Oct 24, 2017

Lease Crutcher Lewis

Handziak

Banning

Leba

Fogle

Laurenti

Liukkonen

Lambuth

Michlig

In Seattle, Lease Crutcher Lewis hired Ray Michlig as superintendent; Sharon Lambuth as talent acquisition partner; David Liukkonen as site safety coordinator; and Brit Laurenti, Tia Fogle, Elizabeth Leba, Michael Banning and Ben Handziak as project engineers. Michlig rejoined Lewis after more than a decade working elsewhere. He previously spent over 30 years with the firm. Lambuth holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Northwest University, an HR management certificate from UW Tacoma and is a certified Professional in Human Resources. Liukkonen is a Marine Corps veteran who has also operated a warehouse. He holds a bachelor's degree from Saint Martin's University and an associate's degree from Tacoma Community College. Laurenti has four years of experience working with clients such as Intel. He earned a bachelor's degree in construction engineering from Iowa State University. Fogle is working in the Preconstruction group. She holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the UW, and worked at the VA Medical Center as a mechanical engineering student researcher. Leba, EIT, has six years of experience in the energy field, most recently at Hanford. She holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Houston. Banning, EIT, has four years of engineering and construction experience. He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of California Irvine. Handziak is working in the Preconstruction group. He has seven years of mechanical engineering experience, and holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin Platteville.

Absher Construction Co.

McCanna

In Puyallup, Absher Construction Co. hired Michael McCanna as project manager. McCanna has seven years of project management experience, encompassing preconstruction, construction, and close-out on a variety of facility types. He is a LEED Green Associate with GC/CM and design-build experience. He is part of the team building the new Salish Coast Elementary School in Port Townsend.

NUCA of Washington

The National Utility Contractors Association of Washington elected its officers and board members for the coming year. Here are the officers: Ashley Baldwin of Encore Environmental, president; Shane Webley of Johansen Excavating, president-elect; Jason Lane of Laser Underground, vice president; Kirk Merrill of Clifton Larson and Allen, treasurer; Tom Krider of Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker, secretary; and Mike Pellitteri of Pellco Construction, past president. Directors are: Brett Hill of Ahlers & Cressman, Mike Foote of Modern Machinery, Matt Frause of Pellco Construction, Ryan Mitchell of Imco Construction, Justin Taylor of Taylor Excavating, Derrick Sas of Johansen Excavating, Chad Epple of HUB International NW and Tim Pullar of HB Jaeger.

Birch Equipment

Birch Equipment in Bellingham awarded its first scholarship with Bellingham Technical College to Scott Fuhrman. The $1,500 endowed scholarship supports students in the school's diesel mechanic program. Birch is an equipment rental firm serving commercial contracting, industrial, government and home improvement markets.

Oct 17, 2017

The Walsh Group

Stow

Jonathan Stow joined The Walsh Group in Seattle as project manager II. Stow owned and ran Stow Construction for 20 years before working as a project manager/construction manager at various other companies, such as Knife River, Teichert and Proven Management. At Walsh, he is working on the South Magnolia CSO control conveyance pipe project in Seattle.

Hermanson Co.

Ropel

Hermanson Co. promoted Desiree Ropel to safety manager. Ropel joined Hermanson in 2015 as a field safety manager. She previously was a surface warfare officer in the Navy. She holds a bachelor's degree in law, society and justice from the University of Washington, and a master's degree in forensic psychology from Argosy University in San Diego.

Guerdon Modular Buildings

Lad Dawson retired from Guerdon Modular Buildings after founding the Boise commercial modular construction company in 2001. Dawson spent 45 years in factory housing and commercial construction. Jerry Goodwin took over as president and CEO earlier this year.

Harbor Freight Tools

Enumclaw High School teacher Bob Kilmer is a finalist for the 2017 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. As a finalist, Kilmer (and the school) will receive $30,000; and $100,000 if he wins one of three top prizes. Kilmer was recognized for teaching woodworking, CAD, architecture and construction. He also serves as an instructional technology coach for the school district, and his class is building a tiny house for a local family in need. The contest recognizes outstanding instruction in skilled trades in U.S. public high schools that inspires students to learn a trade. Winners will be announced Oct. 26.