Collectively, we perform better when ideas are shared and teams work together toward common goals.”
Looking ahead, Ben is focused on continuing to strengthen Civiltec’s presence and impact across Northern Arizona by supporting clients and communities through thoughtful, responsive engineering solutions.
The addition of Gretel Ochoa-Nhac, Heber Torres, and Ben Townsend as Associates marks an important moment for Civiltec as the firm enters its 40th year. Their combined experience, leadership styles, and commitment to mentorship reflect a thoughtful approach to leadership continuity and firm growth.
As Civiltec looks ahead, the Associate program remains a key part of the firm’s long-term vision, supporting internal ownership, promoting advancement, and ensuring the firm’s values and expertise continue to guide its work well into the future.
“The Associateship Program was established in 2007 as a cornerstone of our Leadership–Ownership Transition Plan, with the purpose of developing future leaders and ensuring the long-term continuity of the firm. Since its inception, the program has successfully supported several Associates—including David Song, Shem Hawes, and Andy Shroads—each of whom has progressed to become a valued business partner and leader within the firm. Their journeys reflect the strength of the program and its role in sustaining our culture, vision, and commitment to excellence.
Today, I am proud and excited to carry this tradition forward with the addition of Gretel, Heber, and Ben. Their commitment, talent, and passion for excellence embody the values of our firm, and their selection as Associates is both well-earned and well-deserved. Please join me in congratulating them as they take this important step in their professional journeys and help shape the future of our firm.”
“Congratulations Gretel, Heber and Ben on becoming Associates. Your hard work and dedication are unmatched, and I am proud to welcome you into the Company leadership team.”
“We are thrilled to congratulate Gretel Ochoa-Nhac, Heber Torres, and Ben Townsend on their advancement to Associate. Each bring a different strength to Civiltec’s leadership, and that diversity of perspective is exactly what makes this moment so exciting. Gretel’s ability to guide teams with clarity and intention has shaped projects and people alike. Heber’s command of complex systems and disciplined problem-solving continues to raise the bar for how we deliver integrated engineering solutions. Ben’s leadership has been a driving force in building trust, momentum, and meaningful impact throughout Northern Arizona.
Their advancement to Associate marks more than a title—it reflects confidence in their judgment, their influence, and their capacity to help steer Civiltec into its next era. We are proud of their accomplishments and excited by what lies ahead.”
“Ben, Heber, and Gretel are an important part of Civiltec’s future. They are outstanding leaders, and I’m excited for the journey ahead of them. Their leadership reflects our commitment to internal growth and mentorship, and I’m confident they will continue to be successful in the years ahead.”
“I have truly appreciated working with each of our new associates and their contributions to the growth and development of Civiltec and all our team members has been instrumental over the years. I look forward to working with Ben, Heber and Gretel at a much higher level as we accelerate into the future!!”
