Meet the Engineers: BLM California celebrates 2025 National Engineers Week by getting to know some of our finest!

National Engineers Week, an annual celebration in February, recognizes the remarkable achievements and contributions of engineers to society. Engineers play a vital role in shaping the future by managing complex projects and programs, improving systems, and addressing the challenges we face.

At the Bureau of Land Management in California, our engineers, which include Mark Stransky, Cheryl Parker, Jed Parker, Everett Teigen, Suong Chong, Justin Shobe, Nathan King, and Sai Syhaphom, have played a key role in the success of many of our important projects, including Great American Outdoors Act projects, and the rehabilitation of high-profile historic properties like the Punta Gorda Light Station and the Walker Cabin Historic Site. They have also contributed to the construction of new facilities, including the Doyle Fire Station. Additionally, they manage numerous smaller yet essential tasks that ensure our staff's well-being and the effective operation of our agency. These tasks include upgrading critical drinking water systems for health and safety, improving telecommunications site safety, repairing facility security systems, replacing aging infrastructure, and building and maintaining transportation networks, among many others. Here’s a look at some of our engineers at BLM California and the valuable contributions they make to improve the places we work and your public lands:

Mark L. Kougl, PE, MPA, supervises BLM California State Office engineers and asset management. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer and has a Masters of Public Affairs. Mark values his diverse and skilled staff, which fosters a collaborative environment. Initially aspiring to be an architect while growing up in Wyoming and South Dakota, Mark shifted directions when he did not connect with his architectural engineering program and decided to instead earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil/Environmental Engineering with a minor in Fisheries Management. Mark also served as an enlisted aircraft electrician with the military and received a commission as an Army Engineering Officer. Mark began his professional career with a consulting engineering firm, followed by Army Officer Basic Training, and then returned to consulting. At the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Mark led significant naval maintenance and repair projects and developed new techniques that aided Navy-wide problem-solving. Mark also deployed to Iraq with his Army National Guard Combat Engineering company. Afterward, he worked with the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command as a remedial project manager, focusing on environmental site restoration.

Mark later became the Park Engineer at Rocky Mountain National Park and completed his studies in 2013. After that, Mark accepted the role of State Engineer at the BLM California State Office, where he currently supervises other engineers. Mark leads BLM California’s Great American Outdoors Act program, and he also graduated from the BLM Leadership Academy in 2023. When Mark started, there were only two facility engineers in place, but the team has since expanded significantly. Mark provides a work/life tip for others: “I have always maintained some idealism despite the challenges of work and life,” he said. “I have learned the importance of persistence. If you're interested in solving complex problems and designing the things we all use, do not worry about where you start—just keep making progress toward your goals.” In his free time, Mark enjoys outdoor activities, biking, spending time with his dogs, working on home improvement projects, and pursuing creative interests.

Cheryl Parker, PE MS, is a licensed Civil and Environmental Engineer with a master’s degree in her field. Cheryl has worked with Engineers Without Borders to support disadvantaged native communities globally, including the Navajo Nation and native communities in Central America. With over 15 years of experience as an environmental engineer, Cheryl has tackled projects in environmental compliance and public infrastructure working for public utilities, state regulation, private consulting, and now the BLM. Cheryl wants her career to make a positive impact on her community and is dedicated to enhancing community access and experience on public lands. Her education and experience enable her to enhance public access to community lands by ensuring the development of safe infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and drinking water systems.

“Civil and environmental engineering often works best when it goes unnoticed, allowing people to enjoy the outdoors seamlessly,” said Cheryl. “When someone is driving on well-maintained roads, using accessible restrooms, enjoying shaded areas, exploring along stable trails, or utilizing campgrounds with drinking water facilities without a care in the world, that’s when we know our work is effective.” When Cheryl is not busy with work at the BLM, she enjoys hiking, camping with her husband and dog, sailing, and diving in Monterey Bay and around the world.  

Everett A. Teigen is a Facility Asset Management System Data Manager for BLM California’s Support Services. Everett says his career path was not smooth. "I initially wanted to follow my older brother’s footsteps as a civil engineer, but I felt I had to choose a different career to avoid competing with him," said Everett, adding "I’ve always had a talent for mechanics and building, working as a general contractor in Oregon, California, and Idaho." Later in life, Everett returned to school at Boise State University for a civil engineering degree but left school after four years. He returned to Salmon, Idaho, then worked for the U.S. Forest Service for eight years in various roles, including as a carpenter, mechanic, and engineering equipment operator. A few years later, after “trying out” retirement, Everett decided to go back into the workforce to work for the BLM in Arcata, and then later applied for a similar role at the California State Office. Everett was hired as the FAMS Data Manager and remains in that position today.

Everett’s new take on life: "I have no plans to retire while I’m healthy and enjoying my work, which involves improving data quality for state facilities," said Everett. "I love traveling and mentoring other FAMS Stewards. To me, age is just a number, challenges are part of life, and overcoming them is fulfilling." This year, Everett fulfilled a bucket list item by buying a Honda Goldwing motorcycle. He is planning to ride with friends and family, including his 86-year-old brother. Additionally, Everett set up a karaoke system at home to practice for his church choir and to connect with others who enjoy singing.

Justin Shobe has 18 years of experience as a civil engineer. He spent 15 years working for a firm that specializes in water resources and the design of drinking water facilities for large municipalities. In 2021, Justin and his family moved to northern California when he and his wife transitioned to careers with the BLM. Here, Justin has been involved in several key activities, including assisting with facilities maintenance critical projects, supporting planning efforts and feasibility studies, designing funded projects, and overseeing construction once projects have been awarded. One notable project he is currently working on is the Doyle Fire Station—a new $10 million multi-agency fire station located in Lassen County. "I’ve been happy to work on the Doyle Fire Station project that will benefit southern Lassen County," Justin said. "Community residents will benefit from improved emergency response times, and our fire crews will have enhanced space for work and rest." Additionally, Justin has contributed to several projects for the Litchfield Wild Horse and Burro Corrals, which included the development of a new workshop. He has also worked on the Prosper Ridge Road Maintenance project and the Butte Creek Low Water Crossing in Arcata, as well as the Cedar Creek Major Culvert Replacement in Redding.

Sai Syhaphom takes pride in his 19 years of service with the BLM California Desert District (CDD) as their Civil Engineer. Hailing from Minnesota, Sai worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service before heading to the CDD in 2006. Moving from the Midwest to southern California was a bit of culture shock, but Sai welcomed the challenge. He is a self-motivated problem solver, serving as the sole engineer for the largest BLM district in the state. Most of his responsibilities fall under the Annual Maintenance and Deferred Maintenance Programs, including the biggest project completed in-house by BLM CDD, the Wash Road Re-Surfacing Project in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. Amounting to $1.5 million, the Wash Road Project spanned three summers from 2020 to 2022, with BLM personnel starting work before 5 a.m. to avoid the intense heat. By 9 a.m. in the Imperial Sand Dunes, daily summer temperatures typically exceed 110 degrees.

Sai recognizes that collaboration is growth. While he’s often working behind the scenes on logistics and planning, Sai can also be found in the field, experiencing the heat alongside BLM maintenance crews. Overall, his efforts have contributed to projects totaling more than $20 million with funding from Off-Highway Vehicle grants, the BLM Fire program, deferred maintenance and more.

“Working for the BLM, it’s easy to take pride in what you do,” Sai said. “Your efforts help protect the environment and wildlife, create positive experiences for the public user, and give you the chance to contribute to this whole big world.”

Other recent initiatives led by Sai include the Ivanpah Post and Cable Fence Project and the Dos Palmas Preserve Pipelines and Bridge Replacement Project, both of which involved significant in-house labor from BLM staff. Sai holds the sentiment that time flies when you love what you do. In his free time, Sai enjoys traveling with his girlfriend.

The work our engineers do require a huge amount of talent and skills, and this particular group of public servants are the driving force behind countless advancements that shape our work facilities and public lands—they are problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and creative minds who turn ideas into reality.

Although National Engineers Week is set aside to highlight engineering professionals, it is also important for us to recognize that all of our public servants contribute to the success of BLM’s projects, the advancement of our goals and mission, and the enhancement of visitor and public land experiences. BLM California is proud to have such a talented and innovative workforce!