MEET OUR TEAM

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.

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

Stakeholder Relations Manager

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.

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.

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.

Joey Borracci

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.

Leah Studsrud

Senior Title Agent

I grew up and attended college in North Dakota. I have my Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Development and Family Sciences from North Dakota State University and in Elementary Education from Valley City State University. I taught Kindergarten for a few years before spending a few years raising my kids at home. I started my Abstract and Title work in 2017. I look forward to being a part of the TKL team and supporting their continued growth.

I live in Minnesota with my husband, Justin, and our kids Sutton (daughter) and Bode (son). We have a golden retriever, a black lab, and 3 cats . We live on a lake an enjoy all lake activities during the summer (boating, fishing, hosting friends and family, etc..). As a family we enjoy golfing and love traveling to Montana to ski in the winter.

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.

Senior ROW Agent

Charity Ruley

Charity is a permitting and agency relationship manager for TurnKey, covering the regions of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, She has worked with over 200 counties and township governments to support client projects. Prior to TurnKey, Charity was a school teacher for several years, and she holds a degree in history. A former college basketball coach, Charityexcels at communication and motivating others to action and work towards joint goals. When she is not working, Charityenjoys attending her children’s sporting events and working on her 1903 homestead farm, which shares a boarder with Ozark National Forrest.

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!

J.D. Myers

Relationship Manager

J.D. Myers was raised on a row crop and livestock farm near Humboldt, IA. He is the 5th generation to live and raise a family on that farm. J.D. graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in Agricultural Studies with minors in Agronomy and Ag Systems Technology. J.D. worked in the Livestock industry for 20+ years. After making dreams come true for livestock producers across the county as a national sales manager, J.D. started working with stakeholders in the Midwest on the world's largest carbon capture and sequestration project. J.D. is active in the community, he has served on the local fair board, volunteer fire department, Jaycees, Farm Bureau and is currently on the board of Directors for a local energy coop, a local grain coop as well as local ethanol plant.

J.D. and his wife Jenni have two children, Jack and Ava. The entire family is active on the family row crop farm, when not tending to the farm, they enjoy fishing, pheasant hunting, golfing and a couple of the family members enjoy everything Disney.

Patrick Waddell

GIS Manager

Hi, I’m Patrick, the GIS Manager based in Salt Lake City with a decade of experience designing and implementing geospatial solutions. I specialize in building practical GIS workflows and tools that make complex spatial data accurate, accessible, and easy to act on.

Outside of work, I’m drawn to the mountains and the water — from snowboarding and skateboarding to surfing and other action sports. I’ve been fortunate to live in amazing places like Australia, California, and now Utah, and each has shaped how I connect with the outdoors and the way I see the world. These days, that passion for the outdoors is something I share with my family. Teaching my kids to love and respect wild places means a lot to me, whether we’re exploring trails, riding together, or just spending time outside. For me, it’s all about sharing that lifestyle and creating lasting memories.

Professionally, my goal is simple: keep pushing GIS forward. I’m focused on building smarter, more efficient geospatial systems, streamlining field workflows, and turning complex data into clear stories that drive better decisions.

Autumn Pawelec

Senior Title Agent

My name is Autumn, and I reside in Pittsburgh, PA alongside my fiancé, Kevin and our bunny, Paddington (aka Paddy). My background for years was in Talent Acquisition/HR but after Covid I decided that I wanted to make a career change into the Oil and Gas industry. With the help of my fiancé, I began running mineral title in PA, WV, as well as OH. I am super excited to begin my journey with TKL performing curative work.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends, hitting the gym, and traveling as much as I can!

Crystal Hamilton

Admin Specialist

Hi! I’m Crystal-Administrative Specialist

I live in Prairie Grove, Arkansas with my husband Luke. We have three children—Kinnison, Kimber, and Kanyon. When I'm not cheering for my kids at sporting events, you'll find me chasing adventures outdoors. From camping and hiking to exploring the world, I thrive in nature. Sunsets, snow, and waterfalls are a few of my favorite things. I love the beach, but the Rockies will always be my happy place. I love a good cup of coffee, a warm campfire, gardening, and most of all, spending time with my favorite people.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Arkansas. After working in public education for twelve years I was ready for a change. I am so excited for this next chapter! Everyone at TurnKey has been so kind and welcoming. I am overjoyed to be a part of the TurnKey Family!

Ben Fuller

Lead Land Agent

Hi, I’m Ben. I’m a Lead Land Agent and Relationship Manager with nearly two decades of experience in the energy and renewable fields, focusing on permitting, land acquisitions, title work, and public relations. I hold real estate licenses in Florida, South Dakota, and Nebraska and I’m a certified stormwater erosion and sedimentation control inspector in Florida, with additional experience inspecting roadway, utility, and stormwater BMP construction. I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Arkansas and an Associate of Science in Business from North Arkansas College.

I’m detail-oriented and strategy-minded, and I take pride in building strong, long-term relationships with landowners, clients, contractors, agencies, and utilities. I’m currently based in Clermont, Florida, where I focus on helping energy and renewables projects move forward efficiently while keeping landowners informed and respected throughout the process.