About NES
Founded in 1995, National Engineering Search (NES) has become a leader in the Civil Engineering marketplace
Our energies are directed toward locating and recruiting the top Geotechnical & Civil Engineering Talent for diverse organizations throughout North America.
Our diligence in interviewing and profiling top talent ensures that we present a handful of excellent candidates who reach the level of ability and ambition which our clients expect. For these reasons, over 90% of our business is repeat business.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Garry Wm. Todd, President, Managing Principal
A US Navy Veteran, Garry is the President and founder of NES which was established in 1995. Garry has an absolute passion for recruiting and delivering high quality talent that impacts the bottom line for his clients’ businesses as well as meeting the career progression and opportunity his candidates are seeking. The Pacific Northwest provides the ideal playground for his adult onset addiction to mountain biking. Garry loves all things outdoors from kayaking to hiking, and when he isn’t indulging in these activities he might be enjoying another favorite past time – a good whiskey.
Joana Todd, Partner
Originally from Lisbon, Portugal, Joana has embraced the U.S. as her home for over 30 years. Alongside Garry, she has built a fulfilling life in the picturesque town of Bend, Oregon, where they’ve raised their family. After years of successfully running her own business, Joana joined NES as a Partner. She thrives in this role, appreciating its flexibility and the chance it affords her to return to Portugal several times a year.
Keith Darvalics, Principal
Keith is a dedicated professional with 20 years of Naval Special Warfare military service, where he developed a strong sense of leadership and teamwork. Since retiring from the military, life revolves around his family, where he thrives on creating lasting memories. He values time spent with the people close to him, always seeking new adventures and experiences that bring people together.
His personal interests are too many to list, but golf, travel, food, wine, and whiskey have been prevalent as he approaches his vintage years.
In addition to countless interests, Keith has a natural affinity for recruiting and puts great value on helping others find their ideal careers while building strong client relationships along the way.
Louis Darvalics, Senior Recruiter
Louis is a retired Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Operator with 21 years of distinguished service. Upon retiring from active duty, he transitioned his focus to a new mission: empowering others to reach their full potential. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, adaptability, and a passion for personal development, he now dedicates his time to helping individuals advance their careers with the same integrity and purpose that defined his military service.
A dedicated family man, he cherishes time with his amazing wife and twin daughters, making family the heart of his life! He also has a passion for travel, enjoying the chance to explore new cultures and cuisines whenever possible. When he’s not with loved ones or on the road, you’ll likely find him on the golf course or relaxing with a glass of bourbon or a good German beer.
Gracie Coburn, Sr. Recruiting Coordinator & Researcher
A true product of the Pacific Northwest, Gracie thrives where mountains, lakes, and good people intersect. As a researcher on the NES team, she specializes in identifying and connecting top geotechnical engineering talent with opportunities where they can truly excel.
When she’s not diving deep into research or building relationships with candidates, you’ll likely find her camping, hiking, running Hood to Coast, or paddleboarding on one of the many Cascade lakes. Living in Bend also means embracing its unofficial title as a brewery capital of the U.S., and she’s happily working her way through all of them.
