The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
Gillani Joins USA Mortgage As Branch Manager
Mike Gillani has joined USA Mortgage as branch manager in charge of overseeing its new partnership with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties. Prior to joining USA Mortgage, the 20-year industry veteran founded and led Chesterfield, Mo.-based Boardwalk Lending since 2004. Gillani resides in Wildwood, Mo. 63021.
New Hires at Murphy Company
Carrie Shoults has joined Murphy Company as refrigeration customer service representative. The announcement was made by Bob Eichelberger, manager, refrigeration solutions for the mechanical contracting and engineering firm. Shoults served as a dispatch supervisor for AAA Missouri for 12 years and most recently worked as a dispatch supervisor for MTM, Inc. She attended Truman State University and St. Louis Community College, and currently is studying business at Columbia College.
Tawnya Naslund has joined Murphy Company as a service dispatcher. The announcement was made by Stephanie Oberle, service dispatch supervisor. Naslund has more than nine years experience coordinating service and preventative maintenance schedules for multiple field technicians in HVAC, fire suppression and building automation controls.
Brian Thompson has been appointed refrigeration project manager for Murphy Company, the area’s largest mechanical contractor and engineering firm. The announcement was made by Bob Eichelberger, manager, refrigeration solutions. Thompson has more than 16 years’ experience in the supermarket retail facility and service industry. Most recently he served as manager of construction and maintenance for a franchise holder of over 75 McDonald’s in Tennessee where he was responsible for a large team of technicians covering service/maintenance and construction for multiple locations. Prior to that he served as a facilities maintenance manager with a division of Kroger, a manager of facilities for United Supermarkets, and then as senior facilities manager and HVAC/R alarms/customer service manager for Supervalu. Early in his career he also served as a district maintenance manager for Winn-Dixie. He attended the University of Memphis.
Murphy Company is one of the nation’s top mechanical contracting and engineering firms delivering innovative solutions to the commercial, industrial and institutional markets. Murphy offers process piping, HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, design-build, piping fabrication, energy solutions and 24-hour service emanating from its five locations in St. Louis, Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder and Northern Colorado. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.
Justin Pham Joins Wiegmann Associates as Project Engineer
Mr. Pham will be responsible for designing and selecting HVAC systems for client facilities, and provides mechanical engineering support on construction projects. He has expertise in Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Pham holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla.
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.
Kyle Wilson Joins Kadean Construction As Director Of Project Development
Kyle Wilson, AIA, has joined Kadean Construction as Director of Project Development, and will lead the company’s marketing and business development. He also will lend his architecture expertise to Kadean’s construction delivery process.
Wilson previously worked as an architect for HDA Architects, where he held a variety of positions since 2006 — from an associate to managing director.
“We are excited to have Kyle on board to help develop new business for us in the St. Louis area and throughout the Midwest,” said Kadean President Mike Eveler. “Kyle is highly qualified and will be a great addition to our team.”
Founded in 1963, Kadean Construction is based in Fenton, MO in suburban St. Louis, and has become one of the Midwest’s most successful construction companies. It specializes in design-build, construction management, and general contracting for a diverse set of major clients in the health care, industrial, commercial, office, senior care, and multi-family industries.
Wilson, who is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional, is licensed in 15 states, from as far west as California, throughout the Midwest, and as far south as Texas and Florida.
He also holds a certificate from the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB), and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Urban Land Institute (ULI) St. Louis Chapter, and the Webster Groves, MO Architecture Review Board.
Wilson earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2006 from the University of Kansas, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University in 2012.
During his career, Wilson has designed in excess of two million square feet of commercial, retail, and residential space worth more than $300 million in construction costs.
Cari A. Noll Joins Midwest BankCentre as Senior Vice President-Private Banker
Cari A. Noll has joined Midwest BankCentre as senior vice president-private banker. Midwest BankCentre Chairman and CEO Jim Watson made the announcement.
With nearly 20 years in the financial services industry, Noll helps high net worth clients meet their personal and financial goals with concierge service. “Her experience and track record of providing excellent service and financial advice make her a true asset to our Midwest BankCentre clients and team,” said Erin Erhart, executive vice president of retail and fee services.
Prior to joining Midwest BankCentre, Noll was senior vice president and private banker at Commerce Trust Co. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Lindenwood University.
Cari Noll resides in Defiance, Mo. (63341). Her office is located at Midwest BankCentre’s branch at 500 Chesterfield Center, Chesterfield, Mo.
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, St. Louis County, Jefferson County and St. Charles County. Further details are available at www.midwestbankcentre.com.
September 21, 2018
Castle Contracting Promotes David Denny to Director, Field Operations
In this role, he oversees Castle’s field operations staff to ensure that project teams have the people, equipment and other resources required to successfully execute their work on a daily basis. His responsibilities also include the hiring, training and development of superintendents, foremen, field employees and internal apprentices.
Denny joined Castle in 2012 as an estimator/project manager and was promoted to field operations manager in 2013. His 22-year construction career has also included serving in estimating and project management positions at Goodwin Brothers Construction, RV Wagner, Inc., Kozeny-Wagner and J.H. Berra Construction Co.
“David is a proven leader who understands the importance of supporting construction teams to maximize their overall performance,” said Michael Pranger, vice president, operations at Castle Contracting. “Our clients and teams will benefit from his skilled leadership.”
Denny earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and American Subcontractors Association (ASA) – Midwest. He is also a Master Drainlayer in St. Louis City and County.
Castle Contracting, LLC provides turnkey site preparation services, site utilities, earthwork and trenchless technology directly to owners; general contractors; and mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection contractors. The company’searthmoving expertise is visible throughout the St. Louis region and from coast to coast..
September 14, 2018
Alex Whiteside Joins McCarthy as Business Development Manager
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. has expanded its St. Louis-based team with the appointment of Alex Whiteside as business development manager in the firm’s central region.
In this role, Whiteside will identify and pursue new project opportunities in commercial markets across a 28-state region—from the Plains to the East Coast. He will also focus on building and maintaining long-term relationships with existing McCarthy clients.
Whiteside joins McCarthy with significant construction industry experience. Most recently, he served as construction development manager at Save-A-Lot Food Stores in St. Louis. His previous experience also includes roles as project manager and engineer for several construction firms in the area.
“Alex’s strong construction background and commitment to nurturing long-term relationships make him a terrific addition to our business development team,” said Ryan Freeman, senior vice president at McCarthy.
Whiteside earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri in Columbia.
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.is the oldest privately held national construction company in the country – with more than 150 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.comor by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagramand Google+.
Joel Daniel Joins Geotechnology as Geophysics Project Manager
Geotechnology, Inc., has announced the appointment of Joel Daniel as its new Geophysics Project Manager in the firm’s Specialty Testing Group.
Daniel will be operating out of Geotechnology’s corporate office in St. Louis. He is relocating from the East Coast where he has spent more than 11 years performing geophysical surveying with Draper Aden Associates and Schnabel Engineering. In addition, he has extensive experience working in the environmental field and with geotechnical engineers.
Geophysical surveying is used to investigate and characterize subsurface conditions non-destructively, and enhance environmental, geotechnical, hydrogeological and engineering projects.
A graduate of Virginia Tech with a B.S. degree in geology, Daniel also earned an M.S. degree in geological sciences at Old Dominion University, and completed additional course work in the physics program at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a member of the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG) and the Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society (EEGS).
“We are delighted that Joel is joining our organization,” said Doug Lambert, R.G., and Craig Kaibel, P.E., Leaders of Geotechnology’s Specialty Testing Group. “He has extensive experience that will be valuable to our team and our clients.”
Established more than 30 years ago, Geotechnology, Inc. is a professional corporation offering a comprehensive range of consulting services in applied earth and environmental sciences, including geophysics, water resource management, geotechnical and environmental engineering, materials testing and drilling. Geotechnology has provided expertise on thousands of major construction projects in the Midwest and Mid-South regions. Geotechnology is ranked #406 in ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms in 2018. Geotechnology, Inc. is based in St. Louis, Mo., and has 10 offices in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. For more information, visit www.geotechnology.com
Veta T. Jeffery Joins Midwest BankCentre as Senior Vice President of Community and Economic Development
Veta T. Jeffery has joined Midwest BankCentre as senior vice president of community and economic development. Midwest BankCentre Chairman and CEO Jim Watson made the announcement.
Jeffery’s primary responsibility will be to expand the Heartland St. Louis Black Chamber of Commerce (HSBCC), serving the full metro St. Louis region. As a member of the bank’s community and economic development team, she will focus on serving established and emerging businesses.
At its July 2018 convention, Jeffery also was elected to the US Black Chambers’ board as national director of chamber relations. In that role, she will work to connect top African-American-owned businesses with Fortune 500 companies to generate economic growth.
A unit of the US Black Chambers of Commerce, the HSBCC covers metro St. Louis and surrounding areas. It is part of the Heartland Regional Chamber, which includes Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. To achieve business and community growth, she also focuses on capacity-building for individuals, families, faith-based and community organizations, businesses, financial institutions and others.
Alex Fennoy, executive vice president of community and economic development at Midwest BankCentre, said, “Veta Jeffery adds great value to our team and to the community by blending essential financial advisory experience with proven skills in advocacy, collaboration and engagement. Our entire community will benefit from her multidimensional contributions.”
“I am pleased to be able to work toward creating and expanding opportunities for our city and our metro region to grow together,” Jeffery said. “This work matches my strong desire to be a servant-leader, with the aim of helping everyone in our community rise together.”
Prior to joining Midwest BankCentre, Jeffery was most recently manager of community economic partnerships with the state of Missouri’s Department of Economic Development. She also served as community development officer with the Missouri Office of Community Engagement.
Previously, she held various senior management and diversity strategy positions with private sector companies, including Prudential Financial Services. Her work is informed by her experience as an entrepreneur, business consultant, elected official and community advocate.
Jeffery’s current and past civic involvement includes leadership roles with the St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force; the Money Smart School of Finance for Children; and the Workforce Diversity Council in the state of Missouri’s Office of Equal Opportunity.
She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
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, St. Louis County, Jefferson County and St. Charles County. Further details are available at www.midwestbankcentre.com.
Hastings+Chivetta Architects Promotes Carl Drafall to Project Manager
Hastings+Chivetta Architects is excited to announce the promotion of Carl Drafall, RA, LEED AP BD+C, to Project Manager. Carl has been with the firm for seven years and has over 17 years of experience. He has been instrumental as the lead Project Architect on many successful projects at Hastings+Chivetta with clients such as the University of Alaska Anchorage, Millikin University, Ladue School District and The University of New Mexico.
“We are delighted to promote Carl to this leadership role as a Project Manager. His technical knowledge and experience will be key as we adapt new strategies in delivering excellent design solutions to our clients,” said Hastings+Chivetta President, Chris Chivetta.
As Project Manager, Carl will lead the planning and design process, guide consultant efforts and advocate for our clients’ interests. His leadership and communication skills are informed by his extensive architectural experience on projects across the country.
Carl received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kansas. He is a Licensed Architect and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional specializing in Building Design and Construction (LEED AP BD+C).
HASTINGS+CHIVETTA ARCHITECTS, INC. provides architectural planning and design services to clients throughout the United States
September 7, 2018
Michael Browning Joins Christner as Senior Designer
Christner is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Browning, Assoc. AIA, LEED GA as a Senior Designer. Michael’s experience will continue to build upon the design excellence that Christner has established over the last 50 years. He brings 15 years of experience in healthcare, corporate and the science and research industry. Most recently, Michael has been involved in the design of the St. Louis Cortex Innovation Community, a technology and innovation hub as well as Discovery Square, located in Rochester, Minnesota. Michael prides himself on being a true partner with clients and stakeholders while helping guide the project team to achieve the highest quality design. Michael’s recent experience includes the @4240 office and lab building as well as the 4220 building, located at the Cortex Innovation Community Campus.
Wellington Environmental Hires New Engineering Solutions Manager
Austin Doss, MEE joins local environmental company to support sales, engineering, remediation efforts
Wellington Environmental, a specialized environmental service company serving the Midwest, hires Austin Doss, MEE as its new Engineering Solutions Manager. In this role, Doss will be involved in all aspects of the company’s services including sales, engineering, remediation and management.
“I’m eager to join this talented team at a company with 30 years of experience,” said Austin Doss, MEE Engineering Solutions Manager at Wellington Environmental. “I’m looking forward to demonstrating my engineering skills, particularly on implementing legionella water management plans for facility managers.”
Prior to joining Wellington Environmental, Doss was a graduate teaching assistant of thermal dynamics at Missouri University of Science and Technology in its Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering Department. He also interned for the Engineering Division of the City of Rolla’s Public Works Department where he developed Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans for the Rolla National Airport and Rolla Public Works.
Doss graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology with his master’s degree in environmental engineering. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in physics.
“Austin will be a great addition to our existing team,” said Thom Wellington, CEO of Wellington Environmental. “In 2016, he worked as a laborer for Wellington Environmental, so he is familiar with our team and processes.”
Wellington Environmental, a specialized environmental service company founded in 1988, serves the Midwest, including all of Missouri and Illinois. For more information, visit www.environmentalcare.com.
August 31, 2018
Daniel Latham, P.E. Moves into Client Relations Role at Bloomsdale Excavating
Bloomsdale, MO – Bloomsdale Excavating recently announced that Daniel Latham, P.E. will move from Project Engineer to Client Relations. Daniel will report to Clayton Blum who recently assumed the position of Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Daniel has been with the 70+ year old excavation and grading company, located in southeast Missouri since 2007.
Prior to assuming the Client Relations position, Daniel was has served in both Estimator and Project Engineer roles. Daniel received his B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2007 from Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T) in Rolla, MO and his Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 2013 from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He is also a certified Professional Engineer (P.E.). While as a Project Engineer, Latham estimated and managed projects as large as $32 million.
His knowledge of the site development industry lends itself in a very integrated manner to his new roles and responsibilities. These include development of existing and future client relationships, generation of new markets, and procurement and administration of contracts with focus on the Public Sector, Environmental, and Power & Energy markets.
Scott Drury, President of Bloomsdale Excavating adds, “We are extremely excited to have Daniel step into the role of managing our client relationships in key vertical markets. He joined us 11 years ago straight after graduating college and has been an instrumental part of many projects during that time. His ability to offer value added business insight for customers is a tremendous advantage for them.”
Bloomsdale Excavating, a wholly owned subsidiary of Heptacore, Inc., founded in 1946 by Marvin Drury provides excavation, grading, site utility and concrete services for the residential/ commercial, quarry/mining, landfill, public construction sectors. Bloomsdale provides construction services across Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas.
Todd Nelson joins Knoebel Construction as Project Manager
Todd Nelson of Saint Peters, MO, has joined Knoebel Construction as project manager. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of select retail center, restaurant, grocery and retail store construction projects, both in St. Louis and nationally. He has 17 years of experience in the construction industry and holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southwest Missouri State University.
Knoebel Construction, Inc. is a national general contractor specializing in retail center, restaurant, grocery and retail store construction.For more information, visit www.knoebelconstruction.com or call (636) 326-4100.