Meet the Team at GC Squared Resources

Get to Know the Experts Behind Stronger Teams

At GC-Squared Resources, we believe the strength of any project lies in the team behind it. Our success is built on a foundation of experience, integrity, and collaboration—and that starts with the people who make it all happen.

From project managers and field experts to support staff and client liaisons, every member of our team plays a vital role in delivering innovative solutions and exceeding expectations. With diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for excellence, we bring strategic insight, practical expertise, and a hands-on approach to every challenge we face.

Abel Garcia

Managing Director

Abel Garcia is a seasoned engineering and project management professional with over 29 years of experience in the offshore, onshore, and subsea energy sectors. His expertise spans project management, engineering leadership, heavy fabrication and construction oversight, EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) proposal development, and executive-level operations—both in domestic and international arenas. Abel holds a degree in Ocean Engineering from Texas A&M University and is certified in Lean Six Sigma and Project Management Professional (PMP) methodologies.

David Cobb

Managing Partner

David Cobb has over 25 years of international experience in the offshore industry and has worked on the design and installation of mooring systems, subsea foundations and subsea infrastructure. This experience includes executive-level business development and operations roles, Project Management & Engineering within concept selection, FEED (front end engineering design), detail design, project execution, maintenance and decommissioning activities of floating and subsea systems. He has worked closely with many companies, organizations and partner companies to promote Integrated Solutions to clients. He has taken this experience and leveraged it towards his passion of helping others which now includes teaching and the staffing world where GC-Squared Resources helps companies and individuals achieve their goals.

David (Professor Dave) is also a Professor of Practice in the Ocean Engineering Department at Texas A&M University where he holds a bachelor’s and master’s Degree from the program.

John R. Abadie

Chief Financial Officer and Operations Management Advisor

With more than 30 years of experience in the energy and construction sectors, John serves as Chief Financial Officer and Operations Management Advisor for GC-Squared Resources, while also fulfilling comparable roles at two additional small businesses, where he applies his expertise in treasury management, financial planning, and risk mitigation to enhance business performance. His career includes executive leadership positions at Cal Dive International, Horizon Offshore Contractors, and J. Ray McDermott, where he oversaw operations, drove global business development, and managed the execution of complex offshore marine construction projects. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Louisiana Tech University and an Advanced Management Program certificate from The Wharton School, John is passionate about providing tailored support and strategic investments to foster the growth and resilience of small businesses.

Keith Benton

Director EHS

Keith Benton MPH, REHS, CSP is a highly accomplished Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) leader with over 30 years of experience across military, academic, governmental, and private sectors. He received Master in Public Health with a concentration in Health Care Administration from Loma Linda University while serving in the U.S. Navy. He began his career as an Environmental Health Officer with the U.S. Navy supporting both U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps units. After the U.S. Navy, he worked in the Oil & Gas industry fostering his expertise in EHS, emergency management, emergency response, occupational health, and public health. He achieved the California Department of Public Health Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification in 1997 and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification in 2013. Keith’s career is defined by integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to EHS excellence and specializes in developing and managing comprehensive EHS programs that exceed regulatory and corporate standards.

Kristi Calagna

Recruiting and Sales Manager

Kristi is a highly accomplished leader with 15+ years of experience in driving operations, staff development, and achieving sales success across the oil and gas, hospitality, and professional services. She has a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, a skill now directly applicable to identifying and attracting top talent as a Recruiting Specialist and further developing a sales team as a Sales Manager. Instrumental in consistently exceeding goals, enhancing productivity, and increasing operational efficiency. Skilled in developing and facilitating training programs, ensuring both sales and recruitment efforts are driven by knowledgeable and effective individuals. Dedicated to fostering a positive team environment and delivering exceptional results in both sales and talent acquisition.

Mike Hargrave

Business Development and Recruitment Specialist

Drove global sales initiatives for engineered, offshore, and oilfield products, consistently exceeding targets through expert project coordination and strategic client engagement. Cultivated and maintained strong, trust-based relationships with clients at all organizational levels worldwide, ensuring genuine customer satisfaction and fostering repeat business.

Spearheaded project sales coordination from inception to completion, effectively bridging communication gaps between engineering, production, and sales teams to deliver complex solutions on time and within budget in diverse international markets. Leveraged in-depth product knowledge and market insights to identify new opportunities and provide tailored solutions, enhancing the customer experience and expanding market share in the energy sector.

Melissa Hopper

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Melissa Hopper, a proud Purdue University graduate, is an accomplished Talent Acquisition Specialist at GC-Squared Resources. She brings a proven track record of successfully placing high-performing professionals across a diverse range of industries. Recognized for her consultative approach and commitment to client success, Melissa excels at building lasting relationships and delivering tailored hiring solutions that align with each organization’s unique needs. Her broad industry expertise, sharp attention to detail, and dedication to both clients and candidates make her a trusted and highly effective recruiting partner.

Talia Dudley

Marketing and Talent Acquisition Specialist

Talia is a proud former student of Texas A&M University, earning her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Mays Business School, and she is excited to join GC-Squared Resources as their Marketing and Talent Acquisition Specialist. Talia has a proven track record of developing and executing initiatives that increase brand awareness and customer engagement. She is consistently recognized for her expert program management skills, her solution-oriented approach, and her attention to detail. Known for balancing creativity with performance metrics, Talia combines analytical thinking and storytelling to craft marketable campaigns that connect with audiences and deliver measurable results. Her ability to compassionately connect and build trustworthy relationships allows her to excel in customer success, and she is thrilled to utilize those skills to connect with clients and recruiting candidates alike.

Michael Brehm

Sales and Recruiting Associate

Michael Brehm is a Petroleum Engineering graduate with more than nine years of experience in recruiting and sales. His career spans agency, startup, and corporate environments, giving him a broad perspective on building teams and fostering strong partnerships. Michael is known for blending strategic insight with a people-first approach, having led full-cycle recruiting efforts, guided compensation planning, and supported workplace cultures that help employees succeed. His background also includes compliance, safety program management, and hands-on engineering, making him a versatile professional with a unique edge.