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The People Behind the Systems

Reliable infrastructure starts with people who understand what it takes to make systems work.

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At Blackstar Diversified Enterprises® (BDE), our team brings together experience across power distribution, intelligent traffic systems, and mission-critical infrastructure.

From project coordination and technology integration to field deployment and ongoing support, our people understand the technical demands, operational challenges, and accountability involved in complex infrastructure projects.

‍Because the real measure of our work isn't what gets installed. It's how the system performs long after installation.
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Hugh Blackwell

Founder & Principal Officer
Hugh founded BDE in 2016, bringing experience with Siemens and Schneider Electric. He leads the company's growth in power distribution, infrastructure systems integration, and strategic partnerships.

Chad Risher

President of Traffic Solutions & Sales
Chad leads BDE's traffic solutions division, driving market expansion, strategic partnerships, and sales growth. He focuses on delivering intelligent traffic infrastructure solutions and long-term client value.

Brian Williamson

Chief Financial Officer
Brian brings over 25 years of financial expertise, including two decades at S&P Global Ratings. He oversees BDE's financial strategy, risk management, and capital planning to support sustainable growth.

Mercedes Smith

Executive Operations Lead
Mercedes leads BDE's daily operations, improving workflow efficiency, team coordination, and internal processes. She strengthens operational performance and supports sustainable infrastructure growth.

Romeilyn Halog-Vino

Senior Digital Operations & Marketing Strategist
Romeilyn leads BDE's digital strategy, website development, SEO, and brand communications. She strengthens BDE's online presence through strategic content, digital marketing, and brand positioning.
Senior Digital Operations & Marketing Strategist

Matt Fortajada

Senior Project Manager
Matt brings nearly a decade of experience managing multimillion-dollar power distribution and infrastructure projects, overseeing budgets, schedules, and execution across public and private sectors.

Sam Estoperez

Project Manager
Sam manages technical documentation, project coordination, and field execution across BDE's power and traffic infrastructure projects, ensuring quality, compliance, and efficient delivery.

Fred Aldonza

Project Manager
Fred brings expertise in electronics, and project management to BDE, overseeing complex power distribution projects with a focus on reliable execution and long-term performance.

Louise Jane Pepito

Project Manager
Jane brings nearly eight years of international experience in project coordination. She manages BDE's power distribution and traffic infrastructure projects, ensuring efficient execution and stakeholder alignment.

Glenn Louis Anghag

Project Manager
Glenn combines IT expertise and project management experience to coordinate BDE's infrastructure projects. He aligns technical requirements, cross-functional teams, and schedules for efficient delivery.

Jeryl Wayco

Project & Sales Coordinator
Jeryl is a Registered Electrical Engineer supporting BDE's infrastructure projects through technical documentation, project coordination, sales support, and vendor communication.

Josue Casuncad

Inside Sales Associate
Josue brings over a decade of experience in sales and customer support. He manages inside sales operations, client coordination, and account development, strengthening BDE's client relationships.

Kimberly Flores

Consultant Account Manager
Kimberly manages client accounts, strengthens business relationships, and coordinates customer needs at BDE. She supports account development, client satisfaction, and long-term partnerships.

Angelo Cabiles

Inside Sales Associate
Gelo supports BDE's power and traffic divisions through inside sales, vendor coordination, and bid support. He manages client follow-ups, technical submittals, & efficient sales-to-operations handoffs.