July 1, 2026

Hensel Phelps

Hickernell

Lehrman-Schmid

Franssen

Hensel Phelps recently announced promotions of three employees in the Pacific Northwest Region.

Richard Franssen has been promoted to operations manager. Franssen has been with Hensel Phelps for over 20 years and has supported a diverse portfolio totaling more than $4.6 billion across a wide range of markets, including aviation, transportation, healthcare and hospitality. He has also contributed to correctional and civic facilities. Most recently, Franssen played a key leadership role on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)'s SEA Gateway project, helping guide the team through execution and delivery. The Alaska Airlines-led project reached substantial completion just in time to support increased travel demand during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kabri Lehrman-Schmid has been promoted to general superintendent. In addition to co-founding Build with Pride Seattle, she has received numerous honors throughout her career, including: 2023 BD+C 40 Under 40; 2023 ENR Top 20 Under 40; 2023 ENR Northwest Top Young Professional; 2022 AGC Washington Rising Star; 2019 Top 20 Outstanding Women in Construction by Construction Business Owner and the 2019 Washington Women in Trades Award. During her 19-year career with Hensel Phelps, she has worked across multiple markets, including aviation, higher education, research/laboratories, federal, civic and correctional facilities.

Jim Hickernell has been promoted to general superintendent. Hickernell has been with Hensel Phelps for 18 years and has contributed to projects totaling more than $3.5 billion in value. His experience spans data centers, aviation, research/laboratories, healthcare and civic and correctional facilities. Hickernell also played an integral role in the successful delivery of the SEA Gateway/North Main Terminal Redevelopment project, contributing to field leadership and project execution. The project was successfully delivered using a progressive design-build approach and was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, with zero claims or litigation. Hickernell supported field execution efforts that helped minimize impacts to ongoing operations and contributed to a strong safety record, including zero serious lost-time injuries.

Hensel Phelps is a 100% employee-owned general contracting company founded in 1937. The firm delivers planning, building and management services across a wide range of markets nationwide.