The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
Marsha Benney Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Midwest BankCentre
Marsha Benney, CPA, has been promoted to chief operating officer of Midwest BankCentre. She previously served as executive vice president-chief risk officer.
Since joining Midwest BankCentre in 2015, she has led the teams responsible for audit, compliance, enterprise risk management, loan and appraisal review, project management and vendor management. She has helped the bank achieve growth targets by applying her skills in partnering, both internally and externally, to optimize business results, engage team members, enhance customer experiences and implement best practices.
Benney has more than 30 years of experience in community banking and financial services. Within community banking, she has broad, enterprise-level experience across all operational areas. She also served large and small community banking clients as audit manager in KPMG’s financial services audit practice.
“Marsha is a dynamic leader with a strong customer focus and a tremendous capacity for setting and exceeding goals,” said Midwest BankCentre CEO Orvin Kimbrough. “Her leadership will help us enhance the achievement of our strategic goals while fostering a culture focused on customer experience and a mindset toward continuous process improvement.”
Benney has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business/management from Southeast Missouri State University. She belongs to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Risk Management Association. Benney serves on the Grace Hill Women’s Business Center advisory board and on Fontbonne University’s cybersecurity and computer science advisory board.
Midwest BankCentre, a mainstay of St. Louis community banking since 1906, employs a staff of about 280 working at 19 bank locations in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis, Jefferson and St. Charles counties. The bank works to empower people, enable business and energize neighborhoods through the strength of its financial services, including personalized consumer and business banking, business cash management, mortgage lending, home equity loans, financial planning and investments, insurance and digital banking. It ranks among St. Louis’ largest locally owned banks with assets exceeding $1.9 billion and deposits of $1.4 billion.
The bank is a local leader in the St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force and its Bank-On Save-Up St. Louis initiative. Since 2001, Midwest BankCentre has consecutively achieved the Bauer Financial 5-Star Superior financial rating each quarter. It was the national winner of the 2018 National Community Bank Service Awards by the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) for its success in bringing mainstream financial services to unbanked and underbanked citizens in the region.
IMPACT Strategies Expands Their Team
IMPACT Strategies recently expanded their team with the hiring of Logan Mitchell as a Project Engineer and Allison Hursey as a Project Assistant.
Mitchell has a well-rounded background, working at different levels in the construction industry. He has a bachelor’s degree in Project Management and extensive studies in mechanical engineering. His knowledge and recent industry experience have positioned him well to add depth to the growing team at IMPACT Strategies. Mitchell is originally from Flat Rock, IL and now lives in Highland, IL.
Hursey comes to IMPACT with a wide range of experience, ranging from accounting to client services to sales. She has a degree in Business Administration from Lindenwood University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She is originally from Swansea, IL and now lives in O’Fallon, IL.
Mark Hinrichs, President of IMPACT Strategies says “Logan and Alli have already shown us what great assets they can be to our team. We look forward to a bright future with them as IMPACT continues to grow.”
IMPACT Strategies provides client-focused construction management, design/build, and general contracting services. The firm offers a full continuum of innovative design/build service capabilities including proven construction management processes and site development. To learn more visit BuildwithIMPACT.com or call 618-394-8400 or 314-646-8400.
Gary D. Swan Earns CFM Designation
Gary D. Swan attained credentials as a Certified Facility Manager (CFM). As a member of the St. Louis Chapter of IFMA (International Facility Management Association), Swan passed an extensive four-hour exam that covers 11 core competency areas to achieve the CFM designation.
Swan serves as the chief engineer for Lillibridge Healthcare Services at Mercy South, formerly St. Anthony’s Medical Center in suburban St. Louis. He oversees the facilities for seven medical office buildings for Lillibridge – Ventas Inc. and supervises three technicians.
The CFM designation is considered the most prestigious and sought-after credential in facility management. IFMA’s certification process assesses competency in the field through work experience, education and the ability to pass a comprehensive exam that covers 11 competencies that make up the facility management body of knowledge. Since the program began in 1992, more than 3,100 facility managers from 32 countries have achieved this prestigious recognition.
IFMA St. Louis offers its members a learning and networking environment among its diverse membership and supplies its members with the tools to achieve their professional goals. Started in 1985, IFMA St. Louis has more than 250 members representing small and Fortune 500 companies throughout the region. For more information, visit www.ifma.org.
Western Specialty Contractors Promotes Jessica Gitto to National Account Manager
Western Specialty Contractors has promoted Jessica Gitto to the position of National Account Manager. Gitto was previously the Marketing/Assistant National Account Manager at Western.
As National Account Manager, Gitto will assist in the company’s efforts to identify, establish and develop relationships with large, multi-location customers. Gitto will also work to establish productive, professional relationships with high-level executives and other key contacts for all assigned client accounts, as well as effectively communicate to customers the benefits of a national account partnership with Western. Additionally, Gitto will work to improve sales growth of national accounts and implement corporate marketing plans.
Gitto has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and more than 12 years of marketing, management and sales experience. Gitto started working for Western in 2013 as a Business Development Representative before being promoted in 2017 to Marketing/Assistant National Account Manager where she managed Western’s involvement with such national industry organizations as BOMA, APPA and ASHE. She also organized and attended trade shows and managed Western’s website, social media, branch project profiles and press releases in her previous position at Western.
Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing and specialty roofing. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com.
Curt Coval joins Wiegmann Associates as Senior Project Estimator
Curt Coval of Wentzville, MO has joined Wiegmann Associates as a senior project estimator. Coval is responsible for developing estimates for Wiegmann Associates HVAC design/build and plan/spec projects, both in St. Louis and nationally. Coval has 35 years of experience working in the construction industry.
Wiegmann Associates is a St. Louis-based mechanical contractor and a national leader in design/build HVAC projects. Since 1995, Wiegmann Associates has engineered and installed innovative, energy saving and cost-efficient HVAC solutions, refrigeration systems and automation controls for clients in a wide range of industries. For more information, visit www.wiegmannassoc.com or call (636) 940-1056.
January 25, 2019
Sitton Energy Solutions Hires New Analytics Software Engineer
Sitton Energy Solutions announced Rusty Khatman as the company’s new Analytics Software Engineer. Khatman has nine years of experience in the building automation and data analytics field, and will be stationed at the St. Louis-based company’s newest location in Denver. He will be responsible for developing analytics software platforms, monitoring energy and interpreting data to help improve clients’ energy conservation and utility bills.
“Rusty has already proven to be a valuable addition to our Denver team,” said Doug Sitton, resident and Founder of Sitton Energy Solutions. “He shares our passion for finding sustainable solutions to clients’ energy needs, that not only save them money on utility bills, but also lessen their overall energy footprint.”
“Analytics in building automation and energy is a relatively new concept but we believe it will be and is the future of this industry,” said Khatman. “I’m grateful to be at a company that will give me the platform to break new ground in terms of using data to spot trends and find sustainable, long-term energy solutions for our clients.”
Prior to joining Sitton Energy Solutions, Khatman worked as an energy software developer, a strategic technologies coordinator and as a system engineer. Khatman is finishing his bachelor’s degree in computer science from University of Colorado – Denver.
Sitton Energy Solutions is an independent energy management consulting firm that works to maximize clients’ energy savings and return on investments. The Sitton Solution is a unique combination of Comprehensive Energy Strategy™ (CES™), Integrated Energy Analytics™ (IEA™), and Independent Engineering that saves clients’ money on their facilities at the maximum return-on-investment. Sitton Energy Solution’s definition of return on investment goes beyond the financial incentives, as it creates facilities that are environmentally friendly and safer, more productive places to work. The firm, which has helped its clients save over $45 million in energy costs, has offices in St. Louis, MO, O’Fallon, IL, Kansas City, MO, and Denver, CO.
To learn more, call 314-309-2029 ext. 118, or visit www.sittoncg.com.
Dustin Prasuhn Promoted to Installation Manager at G&S Architectural Products
St. Louis-based [ G&S Architectural Products ]( https://www.goltermansabo.com/ ) has promoted Dustin Prasuhn to Installation Manager. His new responsibilities will include scheduling, project communication, and the coordination and management of 17 Union carpenters, distribution workers and a fleet of trucks.
Prasuhn has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology and has been a part of the Golterman & Sabo team for four years as a Project Manager. He also is currently serving in the Missouri Army National Guard.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with clients to help create a finished acoustical solution that will improve the customer’s environment,” says Prasuhn on his new Installation Manager position.
G&S Architectural Products is a leading provider and installer of architectural products such as acoustical products, visual display boards and operable wall systemsthat are primarily used for the commercial, education and healthcare industries.
IMPACT Strategies Promotes Travis Schwartz To Assistant Project Manager
IMPACT Strategies recently promoted Travis Schwartz from Project Engineer to Assistant Project Manager. In this new position Schwartz will take on an expanded leadership role in managing our construction projects. Craig Spidle, Director of Construction Operations at IMPACT Strategies, says “Travis is a great example of the future leaders of our project delivery team at IMPACT.” Schwartz is a graduate of Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville with a degree in Construction Management and has been with IMPACT Strategies since the summer of 2017.
Schwartz also recently completed the AGC of Missouri Leadership Academy. After being nominated by Craig Spidle, Director of Construction Operations for IMPACT Strategies, Schwartz was chosen by an AGC selection committee to complete the course. This five-month course consisted of roughly 20 students and was taught by Ken Bradford, author of Fearless & Persuasive Speaking. It focused on building awareness and proficiency in business and developing skills that will translate into strong project team leadership.
IMPACT Strategies provides client-focused construction management, design/build, and general contracting services. To learn more visit BuildwithIMPACT.com or call 618-394-8400 or 314-646-8400.
Chris Kerckhoff, LEED AP BD+C, Promoted To Vice President
EDM Incorporated is proud to announce the promotion of Chris Kerckhoff to Vice President. Chris joined EDM in 2012 as Director of Business Development and has over 20 years’ experience in the A/E/C industry.
Prior to joining EDM, Chris held leadership positions in regional food processing, development and general contracting firms. He holds a BSBA in Real Estate & Construction Management from the Daniels School of Business, University of Denver, and earned his LEED AP credential in 2002.
EDM Incorporated, headquartered in downtown St. Louis, is a 45-year old multi-disciplinary engineering and architecture firm providing civil, structural, mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering, fire protection and architecture to public and private sector clients. EDM employs approximately 25 employees, including 12 licensed engineers and two registered Architects. EDM has three offices, St. Louis, MO, St. Charles, MO and Collinsville, IL.
SITE Improvement Association Board Re-Elects Jennifer Bouquet As President/Chairman, Elects Mike Steiniger To Vice President And Pat Moriarty As Secretary-Treasurer
The Board of Directors of SITE Improvement Association has re-elected Jennifer Bouquet as President/Chairman for 2019 and elected Mike Steiniger as Vice President and Pat Moriarty as Secretary-Treasurer. Bouquet is President of J&J Boring, and last year becoming the first woman to serve as President/Chairman of SITE. Steiniger is President of Kuesel Excavating Company and last year served as Secretary-Treasurer of SITE, and Moriarty is President of Concrete Strategies.
Three new members were also elected to serve on SITE’s board of directors in 2019. They include Kevin Klette, General Manager of Asphalt for Byrne & Jones Construction; Danielle Roden, Project Manager for Site System Landscaping, LLC; and Ryan Casey, Vice President of Construction Operations for Pace Construction Company. Each will serve a two-year term.
In addition, five members were re-elected to two-year terms on the SITE board of directors. They include; Charles “Chuck” Vitale of Vee Jay Cement Contracting, Mike Harmon of Plattin Creek Excavating, LLC, Mike Jerome of Bi-State Utilities Company, Kevin Keenoy of GS Grinding Services, LLC, and Lee Newton of CMW Equipment, associate member.
SITE Improvement Association is an independent construction trade association of contractors and businesses associated with the construction industry in eastern Missouri. The association is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors composed of representatives from the Concrete, Asphalt Paving, Sewer/Utility, Highway and Bridge, Earthmoving, Landscaping, Specialty Construction and Associate divisions.
January 18, 2019
NewGround Appoints Paul McAfee as Regional Vice President
NewGround, a St. Louis-based experiential architecture, design, and delivery firm, announced that Paul McAfee joined the NewGround Canada team as Regional Vice President of Business Development. Based in British Columbia, Paul’s primary responsibility will be to manage and lead a regional account acquisition and delivery team.
With more than 30 years of experience, Paul has a proven track record of success in the financial services industry. Prior to joining NewGround, he held numerous executive positions, including serving as the President and COO of NorthPeace Savings & Credit Union in British Columbia where he worked with NewGround on multiple projects.
“Paul’s experience in the financial services industry will complement and expand our industry expertise. We are thrilled to have him on our team and are excited to see how he helps us grow our business in the years to come,” said Greg Ward, President of NewGround Canada.
Paul is heavily involved in numerous regional and national industry committees and holds two certifications from the Credit Union Executive Society University program.
“I look forward to helping grow NewGround’s market share through building positive and rewarding relationships and am happy to be a part of the team,” said Paul McAfee, Regional Vice President of Business Development at NewGround Canada.
NewGround is an international, award-winning architecture, design, and delivery firm, providing dynamic, experiential, market-driven environments. Over the last century, NewGround has completed more than 15,000 projects throughout the USA, Canada and in the United Kingdom. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, NewGround maintains corporate offices in Chicago, Illinois, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Toronto, Ontario, with a regional presence throughout.
Spellman Brady & Company Hires Jennifer Stockhausen, IIDA, NCIDQ
Spellman Brady & Company, an award-winning interior design firm, is pleased to announce that Jennifer Stockhausen, IIDA, NCIDQ has joined the firm as a Senior Designer. She brings 7 years of professional experience focused on the design of assisted living and memory care communities. Her responsibilities include providing creative and exceptional interior design for all aspects of a project – from initial planning, design concept and construction documents to furniture specifications, procurement and installation.
Ms. Stockhausen earned her Bachelor of Science, Human Environmental Sciences, Architectural Studies degree with an Interior Design emphasis and continued her studies to earn a Master of Arts in Environment and Behavior degree focusing on “Personal Control in the Work Place” degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Spellman Brady & Company is an award-winning interior design firm specializing in senior living, healthcare, and higher education environments. For more information about Spellman Brady & Company, please visit www.spellmanbrady.com.
Community Mourning Loss of Nationally Recognized Educator, Civil Rights Activist Dr. Irene Leota Moore Wright
Services for Grandmother of KAI CEO Michael Kennedy, Jr. Scheduled for Jan. 23
The community is mourning the death of nationally recognized educator and civil rights activist Dr. Irene Leota Moore Wright — mother-in-law of KAI Founder Michael Kennedy, Sr. and grandmother of KAI CEO Michael Kennedy, Jr. — who passed away on Jan. 10 at age 91. A Celebration of Life Service honoring her is scheduled for Jan. 23 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Wright enjoyed a long, successful career in education, having earned a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College in Atlanta; a master’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Washington University in St. Louis; and a Ph. D. in higher education from Saint Louis University. She also studied at Ball State University, New York University, Columbia University and Atlanta University.
She went on to hold faculty positions at Atlanta University, Clark College, Spelman College, Harris Teachers College, Tuskegee Institute, Albany State College and Saint Louis University and was published in the areas of speech and hearing problems, teacher programs, the trainable child and deaf education.
She served as vice president of the Albany Civil Rights Movement and was the Dean of Students at Albany State College but resigned in protest when she learned that students had been expelled for demonstrating against racial violence and discrimination. She held strategy meetings in her home for out-of-town students who wanted to help with voter registration campaigns and braved threat of physical harm as she travelled from Albany to Washington, D.C. to report on racial injustices taking place around her.
Irene Wright is survived by her “Boo” of 58 years, Dr. Thomas V. Wright Sr., and her children: Vicki Hamilton (Harold), Lynn Kennedy (Michael), Traci Wright (Thomas Wright, Jr.), and Marcia Buresch; 10 grandsons: Arthur (Angelica) and Brandon, Michael, Chad, Jon, Sam, Marcus (Sarah), James Trey (Sina), Simeon, and Brett (Betty); and five great-grandchildren: Titus, Bella, Jaz’min, Jaire, and Levi. She also leaves her only living sibling, Jean Collins, and nieces and nephews she adored: Hollie, Wilanna, Robin, Judy, Bobby, James Jr., Michael, Johnnie, Connie, Mitzy, Phillip, Frankie, Neicey, Scott, Bonnie, Albert (Katie), and all of their children. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Thomas Victor Wright Jr.; her sisters, Augusta Mae, Louise Worthington, and Judelle Shaw; and her brother, Julian Moore.
Michael Kennedy, Jr. attributes his grandmother’s influence on KAI’s commitment to giving back and supporting the community.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either Albany State University in Albany, Georgia or Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tyler Bick Receives Professional Engineering License
Tyler Bick, who joined KPFF in July 2017, recently passed the professional engineering examination and is now a licensed Professional Engineer in Missouri. He is working on a variety of projects including Mercy Clinic in Springdale, Arkansas; The Foundry in Midtown St. Louis; and a structural condition assessment at Southeast Missouri State University. Tyler earned his Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil Engineering degrees at Missouri University of Science & Technology.
Megan Schimmelpfenning Receives Structural Engineering License
Megan Schimmelpfenning, who joined KPFF in August 2015, recently passed the Illinois Structural Engineering examination and is now a licensed Structural Engineer in Illinois. Her KPFF projects include the new Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn blended hotel in Des Peres, Missouri; SSM/Saint Louis University Hospital’s New Patient Tower; and Weil Hall at Washington University in St. Louis. Megan earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree at S
outhern Illinois University Carbondale in 2011.
Founded in Seattle in 1960, KPFF Consulting Engineers is one of the top structural and civil engineering firms, and is known for providing creative, thoughtful, and cost-effective design solutions.
HBD Construction, Inc. Welcomes New Director of Business Development
HBD Construction, Inc is proud to welcome Annie Kowert as Director of Business Development. Annie joins the HBD Construction, Inc team bringing 18 years of experience in the healthcare industry including healthcare administration, senior living, medical supply sales, and marketing. In addition to building strong customer relationships, she will be responsible for market research, strategic planning, and expanding company awareness.
Annie has a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Cleveland State University. She currently resides in Kirkwood with her husband, Brian and children, Lyla and Luke. She enjoys spending time with her family, exercise, reading, travel, and volunteering at her kids’ school and church.
Cohen Architectural Woodworking Names Nate Cohen Chief Financial Officer
Cohen Architectural Woodworking announces the appointment of Nate Cohen to serve as Chief Financial Officer. Cohen will oversee the finances of the 36 year-old
company that standardizes, designs and builds custom millwork components and casework for clients nationwide. Cohen, age 29, most recently served as a Senior Project Manager. He has performed and excelled in various roles for the family-owned and family-run business for some 24 years, from sweeping the shop floor at age 5, to serving in engineering, and in project management.
In addition to his duties at Cohen Architectural Woodworking, Nate Cohen is
an entrepreneur, real estate investor and professional woodworker. He won
international woodworking competitions in high school for three consecutive
years and, at age 19, built chess tables for Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield,
founders of the St. Louis Chess Club. His tables were used at the U.S. Chess
Championships. Nate’s chess tables can also be found in the St. Louis
Cardinals clubhouse and with other organizations.
Founded in 1982, Cohen Architectural Woodworking is a family-owned
architectural design/build woodworking firm headquartered in St. James,
Missouri. For more information visit www.cohenwoodworking.com
<http://www.cohenwoodworking.com>
Kevin Gremmelsbacher Promoted by HDA Architects
Since joining HDA Architects in 2013, Kevin Gremmelsbacher has played a vital role in transitioning the company into Revit and has developed production drawings for numerous unique project types. He is currently the firms BIM Manager and has recently been promoted to the role of Project Manager. His attention to detail and dedication to his projects provides the foundation for his work and has proven effective in delivering a quality product from design development stages through project completion.
Matt Hoffman joins Wiegmann Associates as Project Engineer
Matt Hoffman of St. Louis, MO has joined Wiegmann Associates as a project engineer. Hoffman is responsible for designing and engineering HVAC systems for various Wiegmann Associates projects. Prior to joining Wiegmann Associates, he worked as a contract mechanical engineer for Monsanto Company on a large industrial seeds processing project. Hoffman holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Wiegmann Associates is a St. Louis-based mechanical contractor and a national leader in design/build HVAC projects. For more information, visit www.wiegmannassoc.com or call (636) 940-1056.