Ardent Management Team

Corporate

Albert Vallotton – President & Chief Executive Officer

Albert Vallotton co-founded Ardent in 2002.  Prior to Ardent, Al served as the Manager of Capital Projects with SECO Industries, an industrial electrical contracting company he joined in 1989.  Al holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and is a Master Electrician and Electrical Contracting Qualifying Party in multiple states. 

James Heurtin – Chief Financial Officer

James Heurtin joined Ardent as Chief Financial Officer in 2015 to lead finance and administration for both Ardent and Rabalais. Prior to Ardent, James served as the Chief Financial Officer for LEEVAC Shipbuilders, L.L.C. from 2013 to 2016. From 2006 to 2013 he was the Vice President of Financial Reporting for Superior Energy Services. James holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and business from Rhodes College, as well as a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in taxation from the University of New Orleans.

Steve Jambon – Executive Vice President

Steve Jambon joined Ardent in 2016, bringing over 30 years of experience within the electrical and instrumentation industry. Steve oversees Ardent’s regional operations in upstream, downstream, and midstream. Prior to joining Ardent, Steve worked for 21 years at SECO Industries, first serving as an electrician before holding roles in estimating, project engineering and management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Holy Cross.​​​​​​​ 

Pat Malloy – Executive Vice President

Pat Malloy co-founded Ardent in 2002 and oversees the organization’s western region. Pat has over 35 years of experience in electrical and instrumentation and power line construction. Prior to Ardent, Pat was employed by SECO Industries from 1981 to 2002. He holds electrical trade licenses in various states.

Eric Smith – Corporate Director of HSE & Risk Management

Eric Smith joined Ardent in 2012 to oversee health, safety, and environment (HSE) and risk management. Eric has over 20 years of experience in the medical and safety fields and holds an associate degree in occupational health and safety. Eric is a Certified Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist, as well as a long-time member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, the National Fire Protection Association, and the International Risk Management Institute.

Daniel Cavalier – Executive Vice President - Business Development & Marketing

Daniel Cavalier joined Ardent in 2021 to oversee business development and marketing for the company. Danny started his career as the Director of Associated Builders and Contractors in 1997. He has 25 years of experience in the industry. Danny holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education and health from Nicholls State University as well as a master’s degree in administration from Southern University.​​​​​​​ 

Cheryl Andrus – Human Resources Director

Cheryl Andrus joined Ardent in 2018 to lead the Human Resources (HR) department. Prior to Ardent, she served as the HR Director for United States Environmental Services. Cheryl holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and has been an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management for over 10 years.

Operations

Larry Smith – Vice President

Larry Smith joined Ardent in 2003 to service midstream market clients throughout the country. Prior to Ardent, Larry was employed with EIU for 15 years. In his career, Larry has acquired over 30 years of experience in the midstream construction industry.

Glen Riddle – Vice President - District Manager

Glen Riddle joined Ardent in 2019 to manage the midland region. Prior to Ardent, he served as a Project Manager for MMR from 1993 to 2018 and as a Vice President at Prideland Enterprises, LLC from 2018 to 2019. Glen has worked in the electrical and instrumentation industry for over 27 years and has a degree in business management from the University of Texas Permian Basin. Additionally, he holds various industry certifications, including NCCER Certification, Electrical and Instrumentation with Associated Builders and Contractors, Certified Fiber Optics Technician Certificate from Blue Mountain Fiber, OSHA 10, Safeland Training, and H2S Training.

Troy Boudreaux – District Manager

Troy Boudreaux began his career at Ardent in 2007 and oversees all offshore oil & gas projects as well as work in the Eagle Ford. Before joining Ardent, Troy worked with SECO Industries from 1990 to 2000 and Enbridge & Shell Pipeline from 2000 to 2007. Troy has over 32 years of experience in the industry.

Brian Baker — District Manager

Brian Baker has served as District Manager with Ardent since 2021, and is responsible for managing operations, finances, resources, personnel, client relations, fleet, and sales. Prior to his District Manager role with Ardent, Brian held positions as a Project Manager with MMR Constructors and General Foreman with Braun. From 2013 to 2017 Brian was also a Project Manager with Ardent. Offering more than 19 years of industry experience, Brian is a California-certified General Electrician, and C-10 and C-46 Contractor.

Braulio Gonzalez – District Manager

Braulio joined Ardent in 2020 as Sr. Site Manager. He was promoted to District Manager in our Houston market area where he is responsible for managing operations, estimating, scheduling, procurement, and the implementation of safety standards and programs. Braulio brings over 22 years of industry experience and has progressed through numerous level of management for refineries, oil companies, offshore platforms and industrial plants. He is a Texas-licensed Journeyman Electrician, and has hold number several certifications in our industry. 

Michael Clayton — Manager, Automation Division

Michael joined Ardent in 2009, bringing more than 28 years of electrical and instrumentation industry expertise. For Ardent, he assists eight division offices with controls sales, and manages all aspects of control systems including purchasing, design, shop fabrication, testing, quality control, commissioning, and invoicing. Prior to joining Ardent, Michael was Vice President of Automation USA. He completed his education at Louisiana State University and Cypress College, and has trained in oil spill response management and CPR.

Mark Durr – Chief Estimator

Mark Durr joined Ardent in 2014, bringing over 28 years of estimating experience and estimating management experience. Mark began his professional career at Davis International in 1987 and continued with Merit. During his career, Mark completed a four-year electrical and instrumentation program with the Pelican Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors.