Employee Owners

Vickie Thurgood thrives on driving change. As a BIM Specialist at BranchPattern, she’s the engine behind setting up design projects, drafting MEP systems, and offering essential support to engineers. Vickie sees each project challenge as a chance to push boundaries, streamline processes, and be the change she wants to see in the engineering world. With her commitment to excellence and passion for innovation, she ensures that progress is always within reach, leaving a lasting impact on every project she’s a part of.

With an Associate’s degree in Manufacturing Technology from Mesa State College, Vickie’s technical expertise is second to none. She’s played a crucial role in high-profile projects like the Jackson County Detention Center, City of Thornton Community Center, City of Boulder Pavilion, and DCSD Legacy Campus. But what really sets her apart is her drive to shake things up—Vickie thrives on pushing the envelope and making processes smarter, faster, and more efficient.

And Vickie’s passion for change doesn’t stop at the office. Outside of work, she’s constantly on the move—literally! She teaches tap dance, leads group fitness classes, and holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether she’s dancing, teaching, or training, Vickie is always finding ways to inspire and transform those around her.

Will McCann is passionate about optimizing energy efficiency and driving sustainability in building design. As an Energy Modeler and Building Performance Consultant at BranchPattern, he uses cutting-edge simulation tools and data analysis to fine-tune building performance, reduce energy consumption, and ensure compliance with codes and standards. Will thrives on collaborating with diverse teams and working on innovative projects that push the boundaries of sustainable design.

Will holds a Master’s in Architectural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas. His strong academic background, paired with his expertise in energy modeling, allows him to seamlessly collaborate with architects and engineers, using technology to bridge the gap between design and performance. Among his many accomplishments, Will has certified numerous LEED energy models and modeled complex net-zero energy and emissions buildings. He’s a LEED AP BD+C and Engineer-in-Training (EIT), and actively engages with professional organizations like ASHRAE and IBPSA to stay ahead of industry trends and best practices.

When he’s not optimizing building performance, Will is channeling his energy into sports. He’s spent years cultivating a love for hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, basketball, and baseball, and you’ll often find him on the field or the court enjoying the thrill of competition. Will loves the mental and physical challenge that sports bring, as well as the connection and teamwork involved. From high-intensity games to casual matches with friends, his enthusiasm for staying active never wavers. For Will, sports aren’t just a hobby—they’re a way to sharpen his strategic thinking, build resilience, and fuel his competitive spirit. Much like his work in building performance, sports push him to constantly improve, aim higher, and work seamlessly with others to achieve outstanding results.

As Project Executive at BranchPattern, Zabdi Valdez leads the charge on international projects, guiding Project Managers through the LEED certification process for the Volume Program. She ensures everything is on track—overseeing documentation, enforcing quality control, and communicating directly with clients and stakeholders. Zabdi thrives on collaboration, and her passion for building strong client relationships drives every project forward with energy and precision.

Zabdi earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey University, equipping her with both the technical expertise and leadership skills to excel in complex, fast-paced environments. With a clear focus on sustainability, she’s known for her hands-on approach, ensuring every project exceeds LEED standards while fostering collaboration among teams. Her list of accomplishments includes certifying 10 LEED Volume v4 Silver and Gold projects in Mexico and the U.S. Zabdi also improved the billing and communication process for one of the firm’s largest clients in Mexico and is the primary point of contact for all Latin American projects under the v4 Volume Program. Whether she’s streamlining workflows or driving innovation in sustainability, Zabdi is known for delivering results with energy and focus.

Outside of the office, Zabdi’s creativity knows no bounds. Her passion for pen and ink aristry brings her a unique sense of fulfillment, allowing her creativity to thrive. The precision and patience required in her art reflect her approach to managing projects—thoughtful, detailed, and always aiming for excellence. Fluent in Spanish and English, and learning Portuguese, Zabdi is constantly seeking new challenges, both professionally and personally.

Sam Blanchard understands that great things take time, but with focus and intention, everything falls into place. As a Commissioning Provider at BranchPattern, she applies this philosophy to her work, guided by the mantra "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." Her ability to collaborate seamlessly with colleagues across departments is a key strength, as she’s always looking for ways to optimize processes and better support her team.

With a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Energy Systems from Illinois Institute of Technology, Sam takes on a wide range of commissioning projects, driven by the belief that patience and intentionality lead to lasting impact. One of her career highlights was working on one of the first LEED v5 certifications in the world, a testament to her commitment to pushing boundaries while ensuring projects stay on track and on target. She’s especially focused on optimizing BranchPattern’s commissioning approach for ILFI and MBCx projects, where precision and care are key.

Sam’s thoughtful, intentional approach extends beyond her professional life. She enjoys pottery, a craft that echoes her work philosophy—where patience, care, and steady progress result in something meaningful. When she’s not at work or the pottery wheel, Sam dedicates her time to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, knowing that small, consistent actions can make a big difference over time.

For Sean Butler, the secret to success is simple: “Do the hard thing first and make life easier for future Sean.” As a Senior Associate and Project Executive on BranchPattern’s Commissioning Team, Sean lives by this mantra, tackling challenges head-on so that every project runs seamlessly from start to finish. Whether guiding his team or mentoring new engineers, he believes in getting the toughest tasks out of the way early to pave the road for smooth, successful outcomes later.

Sean’s technical expertise, supported by a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of North Dakota and an Associate’s degree in Computer Programming from Pittsburgh Technical Institute, allows him to dive into complex mechanical systems with confidence. As a Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA), Sean knows that addressing challenges early leads to efficient, high-performing systems down the line. And while he's focusing on the present, he’s also planning for the future—working toward accreditation from the Uptime Institute to expand BranchPattern’s reach in data center commissioning. Sean applies this same forward-thinking mindset to sustainability. In his work with Pittsburgh’s 2030 District, he focuses on reducing carbon emissions in existing buildings, knowing that the hard work done now will yield long-term environmental benefits. For Sean, every project is not just about immediate results but about laying the foundation for a more sustainable future.

When Sean’s not guiding projects, you’ll likely find him in the gym, pursuing his passion for competitive powerlifting. It’s in the weight room where Sean thrives, pushing himself to hit new personal records and overcome physical and mental barriers. For him, powerlifting is a way to continually challenge himself and build resilience—both qualities that mirror his approach to life and work. Sean also brings this philosophy to his community work, co-leading the stewardship committee at the Pittsburgh office. Through volunteer efforts with organizations like the Pittsburgh Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and TreePittsburgh, Sean is committed to building a better future, one step at a time.