Our Team

Lawrence “Lee” Hale, Assoc. DBIA, M. Sci., PE

Founder & President

Lee brings over 15 years of experience in design and grant funding across civil, transportation, and utility engineering. His expertise integrates technical engineering skills with strategic financial planning to secure funding for diverse projects.

As the founder of Hale Innovation, LLC, Lee leverages his grant strategy and management skills to align engineering designs with financial resources, ensuring projects meet both technical and financial goals.

His civil engineering background provides insight into technical challenges, enabling effective pursuit of funding aligned with project objectives.

Under Lee's leadership, Hale Innovation, LLC, is recognized for solutions that combine design excellence with financial sustainability, making it a trusted industry partner.

Lee’s position on the DBIA Florida Executive Council, ensures he is up to date on the trends in delivery method selection.

Megan Warr

Environmental Specialist

Megan Warr brings more than a decade of expertise in environmental regulatory review across Florida, with in-depth experience at both FDEP and the St. Johns River Water Management District.

She specializes in Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP), NPDES stormwater and wastewater compliance, wetland delineation, and species review. Megan has also contributed to state emergency response efforts and taught multiple environmental certification courses, including HAZWOPER and Florida Stormwater Inspector training.

Her deep regulatory knowledge ensures projects meet environmental standards with precision and care.

Hilary Waers

Grants Manager

Hilary Waers leads Hale Innovation’s grants department, where she brings precision, creativity, and clarity to every stage of the funding process. With years of experience managing grant cycles, she excels at researching programs, crafting compelling applications, and ensuring awarded grants remain compliant and effective. Known for transforming complex technical details into clear, engaging narratives, Hilary has a talent for creating submittal packages that are both thorough and visually appealing—making it easy for reviewers to recognize the value of each project.

Collaborative by nature, she works closely with colleagues to deliver standout applications, while also maintaining strong relationships with grant administrators to support long-term success. Born and raised in Central Florida, Hilary is proud to contribute to the growth of the community she calls home. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and spending time with her two corgis and Persian cat.

Fatima Cugley

Grant Professional

Fatima Cugley supports the Hale Innovation grants team with a sharp eye for research and a genuine commitment to strengthening communities. She is currently pursuing her M.S. in Urban Planning at the University of Central Florida, building on her B.S. in Finance from the University of South Florida.

With a strong analytical background and a passion for civic improvement, Fatima is especially drawn to projects that protect water quality and expand access to thoughtfully designed public spaces. Her approach blends detail-oriented research with a broader vision of community well-being, ensuring each grant aligns with both technical requirements and meaningful impact.

Originally from Sarasota, she finds inspiration in vibrant parks, accessible design, and her love of urban trails.

Tommy Marion

Marketing Coordinator

Tommy Marion joined Hale Innovation in 2021 as a grant researcher and now plays a key role in business operations and marketing. With a background in research and an expanding focus on marketing and municipal engagement, Tommy helps identify strategic funding pathways and manages RFP responses for new clients.

A proud West Virginian and college colleague of Lee Hale, Tommy balances work life with raising his young daughter, playing fantasy sports, and cheering on the Boston Red Sox.

Anna Grace Lee

Executive Assistant

Anna Grace Lee keeps Hale Innovation running smoothly by designing and implementing systems that improve office operations, streamline invoicing, and simplify day-to-day processes.

Originally from North Carolina, she moved to Orlando in 2023 and is currently studying ministry. Anna Grace brings calm, clarity, and efficiency to every task she touches.

Fun fact: she lived in Wales, UK for four years!