Stronghold Companies Executive Leadership Team

Joe is one of the founding partners of the Stronghold Companies through the establishment of Cat-Spec in 2002 and Specialty Tank Services in 2006, and currently serves as President. He has 30 years of ongoing experience in the downstream services sector and has played a critical role in the creation and growth of the Stronghold Companies. Joe’s leadership and knowledge continues to enable the Stronghold Companies to provide the safest, most-efficient quality solutions in the Refining and Petrochemical industry.

As an Executive Vice President at Stronghold Companies, Chris is responsible for the global operations of Specialty Tank Services, Stronghold Inspection, Evergreen Industrial Services, and GEM Specialized Services. He has been with Stronghold Companies for over 15 years and co-founded Specialty Tank Services (STS) with Donny Cunningham in 2007. Chris has a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and worked for Valero LP and Valero Refining for 15+ years prior to joining Stronghold Companies.

Chad oversees Sales & Marketing, Estimating & Planning and QA/QC for all The Stronghold Companies and coordinates with ETS, STG, and TKIE Operations to ensure continued growth. He has been with Stronghold Companies since 2016, serving previously as the Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Eastern Regional Vice President of Sales and Senior Sales Director. Chad has 20+ years of experience in the industry and spent 15 of those years in the field.

Steve manages all our North American catalyst handling operations while supporting mergers and acquisitions for Stronghold Companies. He has been with the company for 9 years and served as the Western United States Operations Director prior to his current executive position. Steve came to Stronghold after 28 years working with Catalyst Services Inc., where he started as an entry technician in Alberta, Canada. Eventually, he worked his way through the ranks into Project Supervision, Sales, and Management. Before a career in catalyst handling, Stephen became a journeyman Ironworker after a four-year apprenticeship program with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Amanda has served as Executive Vice President since 2026 and General Counsel for Stronghold Companies since 2018. After obtaining her license to practice law in 2009, Amanda spent much of her legal career working in the construction, infrastructure services and oil and gas industries. Amanda’s prior legal experience includes roles as Associate General Counsel at Mears Group, a Quanta Services Company, and Corporate Counsel at Marathon Oil Corporation. Her education includes both a B.A. and M.A. from Baylor University as well as a J.D. and LL.M (Master of Laws – International Law) from the University of Houston Law Center.

Jonathan Porter is the Senior Vice President of CSL Operations, responsible for overseeing all CSL operations across the United States. Since joining the company in 2004 as a Supervisor, he has advanced through the organization over a 22-year career, holding multiple leadership positions and helping drive operational excellence, customer success, and strategic growth. Jonathan is committed to developing strong teams, promoting a culture of safety and accountability, and delivering exceptional service to customers nationwide.

As Senior Vice President of STS, Marshall manages all Specialty Tank Services (STS) operations. Marshall has been with the Stronghold Companies for over 18 years and previously served as Director of Operations for the central division of STS. Prior to joining Stronghold Companies, Marshall held positions in Engineering/Drafting and Senior Project Management and has over 31 years of experience in the refinery & petrochemical industry.

Bryan manages all Stronghold Inspection (SHI) operations. He has been with Stronghold Companies for 12 years and has served as Turnaround Manager, Office Manager, and Field Inspector with SHI. Prior to joining Stronghold Companies, Bryan worked at Valero Corpus Christi and has over 25 years of experience in the refinery and petrochemical industry.

Travis has over 20 years of Industrial Occupational Safety experience. He spent the first 12 years of his career in a safety role with a multi-faceted general contractor performing maintenance, turnaround, capital project and new construction related work in the Petrochemical Industry.

In 2013, he joined Valero Refining where he spent the next 7 years working in a Lead Health and Safety role and as a Captain of the facility’s Emergency Response Team.

In September of 2020, Travis joined the Stronghold Companies. Travis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University and is also a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

Byron oversees the Quality Control Departments for all Stronghold Companies. He has been with SHC since 2010 and has worked in various QC roles across the Stronghold Companies. Upon completion of his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, Byron began his journey in the industry as a Specialty Welder and Lead QA/AC. Having worked for all the major turnaround companies, Byron found his home with Stronghold and brings with him over 28 years of experience.