Leadership
Corporate Officers | Client Services/Business Development | Corporate Services
Corporate Officers
Steven F.
Roznowski, LEED AP
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Olivet College, B.A., Accounting and Finance
Certified Public Accountant, Michigan
Steve leads the overall Christman organization at the executive level, including directing the company's strategic planning efforts. He has also been instrumental in creating and expanding Christman's real estate development services and portfolio development. He joined Christman in 1985 as assistant controller and advanced to controller in 1986. He was soon named secretary and treasurer and appointed to the board of directors. Over the next ten years, he took on increasing operations and business development responsibilities. In 1997, he was promoted to senior vice president. In 2000, Steve was elected to the position of president and chief executive officer of The Christman Company - the fifth president in the company's 117-year history - and in 2008 was named chairman and chief executive officer.
James M. Cash
President and Chief Operating Officer, Christman Capital
Development Company
Executive Vice President, The Christman
Company
Calvin College, B.A., Economics
University of
Houston, M.B.A., Finance
An expert in public/private partnerships and facilities financing methodology, Jim is in charge of overall operations of Christman's real estate development services, including development, design, operation and improvement of all project delivery. He also provides senior leadership for all business development activities at Christman, as well as other strategic initiatives. Jim joined Christman in 1991 as business development manager and advanced to director of business development in 1993. He become a vice president and shareholder in 1994, and in 1999 was elected to the board of directors. In 2003, his responsibilities were expanded to include executive leadership of Christman's real estate development affiliate, Christman Capital Development Company (CCDC). In 2004, Jim was promoted to senior vice president and a member of Christman's executive committee and in 2008 was promoted to president and chief operating officer of CCDC as well as executive vice president in charge of business development for The Christman Company.
President and Chief Operating Officer
Ferris State University, B.S., Construction Management
As the sixth president of The Christman Company in its 119-year history, Steve is in charge of overall company operations at the executive level, including development, design, operation, and improvement of all Christman construction project delivery systems, and focusing on leading-edge technologies and processes. His expertise lies in management of multiple and complex projects and systems to ensure not only continuity of plan to execution, but in delivery of highest possible value for each client's investment. Steve joined Christman in 1993, and was promoted to senior project director shortly thereafter. In 2001, he moved into executive leadership as vice president and shareholder. He became a member of Christman’s executive committee in 2004, was elected to the board of directors in 2006 and named president and chief operating officer in 2008.
Jay H. Smith, LEED AP
Executive Vice President, Construction Operations
Corporate Safety Officer
Central Michigan University, B.S., Industrial Management and
Supervision
Jay oversees all construction operations for The Christman Company with responsibility for providing field leadership and maintaining all systems necessary to ensure safety, quality, schedule, and cost control. He also serves as principal in charge of individual projects for a select number of the firm's longest-term clients. He joined the company in 1984 as project engineer and in 1985 advanced to project manager. He was promoted to vice president in 1990, to senior vice president in charge of construction operations in 1997, and to executive vice president in 2012. He was appointed to the board of directors in 1993.
Mike
Kettlewell
President and Chief Executive Officer
Christman Constructors, Inc.
Michigan State University, B.S, Civil Engineering
Mike provides executive leadership to Christman Constructors, Inc. (CCI), Christman's self-perform affiliate. He joined Christman in 1995 as a project manager. In 2000, he was appointed president of CCI. His particular strengths lie in project planning/scheduling, estimating, labor relations, cost control, issue resolution, and pre-construction planning. Mike was appointed to Christman's executive committee in 2008.
Matthew T.
Chappelle
Senior Vice President, Finance/Chief Financial Officer
Central Michigan University, B.S., Business Administration
Walsh College, M.S., Finance
As chief financial officer and treasurer of Christman's board of directors, Matt — a 25-year construction industry veteran - directs all financial operations of Christman and its affiliate companies. His expertise in debt and equity financing are particularly valuable in assisting the company's real estate development group to create sound opportunities for Christman and clients alike. He is also responsible for a wide variety of related areas, including risk management, information systems, benefits administration, and supplier diversity programs. Matt joined Christman in 1999 as controller, was promoted to vice president in 2006 and to senior vice president in 2008.
Jeffrey R.
Arlington, LEED AP
Vice President, Southeast U.S. Operations
Tri-State University, B.S., Civil Engineering
Jeff serves as the project executive for joint venture and historic preservation projects in the Southeast United States, and has over 20 years of hands-on construction experience. He joined Christman as a project manager in 1992 after working on construction projects as a laborer and project manager, was subsequently promoted to project director and then to project executive in 2006. His strong managerial skills include his aptitude for maintaining tight project controls, his gift for successfully building positive client and partner relationships, and his adept ability to look at a job from the perspective of both the field employees and the client. Jeff has distinguished himself with a long list of successes including national awards for project excellence. In 2008, Jeff was promoted to vice president of southeast U.S. operations.
Angela E. Bailey
Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications
Michigan State University, B.A., Communication Arts and Sciences
Angela is responsible for providing marketing/communication leadership and related systems and support to the Christman organization in a broad variety of areas, including business development, corporate image, internal and external communications, and public relations. She is a 28-year veteran of the marketing/communication fields, offering a diverse background of professional management experience in the manufacturing, nonprofit and technology sectors. In 2003, she was awarded the Christman Way Cornerstone Award, the company's highest honor in recognition of employee excellence in representation of its core values.Angela joined Christman in 2001 as marketing services manager, was promoted to director of corporate communications in 2004 and to vice president of marketing and corporate communications in 2008.
John
A. Holmstrom, P.E., LEED AP
Senior Vice President
Michigan State University, B.S., Civil Engineering
John is currently responsible for oversight of major special projects and strategic initiatives of Christman. He joined Christman in 1987, holding a variety of field positions of increasing responsibility including project engineer, superintendent, project manager, and estimator. He became a full-time estimator and pre-construction planner in 1993 and was promoted to chief estimator in 1994 and vice president in 1999. Under John's leadership, Christman's pre-construction team expanded to dramatically enhance service levels for clients, with a focus on value management and informed decision making. John was promoted to the position of senior vice president in 2008.
Paul C. Jacob, AIA,
NCARB, LEED BD + C
Vice President, Project Planning
University of Notre Dame, B.A., Architecture
Registered Architect, State of Michigan
Paul joined Christman in 2005 after more than a decade of successful collaboration with the company on many key projects. Prior to becoming a member of Christman's team, he served in the role of principal and vice president of MayotteJacob Architects for 13 years. Since joining Christman, he has established a strong reputation among clients and design partners for leadership founded on communication, clear definition of team goals and objectives and effective implementation of planning strategies - centered on project-based decision making. He facilitates integrated value management workshops and collaborative, multi-discipline planning sessions for many projects. Paul has also provided vision and leadership to establish Christman as an industry leader in the application of BIM during planning and construction. Paul is a registered Architect in the State of Michigan and holds a certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB).
Scott J. Jones,
LEED AP
Vice President, Northern Michigan Operations and Special
Projects
Purdue University, B.S., Building Construction Management
A 28-year construction veteran, Scott serves as vice president and principal in charge of Christman's Northern Michigan business unit, in addition to oversight of major special projects. He came to Christman as a project engineer in 1990 and was later promoted to project manager. In 1998, he was promoted to project director and assigned his own operating unit. In 2001, he was promoted to vice president. Scott is an expert in fast track scheduling, multi-phased projects, large-scale construction, and managing renovations around owner occupancy.
Brian Kayser
Vice President, Information Technology
Lansing Community
College, A.A., Computer Programming Northwood University, B.A.,
Information Systems Management
Brian oversees all technology systems for corporate offices and field site offices for Christman and its affiliate companies, including information systems, telecommunications and other technology resources and solutions. He is responsible for establishing and directing the strategic long-term goals, policies and procedures of the information systems team, providing vision and leadership in the development, implementation and support of all technology. His 15-year background as a network analyst/technical consultant afforded him proficiencies in large network design, business continuity planning, technology implementation planning, and computer programming. Brian joined Christman in 2004 as information systems manager, was promoted to director of technology in 2006 and to vice president of information technology in 2008.
Daniel C. LaMore,
P.E.
Senior Vice President, West Michigan Operations
Michigan State University, B.S., Civil Engineering
A veteran of nearly 25 years in the construction industry, Dan serves as principal in charge of Christman's West Michigan business unit. He is known for his ability to bring maximum value to each project through his special strengths in pre-construction programming, project coordination, client relations, team leadership, and communications. A strong focus on community, mentoring and diversity is reflected in opportunities created through both his construction projects and volunteerism efforts, which include Habitat for Humanity, YMCA, Grand Rapids Public Schools School of Construction, Blandford Nature Center and others. Dan was promoted to the position of senior vice president in 2008.
John
M. O'Toole, LEED AP
Vice President, Healthcare Services
Eastern Michigan University, B.S., Industrial Technology —
Construction Management
As principal in charge of Christman's healthcare services, John brings to his role extensive experience and knowledge in healthcare facilities programming, with a focus on creating facilities solutions centered on clients' strategic business goals. Prior to joining Christman in 2003 as healthcare services director, John worked for 15 years as director of operations for Centex Rodgers, Inc., where his responsibilities focused exclusively on healthcare pre-construction and construction services delivery. His particular expertise includes the Michigan healthcare marketplace, pre-construction services delivery and medical equipment /telecommunications planning. John was promoted to vice president in 2006.
Patrick B. Podges,
LEED AP
Vice President, Southeast Michigan Operations
Henry Ford
Community College, Associates of Science in Agricultural
Construction
National-Louis University, B.S., Construction
Management
Central Michigan University, M.S.,
Administration
Pat is responsible for business development activities in Southeast Michigan as well as for the operational executive direction of a variety of projects. With over 25 years experience, he is a construction leader known for excellence in client service and strategic partnering with extensive knowledge of every aspect of the construction industry. He managed a wide range of projects in the healthcare, commercial, automotive, higher education, and retail markets in Detroit and Chicago prior to joining Christman in 2005. Pat was promoted to the position of vice president of southeast Michigan operations in 2008.
Ronald D. Staley,
FAPT
Senior Vice President, Mid-Atlantic Operations and
Director, National Preservation
Michigan Technological University, A.A.S., Civil Engineering
Technology; B.S., Business Administration
Ron serves as principal in charge of both Christman's Mid-Atlantic business unit and the company's historic preservation unit. Joining Christman as project manager in 1985, he was promoted to Christman vice president in 1990. In 1992, Ron founded Christman's historic preservation group and has since led it to national prominence, directing multiple, highly visible preservation projects to national, state and local awards for teamwork, unique delivery methods and quality. He brings to all his projects a strong background in management systems, understanding of early project planning, pre-construction and design services, and successful construction delivery. In 2000, Ron was honored by AIA Michigan as an Honorary Affiliate Member and in 2005, was appointed as Fellow with the Association of Preservation Technology International (APT). Ron was promoted to the position of senior vice president in 2008.
Client Service/Business Development
Brian C.
Crissman, LEED AP, AVS
Project Executive
Rose
Hulman Institute of Technology, B.S., Civil Engineering
As project executive in Christman's West Michigan region, Brian is known for the energetic leadership he brings to the projects he directs – particularly large, complex ones, such as the Western Michigan University College of Engineering, Michigan Street Development, Spectrum Health Lemmen Holton Cancer Pavilion, and the Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital expansion. Co-workers and clients alike rely on his strong ability to assess and manage construction risk issues and, under his guidance, project team members collaborate to create highly successful outcomes for the entire team. With his significant expertise in engineering and as both a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) and Associate Value Specialist (AVS), Brian is able to deliver a broad spectrum of added value to our clients’ projects. He joined the company in 1995 as an intern, was promoted to project manager in 2000, senior project manager in 2004 and to project executive in 2009.
Joseph J. Hooker
Development Services Manager, Christman Capital Development
Company
Wittenburg University, B.A., Economics
University of Michigan, M.B.A.
Joe manages Christman's real estate development activities, bringing strong expertise in the areas of financial analysis, market research and a municipal zoning and approval processes. He assists Christman clients in achieving their real estate goals through an extensive knowledge of the full range of project financing tools and techniques, including tax exempt financing, tax incentive programs, Brownfield tax credits, and historic tax credits. Prior to joining Christman in 2000, Joe was the owner/principal of a full service real estate company that included development, brokerage and property management services.
Anthony A.
Pecchio
Vice President, Christman Capital Development Company
State
University of New York at Geneseo, B.A., History
Michigan
State University, B.S., Civil Engineering
University of
Michigan, M.B.A.
Anthony provides a broad range of services to Christman's business development and real estate development groups, with expertise in finance models, strategic planning, market assessment, and healthcare facilities planning. His background in engineering and construction management allows him to bring a valuable field operations perspective to the project teams he now assists during feasibility study and planning stages. Anthony joined Christman in 1999 as an intern and was promoted to project engineer shortly thereafter, followed by promotion to project manager in 2004, and to business development manager in 2006, and to vice president in 2011.
Douglas T. Norton,
P.E., LEED AP, AVS
Project Executive
Michigan
State University, B.S., Civil Engineering
Doug's strong administrative, engineering and construction management skills, gained through more than 27 years of diverse and challenging field experiences, make him an ideal team leader, particularly for the largest, most complex projects. His excellent problem-solving and dispute resolution skills are complemented by additional expertise in contract administration, procurement and design review. In 2006, he was awarded the Christman Way Cornerstone Award, the company's highest honor in recognition of employee excellence in representation of its core values. Doug joined Christman in 1990 as project manager, was subsequently promoted to senior project manager and project director and then to project executive in 2006.
Daniel P. Rooney, LEED AP, AVS
Project Executive
Michigan Technological University, B.S., Civil Engineering
As project executive in Christman’s Central Michigan region, Dan is known for the exceptional leadership and communication skills he brings to relationship building with clients and other partners. In particular, his ability to leverage his civil engineering background and both his LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and Associate Value Specialist (AVS) expertise enables him to ensure true value management of each project he directs, from the pre-construction planning stage through construction implementation. He has also developed strong expertise in risk management for all project stakeholders while leading large volume projects with aggressive schedules. In 2007, he was awarded.the Christman Way Cornerstone Award, the company's highest honor in recognition of employee excellence in representation of its core values. Dan first worked for Christman in 1992 as an assistant project engineer and intern, later joined the company full-time in 1995 as a project engineer, was promoted to project manager in 1997, to senior project manager in 2005, and to project executive in 2010.
Thomas R. Whitmore, LEED AP, AVS
Project
Executive
University of Michigan, B.A., Architecture
As project executive in Christman's mid-Atlantic office, Tom is responsible for directing both key historic renovation and new construction projects there. His training and experience in design and construction administration make him particularly adept at pre-construction planning services during the early phases of our projects. As a trained architect, LEED-accredited professional and highly-competent construction manager, Tom's broad range of skills have enabled him to bring great added value to our clients' projects. He joined Christman as project manager in 2000 and was promoted to project executive in 2006.
Corporate Services
Karen M. DeShon,
Ph.D.
Director of Organizational Development
Trinity College, B.A., Psychology
Michigan State
University, M.A. and Ph.D., Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Karen's background and training as an industrial-organizational psychologist and interest in human learning, adaptation, and career performance make her a unique and valuable asset to Christman’s management team. She oversees a wide range of corporate services for the company, including Christman University training and development programs, human resources administration, and consultation services in the area of growth studies and team decision processes to assist clients in identifying their facility needs and priorities. She joined Christman in 2003.
Gavin L. Gardi,
LEED AP BD + C, CFD, AVS
Sustainable Programs Manager
Over 250 credit hours of university education at the following
institutions:
University of the Witwatersrand - Johannesburg, South Africa;
Boston University; Western Michigan University; Jordan
Gavin provides leadership for Christman's project planning group and our clients in the areas of life cycle costing and construction of sustainable, high-performance buildings. Prior to joining Christman, he founded and operated a facilities consultation and management firm, providing energy studies on 260 schools and 155 municipal and federal buildings. He was also responsible for numerous school construction programs, including construction of the first high-performance school building in Michigan. As a green building advocate, he is a frequent guest lecturer and panelist for industry organizations throughout the country. Gavin formally joined Christman in 2003, after a successful collaborative 10-year relationship with the firm, bringing with him over 30 years of experience in the energy, maintenance, environmental, and construction fields.
Donald V. Staley,
LEED AP
Safety Manager
Michigan Technological
University, B.S., Civil Engineering
Under Don's proactive, committed leadership, Christman’s award-winning safety programs are helping to keep the bar high in our industry. He works closely with construction planning and operations staff, industry partners, clients and others to provide the technical knowledge and motivation to ensure that safety is the top priority on every Christman job site. This includes project-specific safety and health programs, trade contractor safety orientation and safety audits. In 2008, he was awarded the Christman Way Cornerstone Award, the company's highest honor in recognition of employee excellence in representation of its core values. Don joined Christman in 1996 as a project manager with an extensive background in industrial and large construction work and was promoted to safety manager in 2002. He was appointed by Governor Granholm in 2005 to Michigan’s Construction Safety Standards Commission, where he is charged with developing, examining and improving safety standard’s for Michigan’s construction industry.
