MEET OUR TEAM
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Krystal Montgomery
Principal
Krystal Montgomery, a Pacific Northwest native, embarked on her journey in the real estate world, discovering her true passion while serving as an executive assistant for realtors nationwide. Her heart lies in the behind-the-scenes intricacies of the day-to-day operations, where she thrives in bringing value to TurnKey. With a keen eye for marketing, a genuine love for people and building relationships in her role in Human Resources, and her organization and attention to detail in the administrative realm, Krystal contributes a unique blend of skills solidifying her pivotal role in steering TurnKey towards success.
Beyond her love for building and running a business, Krystal's greatest joy in life is her family. Whether shuttling her five kids to school, cheering them on at their sports, helping them with homework, volunteering at their schools, or cherishing moments with family scattered across the country, her happy place is anywhere her loved ones are. In her spare moments, Krystal finds solace by the pool or beach, traveling, enjoying a good book, or rejuvenating through running.
Derek Montgomery
Principal
Derek Montgomery started in the oil and gas industry acquiring easements and leases for oil and gas operators and electric transmission providers in 2006. From there Derek moved into overall project management, logistics management, and contract and damage negotiations on Gulf Coast/Marketlink Project, Houston Lateral Project, Citgo Extension, Cushing Interconnect, Cushing Extension, Leach Xpress, Mountaineer Express, WB Xpress, Buckeye Xpress, and Keystone XL. Derek has personally managed several billion dollars in project execution and operations. In these roles Derek managed the close out of road use obligations with counties and states delivering releases from those obligations for a fractional percentage of target costs. This was accomplished by a combination of detailed road condition documentation, road analysis, and a result driven negotiating strategy.
Derek grew up on a cattle farm in Northern Arkansas, then he spent his first 3 years out of college teaching high school history. Derek and Krystal have 5 children and make their home in Houston, Texas. His hobbies include spending time at the beach with family, and is a superfan, sometimes a coach, of whatever sports team his kids are playing on.
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George Peterson, P.E.
Principal
George Peterson is a Professional Engineer who brings extensive experience in non-environmental permitting, asset management, transportation planning, and municipal civil design. George began his career working the oil & gas industry performing haul route analysis and pavement condition studies. He quickly developed a passion for data driven asset management programs and worked to bring condition-based assessment to the forefront of his work. George has developed skills in both planning and applied settings, working first as a Civil Designer in the private sector, then as a Transportation Planner for a Metropolitan Planning Organization, and then as a Project Engineer in the Public Works department of the second largest city in Maine.
George and his wife Hillary live in Maine, where they both grew up, with their son Louis and their coonhound Riley. George enjoys hiking, camping, board games, and spending time with his dad volunteering as a Shriner at various charity events and parades.
Kaylee Gibson
Director of Stakeholder and Government Relations
Kaylee Gibson graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. During her time at UCA, Kaylee worked at the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas. From there she went to work for Arkansas Farm Bureau Insurance where she developed her knowledge of policy coverages, forms and large farm operations by working with a commercial farm package policy. Kaylee also continued her education while working with Arkansas Farm Bureau by studying and passing over 10 exams to obtain her Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter Designation She has experience as a relationship manager, working with public agencies and industry stakeholders to coordinate project permitting and approvals. Making the switch to Stakeholder Relations Manager in 2022, Kaylee now focuses her efforts meeting with government agencies and community stakeholders to inform the public, provide updates, and advocate for project favorability.
Kaylee’s hobbies include hiking and exercise. One of her biggest goals in life is to summit Mt. Rainier in Washington. When she is at home, she loves cuddling with her chihuahua, Nina and watching the latest Netflix documentary.
Bill Sullivan
Director of Land and Right of Way Services
Bill Sullivan has been serving the energy infrastructure industry for 20 years as a project manager specializing in land, title, permitting, and regulatory. The journey has taken him to projects in 18 states and he's helped facilitate the successful planning to operations of FERC natural gas pipelines, overhead electric transmission, gathering systems, renewable biofuels, and solar farms. In his own words, he's a lifelong learner and "been paying attention" at every step. Bill holds a Masters in Biology and several environmental certifications specific to soil, erosion, and stormwater control.
As a person, Bill would want others to see him as highly competent and professional, but moreso, as one who will actively listen, learn, build trust, and collaboratively determine solutions and best possible outcomes. Every project faces challenges. And every one of those can be overcome with communication, dedication, innovation, positivity, and solid teamwork.
When not doing his utmost to assure the success of your project, Bill loves being active outdoors. And he loves German Shepherds.
Charity Ruley
Director of Business Development
Charity serves as Director of Business Development, bringing experience in permitting, landowner relations, and stakeholder engagement across the Upper Midwest. She has worked extensively with counties, townships, landowners, and other partners to help move complex projects forward through collaboration and trust.
At Summit, Charity worked with more than 200 counties and townships to support permitting efforts across North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. At South Bow, she worked directly with landowners in North Dakota and South Dakota to secure temporary workspace access and address crop compensation needs.
Before entering this field, Charity worked as a school teacher. She holds a degree in history and, as a former college basketball player, developed a strong foundation in teamwork, leadership, and discipline. She is passionate about building strong relationships and working collaboratively toward shared goals.
Outside of work, Charity enjoys spending time with her two children, Ty and Emy, cheering on Emy at basketball and volleyball games, and spending time at her family’s 1903 homestead farm.
Patrick Waddell
Director of Technical Services
Patrick serves as Director of Technical Services and is based in Salt Lake City. With more than a decade of experience designing and implementing geospatial solutions, he specializes in creating practical GIS workflows and tools that make complex spatial data more accurate, accessible, and actionable.
Outside of his professional work, Patrick has a deep appreciation for both the mountains and the water. He enjoys snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing, and a variety of other action sports. Having lived in places such as Australia, California, and now Utah, he has developed a strong connection to the outdoors and a broad perspective shaped by those experiences. Today, that passion is something he shares with his family. He values teaching his children to appreciate and respect wild places, whether they are exploring trails, riding together, or simply spending time outside. For Patrick, these experiences are about sharing a meaningful lifestyle and creating lasting memories.
Professionally, Patrick is focused on advancing GIS through smarter, more efficient geospatial systems, improved field workflows, and data-driven storytelling that supports better decision-making. He is committed to building solutions that not only solve complex challenges but also bring clarity and value to the organizations and communities they serve.
Kimmie Hill
Admin Support Manager
Kimmie graduated from John Brown University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. She spent 15 years working in her family-owned and operated furniture business where she refined her skills in the daily overall business operations. Following her parent’s decision to retire and her youngest son starting school, she made the exciting decision to join the team at TurnKey.
Kimmie works as the administrative support manager and takes pride in being able to seamlessly transition between projects and provide support to team members and clients. She has a strong desire to learn new skills and eagerly accepts new roles and opportunities.
Kimmie lives in the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas, where she enjoys spending quality time on adventures with her husband Jeremy and their four boys. She also enjoys volunteering with their church youth group and supporting their church family.
Crystal Hamilton
Admin Specialist
Crystal serves as an Administrative Specialist and lives in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, with her husband, Luke, and their three children: Kinnison, Kimber, and Kanyon. Outside of work, she enjoys supporting her children at sporting events and spending time outdoors. She has a deep appreciation for nature and enjoys camping, hiking, traveling, and exploring new places. Among her favorite things are sunsets, snow, waterfalls, the beach, and especially the Rocky Mountains, which will always hold a special place in her heart. She also values simple pleasures such as a good cup of coffee, a warm campfire, gardening, and quality time with family and friends.
Crystal holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas. After spending twelve years in public education, she was ready to pursue a new professional path. She is grateful for the opportunity to begin this next chapter with TurnKey and has been truly encouraged by the kindness and welcome she has received from the team. She is honored to be part of the TurnKey family and looks forward to contributing in meaningful ways.
Kathryn Peterson
Admin Specialist
Kathryn Peterson is one of the administrative specialists for TurnKey. Kathryn has her Bachelor of Art degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Business Administration from the University of Maine at Augusta. She has worked with the State of Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands as an office associate specializing in customer service. Kathryn also has experience with accounting and operations from co-running her family's fishing equipment business.
At Turnkey, Kathryn has used her past experience to help with various daily tasks including employee benefits, payroll, project reports, and more.
As a Maine native, Kathryn loves going to the ocean and spending time outside when the weather permits. Kathryn is an avid reader who enjoys fantasy novels. Most evenings, Kathryn can be found hanging out with her rescue dog, Lou Lou, and watching comedy videos online.
Riley Gibson
Permitting Manager
Riley Gibson, an Arkansas native, began his journey at a local pharmacy in Springdale, where he learned the importance of managing relationships, community engagement, and charity work. Riley also spent twelve years as an infantryman in the Arkansas Army National Guard, where he was deployed under Operation Enduring Freedom. Riley has utilized his unique perspective and experience in his role as a Relationship Manager with TurnKey, representing clients pursuing permits for infrastructure development, and managing relationships with local agencies and community stakeholders for projects across Iowa and Nebraska.
Outside of work, Riley spends his free time outdoors or at the gym. Riley also enjoys volunteering with local conservation groups and participating in local bike events.
James Lester, PsyD., MBA
Project & Appraisals Manager
Jamie Lester is a doctor in Business Psychology with a master’s degree in business administration, and is a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in several states. He has been in the real estate and right of way business for multiple projects for over 38 years including acquisition, permitting, negotiations, and appraising. Mr. Lester is former Vice-President of Cross-Country Land Services and former CEO/President of Diversified Broadband Services. He has managed million-dollar projects and over two hundred agents throughout the United States. His experience in the pipeline infrastructure process and acquisition process is broad along with both professional and informal education in a variety of right of way industries. This included, but not limited to, roadway, transmission line, cell tower, fiber optics, and pipeline projects. His dissertation was titled “Understanding Perceived Fairness in Eminent Domain: The Case of Texas Energy Pipelines”. He has been appointed Special Magistrate in a variety of counties in Florida to hear and rule on cases between landowner and county assessor/appraisers.
Mr. Lester grew up in the Florida Panhandle known as Port St. Joe/Wewahitchka Florida area of Gulf County. He has a home there and a farm he enjoys near Prattville, Alabama. Mr. Lester has authored and published several books and, at this time, his focus is on his three sons.
Karen Bergold
Title Manager
Karen has over 40 years of professional administrative and managerial experience within the corporate sector, from fortune 500 companies to energy industry giants. Karen has traveled the country as well as the world for her assignments, holds real estate licenses in 3 states (PA, NJ, NY), and is commissioned as a Notary Public. She worked for several years as an Oil and Gas Title Landman and Right-of-Way Associate in electric transmission, curative review, abstracts and title examination. Karen also has notable experience working as an Executive Office Administrative Assistant.
Karen currently lives in a quaint cabin in the mountains of New York, with her husband, Douglas. In her free time Karen loves to cook…everything, and usually all at once! She also enjoys painting landscapes in oils or acrylics, and was once affiliated with Ringling Bros., as the top, #1, best face painter in the PA/NY area!
Sammy Burch
Survey Manager
He is a Mississippi resident with 30 years of experience in the survey industry. Beginning his career immediately after high school as a Rodman on a survey crew, he has built his career through hard work, dedication, and a steady progression through the ranks. His professional background spans boundary surveying as well as extensive work in the energy sector.
Over the course of his career, he has held positions including Field Engineer, Survey Supervisor, and Utility Inspector. He has led survey crews on large-scale projects such as transmission power lines, pipeline developments, and solar farm construction. He currently serves as a Project Controls & Quality Specialist on a data center project in Lebanon, Indiana.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly camping and hiking with his family. He also deeply values time with his grandchildren and cherishes every opportunity to be with family.
Ben Fuller
Lead Right of Way/Land Agent
Ben is a Lead Land Agent and Relationship Manager with nearly two decades of experience in the energy and renewable sectors. His expertise includes permitting, land acquisitions, title work, and public relations. He holds real estate licenses in Florida, South Dakota, and Nebraska, and is a certified stormwater erosion and sedimentation control inspector in Florida. In addition, he has experience inspecting roadway, utility, and stormwater BMP construction. Ben also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Arkansas and an Associate of Science in Business from North Arkansas College.
Known for being detail-oriented and strategic in his approach, Ben takes pride in building strong, long-term relationships with landowners, clients, contractors, agencies, and utilities. Based in Clermont, Florida, he focuses on helping energy and renewable projects move forward efficiently while ensuring landowners remain informed, respected, and valued throughout the process.
Autumn Pawelec
Senior Title Agent
Autumn resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her fiancé, Kevin, and their bunny, Paddington, also known as Paddy. Her professional background was in Talent Acquisition and Human Resources, but after COVID, she decided to pursue a career change into the oil and gas industry. With the help of her fiancé, she began running mineral title in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. She is excited to begin her journey with TKL performing curative work.
Outside of work, Autumn enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the gym, and traveling as often as possible.
Doug Bergold
Senior Right of Way/Land Agent
Doug is a Senior Land Agent with extensive experience in construction, permitting, inspection, and landowner relations. His background includes 33 years as an independent construction contractor, 12 years as a sawmill owner and operator, 10 years of inspection experience, and more than 40 years obtaining permits through municipal, county, and state agencies.
Most recently, he has worked directly with landowners to obtain survey permissions. Doug also holds more than 50 certifications across a variety of construction and inspection disciplines.
Luke Lester
Luke Lester is an experienced land acquisition professional specializing in both renewable energy development and oil and gas pipeline infrastructure projects. With a background in landowner negotiations, site control, survey permission acquisition, and stakeholder coordination, he has helped secure thousands of acres for both utility-scale and community-scale solar developments across multiple states while also supporting pipeline projects through survey permissions and landowner engagement. Luke combines strong relationship-building skills with technical expertise in project coordination to help deliver successful energy and infrastructure projects while maintaining positive partnerships with landowners and project teams. Luke holds a Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Right-of-Way Agent license and certifications in Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and Home Inspecting, further strengthening his ability to support project development and property evaluation.
Outside of work, Luke enjoys spending time in his hometown of Wewahitchka, Florida, where he can often be found hunting, fishing, working on hands-on DIY projects, or spending time on his tractor.
Senior Right of Way/Land Agent
Joey Borracci
Senior Right of Way/Land Agent
Joey Borracci started in the oil and gas industry as a surveyor and quickly worked his way up to survey crew chief and worked in this capacity on several large projects across the US. In 2000 he transitioned to right-of-way and then to the leasing department. He has worked in both capacities on some of the largest pipeline projects in the US such as the Enbridge Line 3 replacement pipeline for the Kalamazoo River spill and the Keystone XL project.
Joey Borracci grew up in Shreveport, LA and studied law at LSUS and UCSB in Santa Barbara, CA. Geaux Tigers and Saints! He enjoys riding his Harley and the scenic areas that this country has to offer. He also appreciates experiencing the cultural diversity in all the regions he has lived.
Terry Blaue
Senior Right of Way/Land Agent
Terry brings 19 years of experience working on the Keystone Pipeline, with a background that spans acquisition, title, pipeline construction, reclamation, and ongoing maintenance coordination with landowners and tenants. Over the course of his career, he has supported projects across Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Illinois.
He resides in Missouri with his wife on their farm, where they raise cattle. Terry is a proud father of four daughters and grandfather to eight grandchildren. Outside of work, he enjoys life on the farm and values time spent with his family.
John Beto
Senior Right of Way/Land Agent
John has more than 15 years of experience supporting the TransCanada Mountaineer Express and Leach Express projects. Over the course of his work, he has been involved in every phase of the projects, including survey permission, land acquisition, reclamation, and ongoing maintenance. He has worked across every spread, bringing extensive project knowledge and long-term field experience.
He lives with his wife and two daughters. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly hunting, archery, and fishing.
Leah Studsrud
Senior Title Agent
She grew up in North Dakota, where she also attended college. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Development and Family Science from North Dakota State University, as well as a degree in Elementary Education from Valley City State University. She taught kindergarten for several years before spending time at home raising her children. In 2017, she began her work in abstract and title and now looks forward to being part of the TKL team and supporting its continued growth.
She lives in Minnesota with her husband, Justin, and their children, Sutton and Bode. Their family also includes a golden retriever, a black lab, and three cats. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family on the lake, especially boating, fishing, and hosting friends and family during the summer. As a family, they also enjoy golfing and traveling to Montana to ski in the winter.
