Where the Best are Built
While we work in the world of HVAC solutions, Cox Engineering is first and foremost a people business. Our enduring mission is to attract and hire the best talent in the industry – and to cultivate this talent into the responsive teams that deliver for customers. The growth of our people is what powers the growth of our company. It’s what ensures not only results for our customers but trusted relationships with them. We’re united by a value system that has guided us throughout Cox’s history.
Cox Culture
Cox creates an environment that fosters innovation, employee satisfaction, and professional growth. From its commitment to a vibrant company culture to its dedication to employee well-being, Cox sets the standard for workplace excellence.
From our facilities (state-of-the-art fitness facility as well as an in-house golf simulator room) to the systems and technologies we utilize, to the culture that is continuously improving; hiring awesome people that are empowered by their leaders to collaborate and work to their full potential.
Employee recognition is a cornerstone of the company's approach to talent management, understanding the importance of acknowledging and rewarding outstanding contributions. Regular recognition programs (such as Nectar and our company intranet), employee events / parties, and a culture of appreciation contribute to a positive and motivating work environment.
Brian McNeil
Project Manager
Ryan MacDonald
Executive Vice President & General Counsel
Tim Donovan
Service Team Lead
Deanna Picone
Executive AdministratorManagement Team
Jon Desmond
President & Chief Executive Officer
Neil Johnson
Chief Operating Officer
Ryan MacDonald
Executive VP & General Counsel
Ryan Gobbi
Executive VP, Construction
Peter McLean
Executive VP, Service
Sandra Meninno
Executive VP, Cambridgeport Air Systems
Brett O'Brien
Executive VP, Cambridgeport Custom
Rich Mouradian
Vice President Business Development
Doug Rose
Preconstruction Manager
Keith Reissfelder
Service Manager
Jason Raffaelo
Piping Division Superintendent
Bill Fleming
Executive VP, Growth & Program Management
Erik Richman
Executive VP, Safety & Quality
Akash Vijay
VP of Energy & Sustainability
Pat Sughrue
Sheet Metal Superintendent
John Hannigan
Plumbing Manager
Erin O’Keefe
Marketing Director
John Doty
Director of Information Technology
Alexandra Medeiros
Human Resources Manager
Deanna Picone
Executive Administrator
Brendan Abbott
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Information Officer
Jon Desmond
President & Chief Executive Officer
Jon Desmond is a third-generation family owner of Cox Engineering, a leading Mechanical Contractor and Manufacturer in the greater Boston area. As CEO, he is responsible for the on-going operations and growth of Cox Engineering, Cox Engineering Service, Cambridgeport Custom, and Cambridgeport Air Systems. Jon is a forward-thinking leader focused on continued industry expansion, investment, innovation automation, best in class software and customer service, while cultivating solid core values and a sought-after company culture. He started in 1996 as a shop laborer in their Brighton, MA facility and worked in the Estimating department while on summer breaks from college. Jon’s vision for Cox Engineering has united, renewed, and motivated all employees to do their best and pave the path for the Company’s continued advancement.
Neil Johnson
Chief Operating Officer
Neil boasts more than three and a half decades of invaluable mechanical contracting expertise. His journey commenced in 1984 at Cox Engineering, where he honed his skills as an estimator, project manager, and sales engineer. Over the years, Neil's trajectory led him to pivotal roles, including Vice President of Operations at JC Cannistraro in 2006, before returning to Cox in 2019 to assume the mantle of President of Construction. Presently, as Chief Operating Officer, Neil spearheads the daily operations across Construction, Service, and manufacturing groups at Cambridgeport Custom and Cambridgeport Air Systems. Neil's wealth of knowledge spans projects of every scale and nature, underscored by his unwavering commitment to fostering cohesive teams and driving continuous improvement.
Ryan MacDonald
Executive VP & General Counsel
Ryan began his career at Cox Engineering in 2020 after 19 years in private practice with a large Boston law firm. During that time, Ryan was outside counsel for Cox Engineering. As Executive Vice President and General Counsel, he is the executive leader of the legal and human resources functions at Cox Engineering. In addition, Ryan advises the Cox executive leadership team on business, legal, and human resources strategies. Ryan works closely with the Cox executive leadership team to identify, vet, and close on business acquisition opportunities. Ryan lives on the south shore and is married with three children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, and in the fall, officiates Division 1 FBS college football.
Ryan Gobbi
Executive VP, Construction
Ryan joined Cox Engineering in 1996 as a Mechanical Estimator, then holding various positions up to his current role of Executive Vice President of Construction. In this role, he oversees all aspects of the Construction Group working with and advocating for this talented team. Ryan strives for continuous improvement, providing high end customer service, all while making a cohesive team atmosphere a top priority. Ryan considers himself pessimistically optimistic and maintains a strong aversion to cats.
Peter McLean
Executive VP, Service
Peter joined Cox Engineering in 2020 with over 25 years of experience in the HVAC industry. He began as Service Operations Manager and currently holds the Executive Vice President role within this division. In this role, Peter leads the service team, overseeing the administration, hiring, project execution, and financial performance of the group. When he is not in the office, he enjoys skiing, playing golf, and spending time with his wife, two children, and their family dog.
Sandra Meninno
Executive VP, Cambridgeport Air Systems
Sandi has over 33 years of experience in the manufacturing environment. She joined Cambridgeport Air Systems in 2011 as a Controller and was promoted to President in 2013. She is an active member of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) Women in Construction committee and Chairperson and Founder of the Building Trades Employers' Association (BTEA). Outside of the office, Sandi enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, seven grandchildren, crafting, and practicing yoga.
Brett O'Brien
Executive VP, Cambridgeport Custom
Brett joined Cox Engineering in 1993 as an estimator. In 1995, he shifted gears to Cambridgeport Custom starting as an estimator. Over the years he has risen to Executive Vice President for the division. Brett is always pushing the limits of what can be done and how to do it better, which is evident in the units that leave the shop. He is an experienced soccer coach, an avid saltwater fisherman, enjoys hunting, and hitting the road on his Harley.
Rich Mouradian
Vice President Business Development
Rich joined Cox Engineering in 1993 and spent his first five years as an estimator. For the next twenty years, he was a Project Manager / Sales Engineer focusing on building up life sciences work for the company. Since 2017, Rich has led the dynamic Estimating team as the Vice President of the Sales Division. Outside of the office, he enjoys time with his family, working on his golf game, and always providing a movie quote.
Doug Rose
Preconstruction Manager
Doug joined Cox Engineering CADD department in 2013. Doug leads the spirited Preconstruction department and coordinates with the construction department on all aspects of the jobs. Doug is a builder at heart whether it be his projects with Cox or Lego’s, he is passionate about the outcome. He is a lover of all sports, especially skiing, and coaching baseball. Outside of the office, Doug spends his time with his wife and two boys.
Keith Reissfelder
Service Manager
Keith became a member of Local 537 Refrigeration division in 1993. He worked in the field as a service technician for 21 years before accepting the Service Manager position for Cox in 2014. He has been instrumental in building the service department from 16 technicians to approximately 60 current field personnel. Carrying on the tradition of hiring talented people that fit the Cox culture is a big part of the success of this great team. Keith enjoys time with family and friends boating, taking sunset cruises, and enjoying the outdoors at his family lake house.
Jason Raffaelo
Piping Division Superintendent
Jason joined Cox Engineering in 2023, having been a member of Local 537 since 2008. As a Superintendent, Jason assists in the growth, development, and strategic approach within the Pipe Division to ensure its success. He enjoys college football and tries to attend at least one game a year, although not a skater, he likes hockey. Outside of work, he spends his time with his wife Erin, their three sons, and their Siberian Huskey Nova – preferably on a lake: not the ocean.
Bill Fleming
Executive VP, Growth & Program Management
Bill brings a wealth of experience in the HVAC industry making him invaluable to our Cox corporate team. Working collaboratively with the management team, he spearheads the company's growth endeavors, playing a crucial role in implementing new capital expenditures across our various companies. Bill is a current board member and previously served as the President of the New England Mechanical Service Contractors Association, as well as serving on the Joint Apprenticeship Committee of Local 537. Bill enjoys traveling, riding his Harley motorcycle, and spending time with his family.
Erik Richman
Executive VP, Safety & Quality
Erik officially joined Cox Engineering in January 2024 after serving as a Safety Consultant since 2010. With his vast knowledge and experience, Erik brings expertise in risk management, quality assurance, and safety support. His list of hobbies is as extensive as they are eclectic, from hunting and fishing to card games and Legos. Once the safety rebel, he ow champions safety with gusto, recognizing the importance of keeping everyone secure. He firmly believes in the creativity and talent of those doing the groundwork, seeing them as the true drivers of organizational success.
Akash Vijay
VP of Energy & Sustainability
Akash embarked on his career in the energy management industry in 2004. As an electronics engineer, he fell in love with Controllers – not the humans, the hardware that controls equipment! After receiving his MBA in Denver, CO, Akash relocated to the South Shore and spent fifteen years with an organization where he dedicated himself to growing the business. Akash enjoys playing tennis and is an avid reader. Uniquely, he doesn’t have cable and watches only an hour of TV a week!
Pat Sughrue
Sheet Metal Superintendent
Pat has been a member of Local 17 as a Sheetmetal worker for over 30 years where he has been a Field Foreman running projects of varying sizes for 25 years. He joined Cox Engineering in 2018 as a foreman and for the past five years has been a Field Superintendent leading his exceptional team. Outside of work, Pat loves playing hockey, riding motorcycles, and being out on the lake with his family and two dogs, Winni and Bella.
John Hannigan
Plumbing Manager
John joined Cox Engineering in 2024 to lead the newly established Plumbing Division, bringing with him over 30 years of expertise. As a third-generation Local 12 Master Plumber, he holds certifications as a Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and is OSHA 40 and Med Gas Certified. John’s extensive experience ensures a comprehensive approach to plumbing solutions. Outside of work, he enjoys weekends on the boat and is often found driving his kids to their high school sporting events.
Erin O’Keefe
Marketing Director
Erin joined Cox Engineering in 2022. She has wide-ranging experience in marketing for the AEC industry, and actively engages with firm leadership, and all marketing efforts. Erin is an active member of Professional Women in Construction’s (PWC) Boston Chapter and the BTEA Northeast Women's Council. Outside of the office, Erin enjoys playing in her field hockey league, reading, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their rescue dog Lucy Jaymes.
John Doty
Director of Information Technology
With over 20 years of experience in construction Information Technology (IT), John has spearheaded successful initiatives that have enhanced security, streamlined operations, and reduced costs. Prior to joining Cox Engineering, he established robust IT teams at Mass Electric/Kiewet. He subsequently led teams and drove advancements utilizing his expertise which spans cloud computing, cybersecurity, and business productivity. Beyond the office, John's passions lie in architecture and design, and he enjoys coaching youth sports in Bedford, MA.
Alexandra Medeiros
Human Resources Manager
Alexandra (Alex) joined Cox Engineering early in 2020 to aid in building out the Human Resources Team. In her role as Human Resources Manager, she is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the vibrant culture that sets Cox Engineering apart, ensuring every member of the organization feels valued, empowered, and inspired to make a difference. Alex takes pride in her role as a catalyst for positive change within the organization. Outside of the office she enjoys time staying active, listening to all genres of music, and spending time with her family and friends.
Deanna Picone
Executive Administrator
Deanna joined the Cox Engineering team in early 2022 as Office Manager. She played a vital role organizing, managing, and maintaining day-to-day office services and operations. As Executive Administrator, Deanna now works alongside the Executive team on internal projects, corporate organization and support, as well as overseeing the functionality of office upkeep, vendor management, and company events. She brings to Cox Engineering over 30 years of administrative/managerial experience holding a Business Administration Degree from The Katherine Gibbs School. Born and raised in New Jersey, Deanna now resides on the South Shore with her family.
Brendan Abbott
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Information Officer
Brendan joined Cox Engineering full time in 2024 after collaborating as a consultant to the firm for over eight years. Brendan has a wealth of experience across construction, service, and manufacturing sectors, and a diverse skill set including being a Co-Founder and Partner in a technology consulting firm, and previous roles as CFO. His leadership is pivotal in aligning finance, technology, process, and data to drive decision making and gain efficiencies throughout the organization. Outside of work, Brendan enjoys spending time with his wife Cheryl and adult children, Brianna, and Thomas, keeping active running, biking, and attending his musician son’s gigs all around New England.
Interested in working with us?
Are you passionate about your profession, serious about advancing your career and truly committed to helping clients reach their goals? If so, Cox is the place for you. At Cox, you’ll be challenged each day to find ways to continuously improve. But, you’ll also be mentored, trained and supported to grow and thrive.
