Locations
Bernhard
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Ed Tinsley's Bio
Ed Tinsley is the CEO of Bernhard, LLC; a turnkey provider of Energy-as-a-Service solutions. Ed brings more than 35 years of experience both as an energy engineering consultant and as an owner advocate for healthcare, higher education, governmental and commercial clients.
Ed began his career in the industry as a facility manager for a public hospital. In this role, he gained valuable insights into the challenges and unique skills required to successfully operate and maintain energy systems. This work inspired Ed to co-found Tinsley-Mullen Engineers or TME, a consulting engineering firm dedicated to owner advocacy. TME joined Bernhard in 2014, and Ed’s vision of advocating for and partnering with facility managers, owners, and operators, remains the foundation of the company.
Throughout his career, Ed has managed the design of more than 300 construction projects with a total cost in excess of $5 billion. He has authored numerous articles and white papers for industry organizations, advancing the field of energy efficient facility design, commissioning, and operation. Ed is a registered Professional Engineer in 18 states, an AEE Certified Energy Manager, a USGBC LEED Accredited Professional, an ASHRAE Healthcare Facility Design Professional, and ASHE Certified Healthcare Facility Manager. Ed has received eight energy awards from ASHRAE for projects he has designed or managed. He is a noted authority on chilled water systems, surgery HVAC systems, and other healthcare facility components.
James Sabin's Bio
James (Jim) Sabin has over 35 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry, specializing in organizational leadership and effectiveness. In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Jim oversees the day-to-day operations of Bernhard, including the program management of Energy-as-a-Service projects, implementation of strategic initiatives, and continued advancement of internal processes.
Lewis Derbes's Bio
Lewis (Lew) Derbes is a proven executive with expertise in financial management and administration. He is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 20 years of experience in finance and accounting, Lew’s experience in project financing and structuring is integral to the shaping the development and financing strategies of Bernhard’s Energy-as-a-Service projects.
Melissa Samuel's Bio
Melissa has over 20 years of employment law and human resources experience. In her role as Chief Legal Officer, Melissa oversees all aspects of the legal department, including transactions, compliance, corporate governance, major claims, labor relations, employment law, and corporate risk management. She also provides strategic leadership to Human Resources and Marketing and Communications.
Rob Guthrie's Bio
With over 15 years of industry experience, Rob is a qualified leader in helping clients realize long-term operational savings and in developing Energy-as-a-Service projects. Rob is a graduate of The University of the South (Sewanee) and a Certified Energy Manager (CEM). As Chief Development Officer, Rob provides executive oversight of business development efforts and is a key leader in navigating Bernhard to achieve its vision.
Operations
David Bell's Bio
David Bell has more than 35 years of experience in the contracting industry. David joined Ernest P. Breaux (now Bernhard’s Electrical division) early in his career, serving as a Project Manager in the commercial division. Because of his technical expertise and exemplary leadership, David was later promoted to the role of President of the E.P. Breaux’s Commercial construction division, which he held for over 10 years. He has managed and led projects across various market sectors, ensuring quality work and customer satisfaction
As President of Bernhard’s Electrical division, David works closely with other executives to develop and carry out major plans and coordinates operations of all divisions to complement company goals. David’s 35 years of expertise, knowledge and leadership in the construction industry helps Bernhard provide solutions to projects and has earned him the respect of clients and colleagues.
Dwayne Hammer's Bio
Dwayne is President of Bernhard’s Mechanical division which is responsible for mechanical contracting services for clients across the nation. Dwayne has over 38 years of experience in the construction industry. Dwayne has been with Bernhard for 17 years and has worked on a range of projects in hospitality, healthcare, education, and commercial sectors. He is a graduate of the New Orleans Pipe Trades Apprenticeship Program and has completed specialized training in leadership, project management, scheduling, estimating, safety, and code compliance. Dwayne brings proven, hands-on experience to his role as President.
Dwayne is responsible for leading the mechanical division and directing the overall strategy to align with Bernhard’s business goals.
Michael Cooper's Bio
Michael is the President of Bernhard’s Sustainability division. With more than 17 years of experience in the industry, Michael is a proven leader with hands-on experience in construction, service, and maintenance. Michael is a registered Professional Engineer and LEED Accredited Professional. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Michael established, grew, and led Bernhard’s mechanical service department, now the Sustainability division. Sustainability encompasses mechanical service, operations and maintenance, and asset management. Michael provides executive leadership to the team as they support customers through the lifecycle of their facility, ensuring on-going efficiency and energy savings.
Philip Catanzaro's Bio
Philip has more than 20 years of experience in the commercial construction industry, where he has held various positions. Philip received a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture, from Louisiana State University. In addition, he has completed multiple executive courses, most notably a leadership and entrepreneurial program from Babson Executive Education Center, Wellesley, Massachusetts.
In 2002, Philip began his career at The MCC Group, a regional mechanical, electrical, and plumbing solutions provider of engineering and construction services. The MCC Group joined Bernhard in 2014 and today, Philip leads Bernhard’s complete mechanical services and execution of Energy-as-a-Service transactions.
Tim Staley's Bio
Tim began his career in the engineering department of a large healthcare facility, resulting in a passion for owner advocacy and energy efficiency that has lasted throughout his career. He brings more than 30 years of experience in the areas of energy engineering, energy procurement, systems design, performance contracting, measurement and verification, engineering economics, commissioning, leadership, and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Tim is a registered Professional Engineer and holds several specialized certifications, including Certified Commissioning Authority, Certified Commissioning Provider, Certified Energy Manager, Certified Healthcare Constructor, Certified Healthcare Facility Manager, and LEED Accredited Professional. He is an active members of the American Society for Health Care Engineers where he is a Fellow and Leadership Institute Graduate.