James Spangler
James Spangler has 25+ years of experience in land planning/entitlement, environmental and water resources management, and environmental consulting. As founder and Principal of SEI, Jim is responsible for corporate management of multidisciplinary environmental, land planning and engineering project teams, clients, sub-consultants, laboratories, and external business development. He controls all budgets, personnel management, and administration of the company, directly supervising professionals and other staff.
Jim is a qualified expert in federal, state, and local law jurisdictions in the areas of wetlands delineation and permitting, environmental assessment, water resources management, protected species assessment, sediment and erosion control, land planning, environmental impact of highway construction, coastal environmental assessment, and Coastal Area Management Act (NC), and other subject matter.
Jim serves as the lead consultant on all litigation support and negotiated settlement support matters. He is responsible for forensic investigation design, expert testimony, leading settlement negotiations related to environmental issues, and providing consultation to attorneys relative to land and water resources and development. He has been admitted and qualified as an expert in multiple Federal Court jurisdictions (WD & ED-NC, ND-VA), State’s Offices of Administrative Hearings (NC and VA), Superior Courts in multiple jurisdictions (NC, VA, MD, and SC), and has begun training in pursuit of his trial court and family financial mediator certifications.
Jim is responsible for technical project scoping, business contract negotiation, project management, and technical quality assurance. He has performed field studies of wetlands, streams, hydrology, and sediment/erosion control since 1987, and continues to manage projects in the field.
Mr. Spangler is a Certified Environmental Inspector, and an Associate Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has Asbestos Inspector training, NC Stream Origin (buffer) training, and holds licenses to collect protected aquatic species.
President
Ward Marotti
Ward Marotti joined Spangler Environmental in 2020 as Vice President of Client Engagement and Practice Lead for Land and Water Resources. In this capacity, Ward is responsible for facilitating SEI’s strategic diversification in new and existing markets and for providing technical oversight and leadership for Land and Water Resources projects and teams.
Ward has been involved in successful ecological restoration project planning, design, implementation, oversight, and monitoring for over 28 years in the Southeast, West, Gulf Coast and South America. In addition to Ward’s restoration experience, he has completed hundreds of public and private environmental compliance and permitting projects, including: NEPA and SEPA EAs and EISs, Individual and Nationwide 404/401 permits, NCDENR water quality and riparian buffer variances (major and minor), Endangered Species Act Section 7 and 10 impact permits and conservation plans, protected species relocation plans, and watershed use re-classifications. He is past-president of the National Association of Environmental Professionals’ North Carolina Chapter and currently holds a seat on the organization’s national board of directors.
Vice President
Director – Land & Water Resources
Cal Rieder
Cal Rieder, Vice President – Project Management, joined Spangler Environmental in 2010. Throughout his tenure, Cal has enjoyed a progressive career in terms of both technical expertise and leadership responsibilities. He serves our clients through Environmental Due Diligence services and customer-focused Project Management.
Cal’s prior experience includes 9 ½ years as a Geologic Technician. He holds a HAZWOPER certification and is pursuing Project Management certification. Cal enjoys the environmental nature of his job, but also values meeting and engaging with our clients and vendors. Cal loves spending time with his wife and son, and is a fanatic for the Carolina Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes.
Vice President
Director – Risk Management Services
Robin Smoot
Robin Smoot joined Spangler Environmental in 2019. As Vice President of Business Operations, Robin’s primary responsibilities including overseeing the company’s Accounting, Human Resources, Marketing, and Operations functions. She is also responsible for corporate planning and strategy as a member of the Executive Committee. Robin’s prior experience includes 10 years as owner and Principal of an operations consulting firm and VP of Corporate Services for a Raleigh-based consulting group.
Robin is passionate about small business and is committed to ensuring both internal and external clients enjoy an efficient and excellent customer experience. She holds a Bachelor’s in Public Administration from Miami University (OH). She also earned her Master’s of Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship. An Ohio native, Robin enjoys spending time with her family, trips to the beach and rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Vice President
Director – Business Operations
Mariane Grubbs
Mariane Grubbs is an Environmental Scientist with Spangler Environmental. Mariane joined the SEI team in 2018 and now leads our Risk Management Group. Her primary responsibilities include performing Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Property Condition Assessments, and Cultural Resources Memos. Mariane’s prior experience includes consulting work for the Community Energy Plan of Arlington County, Virginia and roles in office and purchasing management.
Mariane holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a double minor in Biology and Geography from UNC Chapel Hill. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Natural Resources & Sustainability from Virginia Tech as well as Environmental Professional (EP) certification. Mariane enjoys horseback riding and volleyball.
Environmental Scientist
Maria Polizzi
Maria Polizzi joined Spangler Environmental in 2018. As a Senior Environmental Scientist, Maria is responsible for NPDES inspections, Sediment & Erosion Control services, and managing on-site contractors on behalf of our clients. Maria’s prior experience as a Research Assistant and Teaching assistant for NCSU’s Crop & Soil Sciences department. She holds Levels 1, 2, and 3 NCDOT Erosion Control Certifications, HAZWOPER certification, and is an Associate Professional Soil Scientist.
Maria is passionate about protecting, preserving and restoring our environment as well as professional and personal growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Technology & Management and a Master’s in Soil Science, both from North Carolina State University. Maria is an avid hiker who also enjoys diving and photography.
Senior Environmental Scientist
David Vail
David Vail, Project Environmental Scientist, joined SEI in 2017. As part of the Risk Management Group, David serves clients through Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments and Property Condition Assessments. He also provides oversight and technical assistance for the installation of remediation systems and site remediation projects. David brings a solid environmental background to SEI, with prior experience in ESAs and Construction Materials Testing. He holds a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Conservation & Environmental Biology, graduating cum laude. He also holds HAZWOPER certification.
David is passionate about preserving the quality environment for the good of future generations. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hiking and camping with his wife and dog, along with fly fishing, hunting and woodworking.
Project Environmental Scientist