REGulatory director
Justin Bellow
EDUCATION
B.S. in Urban Planning, Arizona State University
Justin is a co-founder and Regulatory/Permits Director for InterAgency. Justin served for 2-years in the Mayor’s Office during the Fenty Administration, followed by 2-years at the Office of Zoning, where he performed drawing review and code analysis. Subsequently, Justin served for 2-years as Director for DCRA’s Permit Center, where he managed a team of 30 review technicians, overseeing the permitting of DC’s most complex and vital building projects. Justin’s relationship with both DCRA directors and permit staff are a key driver in InterAgency’s ability to secure agreements and approvals with the District. Justin understands the development process comprehensively, and guides clients seamlessly through PUD processes, subdivisions and consolidations, Inclusionary Zoning, and By-Right development. Justin’s facility with District regulations is complimented by his personal relationships with District regulators. When large development is proposed in the District, Justin Bellow is the preeminent facilitator of agreements between various AHJs.
Planning director
Justin Donnelly, LEED
EDUCATION
Masters of Architecture, University of Maryland
B.A. in City Planning, Stanford University
Justin is co-founder and Planning Director for InterAgency, where he leads the firm’s water/sewer, road/bridge, and bus/rail projects. Over a 20+ year career, Justin has led architectural design, environmental, and permit processes for the region’s largest infrastructure developments, including AlexRenew’s new $40M CSO Pumping Station, DC Water’s $2.7B Clean Rivers CSO Tunnel Program, Property Group’s $1B I-395 Air Rights Project, CSX’s $500M Virginia Avenue Tunnel, and a host of projects for WMATA and the National Parks Service. Justin has performed the design work for several industrial water processing facilities, written Environmental Assessments, managed extensive Section 106 and Clean Water Act permitting processes, authored MOUs with DDOT, DOEE, DMPED, and DGS, and coordinated the easements/entitlements for a host of linear infrastructure projects in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Architecture director
John Li, AIA, LEED
EDUCATION
Masters of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania
B.S. in Architecture, University of Maryland
John is a co-founder and Architecture Director for InterAgency. He is a registered architect in Maryland and DC, with more than a decade of experience supporting Government and commercial clients in the Metro Area in the capacity of Lead Architect and Project Manager. John has led diverse projects for Federal agency clients, including the General Services Administration, National Institutes of Health, and National Park Service. His areas of expertise are wide-ranging, and include program of requirements and planning studies, feasibility studies, fast-track design build projects, and work in both historic and occupied buildings. He is well-versed in the Section 106, NCPC, and CFA review processes, and extremely familiar with GSA’s PBS P-100 standards. John currently supports Alexandria Renew Enterprises, where he serves as project architect for the RiverRenew $600M RiverRenew Tunnel System and the fit out of the Environmental Center.
Environmental Director
Doug Chapin, CFM, LEED
EDUCATION
M.S. in Natural Resources, Virginia Tech
B.A. in Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia
Doug manages InterAgency’s environmental practice. He brings 20+ years of natural and cultural resources consulting to bear on major land use development, planning, and wetland/stream mitigation projects. Doug currently serves as Owner’s Advisor to Alexandria Renew Enterprises, managing the environmental and regulatory coordination for the $600M RiverRenew CSO Tunnel Program. In this role, Doug oversees the program’s NEPA compliance process, USACE and VDEQ Clean Water Act permitting, VDOT/FHWA coordination, and the City of Alexandria’s Development Special Use Permit (DSUP) process. Concurrently, Doug serves as the Environmental Manager for the NPS National Capital Seawall project to rehabilitate and repair the seawalls within the Tidal Basin and along West Potomac Park. In this role, Doug oversees the program’s regulatory compliance process including NEPA, §106, §7 and permitting. Doug is particularly strong in Virginia, where he has negotiated easements, entitlements, and approvals with various municipalities and AHJs, including VDOT, VDEQ, and Dominion Power. Prior to joining InterAgency, Doug worked for 13 years at Wetland Studies and Solutions Inc., where he was Principal in charge of Clean Water Act (§404/§401) permitting.
permitting director
Monling Lee
EDUCATION
Masters of Architecture, Washington U in St. Louis
B.S. in Architecture, University of Maryland
Monling has 14-years experience in architectural design, urban design, interior architecture, and permit consulting in the D.C. metro area. At InterAgency, Monling brings her architectural expertise to bear, providing peer reviews of architectural permit submissions associated with large-scale development projects for clients like MRP, Foulger-Pratt, and Akridge. Monling is a detail-oriented manager who brings a sure-hand to cost-estimating and permit scheduling activities. Prior to joining InterAgency, Monling Lee was a project manager at Hunt Laudi Studio, where she led the efforts of multiple critically acclaimed design projects including Dupont Underground, Legacy Memorial Park, and the winning entry for the Washington Memorial Grounds Competition.
Civil Infrastructure director
Khara James, RA
EDUCATION
Masters of Architecture, University of Maryland
B.S. in Architecture, University of Maryland
Khara has 13-years experience in architectural design, urban design, and permit consulting in the D.C. metro area. Khara is a licensed architect in Washington D.C. and has worked at a variety of building scales. She was previously a project architect and associate at Perkins Eastman Architects specializing in K-12 school projects. Upon joining InterAgency, Khara focused on linear infrastructure programs, typically in the transportation space. Khara leads InterAgency’s work on VPRA’s Long Bridge Project, Amtrak’s Ivy City Project, and WMATA Bladensburg and Northern Bus Garages. Khara is also a pre-construction consultant on some of InterAgency’s largest mixed-use and affordable housing developments in Washington, DC, including JBG’s Union Market development and EYA’s McMillan development. Prior to joining InterAgency, Khara served as an assistant professor of architecture at Montgomery College. Her passion for sustainable placemaking has served as the foundation for her work throughout her career.
SENIOR Architect
Andrea L. Shaw, RA, LEED AP, NCARB
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Bachelor of Science in Building Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Andrea brings more than 25 years of experience as a Project Architect and Project Manager, leading a wide range of institutional, educational, commercial, and residential projects. Her academic foundation in architecture and building science complements her technical expertise and client-centered approach. Andrea is highly skilled in managing all phases of design and construction—from feasibility and programming through documentation and construction administration. At InterAgency, she has served as Senior Architect for AlexRenew’s Environmental Center fit-out and currently acts as Owner Advisor for the architecture of the Pumping Station Superstructure. Andrea is a licensed architect in Virginia.
Senior architect
Emilie M. Rottman, AIA
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture, University of Maryland
Master of Real Estate Development, University of Maryland
Certificate in Urban Design, University of Maryland
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, University of Cincinnati
Emilie brings more than fifteen years of architectural experience to her role as Senior Architect at InterAgency, where she leads the design and construction of civic and commercial projects. With advanced training in both architecture and real estate development, she bridges design intent with practical execution to deliver thoughtful, enduring work. A registered architect in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., Emilie has led projects across adaptive reuse, urban infill, and community-oriented developments throughout the region. She is recognized for her leadership through all phases of design and construction, her ability to navigate complex approval processes, and her commitment to creating spaces that strengthen community connection.
senior architect
Nicole Ng, RA
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture, University of Maryland
B.S. in Architecture, University of Maryland
Nicole brings twelve years of professional experience in architecture and urban design across the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and Pacific Coast regions. Her academic foundation in architecture from the University of Maryland has provided her with a strong balance of design theory and technical expertise. A licensed architect in the District of Columbia, Nicole has contributed to a broad range of practice areas, including urban and civic design, campus planning, K–12 education, healthcare, senior living, mixed-use, and residential architecture. At InterAgency, she serves as Project Architect, facilitating architectural feasibility and design to ensure each project achieves its functional, aesthetic, and community objectives.
SENIOR NEPA Specialist
Heidi West
EDUCATION
PhD in Environmental Science/Engineering, UCLA
M.S. in Biology/Ecology Cal State Los Angeles
M.A. in Science Communications UC Santa Cruz
B.A. in Biology UCLA
Heidi is the technical lead and subject matter expert for NEPA compliance at InterAgency. In this role, Heidi facilitates scoping and consultation processes, prepares NEPA documents, and guides clients through the execution of EAs, EISs, and Categorical Exclusions. Heidi is skilled in leading diverse stakeholder groups in the beginning stages of NEPA—defining purpose, need, and objectives, potential types and intensity of impacts, NEPA pathway, and alternatives. Prior to joining InterAgency, Heidi founded Total Quality NEPA in 1993, an all-around NEPA consulting firm that offered multi-agency planning, analysis, and technical/public input management. She was primary author of the 1998 National Park Service (NPS) NEPA regulatory handbook and has trained federal agency personnel in NEPA compliance since 1990 when she first joined Shipley Associates. Heidi has facilitated the NPS-led EIS effort for the removal of two major dams on the Elwha River, the Management Plan/EIS for Assateague Island National Seashore’s response to sea level rise, and EISs for Bison Management at Yellowstone and Elk Management at Rocky Mountain Park.
Project Manager
Coman Ilahi
Since joining InterAgency, Coman has managed a range of project types including commercial retail and office spaces, multifamily residential developments, and municipal infrastructure projects. He has extensive experience navigating complex regulatory compliance processes and demonstrates expertise in managing all phases of a project’s development lifecycle. An outdoor enthusiast and endurance cyclist, Coman is also passionate about sustainable, community-focused design and currently supports infrastructure initiatives with WMATA and DC Water.
PROJECT Manager
Nate Akey
EDUCATION
B.S. in Nursing, Lipscomb University
Nate brings over 15 years of multifaceted professional experience to InterAgency, building on a foundation in healthcare with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lipscomb University. His career includes work in commercial construction, small business ownership, residential general contracting, and healthcare. These experiences have strengthened his consulting approach by combining technical expertise, regulatory awareness, and practical field insight to deliver coordinated, well-informed solutions. Since joining InterAgency, Nate has successfully managed and supported a wide range of commercial, residential, office, and educational projects for clients including GCS-Sigal, DC United, Kiewit, The George Washington University, and the D.C. Department of General Services. As a member of the Civil Infrastructure Team, he contributes to several high-profile initiatives such as VPRA’s Long Bridge Project, Amtrak’s Ivy City Project, WMATA’s Switchgear Replacement Project, and DC Water’s Sewer Program Management Team.
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Daniel Kim, PMP
EDUCATION
B.S. in Biology, Pennsylvania State University
Project Management Professional (PMP), 2025
Daniel brings project management expertise and operational precision to his role as Permitting Operations Project Manager at InterAgency. He applies an analytical and systems-based perspective to streamline permitting processes and deliver transparent outcomes that advance the District’s Lead-Free initiatives. Daniel serves as the primary point of contact for DC Water’s Lead Replacement Assistance Program (LPRAP) and Voluntary Lead Replacement Program (VLRP), supporting the District’s goal of replacing all lead service lines by 2030. e manages scheduling, permit coordination, and end-to-end submissions with a focus on accuracy and efficiency under demanding timelines. As a key liaison among DDOT, DC Water, contractors, and internal teams, Daniel ensures communication remains clear and projects move forward seamlessly. His experience includes managing fast-paced permitting workflows, supporting contractors and homeowners through the LPRAP program, and expanding operational capacity within the VLRP to sustain increased project volume and timely permit delivery.
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Soumia Chetouane
EDUCATION
B.S. in Community Health, George Mason University
Soumia manages regulatory permitting efforts for DC Water’s Lead Free DC initiative, overseeing permit submissions to DDOT, DOEE, DOB, and DC Water. She plays a key role in advancing DC Water’s Lead-Free DC initiative—an environmental justice program—by managing all related permit submissions to DOEE and DDOT. Acting as a liaison between DC Water, regulatory agencies, and private property owners, Soumia ensures that permit approvals are secured efficiently, preventing delays to critical construction projects. She also contributes to community outreach efforts in support of this landmark public health initiative. Outside of work, Soumia is expanding her technical skills through certification programs in Microsoft Access and Power BI.
Permit COORDINATOR
Mandy Leung
EDUCATION
M.S. Psychology, ChengKung University, Taiwan
B.S. in Psychology, ChengKung University, Taiwan
Mandy has 4-years of experience facilitating construction management, utility coordination, and permit expediting in the D.C. Metro Area. Over the course of her tenure with InterAgency, Mandy has worked on a variety of building project types, ranging from commercial retail to office space and multifamily residential. Mandy has experience navigating regulatory compliance protocols in numerous jurisdictions such as in DC, Montgomery, Arlington, and Fairfax County. She currently manages InterAgency’s commercial projects for tenant layouts and interior alterations.
Permit compliance specialist
Markos Dereje
EDUCATION
M.S. in Civil Engineering
B.S. in Civil Engineering
Markos is a Permit Compliance Specialist at InterAgency, bringing over 15 years of experience in civil infrastructure design, construction management, and regulatory coordination throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. At InterAgency, Markos leads permit compliance reviews and works closely with contractors and DC Water to resolve permitting issues efficiently. He is highly skilled in managing complex permitting processes for transportation and water infrastructure programs, coordinating with agencies such as DDOT, DOEE, DC Water, WMATA, FAA, and NPS to ensure full compliance with public space, environmental, and airspace regulations. Markos also develops Traffic Control Plans (TCPs), reviews erosion and sediment control plans, and evaluates civil design packages to ensure regulatory accuracy and safety standards are met. His strong technical background and experience in field inspection, engineering design, and environmental compliance enable him to effectively bridge communication among contractors, consultants, and public agencies, helping projects maintain schedule integrity and regulatory alignment
UI/UX Engineer
Natalia Andino
EDUCATION
B.S. in Industrial Design, Georgia Tech
Natalia is a UI/UX Engineer at InterAgency, where she designs and develops intuitive, high-performing front-end interfaces that prioritize accessibility, responsiveness, and seamless user experiences. Blending design principles with technical expertise, she creates digital environments that are both visually refined and functionally efficient. At InterAgency, Natalia works with multidisciplinary teams to translate complex requirements into clear, scalable design systems and front-end solutions. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from Georgia Institute of Technology, where she developed her passion for integrating technology, design, and human-centered thinking. Her background in industrial design gives her a holistic perspective on digital problem-solving, allowing her to merge aesthetic sensibility with usability, accessibility, and performance optimization.
HR & Operations manager
Maryanne Valleau, MBA, SHRM-CP
EDUCATION
M.B.A. in Project Management, Capella University
B.A. in Psychology, Stockton University
Maryanne brings over two decades of senior leadership experience in Human Resources, operations, and organizational development. Since joining InterAgency in 2023, she has served as HR Manager and Business Partner, providing strategic leadership in compliance, talent management, and workforce planning. With an MBA in Project Management earned in May 2025, Maryanne integrates business strategy with HR initiatives to strengthen company performance and support long-term growth. She leads efforts to enhance employee engagement, develop scalable infrastructure, and align people strategy with business objectives. A member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the D.C. SHRM chapter, Maryanne is recognized for her ability to translate organizational vision into actionable results.
HR & Operations Assistant
Lerkia Parks
EDUCATION
A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies, Prince George’s Community College
Lerkia brings over two decades of professional experience in administration and more than 15 years supporting federal government operations. A native of the DMV area, she attended Prince George’s Community College, where she earned an A.A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies. As Human Resources Assistant, Lerkia is a vital part of InterAgency’s daily operations, supporting HR processes, recruiting, onboarding, and office management. She also applies her administrative expertise to business development, helping to identify and pursue future procurement opportunities that contribute to InterAgency’s continued growth.
Accounting assistant
Alexandra Pike
EDUCATION
B.S. in Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
A.S. in Accounting, Southern New Hampshire University
Alexandra brings a diverse background in accounting, healthcare administration, and medical billing to her role at InterAgency. She studied Biochemistry at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and earned an Associate’s degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University. With over three years of accounting experience, Alexandra has also worked as a patient care coordinator and as a billing and coding specialist. A Maryland native, she enjoys contributing to projects that support the growth and revitalization of communities throughout the DMV area.