For nearly three decades, WESTWARD has provided expert engineering, geological, environmental compliance, and safety services to diverse clients across private, public, non-profit, and government sectors. With a commitment to exceptional client service, the company has announced several new internal appointments.

Matt Bellos, REM, CESSWI, CESCO, appointed Vice President of Compliance in late 2022, brings over twenty years of experience in the construction materials, aggregate, and environmental consulting industries. His expertise includes project management, environmental compliance, site inspections, and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWP3). He is proficient in Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), soil and water sampling, environmental audits, and managing Aggregate Production Operations (APOs). Additionally, he handles waste compliance, tank registrations, NSPS OOO testing, stack test coordination, air permit compliance, and field data collection for environmental studies. Matt maintains effective communication with clients, governing agencies, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). He holds a B.S. in Resource and Environmental Studies from Texas State University.

Vance Houy, P.E., is a civil engineer with over 18 years of extensive experience in the industry and was recently appointed Vice President of Engineering. His expertise lies in planning, innovative design, and oversight of diverse commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Vance excels in developing comprehensive infrastructure solutions encompassing roads, site grading, utility distribution, drainage systems, and advanced stormwater management plans. His strategic approach and creative problem-solving skills ensure efficient project execution and sustainable development practices. Vance holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. 

Michelle M. Lee, PG, RM-SME, a licensed Texas Professional Geoscientist with nearly 40 years of experience in the mining, aggregates, and environmental industries, has been appointed Vice President of Mining & Market Development at Westward. In her new role, she brings a collaborative team approach to market development with an emphasis on mining. She oversees geologic/geophysical investigations, subsurface exploration, reserve calculations, mine planning, community relations, and various environmental investigations. Mrs. Lee’s leadership extends to water resource management, Phase I & II ESAs, professional publications, presentations, and she recently spearheaded the No Mining, Know Mining awareness website at Westward. Licensed in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Wyoming, she is a graduate of West Texas State University, (West Texas A&M University), with a B.S. in Geology. Mrs. Lee is also a Registered Member (RM) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), an international mining organization.

John “Jack” Sackrider, P.G., brings over a decade of experience to Westward and now assumes the role of Geology Manager. His expertise spans environmental and economic geology primarily within aggregate mining and associated industries. His responsibilities include execution and oversight of geologic assessments, exploration, modeling, economic reserve calculations, and groundwater availability studies.  Jack is licensed in Texas, Arizona, South Carolina and North Carolina. He is a graduate of both the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in Geography, and the University of Texas at San Antonio where her earned a degree in Geological and Earth Sciences.

Tommy Mathews, President of Westward, commented on the new organizational structure: “Our recent restructuring has positioned us for greater efficiency and growth. I am incredibly proud of our team and confident in their ability to excel in their new roles. These changes are a testament to the strength and capabilities of our team. Their expertise and dedication are the driving force behind our company’s success, now in its 28th year of service.”