The Christman Company (Christman), a national construction management and real estate development firm, announces their phased approach to leadership succession in West Michigan. Dan LaMore, P.E., Senior Vice President and Principal-in-Charge of West Michigan Operations will transition leadership of West Michigan operations to Jacob Kulhanek, P.E., ATD, LEED AP, who has been promoted to Vice President and General Manager. 

Upon recommendation by the Christman board of directors, Jacob Kulhanek has been appointed as Vice President and General Manager to assume executive leadership for West Michigan operations effective immediately. Kulhanek joined Christman in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University. During his tenure, he has successfully led numerous large, complex projects in a wide variety of markets, including the City Center Redevelopment, multiple projects with Auto-Owners Insurance Company, Lansing School District bond program projects, and the new Grand Rapids Veterans Home. He has also been an asset to several of the company’s regional offices as he devoted his time and expertise to supporting both Northern Michigan operations and the onboarding of Christman’s Knoxville, Tennessee office after the acquisition of Rentenbach Constructors Incorporated in 2014. Kulhanek holds an MBA from the DeVos Graduate School at Northwood University.

“In his 20 years with Christman, Jacob has shown himself to be a highly committed team member that is passionate about his work and focused on building lasting relationships with internal and external partners,” said Steve Roznowski, Christman President and CEO. “I have great confidence that we will be able to build on the incredible success Christman has enjoyed in West Michigan under Dan’s leadership.” 

Serving alongside Kulhanek as an officer in West Michigan is Brian Crissman, LEED AP, who serves as Vice President. He is involved with business development, client relations and overseeing project operations throughout the region. Crissman joined Christman in 1996 as an intern and steadily rose through the ranks, earning his well-deserved role as an expert in a wide variety of construction markets, including healthcare, public and office. Crissman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Continuing its 30-year tradition of dedication to serving and building West Michigan, Christman remains committed to contributing to the communities that its staff live and work in. The company takes great pride in contributing its teams’ skills to the growth and improvement of the area, Current organization affiliations include the Grand Rapids Public Schools Academy of Design and Construction, Hospital Hospitality House, Spectrum Health Gala Committee, Ele’s Place, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, Gilda’s Club, and others. 

LaMore is a 40-year veteran of the construction industry responsible for delivering some of Christman’s most complex and high-profile projects in West Michigan and along the Lakeshore. Throughout the transition, he will continue to provide oversight on several key projects and relationships and will continue serving in his role on the Christman board of directors.