Meet Our Team
The Christian Wheeler Engineering leadership group consists of over 300 years of combined experience in the construction field. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to continuous improvement, our leaders are at the forefront of supporting complex projects with precision and integrity. At Christian Wheeler Engineering, we believe that effective leadership goes beyond technical expertise. It requires strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage large teams. Our leaders are committed to fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, and we are dedicated to supporting high-quality projects that meet the needs of our clients and exceed their expectations. Our leadership group is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and excellence in everything we do.
Troy S. Wilson
Troy S. Wilson
Title: President/CEO
Troy Wilson is Christian Wheeler Engineering’s President and has over 25 years of experience in the Geotechnical Consulting, Inspection, and Testing fields. He began his career at Southern California Soil & Testing in San Diego in 1998 while attending San Diego State University. Troy graduated from SDSU in 2000 with a degree in Engineering Geology and in 2001, he joined Christian Wheeler Engineering and worked in multiple positions as a geologist and supervisor. Troy is a registered professional geologist and certified engineering geologist with the State of California. In 2020, Troy became our Firm’s President managing the day-to-day business operations of Christian Wheeler Engineering and providing project management of our ongoing as-needed service contracts. With his vast experience in Geotechnical Consulting, he lends his insight and expertise to our geotechnical team. Troy joined San Diego Rotary Club 33 in 2014 and enjoys volunteering on projects with the Club, including Camp Enterprise, where 90 junior-level high school students are mentored during a three-day seminar on business development.
Professional Registrations:
· Professional Geologist, #8000
· Certified Engineering Geologist, #2551
Education: San Diego State University, BS, Engineering Geology
Charlie G. Carter Jr.
Charlie G. Carter Jr.
Title: Vice President and Director of Materials Engineering
Charlie Carter is Christian Wheeler Engineering’s Vice President with over 26 years of experience in the Special Inspection and Materials Testing field. He joined the United States Navy out of high school, earning the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer while serving in the nuclear power field on submarines. After his time in the Navy, Charlie began his higher education journey at the University of Texas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in the field of Civil Engineering.
Charlie is a Registered Civil Engineer with the State of California and oversees the inspection and materials testing operations of Christian Wheeler Engineering. He provides project management, reviews field reports and materials test results, and prepares Final Special Inspection reports. In addition to his leadership and administration roles, Charlie provides inspection and testing services for day-to-day projects as well as provides post-construction forensic structural investigations and evaluations.
His veteran leadership and experience make Charlie and Christian Wheeler Engineering an excellent addition to your project team.
Professional Registrations:
California Registered Civil Engineer, #61968
Education: University of Texas, Bachelor of Science – Civil Engineering
Certifications:
· International Code Council (ICC) Special Inspector, #503231
· City of San Diego Registered Special Inspector, #75
· Structural Steel – Bolting and Welding (ICC and City of SD)
· Reinforced Concrete (ICC and City of SD
· Post-Tension Concrete (ICC and City of SD)
· Structural Masonry (ICC and City of SD)
· Spray-Applied Fireproofing (ICC and City of SD)
· Steel and Wood-Frame Shear Wall (City of SD)
· American Concrete Institute Field Technician-Grade I, #00027265
· International Concrete Repair Institute Slab Moisture Testing Technician, #94238
· FACE Construction Technologies “F” Number Flatness Testing Technician
· American Concrete Institute Concrete Strength Non-Destructive Testing Specialist
David R. Russell
David R. Russell
Title: Vice President and Director of Geology
Dave Russell began his career on the East Coast and then traveled west after obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Environmental and Engineering Geology from James Madison University. He came on board Christian Wheeler in 1998, eventually becoming the lead geologist. Dave is now our Firm’s Director of Geology and is the firm’s principal geologist for slope stability, landslide and fault studies, coastal bluff erosion and stability issues, and geologic hazard evaluations. Dave provides leadership to our geology team, project management, geologic analysis, geologic mapping, and down-hole logging. When not in the field or office, Dave trains Jiu-Jitsu and is an avid surfer.
Professional Registrations:
· Professional Geologist, #7102
· Certified Engineering Geologist, #2215
Education: James Madison University, BS, Environmental and Engineering Geology
Shawn Caya
Shawn Caya
Title: Vice President and Director of Geotechnical Engineering
Shawn Caya is Christian Wheeler Engineering’s Vice President and has over 25 years of experience providing geotechnical consulting in San Diego and throughout Southern California. He joined the Christian Wheeler Engineering team in the year of our inception, 1998. Shawn graduated from the University of Nevada with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and continued his higher education at San Diego State University, where he earned his Master of Science degree in the field of Geotechnical Engineering.
Shawn is a registered Civil and Geotechnical Engineer with the State of California. He provides leadership to our geotechnical engineering team, providing project management, implementation of subsurface investigations, managing field geotechnical staff, performing geotechnical analysis, and preparing geotechnical recommendations and reports. Shawn has extensive experience in the residential, industrial, commercial, and military sectors.
Professional Registrations:
· California Registered Civil Engineer, #62983
· Registered Geotechnical Engineer, #2748
Education:
· University of Nevada, Bachelor of Science – Civil Engineering
· San Diego State University, Master of Science – Geotechnical Engineering
Tayler J. A. Petersen
Tayler J. A. Petersen
Title: Vice President and Director Building Envelope Consulting
Tayler started his career at Christian Wheeler Engineering while attending college in 1999. He graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Soon after college he became a registered Professional Engineer with the State of California. He is a certified special inspector by the International Code Council. Mr. Petersen is also the Engineer-in-Charge of Christian Wheeler Engineering’s building envelope department. In this capacity, he provides preconstruction drawing and specification review, construction administration services including responding to RFI’s, submittals, and shop drawings. In addition, he performs quality assurance inspection of below-grade waterproofing, roofing, and general building envelope systems as well as forensic leak investigations and window testing in accordance with applicable ASTM and AAMA standards. He has performed many roof condition surveys along with evaluations of existing building envelope systems. He has extensive experience in residential, industrial, commercial, and university projects.
Professional Registrations:
· California Registered Civil Engineer, #78950
Education: San Diego State University, Bachelor of Science – Civil Engineering
Certifications:
· International Code Council (ICC) Special Inspector, #5289372
· City of San Diego Registered Special Inspector, #1021
· Reinforced Concrete (ICC and City of SD)
· Post-Tension Concrete (ICC and City of SD)
· Structural Masonry (ICC and City of SD)
· Spray-Applied Fireproofing (ICC and City of SD)
· Wood-Frame Shear (City of SD)
· Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (City of SD)
· American Concrete Institute Field Technician-Grade I, #00032168
· FACE Construction Technologies “F” Number Flatness Testing Technician
· Detec Systems Integriscan Equipment Trained for low voltage leak detection ASTM D7877 and ASTM D8231
Jane C. Sample
Jane C. Sample
Title: Senior Accountant
In 2004, Jane joined the Christian Wheeler team, bringing her CPA expertise and developing a 42-year career in accounting. Born and raised in Michigan, Jane pursued higher education at Western Michigan University and Michigan State University. In 1995, she moved to San Diego, embracing her role as a military wife and mother of two. Jane is active in her community, volunteering at school events and having served as treasurer for the Steel Canyon High School Band. During her leisure time, she enjoys yoga and walks.
Education: Michigan State University, BA, Accounting
Western Michigan University, MBA, Finance
Dan B. Adler
Dan B. Adler
Title: Senior Engineer
Mr. Adler is a Senior Engineer at Christian Wheeler Engineering with over 44 years of experience providing geotechnical consulting in San Diego and across Southern California. He joined the Christian Wheeler Engineering team in 2008. Dan was born and raised in Uruguay and is fluent in Spanish and English.
Dan is a registered Civil Engineer with the State of California. In addition to project management, proposal preparation, and the preparation of geotechnical reports for all types of construction projects, Dan helps lead and mentor project and staff-level personnel. Dan’s projects include residential subdivisions, multi-family housing projects, single-family residences, industrial and commercial development, and public improvements. Dan enjoys spending time with his family, cheering on his SDSU Aztecs, and watching high-level international soccer.
Professional Registration: California Registered Civil Engineer, #36037
Education: San Diego State University, Bachelor of Science – Civil Engineering
John W. Bolger
John W. Bolger
Title: Laboratory Manager
John is the Laboratory Manager at Christian Wheeler Engineering and has been working in the construction testing and inspection industry for over 27 years. John started his career at Southern California Soil & Testing in their laboratory testing concrete and soils and moved to Christian Wheeler Engineering upon its inception in 1998. He helped set up CWE’s new laboratory during its early days, as well as train and manage numerous laboratory workers over the years. John has also worked on numerous field projects as a concrete technician, soils technician, and special inspector, including high-rise condominiums, bio-research facilities, single and multi-family homes, and the Port of San Diego. John’s many years of experience allow him to train and mentor new employees as they begin their careers in the testing and inspection industry.
Professional certifications:
· International Code Council (ICC), Special Inspector for Reinforced Concrete, Prestressed Concrete, Reinforced Masonry, Fireproofing, Soils
· National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) level II, for laboratory testing of asphalt, concrete, and soils
· American Concrete Institute (ACI), Concrete Field Testing Technician I, Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician I, Aggregate Testing Technician I, Concrete Strength Testing Technician, Aggregate Base Testing Technician
Education: University of California, Santa Barbara, BA Geography; San Diego State University College of Extended Studies, Special Inspection Technology certificate
Jeff C. Canon
Jeff C. Canon
Title: Business Development Manager
Jeff is the Business Development Manager at Christian Wheeler Engineering, bringing over 26 years of experience in the fields of Geotechnical, Building Envelope, Special Inspection, and Materials Testing. A former United States Marine Corps Corporal, Jeff served with Marine Wing Support Squadron – 372 at Camp Pendleton. He pursued Advertising Arts and Graphic Design in college during his service. Jeff’s career at Christian Wheeler Engineering began as a Laboratory Technician, later becoming a soil technician, concrete technician, and Building Envelope Inspector before advancing to his current role in 2013.
Christine Y. Jorden
Christine Y. Jorden
Title: Human Resource / Office Administrator
Christine a native resident of San Diego joined the Christian Wheeler Team in 2020. She acquired her experience and knowledge from positions held during her 25-year career in commercial business and is a member of SHRM and CalChamber. Christine is family-oriented and volunteers often for school, sports, and church activities. She enjoys hiking, camping, and playing games in her leisure time.
Steve W. Campbell
Steve W. Campbell
Steve Campbell has been our Scheduling Supervisor since our inception in 1998. With over 40 years of experience in the field of inspection and testing, Steve is certified as an International Code Council (ICC) inspector of reinforced concrete, post-tension concrete, reinforced masonry, and structural steel welding & bolting, and is also an American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector (AWSCWI).
Steve has been a certified special inspector in San Diego since 1979 and is recognized as one of San Diego’s most knowledgeable inspectors. He taught courses in concrete and masonry inspection at San Diego State University – College of Extended Studies for 21 years. He has been a supplemental examiner and examiner for the American Concrete Institute (ACI) for over 46 years and has been the ACI Certification Chairman for 26 years. In 1988 and 2007, the San Diego Chapter of ACI presented Steve with Appreciation Awards for his dedication to the ACI Certification programs. In short, Steve has had a hand in training a large percentage of the reinforced concrete and masonry inspectors working in San Diego County.
Daniel J. Flowers
Daniel J. Flowers
Title: Senior Geologist
Daniel Flowers started his career at Christian Wheeler in 1998 while attending San Diego State University. He was born and raised in San Diego and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Geology from SDSU. Daniel is a Senior Engineering Geologist who performs landslide and fault studies, analysis of coastal bluff erosion and stability issues, and geologic hazard evaluations. Daniel provides leadership to our geology team, project management, geologic analysis, geologic mapping, and down-hole logging. During his downtime, Daniel enjoys spending time with his family, surfing, and exploring Baja California.
Professional Registrations:
· Professional Geologist, #9399
· Certified Engineering Geologist, #2686
Education: San Diego State University, BS, General Geology