Career professional with a passion for preserving and reestablishing natural ecosystems. Zack is accomplished in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Construction while specializing in reforestation, wetland restoration, stabilization, erosion and sediment controls, and Green Infrastructure practices.

Zack joined the Empire team full-time in 2017 after obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from UMBC.

• ISA Certified Arborist MA-6522A
• MD Tree Expert License # 002189
• Pesticide Applicator Certified MD-83920 (2,5,6), VA-149642-C (2,5-A,6), DC-25935 (3-A,5,6)
• MD Professional Fertilizer Applicator PFA #1973
• NALP/LCA Certified Landscape Technician (CLT)
• National Green Infrastructure Certified (NGICP) #00189
• SHA/MDE Erosion & Sediment Control Certified Yellow Card #25441441 / RPC 011873
• DEP LID Stormwater Facility Maintenance Contractor
• CPR, AED and First Aid

John is a career professional in the stream restoration construction business.  His misfortune in a position not being renewed, soon became Empire’s fortunate hire! John has the demeanor, skills and experience that we could not pass on and he soon became a much-needed addition to our superintendent crew.  Since then, he has gained valuable knowledge in how Empire runs as well as horticulturally which rounds out his experience to become a valued member of our project management team.  We are excited to have him on the Empire team!

• ROSGEN Applied Fluvial Geomorphology and River Morphology and Applications Training
• SHA/MDE Erosion & Sediment Control Certified Yellow Card # 57175462 / RPC 011667
• OSHA 30
• CPR, AED and First Aid

Lauryn Gwathmey is an Assistant Project Manager at Empire, bringing a deep-rooted passion for environmental restoration and conservation. Her early experiences in gardening and community environmental outreach sparked a lifelong interest in understanding natural ecosystems. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Albright College, where she developed a strong foundation in hydrology, ecology, and botany. Since graduating in 2019, Lauryn has gained diverse experience in the environmental sector, including roles in plant sales, environmental education, geo-technology engineering, and erosion and sediment control monitoring across Maryland. Since joining Empire in February 2024, Lauryn has become well-versed in the production side of environmental restoration. She is committed to upholding and enhancing the ecological health of the DC Metropolitan area, continuously growing as a key member of the project management team.

• MD SHA “Green Card” Cert. RPC #024402
• MD SHA Yellow Card Cert. 94012572

Phil found an opportunity at Empire and sold himself as a leader who brings people together for a common goal.  A trait that has helped him tremendously in his transition to Empire.  He is well versed in the aspects of many environmental restoration projects with a specialty in non-native invasive species removal and has proven to be a detail oriented and driven employee.  We are looking forward to his continued success and growth with Empire.

• Pesticide Applicator Certified MD-93502 (3-A), VA-158695-C (3-A)
• SHA/MDE Erosion & Sediment Control Certified RPC 021749
• MOT TTCMTC Temporary Traffic Control Manager
• DEP LID Stormwater Facility Maintenance Contractor
• MD SHA “Yellow Card” Cert. 73136107
• OSHA 10
• CPR, AED and First Aid
• MD Tree Expert License #2706
• MD Professional Fertilizer Applicator PFA #2471 

Luis is our New Assistant Project Manger. He is a dedicated professional with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). With over two years of experience in payroll and accounting, he has honed his skills in financial management and compliance. 

Luis is passionate about maintaining accuracy and integrity in his role, and takes pride in contributing to a transparent and compliant work environment.

As Luis grows in his career, he is committed to leveraging his expertise to support organizational goals and enhance operational efficiency.

• SHA/MDE Erosion & Sediment Control Certified Yellow Card #25685913 / RPC 022693