Feb 05, 2026

Council on Vertical Urbanism

Dr. Roy Denoon has joined the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) as director of research development. With more than 30 years of experience as a leader in wind engineering and building performance, Denoon has contributed to the council's work for over a quarter of a century, including as a co-author of technical guides, a member of review panels and juries, and a frequent conference presenter. He currently chairs the CVU Engineering Assembly and was named a Fellow in 2019 in recognition of his sustained contributions and influence in advancing knowledge related to tall buildings and the urban habitat.

In his new role, he will focus on strengthening CVU's research development capabilities, with particular emphasis on commissioned research. He will work closely with CVU's global development, research and regional teams, and in coordination with Dan Safarik, who continues in his role as research director.

Beyond his long-standing involvement with CVU, Roy has played a significant role in the development of design standards and guidelines for the built environment. He currently serves as a voting member of the ASCE 7 Main Committee and its Wind Loading Subcommittee, and he lectures and teaches regularly for professional organizations worldwide.

Council on Vertical Urbanism is based in Chicago.

Feb 03, 2026

Expert Drywall

Biffle

Miller

O'Connor

McDade

Expert Drywall has announced the transition of company ownership from Martin Holberg and James McDade to four internal leaders: Alec McDade (co-president, principal), Joshua O'Connor (co-president, principal), Ryan Miller (vice-president, principal), and Leif Biffle (vice-president, principal). This transition continues Expert Drywall's proud tradition of local ownership since 1948.

“We've planned for this transition carefully to ensure continuity for our clients, employees, and business partners,” said Holberg. “These four individuals have been the foundation of our success for many years. We have complete confidence in their ability to continue delivering the quality, safety, and reliability that Expert Drywall is known for.”

Alec McDade, who joined Expert Drywall in 2021, will take on an expanded leadership role as part of the company's ownership team. McDade began his career in 2015 as a project engineer at Howard S. Wright. His portfolio includes major projects such as the Microsoft Campus Modernization and REI Headquarters, now owned by Meta.

“It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to help lead this company alongside my partners,” said McDade. “We will continue to focus on being the premier framing and drywall contractor in the Northwest, known not only for our work, but for the way we treat people, clients, employees, and subcontractors alike.”

O'Connor began his career with Expert Drywall in 2006. Over the course of his 20-year tenure, he has held a variety of positions. In 2014, O'Connor transitioned into the office as a project manager/estimator, and he now serves as chief estimator and contract administrator. His work has included high-profile projects like Providence Medical Center Everett, Koda Condominiums, AMLI Tower and the Microsoft Campus Modernization.

New owners Miller and Biffle have also demonstrated proven expertise in project delivery, client relationships, and operational excellence throughout their careers with Expert Drywall.

Holberg and McDade will remain involved as senior advisors during the transition period.

Founded in 1948, Expert Drywall provides steel-stud framing, prefabrication, weather barriers, plaster and drywall services.

Jan 29, 2026

NWCCA

Sumsion

Knutson

Henricksen

Kahler

Orlosky

Mehrer

Reichenbach

The Northwest Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association has elected its officers for 2026, including Robert Orlosky of Olympic Interiors as board president. Other officers are vice-president James Kahler of Northwest Partitions, and Don Henricksen of D.L. Henricksen as secretary-treasurer. Directors are Greg Knutson of G.K. Knutson, Nathan Sumsion of Western Partitions, Shawn Reichenbach of Performance Contracting, and immediate past-president Kurt Mehrer of Mehrer Drywall. The NWCCA mission is to provide exceptional member services, harmonious labor relations through unified employer representation, and the advancement of industry standards to empower and strengthen signatory wall and ceiling contractors' businesses.

Jan 28, 2026

G3 builders

Downing

G3 builders named Bret Downing as its new president. With more than three decades of construction industry experience, Downing specializes in partnering with owners during preconstruction to develop efficient and goal-oriented solutions. His career includes notable projects for The Museum of Flight, Seattle Preparatory School and Northwest University, as well as large-scale commercial projects for Amazon and Microsoft, In his new role, Downing will continue to strengthen client relationships and expand the G3 team. Founded in 2017, G3 builders is a commercial general contractor specializing in complex and challenging projects and tenant improvements in the greater Seattle area.

Jan 27, 2026

Andersen Construction

Knudsen

Sherman

Gengler

Horton

Burkett

Kowalewski

Andersen Construction recently announced several promotions. Ike Burkett has moved into the role of president of the Seattle office. Burkett has over 18 years of construction experience in the Seattle market. Mark Horton was named president of the Portland office. He has been a leader at Andersen for nearly 20 years. Ben Gengler was promoted to vice president of operations at the Portland office. He brings deep operational knowledge to his role, gained from small and large scale projects, spanning nearly 30 years of construction experience. Matt Sherman was named vice president of the Mid-Willamette Valley office. Sherman has been with Andersen for over 17 years. Brian Knudsen was named senior vice president of preconstruction. With over 35 years of industry experience, Knudsen has served as president of the Portland office for the last eight years. Jerrod Kowalewski was named vice president of healthcare construction, focusing on the healthcare market. This represents a culmination of his 25 years of building in healthcare campuses across the Pacific Northwest. Andersen Construction began three generations ago with H.A. “Andy” Andersen’s first project, and has become an employee-owned multi-state enterprise responsible for hundreds of projects built every year across the Pacific Northwest.