Oct 05, 2021

Hensel Phelps

May

General contractor Hensel Phelps promoted Kristi May to director of safety and health of its Pacific Northwest Region. Over the course of May's 15-year career with Hensel Phelps, she has managed the company's safety and health accident prevention program on health care, aviation, ground transportation, higher education, K-12 and civic projects in California and Washington. She oversees all projects within the Pacific Northwest region, including the recently completed $480 million North Satellite modernization at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Sound Transit's $235 million Operations and Maintenance Facility East. Hensel Phelps says May fosters an empowered safety culture through education, encouragement and proactive safety oversight.

Ritchie Bros.

Vancouver, B.C.-based equipment auctioneer Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers is buying SmartEquip for $175 million. SmartEquip provides real-time service and diagnostic support for companies' equipment fleets, as well as electronic procurement of parts from original equipment manufacturers and dealers. SmartEquip supports fleets across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. It has 60 employees and will continue to operate as a standalone business based in Norwalk, Connecticut, for the foreseeable future, according to Ritchie.

Charter Construction

In Seattle, Charter Construction will be the presenting partner at Saturday's Big Gala online fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound. The event is a major source of funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters, drawing hundreds of community and business leaders to celebrate and invest in the impact of youth mentoring. Big Brothers Big Sisters connects kids with positive adult mentors and life-changing programs, inspiring them to achieve their potential. Tickets to the gala are available at InspireBIG.org/gala. Charter Construction Chairman Peter Saladino is a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound.

Sep 28, 2021

Compass Construction

Bennett

O'Connell

Auld

Messer

McElwee

Lopez

Kirkland-based Compass construction hired Eber Lopez as project engineer, Dani McElwee as human resource generalist and Scott Messer as assistant superintendent. It also promoted Chris Auld, Ryan O'Connell and Steve Bennett to senior superintendents. Lopez interned at Compass in summer 2020 and recently received a bachelor's degree in construction management from the University of Washington. McElwee holds a bachelor's degree in human resources management from Western Governors University and in June obtained her human resources certification. Messer previously worked for a contractor/developer and is experienced in multifamily construction. The role of senior superintendent was created to leverage the experience of Auld, O'Connell and Bennett. They are now charged with developing young superintendents while identifying and preparing promising assistants to take the next step in their careers.

Trico Companies

Wittman

Conijn

In Burlington, Trico Companies hired Joel Conijn as civil project manager and Joe Wittman as superintendent. Conijn has eight years of experience in civil construction, working on projects for multiple state agencies and private clients. He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Washington State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in South Carolina and Washington. Wittman has over 30 years of construction experience, initially working in residential construction and then moving to commercial construction, including tenant improvements, steel building erection and mixed-use buildings.

ABC of Western Washington

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Washington announced its 2022 slate of officers and board members. Officers are: Glen Kuntz of Tekton Group, chair; Dawn Lanz of Sea Tac Electric, chair-elect/secretary; Jason Wandler of Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker, immediate past chair; Josh Griesse of Washington Commercial Painters, vice chair of government affairs; Stephanie Carlin of Propel Insurance, vice chair of membership; Eric Brock of HST Construction, vice chair of safety; Travis Hull of Mechanical & Control Services, vice chair of the professional development council; and Cindy Axthelm of Axthelm Construction, treasurer. Directors are: Mitch Neeley of Neeley Construction; Candi Pfluger of Peterson Sullivan; Shelley Bloom of The Blue Book Building & Construction Network; Karen Say-Valadez of Saybr Contractors; Scott Garcia of Parker, Smith & Feek; Doug Bolar of Accountable Custodial; Jose Gutierrez of Deacon; and Byron Kelly of Compass Construction. Members leaving the board at the end of the year are Marc Victor of Rafn Co. and Mike Yore of Olympian Precast.