Raising the Bar at 7 Stories: CESI Lays the Groundwork for Charlotte’s Dual-Brand Hotel

Jane Conversano

Marketing Coordinator

As CESI’s Marketing Coordinator, Jane plays a key role in driving business growth by developing strategic marketing initiatives, managing proposals, and expanding client relationships. With expertise in crafting compelling content, creating SOQs, optimizing social media presence, and coordinating outreach efforts, Jane ensures CESI’s brand remains strong and competitive in the AEC industry. Through collaboration with company leadership and project managers she tailors marketing materials to highlight CESI’s expertise, enhancing visibility and client engagement across the Southeast.

Previously, she has held key roles such as Communications Director, Creative Services Director, Advertising Agency Creative Director, Art Director, and Marketing Director in cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem. Her expertise covers many types of businesses such as television stations, ad agencies, country clubs, manufacturers, and graphic display companies.

Angelica Deaton, CPA

Controller

Angelica Deaton joined CESI in 2024 as Controller, bringing over 20 years of expertise in financial accounting and corporate finance. She is responsible for overseeing CESI’s operational accounting, financial reporting, and cash flow management, as well as leading the company’s employee benefits administration. As a key member of the corporate management and leadership team, Angelica plays a critical role in shaping and implementing CESI’s financial strategy to ensure the company’s fiscal health and long-term success.

Before joining CESI, Angelica spent seven years as a financial controller for two companies and more than two decades in public accounting. Her experience includes roles as an auditor, corporate tax accountant, and bookkeeper across various industries. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University.

David Haywood, PLS

Secretary | Vice President of Surveying

Mr. Haywood joined CESI in 1997 and has contributed in various capacities throughout his tenure. He began his career in the field, leading survey teams on a wide range of boundary and topographic surveys, and construction staking projects. Later, he transitioned to office support, where he provided critical computation and mapping for both engineering and surveying.

In 2009, he earned his Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) certification, solidifying his role as both a technical expert and a business leader within the organization. As Vice President of Surveying, David guides over 25 surveying team members.

Mr. Haywood has extensive experience managing projects of varying scales and complexities, including work with the US Army Corps of Engineers, North Carolina Railroad, City of Charlotte, NC Geodetic Surveys, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway. He is an active member of Harrisburg Rotary, and serves on the Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County Board. He is also a surveying/engineering career advocate serving on STEM boards and committees throughout the Cabarrus County and RCCC school systems.

Jim Craddock, PLS

President

As President of CESI, Jim oversees the activities of 50 professional and technical personnel. He joined CESI in 1986, and today he is responsible for leading the firm and focusing on corporate operation, client relationships, employee engagement and business development.

Jim is a Professional Land Surveyor in 5 eastern states and brings over 45 years of experience to our team. He has been elected by the membership of the North Carolina Society of Surveyors (NCSS) as our state’s delegate to the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). He is an active member of Cabarrus Rotary and has served on the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

“Our team provides quality professional services to our clients from project inception to completion. We are there when you need us.”

Jay Eaves, PE

Executive Vice President | Vice President of Geotechnical Engineering

Mr. Eaves received his license in 2002 and joined CESI 2006. He manages the environmental due diligence, geotechnical engineering, and construction materials testing for our firm and oversees daily operations of materials testing and geotechnical engineering staff, performs field evaluations and inspections, and reviews all field reports and test data. His experience with CESI includes residential, institutional, commercial, municipal, and industrial projects. These project scopes include geotechnical investigation, environmental assessments, subgrade evaluation, laboratory testing of the soils, field density testing of mass earth fill, utility trench backfill, foundations, reinforced concrete and masonry, structural steel, asphalt, and concrete paving.

Luke Parks

Treasurer | CMT Operations Manager

Mr. Parks joined CESI in 2007 and advanced quickly in the Surveying Division. Two years later, he transferred to the Geotechnical Division to assist in construction materials testing (CMT). Currently, Mr. Parks is the CMT Field Operations Manager and is the lead contact for construction testing and inspections. Mr. Parks manages a team of inspectors and technicians to provide clients with the personal and professional touch required to keep projects on schedule and moving forward. Mr. Parks and his team have the unmatched ability to meet the most demanding of deadlines and they manage each project, whether large or small, with great attention to detail.

Liz Warlick, PE

Civil Engineering Manager

We welcome Liz Warlick as our new Civil Engineering Manager. Her educational background includes a BS in Civil Engineering Technology from UNC Charlotte. Liz offers a wealth of experience in public and private projects, construction, design, and environmental engineering, honed over ten years in the Raleigh and Charlotte areas. Additionally, she has a background in structural design, which she gained during a year-long venture in Raleigh.

In her current role at CESI, Liz’s responsibilities encompass a broad range of managerial and leadership tasks. These include directing and overseeing engineering tasks and projects across all department activities. Furthermore, she is entrusted with spearheading business and strategy development, client management, and operational oversight. An integral part of her role also involves fostering staff development and demonstrating effective leadership.