Team
International Know-How
Our People
Our distinguished group of experts hailing from various corners of the globe bring a wealth of knowledge to your project and are united by a deep passion for preserving cultural legacies. Renowned for their knowledge of archaeology, historic architecture, conservation, and heritage consulting, our team excels in crafting UNESCO nominations that breathe life into each site and its meaning within our broader shared history, ensuring its significance endures for generations to come.
Dr. Steve Karacic joined Chronicle Heritage in 2018, where he helped to establish the Tallahassee Office. In 2022, he founded the International Heritage division. As Vice President of International Heritage, he is focused on expanding the firm’s global presence and delivering exceptional results to clients worldwide. Steve is responsible for high-level project oversight, vision, and execution, ensuring that Chronicle Heritage’s services and deliverables address our clients’ needs. Steve earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology at Bryn Mawr College and his B.A. in Latin at DePauw University.
Steve Karacic, Ph.D.
Vice President of International Heritage
Dr. Angela Perri joined Chronicle Heritage in 2021 as Team Lead for the Nevada Office. In early 2023, she moved to the International Heritage division, where she serves as the Director. Under her leadership, the division has completed dozens of major projects on behalf of its clients in the Middle East and built a dynamic team of heritage consultants from over a dozen countries around the world. Angela holds a Ph.D. in Archaeology from Durham University and a B.A. in Anthropology from Portland State University.
Angela Perri, Ph.D.
Director of International Heritage
Neil Fairburn joined Chronicle Heritage’s International Heritage division in 2024 with nearly thirty years of multidisciplinary experience in project management (IMPA) and design, with an emphasis on directing and executing heritage impact assessments, cultural heritage management plans, excavations, and initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainable conservation and protection of archaeological sites. His areas of focus include UNESCO, ICOMOS, and European and world heritage management for mining and large linear construction projects. Neil holds a B.A. in History and Archaeology along with numerous professional certifications in project management and change management.
Neil Fairburn, B.A.
International Heritage Program Manager
Jürgen van Wessel became a member of Chronicle Heritage in 2023 following nearly two decades of experience in commercial archaeology, including leadership positions in information technology, metric surveys, innovation, and archaeological project management. At Chronicle Heritage, Jürgen provides innovative technical services assistance in heritage documentation, GIS, AutoCAD, software development, and digital archiving to the firm’s international clients. Jürgen earned his M.A. in Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh and has an extensive record of success conducting archaeological projects across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Jürgen van Wessel, M.A. (Hons), ACIfA
Technology Manager — International Heritage
Matthew Hayne Sillitoe joined Chronicle Heritage’s International Heritage division in 2023, bringing more than a decade of experience in consultative sales, business development, and project management across the Middle East and other international markets. As a strong collaborator passionate about preserving heritage and fostering positive change, Matthew is committed to making a lasting impact on the heritage industry. With a bachelor’s degree in strategic business management from the University of Pretoria, and as a certified project manager, Matthew’s strategic approach and deep understanding of global markets drive the International Heritage division’s business growth.
Matthew Hayne Sillitoe, BCom, PMP
Commercial Director of International Heritage
Dr. Matthew Jameson joined Chronicle Heritage in 2022, having previously held academic positions at Bryn Mawr College, Rutgers University, and the Sijal Institute (Amman, Jordan). With specializations in stratigraphic excavation, ceramic analysis, and photogrammetry, Matthew has participated in numerous international research projects and supervised fieldwork in the United States, the United Arab Emirates, North Macedonia, Greece, and Saudi Arabia. Matthew earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology at Bryn Mawr College and his B.A. in Classics at Gettysburg College.
Matthew Jameson, Ph.D.
Team Lead
Dr. Allison Cuneo joined the Chronicle Heritage team in 2023, bringing nearly two decades of practical experience in project management, program implementation and international field work across commercial, nonprofit, and higher-education sectors. Allison earned her Ph.D. in Archaeology and M.A. in Heritage Management at Boston University and subsequently held a fellowship position at the MIT Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture. Her past work includes archaeological excavations and surveys, heritage stewardship, cultural property crime investigations, intra- and post-crisis response, and international development.
Allison Cuneo, Ph.D.
Team Lead
Dr. Jennifer Tremblay joined Chronicle Heritage in 2023, continuing her successful career in research, project management, and stakeholder and community engagement. Since joining the firm, Jennifer has led archaeological monitoring initiatives, excavations, surveys, value assessments, and heritage impact assessments for dozens of projects in Saudi Arabia and Oman. She has also conducted archaeological fieldwork at UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nepal and coordinated heritage exhibitions in the United Kingdom, Nepal, and Taiwan. Jennifer earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Archaeology at Durham University and her B.A. in Anthropology at the University of Victoria.
Jennifer Tremblay, Ph.D.
Team Lead
Dr. Julian Jansen van Rensburg joined Chronicle Heritage in 2022, bringing more than two decades of experience managing archaeological surveys and excavation projects. Julian earned his Ph.D. at the University of Exeter and his M.A. in Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton. He has worked with the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage and the World Monument Fund on various initiatives and has published extensively on rock art, island and coastal archaeology, and maritime trade within the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. One of Julian’s recent projects is a multidisciplinary study funded by National Geographic on the population history of the island of Soqotra, Yemen, published in Nature.
Julian Jansen van Rensburg, Ph.D.
Team Lead
Dr. Tom Fitton has been with Chronicle Heritage since 2023 and brings to the International Heritage division over fifteen years of experience using multifaceted field surveys, geophysics, remote sensing, GIS, drone mapping, and 3D modeling to consider archaeological settlements within their contemporary cultural and environmental landscapes. Tom holds a Ph.D. in Archaeology from the University of York, an M.A. in Archaeology from Durham University, and a B.A. in Archaeology from the University of Southampton. His research interests include early medieval Islamic landscapes and the maritime landscapes and coastal settlements of the Swahili Coast of Eastern Africa.
Tom Fitton, Ph.D.
GIS and Survey Lead — International Heritage
Helen Juergens joined Chronicle Heritage in 2016 after earning her M.A. in Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology at New York University and her Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) at Tulane University. Helen has been involved with international projects in Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, and the Caribbean, as well as projects across the southeastern and northeastern United States. Helen has extensive technical experience in surveying and excavation, laboratory management and curation, photography and scientific illustration, and GIS. Due to her architectural background, she is also skilled in drafting and 3D modeling with expertise in historic structure and cultural landscape reporting.
Helen Juergens, M.A., M.Arch., RPA
Team Lead
Samer Amhaz joined Chronicle Heritage in 2023, bringing two and a half decades of experience in archaeological exploration, heritage preservation, and project management. Samer earned his master’s degree at the Lebanese University and has led extensive studies of Lebanon’s subterranean and historical sites as a member of the Association Libanaise D'Etudes Spéléologiques (ALES). Samer has also spearheaded the Outreach and Shadowing Program at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh. His work spans community engagement, rural life, ecotourism, and religious tourism, focusing on uncovering and promoting the rich cultural landscape of Lebanon and the Middle East.
Samer Amhaz, M.A.
Senior Archaeologist
Mesfer Alqahtani is a seasoned researcher specializing in the prehistoric archaeology of Arabia. His extensive experience includes archaeological surveys and excavations in both Saudi Arabia and the United States, coupled with a strong background in GIS and remote sensing for data analysis. Alqahtani has held positions with the Saudi Heritage Commission and as a teaching assistant at the University of Pittsburgh.
Mesfer Alqahtani, M.A.
Senior Archaeologist
Mazen Arzouni joined Chronicle Heritage in 2023 with nearly two decades of experience in archaeological excavation, analysis, and reporting, as well as ceramic illustration, photogrammetry, laser scanning, LiDAR, and cartography. Mazen holds a master’s degree in Islamic Ceramics from the Lebanese University and has participated in major field projects in Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. His academic interests are centered around the archaeology of Lebanon and the Arab world more broadly, with a focus on Umayyad ceramics in the Levant and mud brick structures. Mazen has extensive experience as a professional caver with the Association Lebanaise d'Etudes Spéléologiques (ALES), where he specializes in both subterranean photography and cave mapping.
Mazen Arzouni, M.A.
Senior Archaeologist
Dr. Adonice Baaklini joined the Chronicle Heritage team in 2024 with over a decade of previous experience in archaeology, including field directing and scientific coordination. He defended his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Archaeology at Sorbonne University in 2024 and was a lecturer at the same university from 2016 to 2019. Adonice's research focuses on the relationships between the Mesopotamian empires and their peripheries, particularly those between the Neo-Assyrian Empire and the Northern Levant. He has worked on projects in France (Le Vieil-Evreux), Lebanon (Beirut, Tabarja, Nahr el-Bared), Saudi Arabia (AlUla, Al-Faw, Al-Turaif, Neom), and the United Arab Emirates (Hatta).
Adonice Baaklini, Ph.D.
Senior Archaeologist
Dr. Abigail Buffington joined the Chronicle Heritage team in 2023 with a background in environmental and landscape archaeology and extensive field experience in Southwest Asia, where she has worked on projects spanning early agricultural communities to the Abbasid period. Abigail holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the Ohio State University, an M.A. in Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Studies from New York University, and a B.A. in Anthropology and Religious Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. Abigail’s areas of expertise include surveying, excavation, geospatial mapping, agent-based modeling, statistical analyses, and paleoethnobotanical analyses.
Abigail Buffington, Ph.D.
Senior Archaeologist
Matthew Astill became a member of the Chronicle Heritage team in 2024, adding to the International Heritage division over two decades of experience in heritage consulting and diving instruction. Matthew has participated in numerous marine, coastal, and terrestrial projects, conducting underwater surveys and managing the heritage requirements of development initiatives from offshore renewables to large-scale urban regeneration projects. Matthew earned his M.A. in Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton, his B.S. in Marine Environmental Science at the University of Portsmouth, and his B.A. in Social Sciences at the University of Leicester.
Matthew Astill, M.A.
Senior Archaeologist
Dr. Katherine Crawford joined the Chronicle Heritage team in 2023, having previously held academic positions at the University of British Columbia, Arizona State University, and the Cyprus Institute. Katherine’s work leverages GIS, machine learning, simulations, database systems, agent-based modeling, and network science to analyze sites and settlement patterns. Katherine holds a Ph.D. in Archaeology from the University of Southampton and an M.A. in Classical Archaeology from the University of British Columbia. Katherine has worked on excavation and surveying projects in Italy, the United Kingdom, North Macedonia, Cyprus, and Saudi Arabia.
Katherine Crawford, Ph.D.
Senior GIS Specialist
Julia Bastek-Michalska joined Chronicle Heritage in 2024 with nearly two decades of experience working as a heritage illustrator, graphic designer, and cartographer. During this period, Julia has developed a large portfolio of illustrations for projects in Poland, the United Kingdom, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, leveraging computer-aided graphics applications to produce high-quality visual representations of the past. Julia holds an M.A. in the Archaeology of Architecture as well as a diploma in Arabic Culture and Language from the Nicolaus Copernicus University. She is proficient in Esri software solutions, artifact illustrations, data visualization, infographics, and photography.
Julia Bastek-Michalska, M.A.
Senior GIS Specialist
Dr. Federica Duva joined Chronicle Heritage in 2024, adding to the International Heritage division a wealth of field experience conducting archaeological excavations, surveys, and research for projects in Saudi Arabia, Italy, Tunisia, Iraqi Kurdistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. Federica holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Islamic Art and Archaeology as well as a B.A. in Archaeology from the Sapienza University of Rome. Her research interests include early and medieval Islamic art and architecture, the transition from the Sasanian Empire to Islam, urbanism, and the landscape archaeology of the Abbasid period.
Federica Duva, Ph.D.
Senior Archaeologist
Dr. Sarah Duffy joined the Chronicle Heritage team at the beginning of 2024 following more than two decades of experience as an imaging specialist. Sarah has designed custom recording workflows for resources ranging in size from artifacts to landscapes and provided recording and training services for academic and commercial heritage projects. Sarah holds a Ph.D. in Archaeology from the University of York along with an M.S. in Historic Preservation and a B.A. in Anthropology and Archaeology from the University of Texas at Austin. Sarah’s areas of expertise include 2.5/3D techniques such as reflectance transformation imaging (RTI), photogrammetry, virtual-RTI, and laser scanning.
Sarah Duffy, Ph.D.
Senior Survey Specialist
Dr. Michael Johnson joined Chronicle Heritage in 2023 with over fifteen years of prior field experience conducting archaeological excavations, surveys, and research for projects in Turkey and Azerbaijan as well as the southeastern and western United States. Michael holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Art and Archaeology from the University of Chicago, an M.A. in Archaeology from Durham University, and a B.A. in Anthropology from Georgia State University. His specializations include archaeometallurgy (SEM-EDS, LA-ICP-MS, optical microscopy, LIA), remote sensing, and GIS.
Michael Johnson, Ph.D.
Senior Archaeologist
Dr. Aaron Gidding joined Chronicle Heritage’s International Heritage division in 2023, bringing an extensive research background focused on archaeometallurgy, digital archaeology, the political economy of Early Bronze Age sites in the Levant, and more. Aaron holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of California, San Diego, an M.A. in Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Archaeology from University College London, and a B.A. in Archaeology from George Washington University.
Aaron Gidding, Ph.D.
Senior Archaeologist
Dr. Jason Lewis joined the Chronicle Heritage team in 2023, bringing more than fifteen years of experience leading field research and laboratory analyses for sites in East Africa and France. As an internationally recognized leader in prehistoric science, Jason has held faculty positions at Rutgers University and Stony Brook University, with career highlights including his co-discovery of the oldest known archaeological site in the world, Lomekwi 3, which has been dated to 3.3 million years before the present. Jason earned his Ph.D. in Anthropological Sciences at Stanford University and his M.S. and B.A. in Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania.
Jason Lewis, Ph.D.
Senior Archaeologist
Marit Leenstra joined Chronicle Heritage’s International Heritage division in 2024, having previously served in project management roles at the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) and participated in a wide variety of commercial archaeology projects. Marit holds an M.A. in Urban Archaeology as well as an M.A. in Medieval and Renaissance Studies from University College London and a B.A. in History and European Politics from Utrecht University.
Marit Leenstra, M.A.
Subject Matter Expert
Shalini Mahajan joined Chronicle Heritage in 2024 with a background in cultural resources, tourism, and project management for private-sector firms and government agencies spanning more than two decades. Shalini has worked as an architect and heritage conservation professional, led international teams on heritage projects in India and Zanzibar, and collaborated extensively with stakeholders including UNESCO. Shalini earned her M.Sc. in Economics and Architectural and Environmental Heritage Conservation through a joint program at the IUAV University of Venice and the University of Nova Gorica and her B.A. in Architecture at the Sushant School of Art and Architecture.
Shalini Mahajan, M.Sc.
Senior Preservation Planner
Riccardo Menis has been with Chronicle Heritage since 2024 and adds to the firm’s International Heritage division over a decade’s worth of expertise in team direction, excavation, intensive and extensive surveys, and topography. Riccardo earned his M.A. in world heritage and cultural development through the ITCILO of Turin, his M.A. in ancient Near Eastern studies at the University of Trieste, and his B.A. in archaeology at the University of Udine. Riccardo has participated in archaeological research projects in Northern Iraq, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. His specializations include pottery and artifact processing, database software, and GIS management with QGIS.
Riccardo Menis, M.A.
Senior Archaeologist
Michal Michalski came on board the Chronicle Heritage team in 2024, having previously worked as a field archaeologist for commercial and research projects in Poland, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar before transitioning to a career as a geographic information systems (GIS) professional in government and heritage management. Michal holds an M.Sc. in Geographic Information Science from the University of Edinburgh and an M.A. in the Archaeology of Architecture along with a postgraduate diploma in Arabic Language and Culture from Nicolaus Copernicus University.
Michal Michalski, M.A.
Senior Data Specialist
Dr. Irem Öz came to Chronicle Heritage at the beginning of 2024, bringing more than a decade of experience in historical architecture surveys and research, archaeological excavations and architectural restoration. Irem earned her Ph.D. in Architecture at Pennsylvania State University, her M.A. in Archaeology and Art History at Koç University, and her B.S. in Urban Planning at the Middle East Technical University. She has been involved with a wide variety of commercial projects in Turkey, Germany, and the U.S. and has worked with partners ranging from local governments to international registries including the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Irem Öz, Ph.D.
Senior Preservation Planner
Jamie Quartermaine joined the Chronicle Heritage team in 2022 with a background in archaeology spanning nearly four decades. As an expert in the archaeology of landscapes and buildings, Jamie was a driving force behind the adoption of GPS techniques for archaeological projects and LiDAR for landscape recording within the United Kingdom. In recent years, he has led the major archaeological survey of the core area of AlUla in Saudi Arabia, which has entailed the recording of approximately 16,000 archaeological sites. Jamie holds a Diploma of Surveying from the University of Glasgow and a B.A. in Archaeology from the University of Nottingham.
Jamie Quartermaine, PGD
Senior Archaeologist
Dr. Greg Williams has been with Chronicle Heritage since 2022, having previously held positions as an instructor at Boston College and Wellesley College and as a consultant for the Islamic Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. Greg earned his Ph.D. in Islamic Archaeology at the University of Bonn, his M.A. in Arabic Studies from the American University in Cairo, and his B.A. in Anthropology and History at Gettysburg College. With field experience in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Spain, Greg adds a wealth of technical knowledge and domain expertise to the International Heritage division.
Greg Williams, Ph.D.
Senior Archaeologist
Maryam Al Shahrani is a seasoned administrative professional with extensive experience in hospitality and sales management. She has effectively managed events and key administrative tasks at numerous prominent establishments. Known for her strong organizational and communication skills, Maryam excels in streamlining operations, enhancing client satisfaction, and leveraging technology for efficiency and accurate reporting.
Maryam Al Shahrani
International Administrative Assistant
Ahmed Alanazi is a skilled electrical engineer with experience in project management and business development. He has a strong track record of driving sales, securing key accounts, and managing complex projects on time and within budget. Known for his strategic thinking and technical expertise, Ahmed consistently achieves impressive results and builds lasting client relationships.
Ahmed Alanaz
Sales Administrator
Yasir Asiri is a general manager with a background in logistics. Starting out as an operations logistics specialist, Yasir has gained valuable experience in managing operations. Yasir currently focuses on improving team performance and streamlining processes. He has played a key role in the success of numerous projects, driving growth and achieving outstanding results.
Yasir Asiri
Logistics Operations Specialist
Ami McDowell has been with Chronicle Heritage’s International Heritage division since the beginning of 2024. As a human resources professional with more than ten years of international experience across management, employee engagement, compensation analysis, talent acquisition, and onboarding roles, Ami leverages her attention to detail and business-focused mindset to establish successful relationships with key stakeholders and align strategic initiatives with core business values. Ami earned her MBA at the University of West Florida and her B.A. in Business Administration at Marymount University.
Ami McDowell
Human Resources Business Partner
Associates
Name | Years of Experience | UNESCO | Urban Heritage | Archaeology | Intangible Heritage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adam Biernaski, M.A. | 8 years | - | - | ||
Bree Charolla, M.A., RPA | 9 years | - | - | ||
Lawrence Chiatti, M.A. | 10+ years | - | |||
Jacob Conaway, B.A. | 4 years | - | - | - | |
Mary Davis, Ph.D. | 25 Years | - | - | ||
Sarah Doherty, Ph.D., ACIfA | 15+ years | - | |||
Kate Faccia, Ph.D. | 24 years | - | |||
Benjamin Johnson, B.S. | 3 years | - | - | ||
Taryn Johnson, Ph.D., RPA | 9 years | - | - | ||
Tess Kaiser, MSc. | 8 years | - | |||
Amy Karoll, Ph.D. | 17 years | - | - | ||
Maria Kitchie, M.A. | 9 years | - | |||
Raluca Lazarescu, Ph.D. | 6 years | - | |||
Andy Phelps, M.A. | 23 years | - | |||
Alexandra Ritter, B.A. | 4 years | - | - | ||
Tara Schneider, B.S. | 2 years | - | - | - | |
Lisa Snape, Ph.D. | 14 years | - | - | ||
Ryan Thomas, B.S. | 5 years | - | - | ||
Amy Wilson, M.A. | 16 years | - |
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