Meet Our Team

Teams:

George Retschle, PE

President

George’s engineering career began in the early 1990’s in Upstate NY and he joined Ballentine Associates as a Civil Designer in 1997. George was quickly promoted to Project Manager and then to Engineering Team Leader and Vice President. In 2015 he was proudly named as the firm’s President. George’s experience spans a wide range of project sizes and types and includes working with some of the most talented developers, engineers, surveyors, architects, planners, landscape architects, and real estate attorneys in NC and beyond. George’s experience, many years of mentorship from company founder Bruce Ballentine, and his career-long commitment to providing clients with the highest quality service possible, have translated to a culture at BA where integrity, hard work, and results matter - and client satisfaction is paramount.

George is actively involved with several of the firm’s larger projects and provides support and mentorship to the firm’s team leaders and department heads, always looking for ways to improve BA’s services to our clients and enhance the working environment for BA’s outstanding team.

When not working, George enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family.

Dillon Smith, PE

Director of Engineering

Dillon Smith grew up in Asheville and moved to Raleigh to attend North Carolina State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2010. Following graduation, he worked for a small surveying/engineering firm where he was able to take an active role in all aspects of company projects from concept to completion and quickly worked his way from an Intern to a Surveying & Construction Manager and was named the office employee of the year in 2013. Dillon joined Ballentine Associates in 2014 as an Engineering Intern. Dillon is a self-motivated individual, an enthusiastic team player, has strong communication and design skills, and with his attention to detail, incredible work ethic, and knack for problem solving, he was quickly promoted to Project Manager and then to Engineering Team Leader. On Jan 1, 2023, Dillon was promoted to Director of Engineering. He has project experience in a wide variety of fields including renewable energy, commercial, residential, institutional and public sectors.

Outside of the office, Dillon spends his time with his family. He also enjoys spending time with friends, watching football, playing basketball, fishing, snowboarding during the winter and white-water rafting during the summer.

Julian Smith, PLS

Interim Director of Survey

Julian Smith grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and earned his A.A.S. in Civil Engineering Technology at Wake Tech in 2020. He worked previously as a certified automotive technician for Hyundai, and Construction Materials Inspector. Julian joined Ballentine Associates in November of 2018 as a CAD Tech. In his time at Ballentine, Julian has further developed his understanding of CAD, surveying techniques, and relationships with clients and is now a Survey Project Manager.

Julian is a huge fan of the Carolina Hurricanes and goes to a few games per year. He also is a car enthusiast and enjoys playing video games in his free time.

Andrea DePalacios

Assistant Office Manager

Andrea joined Ballentine Associates in November 2025. She has administrative experience with a background in real estate, construction, and the insurance industries. Andrea is passionate about supporting people and projects in industries that have a real-world local and global impact. She finds it fascinating to learn the intricacies behind the design, implementation, and decision-making of the project lifecycle. In her free time, Andrea enjoys collecting antique books, setting off on small-town adventures, and spending time with her mini-Dachshunds, Rose & Barrington, persistently training them not to bark at the wind.

Cole Badstein

Survey Project Manager I

Cole is a Henderson, NC native who joined BA in December of 2025 as a Civil Designer II. Shortly thereafter in January 2026, Cole volunteered to fill a Survey Project Manager I role that had opened up, leading him back to the survey field where he has spent the previous seven years. Cole developed an interest in surveying after working as a CEI inspector on NCDOT job sites. He was invited by the PLS-in-charge to join his survey crew and has worked in survey ever since! Cole also brings leadership experience from his career as a manager at Chick-fil-A restaurants. Cole says he loves being able to work with a team to see a big project come together. He shares, “I always used to draw maps as a kid, pretending I was a cartographer or explorer. I feel like in some way I get to keep doing that now.” Cole loves spending time with his wife and kids, and says, “Getting to be a dad is everything.” He also loves playing music, and playing video games with his friends and sons.

James McGruder

SUE Project Coordinator

James joined Ballentine Associates in September 2025, bringing his vast experience in utility locating services and helping to launch our in-house Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) service line. James’ experience with utility services began in 1998 in the locating realm and transitioned to full SUE services in 2002. Since then, he has had the pleasure of leading teams and working on many SUE projects of varying complexity throughout the United States. When asked what he likes most about his work, James shares, he values “providing accurate information to be used in engineering and the development of roads, building, and infrastructure.” James also enjoys SUE work for its outdoor setting and the challenge of constructing puzzles from cables, pipes, and utilities. An Illinois native, James has resided in Durham since 1994 and enjoys his free time with family, coaching sports, fishing, hunting, and wrenching on his project car.

Ken Judy, PE

Engineering Project Manager II

Originally from Richmond, VA, Ken moved to Charlotte when he was in high school. He later graduated from UNC–Charlotte. He moved to Raleigh in 2012 and currently resides in Archer Lodge, NC. Early in his career as an engineer, he climbed and inspected telecommunication towers. From there, he transitioned to land development, focusing on getting new towers approved across the country. After nine years, he then worked on larger commercial and residential land development projects. “My interest in engineering has been a natural progression,” he said. “Growing up, I was interested in buildings, and with a logical, math/science-oriented mind, civil engineering became the clear option in college.” He started working with Ballentine Associates, PA, in January 2025, and quickly became an impactful Project Manager. “I enjoy the problem-solving and diversity of work that comes with development projects,” he said. “Each project has similarities, but every site is different and presents its own unique challenges. It is also awesome to get to see a completed project and knowing you played a role in the process.” In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, homebrewing, and cheering for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Frank Emery, EI

Engineering Intern II

Frank was born into this business. He grew up in southern Maine and worked summers for his family’s civil engineering and land surveying company and after high school, attended Wentworth Institute of Technology where he received his B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology in 2005. Their careers brought Frank and his wife to this area in 2014, and Frank joined Ballentine Associates in 2015. Frank is currently an Engineering Intern II in our firm and works closely with each member of the design team in developing projects from conception through closeout. Through his work at Ballentine Associates, Frank has improved his design skills and has developed strong client, consultant, and contractor relationships.

When Frank is not in the office, you can find him at home with his wife and two small boys, rooting for their favorite Boston sports teams or in the woods at his local golf course trying to find his golf ball.

Justin Hattaway, CST I

Survey Project Manager I

Justin is originally from Orlando, Florida and has over 20 years of experience in survey. Justin joined Ballentine Associates in 2019 as a crew chief and says being able to enjoy the great outdoors is one of his favorite things about survey work.

Justin currently lives in Bynum, and in his spare time works as a DJ and enjoys being a Dad.

Drew Howe, PE

Engineering Project Manager I

Drew grew up in Chattanooga, TN, and attended college at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After completing his undergraduate degree, Drew worked in construction management in Sacramento, CA, and Knoxville, TN. Drew’s interest in engineering was sparked by a great physics teacher in high school, combined with his natural abilities and interest in math and science. Drew joined Ballentine Associates in 2022. Two things come to mind for Drew when asked what he enjoys most about engineering – problem-solving, and the fact that there is almost always a physical outcome to the work. Drew finds satisfaction in seeing a newly completed project and knowing that he and the BA Team played a role in making that happen.

In his free time, Drew enjoys hiking, camping, playing with his dog Ginger, and traveling.

Will Milholen, EI

Engineering Intern II

Will grew up in Siler City, NC, and attended college at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. After completing his undergraduate degree, Will worked for a summer as a transportation intern at an engineering firm in Raleigh, and prior to that worked on a field crew doing land survey work. When Will was a freshman in high school, he started a camp with the Boys and Girls Club in Siler City called Roving Robotics. He says he learned just as much as the kids did when he was teaching them at camp. Will is also an Eagle Scout and for his Eagle Scout project in 2016, he designed a hunting blind for handicapped individuals. Will’s passion for engineering was always obvious!

Ballentine Associates happily welcomed Will to the team in August 2022. Will has always enjoyed the process of learning new things and applying different strategies to solve complex problems. Will specifically enjoys civil engineering because he can work on many different projects and see the ways in which his work makes a difference.

Will recently moved to Wake Forest. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing in the yard with his dog. He also enjoys going to the gym and spending time with his family and friends. Will and his wife have set a goal to visit all the different wineries in NC! We think this sounds like a great idea - have fun Will & Morgan!

Matt Pajak, EI

Sr. Construction Administrator

Originally from Poland, Matt lived in Chicago and ran a successful construction business there for 14 years before moving to North Carolina in 2012. Matt graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, having chosen the field due to its versatility, broad range of career paths, and interesting opportunities. Matt is proud to be part of Ballentine’s work designing new solar farms across the region, supporting the transition to green energy while delivering profitable and sustainable projects to our firm’s clients. Matt enjoys conducting site visits and increasing his hydrology and CAD design knowledge and skills.

Matt lives in Chapel Hill with his wife and two children. When not working, Matt enjoys playing soccer and traveling abroad with his family exploring new, interesting places and cultures.

Thomas “Lee” Price III, PE

Engineering Team Leader I

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from North Carolina State University, Lee Price joined Ballentine Associates in June of 2016. Ballentine Associates has allowed Lee to broaden his knowledge of engineering and design through the range of projects he has been involved with, including solar, commercial, and residential. Lee enjoys working with engineers, architects, and project managers as they share their expertise and experience both at the office and in the field.

When he is not in the office, Lee enjoys spending time with his dog, family and friends. His favorite activities include spending time at the beach on his boat fishing with family and friends.

Elisabeth Smith, CST III

Survey CAD Tech II

Elisabeth grew up in Raleigh and currently lives in Selma, NC. Before joining Ballentine Associates in March of 2025, she worked in the engineering and pharmaceutical industries. From there, she started working in the surveying profession and fell in love with the career. After spending time as a field technician, she gradually trained in the office. “I most enjoy the research and team collaboration of the job,” she said. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her sons and husband, gardening, and reading.

Bennie Ward III, CST I

Survey Crew Chief II

Bennie is originally from Rocky Mount, NC and has previously worked in residential roofing and farm work. Bennie joined Ballentine Associates in 2018 as a survey Instrument Operator and has worked his way up to Crew Chief. Learning new skills, being outside and enjoying nature are among the things Bennie likes most about survey work.

Bennie currently lives in Oxford and in his spare time enjoys spending time with his wife and three small children, riding four wheelers, and working on his house and yard.

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