After over 45 years with JVA, Senior Structural Principal Tom Soell, P.E., LEED AP, retired from the firm in December of 2024.
Tom began his career at JVA in 1979 after graduating with honors from the University of Missouri, and working in Texas for a few years at Brown & Root.
Tom had the opportunity as a young engineer to work directly alongside JVA’s founders, Bud Johnson, Bob Voiland and Salvador “Arch” Archuleta. During his time with the firm, Tom served as Drafter, Project Manager, Principal, Vice President and Corporate Officer, President, Advisor, Mentor and Friend. He was instrumental in the growth and success of JVA’s Structural Engineering Department. Tom was the driving force behind the establishment of JVA’s Civil Engineering Department in 1999 with the addition of civil director Kevin Tone, P.E., LEED AP.
Throughout his time at JVA, Tom worked on a wide variety of institutional and recreational projects with a specialization in historic preservation. Tom has also been a leader in JVA’s work for the National Park Service and USDA Forest Service work across the county. He also has extensive experience in coastal regions including the Pacific and Caribbean.
Tom served as JVA’s President through the Great Recession and led the firm through some tough economic times into the strong and profitable firm it is today. Most recently, Tom served as a Senior Structural Principal after stepping down as a Corporate Officer in 2022 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
The firm thanks Tom for his lifetime of service and dedication to JVA.
“We celebrate Tom’s incredible career and lasting impact on JVA”, said JVA President Kevin Tone. “His leadership and mentorship to both clients and staff was extraordinary.”
Reflecting on his career, Tom said “I am so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. I take more pride in the relationships I’ve built with our clients and staff and the successes we’ve shared together as a team than any of my technical accomplishments.”
JVA is a structural, civil, and environmental consulting engineering firm headquartered in Boulder with offices in Fort Collins, Winter Park, Glenwood Springs, and Denver. JVA has a 69-year history as a consulting engineering firm providing services to owners and architects on projects throughout the Rocky Mountain region and nationwide. JVA provides their clients with creative engineering solutions and excellent service. JVA is a legacy firm and enjoys a tradition of well-planned leadership succession. For more information, please visit www.jvajva.com.
