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Ganesh is the Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Aoka, where he leads company strategy and growth. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, from San Jose State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University.

Alison Couch is the Director of Operations at Aoka, with over 20 years of experience in building safety. She leads local government operations at Aoka and oversees VertexPlans demonstrations, implementation, and software-related initiatives. She has served in senior leadership roles including Chief Building Official for the Cities of Oroville and Live Oak, and Planning and Zoning Manager for the City of Corsicana. She is an ICC Certified Building Official.

Smina Chapagain is the Director of Finance at Aoka. She leads the finance team and oversees all aspects of finance and accounting. She provides strategic financial leadership to support sound decision-making, operational efficiency, and the company's continued growth. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Brigham Young University.

Sagar Khadka
Director of Internal Operations

Sagar Khadka
Director of Internal Operations
Sagar is the Director of Internal Operations at Aoka, with a strong background in business management, team leadership. He leads the company's HR and oversees internal process optimization. He holds a bachelors in business management from Brigham Young University.

Rocky Rodriguez is the Business Development Manager at Aoka, with extensive experience in sales and strategic business growth. He leads client acquisition efforts at Aoka and manages the marketing team. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Texas Lutheran University.

Will Dalrymple, MCP, CBO
Building Official

Will Dalrymple, MCP, CBO
Building Official
Will Dalrymple is a Building Official at Aoka, with over two decades of experience in building inspections, plan reviews, and city code enforcement. He previously served as a Building Official for the City of Converse and a Plans Examiner for the City of Schertz, leading permitting departments and overseeing large-scale construction projects. He holds multiple certifications, including Master Code Professional and Certified Building Official, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts from Texas State University.

Elias Fernandez, CBO
Building official

Elias Fernandez, CBO
Building official
Elias Fernandez is a Certified Building Official at Aoka, bringing bilingual communication skills, precision, and a passion for public service to every inspection and initiative. He has experience managing teams, streamlining software systems, and running his own inspection business, and has reviewed plans for high-stakes projects such as hospitals and airports. He leads with a sharp eye for code compliance and a mission to make cities safer, smarter, and more connected.

Aaron Arguello
Building Official

Aaron Arguello
Building Official
Aaron Arguello is a Building Official at Aoka, with extensive experience in residential and commercial inspections. He holds multiple ICC certifications and a TSBPE Plumbing Inspector license, ensuring thorough code compliance, safety oversight, and effective administration of building inspection programs across all trades.

George Martinez
Building Official

George Martinez
Building Official
George Martinez is a Building Official at Aoka, with over 15 years of experience in building inspections, code enforcement, and plan review. He has led building departments for multiple Texas municipalities, bringing extensive expertise in building safety and regulatory compliance. He holds numerous ICC, TSBPE, TDLR, and TFMA certifications, including Certified Building Official.

Sumin is a Software Engineer at Aoka, with expertise in Ruby on Rails and web design. He has worked closely with Aoka since its early days, bringing dynamic and dependable technical contributions to the company's software development. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Aryan School of Engineering.

Karma Tensel
Software Developer

Karma Tensel
Software Developer
Karma Tensel is a Software Engineer at Aoka, with a strong foundation in modern programming languages and frameworks. Karma has contributed to scalable, efficient, and user-focused software solutions across diverse industries, known for clean code, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. Karma thrives in fast-paced environments and is committed to continuous learning and mentoring others.

Jigme Choden is a UX Designer and Audio-Visual Artist at Aoka, with expertise in web and mobile applications. She specializes in creating intuitive, user-centric designs that enhance functionality and aesthetics, and has led UX projects for international platforms, e-commerce, and telecommunications. She also brings a background in motion graphics, animation, and branding, with proficiency in Figma, Adobe Suite, and 3D design tools, adding a creative and technical edge to digital design projects.

Mahin Arora
Marketing Manager

Mahin Arora
Marketing Manager
Mahin is the Marketing Manager at Aoka, with a proven track record of driving growth and expanding market share through strategic demand generation and digital marketing. He brings deep expertise in developing and executing marketing strategies that enhance customer engagement and conversion rates, along with strong skills in marketing automation, data analytics, and cross-functional leadership. His experience spans managing global market strategies and optimizing customer experience, making him an integral part of the marketing team.
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Belinda Tarver
Building Inspector
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Belinda Tarver
Building Inspector
Belinda Tarver is a Building Official at Aoka, with nearly two decades of experience in building inspections, permitting, and code compliance. She previously served as Building Official for the City of Kingsville and the City of South Padre Island, where she managed permits and inspections, reviewed plans for code compliance, implemented permitting software, and presented cases on substandard structures to city boards; her work there also included zoning compliance, dangerous building abatement, floodplain management, and staff supervision. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Building Inspector for the cities of Pearland, Baytown, and McAllen, conducting inspections and supporting contractors and developers to ensure public safety. She is ICC-certified and TSBPE-certified.

Jose Tovar
Building Inspector

Jose Tovar
Building Inspector
Jose Tovar is a Building Inspector at Aoka with extensive experience in municipal building inspections, construction oversight, code compliance, and field operations. He holds TSBPE Plumbing Inspector and ICC certifications, with strong skills in field operations, problem-solving, attention to detail, conflict resolution, and customer service. Jose’s experience reflects a strong commitment to quality, safety, and building code compliance.

Mike Ward
Building Inspector

Mike Ward
Building Inspector
Mike Ward is a building Inspector at Aoka, with more than 25 years of construction and inspection experience. He specializes in residential and commercial inspections, code compliance, plan reviews, and septic system inspections, bringing extensive field knowledge and practical construction experience to every project. He is a TREC Licensed Professional Home Inspector, InterNACHI Certified Home Inspector, NAWT Certified Septic System Inspector, and ICC Certified Combination Inspector holding B1, M1, P1, P2, and E1 certifications.

Frank Resendez
Senior Building Inspector

Frank Resendez
Senior Building Inspector
Frank Resendez is a Senior Building Inspector at Aoka with over 20 years of experience in municipal building inspections, code compliance, plan review, and construction oversight. He has extensive expertise in commercial and residential building, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical inspections, as well as permitting and code enforcement. A TSBPE Certified Plumbing Inspector, Frank has a strong background in ensuring projects meet applicable building codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Brandy Kelly
Federal Program Manager

Brandy Kelly
Federal Program Manager
Brandy is a Federal Program Manager at Aoka, with an extensive background in office management, legal administration, and executive support. She organizes workflows, implements efficient systems, and fosters collaboration across teams to maintain operational excellence. Her expertise spans calendar management, document preparation, budgeting, and streamlining office procedures, all of which enhance productivity and support Aoka's organizational goals.

Todd Houtkooper
HUD Inspector

Todd Houtkooper
HUD Inspector
Todd is a HUD Inspector at Aoka, with over 20 years of diverse experience in construction, property management, retail sales, customer service, and home delivery. He specializes in inspecting new construction and rehabilitations, ensuring compliance with HUD guidelines, plans, and specifications across projects including homes, businesses, and government housing. He has a proven track record of excellence in customer satisfaction, job performance, and accuracy.

Eric Duenez
HUD Inspector

Eric Duenez
HUD Inspector
Eric Duenez is a HUD Inspector at Aoka, with over 15 years of experience enforcing housing standards, city ordinances, and property maintenance regulations. He has extensive multifamily inspection experience, conducting thorough on-site evaluations to ensure compliance with HUD guidelines.

Clyde Kilgore
HUD Inspector

Clyde Kilgore
HUD Inspector
Clyde Kilgore is a HUD Inspector at Aoka, with more than 18 years of experience in property inspections, insurance adjusting, and housing compliance. He has extensive expertise in residential property assessments, HUD Housing Quality Standards inspections, catastrophe claims, and construction estimating. He is an FAA Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot and NFIP Flood Insurance Adjuster, and his background in regulatory compliance and damage assessment enables him to deliver thorough, accurate evaluations while supporting safe, compliant housing and exceptional client service.

Russell McDaris
HUD Inspector

Russell McDaris
HUD Inspector
Russell McDaris is a HUD Inspector at Aoka, with more than 25 years of experience in architecture, project management, and construction administration. Throughout his career, he has led complex commercial and multifamily developments from concept through construction, managing consultant coordination, regulatory requirements, and project delivery. His expertise in building design, construction oversight, and quality assurance enables him to provide thorough property evaluations and support safe, compliant housing. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

Bibek Ghimire is a dedicated Permitting Manager at Aoka, with extensive experience in architectural design and project management. He has contributed to several high-profile residential, commercial, and urban regeneration projects, ensuring the integration of innovative design with practical functionality. His technical expertise includes drawing, 3D modeling, and rendering using AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp, and he excels at managing projects from concept to completion while maintaining high-quality standards and cost-effective delivery. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, with a specialization in Project Management, from Tribhuvan University.

Joshana Adhikari is a Senior Accountant at Aoka, where she leads day-to-day corporate accounting operations and ensures the overall financial health of the organization. She manages high-level financial reporting, oversees internal controls, and provides critical oversight to support Aoka's accounting department and continued business growth.

Sandesh Badal
Accountant

Sandesh Badal
Accountant
Sandesh Badal is an Accountant at Aoka, with nearly a decade of progressive experience in auditing, financial management, and tax consultancy across industries including hospitality, construction, finance, healthcare, and NGOs. He is proficient in accounting software including Tally, QuickBooks, Xero, Navision, FAMAS, and advanced Excel, and his expertise in GAAP, tax audits, and compliance enables him to drive accuracy, efficiency, and strategic insight in organizational finance. He is a Chartered Accountant with a Master's in Business Studies (Accounting).

Milan Shrestha
QA/QC Manager

Milan Shrestha
QA/QC Manager
Milan Shrestha is a Civil Engineer at Aoka, with extensive experience in infrastructure development, construction supervision, and post-disaster reconstruction. He has contributed to civil engineering projects across rural and urban settings, with expertise in project planning, cost estimation, and building code compliance. He previously worked with All Hands and Hearts/Relief Nepal, supporting earthquake recovery efforts through school reconstruction and community-based infrastructure. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University.

Chris Cantu
Fire Inspector

Chris Cantu
Fire Inspector
Chris Cantu is a Fire Inspector at Aoka, with more than 26 years of experience in fire service, emergency response, and fire prevention. A Fire Lieutenant with extensive leadership experience, he has conducted commercial fire inspections, risk assessments, and aviation rescue and firefighting operations while ensuring compliance with fire and life safety regulations. He is certified as a Master Structure Firefighter, Intermediate Fire Inspector, Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, and Aircraft Rescue Firefighter.

Bryan Parker
Fire Inspector

Bryan Parker
Fire Inspector
Bryan Parker is a Fire Inspector at Aoka, with over 25 years of experience in emergency response, fire rescue, and safety inspections. He has served as a Fire Marshal for the City of Grapevine, enforcing fire codes and conducting safety inspections, and is skilled in managing complex investigations and delivering actionable insights to support decision-making. Bryan is a two-time winner of the Texas Fire Marshals Association's peer-reviewed "Excellence Award."

Andrew Flores
Fire Inspector

Andrew Flores
Fire Inspector
Andrew Flores is a Fire Inspector at Aoka, with over 16 years of experience in emergency response and fire safety. He has advanced skills in firefighting, hazardous materials handling, fire code enforcement, and plans examination, with a strong track record in ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. Andrew is adept at performing thorough inspections and collaborating on the review of new business plans, and is dedicated to maintaining public safety and upholding the highest standards in fire prevention and emergency response.

Jeremy Lucas is a Fire Plans Examiner at Aoka, with decades of experience in fire safety, investigation, and emergency response since beginning his career in 1996. Rising through the ranks from Firefighter to Captain and Division Chief, he now leads with expertise and dedication. Jeremy holds an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University and multiple advanced certifications, including Firefighter, Arson Investigator, and Fire Inspector. He is also an Advanced Peace Officer, EMT, and certified instructor in both police and fire disciplines.

Joe is a Senior Plans Examiner at Aoka, with over 30 years of experience working in different cities as Community Development Director, Building Commissioner, Deputy Building Commissioner, Building Official, Plan Reviewer, and Inspector. In these roles, he has led building, planning and zoning, and public works departments, and worked closely with fire departments. He is a Master Code Professional, and holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science from St. Louis Community College.

David is a Senior Plans Examiner at Aoka, with over 20 years of experience working in various building departments as Plan Review Manager, Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning, Chief Building Official, and Director of Inspection Services. In these roles, he has organized and led teams doing building inspection, permit, plan review, planning/zoning, and code enforcement work, established new plan review divisions, provided council action items to town clerks, and presented policy and ordinance adoptions to town council. David holds a Bachelor's degree in Municipal Operations and Management.

Jeremy Griffin, MCP, CBO
Plans Examiner

Jeremy Griffin, MCP, CBO
Plans Examiner
Jeremy Griffin is a Plans Examiner at Aoka, with over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial inspections, plan review, and code enforcement. Holding more than 20 ICC certifications including Master Code Professional, Certified Building Official, Plans Examiner, and Fire Marshal Jeremy brings extensive knowledge of ADA, zoning, and safety codes, and serves as President of the Houston Chapter of the ICC, playing a key role in code development and industry leadership.

Edwin Alfaro
Senior Plans Examiner

Edwin Alfaro
Senior Plans Examiner
Edwin Alfaro is a Senior Plans Examiner at Aoka, with a strong background in architectural design, code compliance, and permit processing. With expertise in commercial and residential plan reviews, he has worked with various organizations to ensure projects meet local regulations, and currently coordinates with developers, contractors, and city officials to streamline project approvals. Holding multiple certifications, including Building Plans Examiner and Accessibility Inspector, Edwin is committed to maintaining high standards in construction and design compliance.

Ben Carr, CBO
Senior Plans Examiner

Ben Carr, CBO
Senior Plans Examiner
Ben Carr is a Senior Plans Examiner at Aoka, with more than a decade of experience in municipal building services, plan review, and code administration. A Certified Building Official (CBO) and Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), he has led permitting, inspection, and building services operations for growing communities while streamlining review processes and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Kota Wharton is a Building Plans Examiner at Aoka and a certified Master Code Professional and Building Official. With a robust background across code disciplines including fire protection, mechanical, and plumbing, Kota has played significant roles in ensuring public safety and compliance with building codes.

Poley Birika is a Building Plans Examiner at Aoka, with a strong background in the assessment and approval of building plans. Poley's expertise extends to both residential and commercial developments, where they effectively manage project reviews and collaborate with builders and developers to facilitate compliant project outcomes.

Pepito Bunion is a Building Plans Examiner at Aoka, with a solid background in civil engineering. With over two decades of experience, Pepito excels in reviewing commercial, residential, and industrial building plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and zoning requirements. Pepito holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Mapúa Institute of Technology.

Paul Eaton, MCP, CBO
Building Plans Examiner

Paul Eaton, MCP, CBO
Building Plans Examiner
Paul Eaton is a Building Plans Examiner at Aoka, with experience in building code compliance, plan review, and construction management. He is a Master Code Professional (MCP), Certified Building Official (CBO), and Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP), Paul holds numerous International Code Council certifications spanning building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, accessibility, energy, and zoning disciplines. He currently serves on the ICC Sustainability Exam Development Committee.

Martin Kjelstad, PE
Civil Engineer

Martin Kjelstad, PE
Civil Engineer
Martin Kjelstad is a Civil Plans Examiner at Aoka. He is a licensed civil engineer in the state of Washington with over 20 years of experience performing civil plan review, and is well versed in water, sewer, street, and stormwater plan review, providing unique civil engineering expertise. Martin holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

Ruben Lara
Health Inspector

Ruben Lara
Health Inspector
Ruben Lara is a Health Inspector at Aoka, with extensive experience in environmental health, food safety, and public health education. Ruben also has experience investigating foodborne illness complaints, performing certificate of occupancy inspections, and engaging with diverse communities through public health outreach, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology and Disease Control from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Sid Rivers
Planner

Sid Rivers
Planner
Sid Rivers, AICP is a Planner at Aoka with over two decade of experience in land-use planning, zoning, and development review. She has supported local governments, tribal organizations, and community groups through complex development applications, regulatory compliance, and grant-funded projects, bringing strong expertise in project management, public engagement, grant compliance, and environmental justice. Sid holds a Master's degree in Urban Planning and Public Administration and is a Certified Planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Kevin Simon
Code Enforcement Officer

Kevin Simon
Code Enforcement Officer
Kevin Simon is a Code Enforcement Officer at Aoka with extensive experience in code enforcement, property management, building inspections, customer relations, and public service. He has more than 25 years of experience, including expertise in investigating code violations, inspecting complex buildings and properties, managing customer complaints, supporting regulatory compliance, and training field personnel.

Pierce Lemaster is a Code Enforcement Officer, bringing a strong background in public safety, municipal compliance, and security. He is a Registered Code Enforcement Officer. He is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of North Texas. Pierce’s dedication to community education and conflict resolution makes him a vital addition to the Aoka team.

Shriya Chaubey
HR Administrator

Shriya Chaubey
HR Administrator
Shriya Chaubey is an HR Administrator at Aoka, with over a decade of administrative and HR leadership experience across international non-profit organizations, corporate, and service sectors. Her background spans policy formulation, strategic HR and operations roles, general HR administration, statutory compliance, recruitment, and training and development. She is a certified Facilitator and holds a Master's in Commerce.

Colby Cox
Business Development Associate

Colby Cox
Business Development Associate
Colby Cox is a Business Development Associate at Aoka. His major areas include client engagement, strategic outreach, leadership and team development, and relationship building, with additional experience coordinating and training volunteers for an English language program. Colby is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Marketing at Brigham Young University.
