Meet our Team
Keith Mandel, P.E.
President
Keith Mandel, P.E.
President
Keith Mandel serves as President of OMI and contributes over 37 years of experience providing professional engineering and consulting services towards the OMI team. Mr. Mandel received a Bachelor of Science from The University of Florida in Civil Engineering and began his career as a Geotechnical Engineer in Deer Beach, Florida. Subsequently, he moved to Huntsville, Alabama, and in 1995, he co-founded OMI, Inc. Mr. Mandel is one of the most sought-after experts in the fields of Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Consulting, Construction Materials, and materials laboratory testing and has provided these services in multiple states throughout the United States. Mr. Mandel has successfully served as Principal Engineer on diverse portfolios of projects for both the private sector, as well as local, state, and federal government projects. Mr. Mandel is an expert in site feasibility and selection evaluations, geologic studies, subsurface exploration, foundation design, pavement studies, earth and dam designs, landslide, landfill, groundwater studies, laboratory analysis, site preparation, and construction monitoring and observation. Mr. Mandel also has a proven history in performing and in senior oversight of environmental projects, such as ASTM Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, soil and groundwater remediation and monitoring, NEPA evaluations, Waters of the US Consulting, and local Subdivision Site Assessments. Keith enjoys fishing off the Florida Coast. and spending time with his six grandchildren.
Stacy Hershey
Controller/HR Manager
Stacy Hershey
Controller/HR Manager
Stacy grew up in Glendive, Montana, before studying for an undergraduate in accounting at Jeff State Community College. Since then, Stacy has accrued more than three decades of small business & corporate taxes accounting experience. Two decades of which were at a CPA firm as a supervising Sr. Staff Accountant with the remaining being spent in the private sector. Since arriving at OMI, Inc., Stacy has utilized her extensive experience to improve processes company-wide, opening up new and exciting opportunities for our business and our employees. In her free time, Stacy is a wife, mother and grandmother who enjoys riding across North America on her Harley Davidson with the oldest all-female riding club.
Mohamed Elgendy, P.E.
Geotechnical Engineer
Mohamed Elgendy, P.E.
Geotechnical Engineer
Mr. Elgendy is a Senior Geotechnical Engineer and serves as the Geotechnical Engineering Manager at OMI. Mr. Elgendy received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas El Paso. He is a skilled professional with more than 35 years of experience in the field of Geotechnical Engineering, in which he has successfully performed geotechnical site investigations, slope stability analyses, seepage analyses, pavement design evaluations and construction materials testing. He is also experienced in performing 2D and 3D advanced Geotechnical Engineering analysis using FEA and FDA non-linear soil structure interaction; QC/QA of construction material testing, including soils, concrete, overseeing post-tension anchor drilling and installation, grouting, and micropile design, construction, and testing; abandoned mine stabilization using cementitious grout including mix design and grout testing; developing GIS infra structural management systems for storm water drainage systems for the City of El Paso; and concrete structure rebar detailing and rebar inspection for large structures. During his time off, Mohamed enjoys spending time with his family, working out, and watching science, nature, and travel documentaries.
Isaac Douglas
Environmental Scientist
Isaac Douglas
Environmental Scientist
Isaac Douglas supports OMI’s environmental division as an environmental scientist. In 2008, Mr. Douglas graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Archaeology. His admiration for Indiana Jones movies is what gave him the motivating drive to become a archaeologist. From 2003-2010, Isaac has worked on many projects in Alabama and Mississippi. In 2004, he started Field Archaeology class in Moundville, Alabama, 2004. This class was the start of his passion to survey and excavate the geographical lands inhabited by early Native Americans. In 2007, he embarked on taking a cemeteries course, in which he performed Cultural analysis of over 30 cemetery sites in Tuscaloosa County. Isaac has worked as a field archaeologist in Phase I, II, and III projects, surveying multiple sites in Hattiesburg, Lucedale, and Biloxi, MS. I also conducted surveys in the communities of Vaughn and Canton, Mississippi. Isaac is experienced in excavating specific geographical areas in sometimes difficult conditions and in classifying data and artifacts from the field. From 2022 to the present, Isaac is certified and has assisted with and conducted wetland delineations, in which he is qualified in identifying hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and wetland hydrology indicators that comply with the USACE Wetland Delineation and regional supplements. For three years, Mr. Douglas has experience in classifying soil samples in various field environments and performing Atterberg limits testing, determining the plastic limits, liquid limits, and plasticity index. Isaac has training also in Phase I Site Assessments, soil and groundwater testing. In his free time, he likes to work out, help to restore cemeteries, volunteer, and spend quality time with his family and friends.
James Sharp
Constructions Services Manager
James Sharp
Constructions Services Manager
James Sharp is the Construction Services Manager at OMI, Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama, where he leads engineering and construction services projects with a focus on quality, efficiency, and compliance. In this role, he prepares and analyzes scopes of work, develops cost estimates, and reviews project plans and specifications to produce detailed, accurate proposals. James works closely with clients, contractors, architects, and owners to ensure smooth project progression and clear communication at every stage.
He oversees scheduling and coordination of field technicians performing soil, concrete, asphalt, and other materials testing, and conducts key field activities including proof-rolls and footing observations. James also monitors construction activities to ensure safety, environmental compliance, and adherence to budget and schedule requirements—providing proactive recommendations to keep projects on track.
James holds an extensive range of industry certifications, including:
• ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician – Grade 1 • ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician • ACI Aggregate Testing Technician – Level 1 • ACI Aggregate Base Testing Technician • ACI Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician – Level 1 • Radiation Safety Technician • OSHA 10 • QCI for Construction Stormwater • ALDOT Concrete Technician • NCAT Roadway Technician
These credentials reflect his strong technical foundation and commitment to high standards in materials testing, construction oversight, and project management.
James holds an extensive range of industry certifications, including:
• ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician – Grade 1 • ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician • ACI Aggregate Testing Technician – Level 1 • ACI Aggregate Base Testing Technician • ACI Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician – Level 1 • Radiation Safety Technician • OSHA 10 • QCI for Construction Stormwater • ALDOT Concrete Technician • NCAT Roadway Technician
These credentials reflect his strong technical foundation and commitment to high standards in materials testing, construction oversight, and project management.
Emil Johnson
Business Development/Staff Geologist
Emil Johnson
Business Development/Staff Geologist
Mr. Johnson supports OMI as a Geologist and as a Business Development Manager. He attended the University of South Alabama and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. Emil began his career in 2015 in Birmingham, Alabama, as an environmental technician with Alabama Power, A Southern Company. In 2016, he moved to Montgomery, Alabama, and joined the State of Alabama’s Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) as a Hydrogeologist. While here he worked in the underground storage tank corrective action regulatory division where he managed the remediation of over two hundred sites, primarily in north Alabama. In 2018, Emil had the opportunity to present research at the National Tanks Conference titled “The Re-Development of Underground Storage Tank Sites,” representing the State of Alabama and receiving his second publication credit. Emil currently works on both environmental and geotechnical projects at OMI, including Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) and subsurface explorations. Emil currently serves as the North Alabama AGC (Association of General Contractors) Associate Board Vice President and on advisory boards for both Wallace and Drake State Community Colleges. He is a graduate of the Tennessee Valley Diversity Leadership Colloquium. He and his lovely wife, Janee, volunteer at Manna House together and enjoy spending their free time visiting local restaurants, hiking, and going to the movies.
Alicia Holt
NPDES Supervisor
Alicia Holt
NPDES Supervisor
Alicia was born and raised in Tuscumbia, AL but has lived in Huntsville for the past 35 years. She studied Civil Engineering at UAH while working with The Alabama Department of Transportation. Alicia works with OMI’s environmental division as NPDES supervisor and contributes to the wetland delineation projects. She is responsible for all CAD designs for each department, including retaining walls, foundations, boring locations, and environmental maps. She also works closely with contractors and the City of Huntsville on slope development plans.
In her spare time, Alicia enjoys gardening, cooking, golf, and hiking with her dog. Her favorite time is spent with her 3 children, and playing poker with her 90 year old dad.
Alura Garrison
Environmental Scientist
Alura Garrison
Environmental Scientist
Alura Garrison supports OMI’s environmental division as an environmental scientist. She attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in 2007, and later transferred to Auburn University. Alura graduated at Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science, concentrating in Marine Biology and began her career in the sciences in 2013 at Eurofins Scientific, formerly known as Eurofins | MWG | Operon, as a customer service technician. After leaving Eurofins due to the company relocating in 2015, she explored other fields of interest including animal welfare and veterinary support with the City of Huntsville. In 2018, Alura began her environmental career in Huntsville, Alabama, as an Environmental Specialist supporting NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on the Redstone Arsenal. There, she learned invaluable experience as the sole preparer for the facility’s annual Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) reports, regulated by both the EPA and Alabama’s Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). Alura’s other responsibilities at MSFC included managing the facility’s hazardous materials tracking system and customer interface platforms, and presenting quarterly required training for the MSFC public. After over seven years of loyalty to this role, Alura took on a new challenge and joined the OMI family in the fall of 2025. Alura currently works on environmental projects including Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), stream assessments, and groundwater and stormwater sampling and monitoring. She has applicable accreditations including the 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification, Qualified Credentialed Inspector (QCI) certification, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) training.
Alura enjoys reading, all things flora and fauna, and is a strong supporter and advocate for humanitarian services, and sustainability and conservation biodiversity. Alura and her family regularly open their home through the state foster program, and when time allows, enjoys new experiences, including foods and cultures, and exploring the great outdoors all around the world.
Alura enjoys reading, all things flora and fauna, and is a strong supporter and advocate for humanitarian services, and sustainability and conservation biodiversity. Alura and her family regularly open their home through the state foster program, and when time allows, enjoys new experiences, including foods and cultures, and exploring the great outdoors all around the world.