Meet The Team

General Manager
Jerry Yanello
Jerry Yanello is the General Manager at KMEC, bringing over 20 years of experience in technology and operations leadership. He has a proven track record of guiding global teams, improving manufacturing efficiency, and delivering complex engineering solutions. Jerry is known for aligning technical execution with strategic business goals and driving cost savings through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Project Manager
Molly Beck
Molly Beck is a Project Manager with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University and over a decade of experience in bulk material handling, mechanical design, and project management. At KMEC Engineering & Conveying, she leads cross-functional teams and manages complex projects from concept to commissioning. Molly also oversees vendor negotiations to ensure both technical performance and financial success.

Director of Operations
Nona Pontefract
Nona Prontefract is an Industrial Engineer with over 20 years of experience in project management, operations leadership, Lean Six Sigma, and continuous improvement. She has held key roles at companies such as General Electric, Marathon Oil, and Sysco. At KMEC, Nona oversees operations from sourcing to manufacturing, focusing on cost management and strategic planning to drive business performance.

Chief Engineer
Payam Pourvash
Payam Pourvash serves as Chief Engineer at KMEC with more than 25 years of experience across various material handling industries. His background spans consulting, design, fabrication, construction, and commissioning of facilities in mining, petrochemicals, oil refining, fertilizers, and wood processing. Payam has extensive international experience and leads KMEC’s engineering innovation and technical excellence.

Structural Engineer
Antoinette Mattar
Antoinette Mattar is a licensed Structural Engineer with 15 years of experience in bulk material handling systems. She is responsible for the structural design and analysis of systems, ensuring compliance with industry codes, standards, and engineering best practices. Antoinette is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient structures while contributing to both professional and organizational growth through technical excellence.

Engineering Manager
Sam Faber
Sam Faber is the Engineering Manager at KMEC, bringing over 40 years of experience in the bulk material handling industry. He has led multidisciplinary teams on major global projects involving conveyors, ship loading systems, and infrastructure development. Sam specializes in structural and mechanical engineering, equipment specification, and regulatory compliance, ensuring high-quality engineering outcomes across all KMEC projects.
