Gary A. Sippel —  President & Founder

Gary founded AEI in 1977.   Equipped with a fleet comprised of a single backhoe, he was the sole employee of the company.  However, viewing the industry through a lens of possibility and with an eye toward the cutting-edge of excavating technology, his fleet and workforce did not stay that way for long.  By gradually adding members to his workforce and new machinery to his backhoe fleet, AEI evolved from doing small-scale sewer projects to becoming a residential site developer by the early 1980s.  This orientation toward possibility did not relent, and Gary continued expanding AEI into what it is today – a large scale commercial, industrial, and residential developer.

DeAnna Datillo — Accounting & Office Manager

DeAnna brings 20+ years of Accounting experience to the AEI team.  She has been an essential part of our success for over a year now.  DeAnna works diligently to make sure that nothing falls through the cracks; and she does so with a refreshed attitude, ready to embrace and triumph over any challenges that the day offers her.  DeAnna attributes AEI’s many successes to the drive and underlying sense of purpose that the AEI team has from the top down.

Lori Merriman — Environment, Health and Safety

Lori first joined Allegheny Excavating’s field team, driving rock truck and executing laboring needs. By January of 2012, she was reassigned as an Office Assistant, later acquiring and developing her current manager role. Lori’s day-to-day duties are both variable and multifaceted, as she’s capable of filling cracks on site, or in the office. She further functions as support team for AEI’s sister companies. She is a graduate of Slippery Rock University, holding a BA of Science, with a focus on Park and Resource Management.  Always an adventurous professional, Lori enjoys all outdoor activities including backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, and disc golf.

Archie McConnell — Project Manager and Estimator

In 2012, Archie started his career with AEI at the age of 25, clenching a dense background in construction.  His dedication to the AEI team accompanied by his unparalleled work ethic and wit has propelled him to Lead Project Manager.  His comprehensive construction experience, technical skills, and computer expertise gives him a knowledge base that makes him one of the company’s youngest valued employees. Using this knowledge, he can quickly adapt to the unpredictable nature of the excavating industry and, therein, keep a project moving towards its timely completion.  Archie identifies AEI’s strong, company-wide work ethic and commitment to teamwork essential components of its success. 

Lori Criss — Accounting & Office Manager

Lori has been with AEI for five years, playing all the cards dealt her way. Receptionist, facility management, leasing, accounting, and now Office Controller-in-Training. Lori’s work ethic is commendable, as one of AEI’s biggest assets in the office, no task is too big for her to conquer. Outside of work, Lori loves to bake, and we love when she shares her sweet goodies with us. Our favorites are the mouthwatering maple bacon cupcakes!

Mary Jacobs — Facility Management and Leasing

Mary is new to the AEI team. Hired to manage the properties of the multi-business enterprise, she is essential to AEI as well, bringing with her years of facility management and professional expertise. We are thrilled to have Mary join us and help further our growth. Mary is an expert wine connoisseur and vinter, and we hope she will share!