The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
Brian Paul, AIA, Joins Farnsworth Group as Architecture Principal
Farnsworth Group announced today that Brian Paul, AIA, NCARB, has joined the firm’s Fairview Heights, IL, office as an Architecture Principal. Farnsworth Group is one of the largest Engineering, Architecture and Surveying firms in the Greater St. Louis and Metro East region, serving a variety of clients and industries locally and nationally.
Paul has more than 24 years of experience in architectural design and leadership, most recently serving as Director of Architecture for Gray Design Group in St. Louis. During his architectural career, Mr. Paul has led multiple project teams through design and construction phases on various projects for public and private sectors including municipal, higher education, K-12 education, and senior living and life-care facilities. In his role as Architectural Principal for Farnsworth Group, Mr. Paul will be focused on day-to-day operations of the Fairview Heights office, maintaining existing and building new client relationships, and leading architectural teams through successful project delivery from design phase through construction completion.
Paul earned his N.A.A.B. Accredited Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University. He is a licensed architect registered in Illinois and Missouri and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration (NCARB) and a member of the AIA. Paul also serves on the Edwardsville Township Building Committee and is a member of LeadingAge Missouri.
Farnsworth Group, Inc., an employee-owned company, is a full-service engineering, architecture and survey firm, offering clients more than 500 professionals located throughout a nationwide network of offices.
Kwame Building Group Hires Jonathan Cohen as a Civil Inspector
Jonathan Cohen has joined Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) as a Civil Inspector. In this role, Cohen will work on Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) projects to monitor the installation of sewer lines and tunnel work as part of MSD’s Project Clear initiative to improve water quality and alleviate wastewater concerns in the St. Louis region.
Cohen has more than 37 years of construction industry experience across a range of project types including hospitals, medical buildings, parking structures, education, government buildings, pumping stations, bridges and office buildings. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Jonathan holds an industry certificate in LEED AP BD+C. He also is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Construction Management Association of America.
Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) is one of the nation’s top pure construction management firms, dedicating 100 percent of its resources to project management services. An employee-owned company, KWAME provides estimating, scheduling, project planning, value engineering, and other project management services as an independent advocate for owners and developers. For more information, visit www.kwamebuildinggroup.com or call (314) 862-5344.
Brian Wheeler Joins Holland’s Pre-Construction Department
Mike Marchal, President of Holland Construction Services (Holland), is pleased to announce that Brian Wheeler has joined Holland’s pre-construction team as Senior Pre-Construction Manager.
Brian comes to Holland with an architectural skill set and background that will help the team develop, analyze, and coordinate the best possible solutions to fit the clients’ needs.
“More clients are coming to us asking for early involvement and input to guide their project in the best direction, oftentimes before they have selected an architect,” Marchal said. “Brian will help us mitigate project risks by filling in gaps and coordinating details that align with budget and architectural intent.” In this new position, Brian will be working with both the pre-construction and virtual design and construction teams.
“The offer to work for Holland is an opportunity I could not refuse; I am truly honored. The strength and diversity of the team is what attracted me, and I hope to further enhance that potential,” Wheeler said. “I appreciate acting as the conduit between initial concept and built environment. The key to success is within the relationships we build.”
Brian was born and raised in Albers, IL and is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale with a degree in Architectural Studies. He now resides in Breese, IL with his wife and three children.
Holland Construction Services is a full-service construction management, general contracting, and design/build firm based in Swansea, IL. For more information, visit Holland’s website at www.hollandcs.com.
Geotechnology Hires Senior Wetlands Scientist
Geotechnology, Inc., is pleased to announce that Cody Flynn has joined the firm as Senior Wetlands Scientist. He will be based in Geotechnology’s Cincinnati office but will assist and manage stream and wetland assessment and permitting projects throughout the country.
Mr. Flynn has more than 10 years of natural resources and environmental consulting experience as a biologist. He previously worked with WSP in Duluth, Minnesota, as an Environmental Scientist/Biologist where he gained considerable experience conducting compliance inspections and obtaining Clean Water Act permits for oil and natural gas pipeline projects. Prior to his tenure at WSP, he worked at CC Environmental and Kleinfelder in Oklahoma on several large transportation-related permitting and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) projects.
Mr. Flynn earned his B.S. in zoology and physiology from the University of Wyoming, and is a Minnesota Certified Wetland Delineator.
“We are very excited to have Cody bring his extensive experience in wetland delineation, permitting, water quality assessment, NEPA, and threatened and endangered species assessments to Geotechnology,” said Senior Project Manager Vince Epps. “His knowledge will contribute to our clients’ ability to responsibly build and develop important projects, as they conserve, protect, restore, and sustain our natural resources.”
Established in 1984, Geotechnology, Inc. is a professional corporation offering a comprehensive range of consulting services in applied earth and environmental sciences. For more information, visit www.geotechnology.com
September 27, 2019
S. M. WILSON PROMOTES JASON GASAWSKI & KERRY LORTS TO SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
S. M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Jason Gasawski and Kerry Lorts to Senior Project Manager.
Gasawski joined S. M. Wilson in 2010 and has worked on a variety of projects including Ladue Schools, Link in the Loop, Metal Container Corporation Line 5, multiple Target stores and Von Maur in Grand Rapids. Most recently, he has led an initiative of developing and implementing a technical professional development program for Project Engineers. Gasawski holds a B.A. from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville, is OSHA 30 certified and has 12 years of experience in the construction industry.
Lorts started as an S. M. Wilson Intern in 2011 and has proven to be a valuable asset to the team, working on projects including the BJC HealthCare/Washington University Medical Center Campus Renewal, Blessing Hospital, O’Fallon Park Recreation and City Foundry STL. He holds a B.S. in Construction Management and completed the Construction Leadership Institute program from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and is ASHE and OSHA 30 certified.
As Senior Project Manager, Gasawski and Lorts will lead the pre-construction and construction process, managing multi-million dollar projects. Their duties include project planning, scheduling, tracking costs and maintaining logs for all project information.
S. M. Wilson is a full-service construction management, design/build and general contracting firm with headquarters in St. Louis. For nearly 100 years, S. M. Wilson has provided a complete range of services and has become one of the leading general construction and construction management firms in the St. Louis area. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.
AI Enterprises Promotes Dan Forguson to Chief Financial Officer
KAI Enterprises announces the promotion of Dan Forguson to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Forguson has been with KAI since June 2018 when he was hired as Vice President of Finance.
As CFO, Forguson will work closely with the Leadership Team as he leads, manages and is accountable for the activities of KAI’s Finance Team, which includes major functions of accounting, budgeting, cash flow analysis, project controls and financial planning. He is also responsible for work progress, policy management and the oversight of KAI’s Enterprise Resource Planning software.
“We have assembled a high caliber team of thinkers and changemakers in our Finance Department. Now we are going to focus on leveraging technology and business intelligence to allow them to do just that,” said Forguson. “We are constantly benchmarking and allowing industry consultants from firms such as PSMJ, FMI and CFMA to look under the hood, and we are taking action on their recommendations. I am a firm believer that consistent adherence to well-defined processes and procedures produces consistent results, so we will be utilizing our team’s experience to strategically align our protocols and drive performance.”
Forguson has 11 years of experience in the AEC industry. Prior to KAI, he was the Regional Project Controls Director at Jacobs in St. Louis. Forguson has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville and a Master of Business Administration from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. He is currently working on a Master of Science in Accountancy from DePaul University – Chicago. He is a member of the American Association of Cost Engineers (AACE).
“As KAI’s CFO, Dan is charged with looking forward—to the next quarter, year, three years and 10 years—to predict trends and to help guide KAI’s financial stability,” said Michael Hein, AIA, PMP, Chief Operating Officer/Chief Integration Officer at KAI Enterprises.
KAI Enterprises is a national design and build firm providing delivery-oriented building solutions with a diverse portfolio of experience, in-house multi-discipline professionals, and expertise in both design and construction delivery. Founded in 1980, KAI has grown into one of the largest minority-owned firms in the AEC industry. To learn more about KAI, visit www.kai-db.com.
Maggie Farrell Selected for Focus St. Louis Fall 2019 Class of Emerging Leaders
S. M. Wilson Human Resources Manager, Maggie Farrell, has been selected for FOCUS St. Louis’ Fall 2019 Class of Emerging Leaders.
The non-profit organization selects a group of young professionals ages 22-35 each spring and fall through a competitive application process. The three-month program provides the opportunity to strengthen personal, professional and civic leadership skills while building connections with a diverse group of network peers.
Farrell was selected for the Fall 2019 class which includes 33 individuals from a variety of backgrounds, industries and sectors. During the program, participants will meet with area leaders to gain a deeper of understanding of the inner workings of the region and gain the tools to become the next generation of St. Louis leaders.
Farrell has been instrumental in implementing new company initiatives including bringing CPR/First Aid training, facilitating S. M. Wilson’s onboarding process, implementing an online learning management system and developing trainings including intern and mentor orientations.
She also sits on S. M. Wilson’s Collegiate Development Committee, Employee Engagement Committee, Charitable Giving Committee and Golf Committee which supports the company’s annual charity golf tournament, Swinging Fore Dreams. She is also actively involved in the community, serving as a Steering Committee member for Alive & Well Communities, Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as well as volunteering with Ready Readers. Farrell is First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor certified and has her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Saint Louis University.
More details about the Emerging Leaders program as well as the full list of the Fall 2019 class can be found here: https://www.focus-stl.org/2019/09/17/33-young-professionals-selected-for-fall-2019-class-of-emerging-leaders/
S. M. Wilson is a full-service construction management, design/build and general contracting firm with headquarters in St. Louis. The employee-owned company is dedicated to going above and beyond expectations for their clients by putting people first. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.
September 20, 2019
JLL expands brokerage team
JLL today announced Christopher Taff and Stephen Lordo have joined the commercial real estate brokerage firm’s St. Louis office.
Taff is a vice president with JLL specializing in industrial real estate brokerage representing buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants of manufacturing facilities, warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial investments. Previously with Hilliker Corporation, Taff has sold and leased more than 600,000 square feet in the St. Louis market since 2017.
Lordo has joined JLL as an associate with the firm’s office brokerage division after having worked for Cushman & Wakefield. JLL St. Louis is comprised of approximately 150 employees among its brokerage, property management, and project development services divisions.
JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. For further information, visit jll.com.
Tarlton Promotes Doerr to Executive Vice President
Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis-based general contracting and construction management firm, promoted industry veteran and Tarlton career employee John Doerr, P.E., to executive vice president.
Doerr has worked for Tarlton for 36 years, having served since 2002 as senior vice president. In his expanded executive leadership role, in addition to overseeing work acquisition and estimating efforts, Doerr is directing Tarlton’s self-performed and heavy industrial project management.
A Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Missouri, Doerr has more than 20 years of experience in estimating and has been a member of the American Society for Health Care Engineering since 2008. He has served as Tarlton project executive on dozens of projects for clients including BJC HealthCare, Washington University in St. Louis, The Muny, St. Louis Community College and others.
Doerr served as chairman of the Building Division for the Associated General Contractors of Missouri in 2017 and has been an active member of the AGC since 1984. He is chairman of the Saint Louis Art Museum Corporate Partnership Program and a member of the Signature Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors. Doerr also served on the Cor Jesu Academy Principal’s Council.
After graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering, Doerr began his career at Tarlton as a project estimator. Four years later he was promoted to manager of estimating, serving in that capacity for six years before becoming a project director in 1994 and a vice president in 1999.
Daniel Morro, Former U.S. Department of Homeland Security Official, Joins Ross & Baruzzini As A Principal Security Advisor
Ross & Baruzzini, a global technology consulting and engineering firm, has augmented its roster of security experts with the addition of Daniel Morro as a principal security advisor. Morro brings more than 25 years of local, national and international law enforcement and security expertise and will provide strategic leadership for the firm’s security practice.
Morro brings notable expertise in international security issues with a focus on transnational criminal investigations related to border threats and security as well as counter-terrorism. He has delivered briefings to the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
Before joining Ross & Baruzzini, Morro was a senior member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Investigations Division operating in Europe, West Africa, and more recently, Chicago, Ill. He created and directed federal and joint-international task forces that targeted international drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Prior to the inception of DHS, Morro was a special agent and task force officer with the U.S. Customs Service.
Morro holds a Juris doctorate from Chicago-Kent School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University. With diverse markets and a growing team of more than 400 professionals, Ross & Baruzzini offers highly specialized consulting and engineering services to clients around the globe. As an international leader in the security industry, Ross & Baruzzini’s services encompass the full spectrum of planning, design and construction, from initial assessment to tailored solutions that fortify security environments.
Founded in St. Louis in 1953, Ross & Baruzzini (http://www.rossbar.com) is an international engineering consulting and design firm continually ranked among the top companies in the nation. It provides advanced solutions in the transportation, healthcare, government, higher education and mission-critical sectors.
Danielle Bateman Girondo Named Executive Vice President of Marketing at Midwest BankCentre
Bateman Girondohas been named executive vice president of marketing at Midwest BankCentre. She was previously senior director of marketing and advertising at Save-A-Lot food stores. She reports to Chief Executive Officer Orvin Kimbrough.
Girondo leads the marketing strategy and execution for the bank, including omni-channel marketing and advertising, consumer insights and analytics, brand management, internal communications and public relations. She brings 20-plus years of combined marketing and finance experience to her role.
Girondo has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s degree in business administration from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. She is on the Leadership Board for Wharton’s St. Louis Alumni Association and is a former board member of the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). She was named to the 2016 edition of “Who’s Who In Marketing at Leading Retailers” and was named a Top Women in Grocery by Progressive Grocer in 2017.