Our Team
With 120 collective years of service to the Nation and our communities in engineering, construction project management, cost modeling, facility condition assessments, and compliance, Pioneer Engineering Services, LLC is your trusted problem-solver with unique expertise for a wide range of projects.
Gayle Sturdivant
Gayle Sturdivant is the CEO and co-managing member of Pioneer Engineering Services, LLC, bringing decades of deep experience in asset management, owner’s representation, and contract and litigation support. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Seattle University, she served six years with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Germany and Bosnia. After military service, she spent 19 years as a consulting engineer providing critical support to several local governments’ civil works projects. She has special expertise in transportation, water, and wastewater projects, with a focus on asset management and complex procurement strategies. In 2017, Gayle transitioned back to public service, serving in leadership roles in the Public Works departments for the cities of Omaha, Nebraska and Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Colorado and Nebraska and holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Gayle routinely presents at national conferences on cutting-edge topics related to transportation, public works, and other civil engineering topics.
Laura Calese
Laura Calese has a passion for solving complex problems and steering teams to mission accomplishment. As a 26-year Army veteran, she is excited to bring her unparalleled legal experience, strong work ethic, and integrity to a broader audience. She serves as operations officer and co-managing member for Pioneer Engineering Services, LLC. A University of Denver law graduate and Colorado attorney, as an Army lawyer, she advised clients in the courtroom and in combat. She taught contract law and served as Associate Dean for legal training programs for the Army JAG Corps. Specializing in Appropriations and National Security Law, she developed rapport with expert clients in highly technical and scientific fields, empowering them with practical, strategic solutions. After tours advising senior Pentagon officials, she culminated her service as General Counsel and senior legal officer for the Nation's 150,000 strategic and nuclear forces. She understands risk. Her deep sense of duty epitomizes the relationship Pioneer Engineering Services, LLC seeks to establish with its clients.
Gary Calese
Gary Calese started Pioneer Engineering Services, LLC because he wanted a platform to help others solve hard problems. Gary's personal ethic has always been to be part of something bigger than himself-- a concept of teamwork and service that was instilled in him at the United States Military Academy and hallmarked his 22(+) year military career as an Engineer Officer and leader. With 10 years of experience in the private sector, including as Executive Vice President of a small business, he also understands how to manage risk and deliver for a client. Gary has deep expertise in asset lifecycle management and a broad range of experience, including military deployments, in the built environment. His facility assessment experience ranges from sensitive national security sites and aviation facilities to Army family housing assessments designed to assist leaders improve the quality of life for service members and their families. Gary holds multiple advanced engineering degrees, a Masters in military strategy, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license in civil engineering.
Pete Sturdivant
Pete Sturdivant brings over 30 years of experience in engineering, geology, and service with the Army Corps of Engineers, where, in addition to his Active Duty service in Germany, Bosnia, and the Middle East, he has held leadership roles across various Districts and the Corps’ Headquarters. His career features the management of complex, multi-million-dollar construction and engineering programs both domestically and internationally. Beyond his practical expertise, Pete teaches engineering and construction courses and is committed to mentoring emerging professionals. As a co-founder of Pioneer Engineering Services, LLC, he leverages his passion and knowledge to provide innovative, practical solutions that drive success. He is renowned for his level-headed approach to dispute resolution. Holding degrees from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and Texas A&M at College Station, Pete is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and Geologist in Colorado.