The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
Kimberly Witbrodt named to the McGrath & Associates Board of Directors
Kimberly Witbrodt has been selected as a director on the McGrath & Associates Board of Directors. Witbrodt has been with McGrath & Associates for 35 years in various roles, including as office manager for the last five years. McGrath & Associates is a 100 percent employee-owned general contractor and construction management firm.
McGrath & Associates is a 100 percent employee-owned general contractor and construction management firm specializing in commercial, health care, industrial, institutional and pharmaceutical construction projects since 1983. For more information, call Ken Knobbe at (314) 772-7600 or visit www.mcgrathconstruction.com.
New Hires at Zak Companies
Peter Lilley accepted a position as REVIT/CAD Technician – Mechanical/Plumbing for Heideman Associates, a Zak Company. Mr. Lilley is a student at Ranken Technical College studying the Building Systems Engineering program.
Heideman Associates, a Zak Company, recently hired Colin Santel as Mechanical Engineer. He is a recent graduate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Jyi Jiun (JJ) Chiang joined as Mechanical Engineer full-time for Heideman Associates, a Zak Company. Mr. Chiang was serving Heideman | Associates part-time until his recent graduation from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Heideman Associates, is a member of Zak Companies, a single-source firm in design and construction services, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with offices in Belleville, Illinois; and Phoenix, Arizona. The Zak family of companies includes Heideman Associates, K & F Electric, Franklin Mechanical, Franklin Drain Services and Zak Controls.
Jim Massara Joins Winco Window’s Architectural Sales Team
Jim Massara has Joins Winco Windows as Architectural Sales Rep.
Massara, who has a 25-plus year background in both architecture and contracting, will handle special projects, with an emphasis on the coastal United States.
“Last year’s hurricane season has highlighted the need for retrofit work, and many owners are opting to upgrade to hurricane-resistant windows,” says Massara. “Architects have to be concerned with so many building details, so my role will include being an information source for the latest in code changes, product upgrades and other window-related data. We want to make it easy for them.”
Massara will also help manage Winco’s growing protective-glazing window related work. “The government’s need for blast-approved windows and doors is expanding and I’ll be helping to share Winco’s considerable capabilities in this area.”
“Jim will be based in St. Louis, but will be traveling to locations as needed,” says Kurtis Suellentrop, business development manager at Winco. “Winco’s business has grown significantly in the past few years, so we’re delighted to have an architectural pro like Jim on our team to help handle business throughout the country.”
Massara holds a degree in architectural drafting and structural technologies from St. Louis-based Ranken College.
Founded in 1915, St Louis based Winco Window Company provides full-service manufacturing of innovative aluminum window and door concepts nationally, for classic.
Western Specialty Contractors Promotes Ed Carter to Branch Manager of its Dallas/North Texas Branch
Western Specialty Contractors has promoted Ed Carter of Dallas, TX to Branch Manager of its Dallas/North Texas branch office. Carter was previously a Sales/Project Manager at Western’s Austin, TX branch.
Carter will be responsible for running the branch office, which will include marketing, sales, estimating, oversight of operations and administrative functions, safety of all branch employees, and productivity of office staff and field crews. Carter has been with Western Specialty Contractors since 2015 and has a total of 20 years of experience in specialty construction, including manufacturing, contracting, application of polyurethane coatings and waterproofing.
He has attended Centenary College of Louisiana, Blinn College in Bryan, TX and Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. He is a member of International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) and Austin Association of Facility and Maintenance Engineers (AAFAME).
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.
May 18, 2018
Byrne & Jones Promotes Walter to Controller
Misty Walter has been promoted to controller at Byrne & Jones Construction. Byrne & Jones is a diversified St. Louis civil site contractor serving clients through six divisions – concrete, sports, asphalt, soil stabilization, marine and micro-surfacing.
As controller, Walter will be responsible for all Byrne & Jones client billing and receivables and cash management. Walter has a master’s degree in business administration from Colorado State University.
Founded in 1976, Byrne & Jones Construction builds and maintains parking lots, roads and highways, athletic fields, running tracks, tennis courts, underground drainage systems and paved surfaces and performs a variety of marine construction. Learn more at www.byrneandjones.com.
Ken Lewis joins McGrath & Associates as Project Engineer
McGrath & Associates has hired Ken Lewis from the Central West End in St. Louis, MO, as project engineer. He will be working with McGrath’s pharmaceutical and healthcare business groups. Lewis has three years of construction project engineering and estimating experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management Technology from Purdue University Northwest.
McGrath & Associates is a 100 percent employee-owned general contractor and construction management firm specializing in commercial, health care, industrial, institutional and pharmaceutical construction projects since 1983. For more information, call Ken Knobbe at (314) 772-7600 or visit www.mcgrathconstruction.com.
FGM Announces Staff Promotions
Brian Wright, Director of FGM’s Municipal & Recreation Practice will continue to expand the firm’s mission to Enhance Communities by Creating Quality Environments. Having joined the firm in 2007, Brian has focused primarily on designing fire, police, civic and recreation facilities with great success. Previously leading efforts to expand FGM’s municipal practice in St. Louis, Brian will now be focused on FGM’s Chicago, Oak Brook and Milwaukee locations.
Scot Fairfield: Vice President & Director of Marketing’s 28-year career combines leadership, project management and business development expertise to advance the firm’s mission to Enhance Communities by Creating Quality Environments.
Initially hired in 1999, Scot rejoined FGM in 2017 after ten years of design-build and business development in the construction industry. In his new role, Scot will promote a culture of strong client and market engagement through corporate-wide efforts affecting FGM’s Chicago, Oak Brook, O’Fallon, St. Louis and Milwaukee locations within their Corporate, Federal, Higher Education, Municipal & Recreation and PK-12 Education Practices.
In Scot’s own words. “My passion has always been focused on creating trusted relationships while pursuing and collaborating on projects. I look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to contribute to the sustaining growth of our firm”.
Diane Gilmartin has been named Chief Financial Officer of the firm. Diane worked for FGM from 2002 – 2004 and returned to the firm in 2016 as the Director of Finance. With more than 30+ years’ experience in finance for professional services firms, Diane now manages FGM’s ever growing revenue. Diane’s career includes seven years as a Senior Manager for Arthur Andersen.
FGM Architects has specialized in the planning and design of environments for work, study and play since 1945. From early strategic facilities planning through building and interior design to furniture selection, our team of more than 75 professionals supports the needs of our clients with a total commitment to service.
St. Louis-Based KRJ Architecture Appoints New Vice President
KRJ Architecture, a long-time architectural firm specializing in the design of educational and civic facilities, has promoted Romy Uelk to the position of vice president, principal in charge of programming. During her ten years at KRJ, Uelk’s responsibilities have grown to include taking an active role in helping clients communicate project goals to the community, whether it be for a bond issue or fundraising. Her experience includes projects for public schools, colleges, ambulance districts and other public entities.
“Romy is skilled at facilitating diverse groups of people to move toward the same vision for their communities. She’s a consensus-builder on behalf of our clients,” said David Kromm, president of KRJ. “As we look to the future of KRJ, Romy’s strengths in leadership and communication will continue to serve our clients well.”
Kromm added that Uelk’s deep knowledge of the specialized needs of public entities has contributed greatly to the firm’s ability to bring innovative, cost-effective solutions to clients, on time and on budget.
Uelk holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Drury University.
EDAC Designers Grow at Spellman Brady
Spellman Brady & Company is proud to announce that Amanda Renshaw,designer, has earned her Evidence-based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC). Ms. Renshaw is the most recent Spellman Brady designer to receive EDAC, which brings the firm’s designers to over 20% certified.
Evidence-Based Design (EBD) is the process of basing healthcare facility planning and design decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible patient, staff and operational outcomes. Research evidence attests to the fact that the physical environment impacts patient stress, patient and staff safety, staff effectiveness and quality of care provided in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
In order to earn EDAC, Ms. Renshaw passed a two-hour, 110-question multiple-choice exam. The exam’s five sections tested her on EBD in healthcare, the research process, the pre-design process, construction, and occupancy. The exam certifies professional’s ability to practice the EBD process.
Spellman Brady & Company is an award-winning St. Louis–based interior design firm specializing in senior living, healthcare, and higher education environments. For more information about Spellman Brady & Company, please visit www.spellmanbrady.com.
Ramona Nicula, MS, MBA, PE Joins EDM Incorporated as Vice President, Senior Electrical Engineer
EDM Incorporated is proud to welcome Ramona Nicula as Vice President and Senior Electrical Engineer. Ramona is a registered Engineer in Missouri, Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maryland, Arizona, California and New York with over 24 years’ experience. Ramona holds a Masters in Business Administration from University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a Master’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from Transilvania University, in Romania. She is also a LEED-Accredited Professional.
Headquartered in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, EDM Incorporated is a 45+ year old full-service engineering firm providing civil, structural, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering to local, state and federal governments as well as private sector clients. EDM is a mid-sized firm that employs approximately 31 employees, 18 of whom are licensed engineers.
New Hires at Hastings+Chivetta Architects
William Schenck, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has joined Hastings+Chivetta Architects as a Project Designer. In his role, William will work closely with our team of designers to create facilities that foster campus community and student engagement. This approach focuses on collaboration and teamwork utilizing cutting edge software to allow for efficient design exploration. Prior to joining the firm, William produced award-winning designs for athletic, recreation, community, healthcare and science & technology clients. He shares H+C’s client-oriented approach and brings a fresh perspective to the design team.
William received his Bachelor of Science degrees in Architecture and Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas.
Alvaro Simon Merino has joined Hastings+Chivetta Architects as a Junior Architectural Designer. As a member of the architectural graphics team, Alvaro assists project teams with conceptual designs and creates 2D and 3D renderings and virtual reality models. He is currently developing renderings for the Gustavus Adolphus College Nobel Hall addition and renovation.
Alvaro received his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture in Architectural Design and Architectural Engineering from the University of Alcala in Madrid, Spain. Alvaro was born and raised in Madrid and moved to the U.S. this past summer.
HASTINGS+CHIVETTA ARCHITECTS, INC. provides architectural planning and design services to clients throughout the United States.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Please contact Marketing Coordinator Laura Lancia at llancia@hcarchitects.com or 314-863-5717 x167.
McClure Engineering Names Keith Esarey President
McClure Engineering announces that Keith Esarey, PE and Principal, has been named the new President of the McClure Corporation. Esarey has served on the Board of Directors since 2009, most recently holding the position of Vice President since 2016. He takes over the position of President from Keith Cooper, PE and Principal, who has held the position since 2009. Cooper remains with the company as Chairman of the Board, Principal, and Electrical Engineer.
“We expect a seamless transition both internally and externally, as we have been transitioning responsibilities over the last year,” said Cooper. “Keith’s ongoing guidance and dedication to McClure over the past 20 years has more than earned him this position. We are excited to watch his leadership continue to make a difference here.”
As the new President, Esarey is responsible for leading the development of McClure’s short and long-term strategy, evaluating the work of officers and Principals and assessing business risks and opportunities for the company as they arise.
“I have been part of the development of McClure for some time now, and it will be great to tackle it from the perspective of this position,” said Esarey. “We have an incredible team here and I am honored that my coworkers have entrusted me to lead it.”
Esarey is a Professional Engineer in multiple states and Principal at McClure Engineering. He is responsible for project management and mechanical design for critical environment systems where the control of temperature and humidity is a sensitive operational component. He began his career as an intern with McClure in 1992, worked for Monsanto after graduating from Missouri S&T and then rejoined McClure in 1997. Other officers of the company include Phil Wentz as Vice President and Eric Schactman as Secretary/Treasurer.
McClure Engineering is a mechanical and electrical consulting engineering firm established in 1953 and dedicated to the development of innovative solutions to unique engineering problems. For project profiles, services and more, visit McClure Engineering online at www.mcclureeng.com.
May 11, 2018
Northstar Management Company Hires New Associates
Northstar Management Company is proud to announce the addition of three new associates.
Jake Goss joins the Northstar team as Project Manager with nineteen years of total industry experience. Jake earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. In addition, he earned his Associate of Science in Construction Management at John A. Logan College in Carterville, IL.
Scott R. Rushing joins the Northstar team as Project Manager with eighteen years of total industry experience. Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville.
Kristin Gounis joins the Northstar team as Special Projects Coordinator with eighteen years of total industry experience. Kristin earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Missouri State University – Springfield, MO.
Founded in 1998, Northstar Management Company is an independent Owner’s Representative/Program Management firm whose sole focus is guiding clients through successful construction projects.
Ryan Laley Joins Byrne & Jones Construction As Project Manager and Estimator for Its Sports Division
Ryan Laley has joined Byrne & Jones Construction’s sports division as a project manager and estimator. Byrne & Jones is a diversified St. Louis civil site contractor serving clients through six divisions – concrete, sports, asphalt, soil stabilization, marine and micro-surfacing.
Laley provides project cost estimates and manages projects for the sports division which serves elementary, secondary and higher education as well as professional sports teams and sports organizations.
Laley has a degree in civil engineering technology from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo.
Founded in 1976, Byrne & Jones Construction builds and maintains parking lots, roads and highways, athletic fields, running tracks, tennis courts, underground drainage systems and paved surfaces and performs a variety of marine construction. Learn more at www.byrneandjones.com.