Locations
Gilbane Building Co.
Senior Client Account ManagerSenior
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Adam R. Jelen's Bio
Adam is responsible for Gilbane’s Midwest and West operations. A forward-thinking leader, Adam is dedicated to creating world-class facilities while moving our communities forward through workforce development and economic inclusion. He joined Gilbane in 2005 and quickly demonstrated outstanding abilities as a leader whose work ethic, creative management skills and engaging personal style have been an inspiration to all his colleagues. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and a recognized expert in Integrated Project Delivery, Lean Construction and Building Information Modeling. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction from Bradley University and Associate of Science in Science from Harper College.
Adam has a deep passion for inspiring others to achieve their personal best and advancing the industry with continuous elevation of project delivery. He serves as Executive Sponsor for Gilbane’s Military Advantage Employee Resource Group in support of veterans. He is a founding member and board President of the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Milwaukee.
Brad A. Gordon's Bio
Brad supervises all legal affairs including corporate policymaking,
compliance, claims resolution, litigation management, labor relations,
contracts and corporate governance and serves as Gilbane’s chief
ethics and compliance officer. Licensed to practice law in Rhode
Island, Massachusetts, Virginia and D.C., he is an adjunct professor
of law at Roger Williams University Law School and a Fellow in the
American College of Construction Lawyers and frequently conducts
professional seminars and participates in industry panels discussing
topics ranging from risk management to corporate ethics.
Brad
earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts at
Amherst and his J.D. from George Washington University Law School.
In addition to teaching, Brad has served in various elected positions for the Town of Marion, Massachusetts, as a planning board member, school committee chairperson and currently Town Moderator.
Dan Gilbane's Bio
Dan leads Gilbane’s companywide strategic initiatives, providing single-point executive oversight for several growing entities including disaster response and reconstruction services, a subsidiary providing equipment, jobsite safety, general labor, carpentry and final cleaning services. A fifth-generation Gilbane family member, Dan also leads the National Clients team and the company’s Centers of Excellence which drives value for clients throughout the project lifecycle through market-sector best practices. In addition to these client-driven focus areas, Dan has direct involvement with Gilbane’s acquisition strategy. Dan received his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Brown University and received a Master in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.
Dan is the co-sponsor of H@LA, Gilbane’s Hispanic and LatinX Employee Resource Group and was the United Way Campaign Chair for Greater Houston helping to raise over $70 million for some of the most vulnerable community members.
Dan P. Reynolds's Bio
With more than 35 years of experience in the construction industry, Dan brings an expertise and background in multiple building types and delivery methods that parallel and align with the core focus of Gilbane. He is responsible for the company’s operational accountability including profit and loss and ensuring the execution of the company’s ‘One Company’ vision, strategy and business plan. As part of his commitment to operational excellence and ensuring customer advocacy, Dan champions the strategic compliance function.
Dan earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Technology from the University of Northern Iowa and has completed executive training at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, University of Texas and Thunderbird University. Dan also is a Design Build Institute of America Professional.
Donald Naber's Bio
During Don’s tenure with Gilbane for 14 years, he has implemented and managed various insurance and risk management programs. He is responsible for insurance claim management and insurance contract negotiations, including all risk management policy and procedures that complement these programs. He is versatile in structuring Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs (CCIPs) that provide value to our clients. Don received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Providence College.
As director of the Gilbane Insurance Group (GIG), Don works closely with Gilbane’s safety, purchasing, legal and operations department.
Heidi Debenedetti's Bio
A Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) certified professional with more than 25 years of industry experience and knowledge, Heidi is responsible for the strategic growth and profitability of Gilbane’s Federal and Southeast Divisions. Heidi received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder and her Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University.
Heidi believes that there’s a difference between hearing what our clients say and really listening to and understanding what they are saying in order to partner to bring the right solutions forward. She believes that one of the ways we add value is through incorporation of cutting edge technology. Heidi serves as Executive Sponsor for empoWer, Gilbane’s Employee Resource Group dedicated to supporting women within the company.
Jason L. Pelkey's Bio
Jason directs the Gilbane Technology Group (GTG) that provides innovative capabilities for the company’s workforce, is the driver for information technology globally and supports Gilbane’s transformation agenda. Prior to joining Gilbane, Jason spent 14 years at General Electric after graduating from their Information Management Leadership Program. Throughout his career, he has been leading teams in every aspect of information technology and acquisition integration.
Jason holds a Master of Science in Management Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Clarkson University.
Jay Pendergrass's Bio
Jay oversees Gilbane’s Supply Chain team, responsible for developing and implementing an enterprise-wide strategy for the acquisition of equipment, materials, and services while also creating cost savings, efficiencies, and other value-adds for our clients, projects, and businesses to achieve company objectives.
With extensive experience in the construction industry, Jay is a
trusted leader in the management and implementation of measurable
improvements across integrated supply chain platforms while ensuring
strategic alignment with goals such as cost reduction, innovation,
risk management, supply chain sustainability objectives, as well as
enhancing opportunities for diverse and local market participation. He
has successfully led operations both domestically and internationally,
driving implementation and training across global resource
bases.
Jay earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from
Emporia State University and a Master of Business Administration from
Baker University, both in Kansas.
Jay serves as a board member
for the Houston chapter of the Institute of Supply Management and
gives back to the community by developing the next generation of
supply chain leadership through university engagements. He
participates in the Construction Industry Institute (CII) and
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and is a member of the
board of directors for The Ballard House, whose mission is to provide
temporary housing for patients and their caregivers coming to the
Katy/West Houston area medical facilities for treatment of
life-threatening illnesses.
John Ruggieri's Bio
As CFO, John leads all financial operations of Gilbane Building Company. In addition, he directs several departments including risk management, internal audit, treasury, budgeting and tax. He is a leader and team motivator with the ability to identify and solve problems. He also has an executive role in evaluating potential mergers and acquisitions. His background covers international operations, business and finance. John is a Certified Public Accountant. He holds a Master of Science in Finance from Boston College and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bryant University.
John is an active participant in the company’s Executive Exchange sessions as well as the Finance & Accounting Mentorship Program. He is a dedicated member of the Rhode Island Commodores, a non-profit, non-partisan organization with the purpose “to assist and stimulate economic enterprise within Rhode Island by direct action through education, economic promotion and hospitality.”
Katherine Johnson's Bio
Katherine is responsible for developing and executing the company’s global people strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization. She is responsible for implementing and managing the company’s “People First” vision. She has more than 27 years of success in implementing strategies for global companies that have achieved organizational effectiveness, business goals for growth and innovative programs to attract and retain talent. Katherine holds a Master of Education and Organizational Development from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado.
Katherine feels Gilbane’s Caring core value resonates the most with her, as it truly puts People First. It speaks to who we are as a company and how we treat our people from safety to inclusion and more. Katherine has volunteered her time in targeted event opportunities to give back into her local community to help those who are less fortunate. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Volunteers of America, Colorado Chapter.
Paul J. Choquette, III's Bio
Paul oversees all business and sales strategies for the Mid-Atlantic region including Washington, D.C., Maryland and Pennsylvania. In addition, Paul is responsible for our Transition Planning & Management (TPM) and Facilities Management Service (FMS) consulting services and leads our national strategy around public private partnerships. A fifth-generation Gilbane family member, he is an active participant in the community and industry organizations. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University and a Master of Business Administration from Northeastern University.
Paul serves as chairman for the ACE Mentor Program of Washington, D.C., and is the executive sponsor of Gilbane’s company-wide Black/African American Employee Resource Group. He is on multiple boards and serves on the Executive Board of the Federal City Council. Paul supports an innovative and inclusive culture so that teams have a safe space to explore new ideas and tools to increase productivity and efficiency. Paul believes business transformations happen when teams feel comfortable leaning into responsible risks and being solutions-driven.
Rebecca Severson's Bio
Rebecca is responsible for directing Gilbane Building Company’s construction safety program working collaboratively with senior and local management teams to optimize Gilbane’s safety performance. Under her strong leadership and guidance, Gilbane maintains an outstanding safety record and continues to be an industry leader in workplace safety. Rebecca has held various roles since joining Gilbane and has been integral in implementing the company’s commitment to “Gilbane Cares,” an Incident and Injury Free approach to safety that has changed the company’s culture. Rebecca graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. She recently retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Air National Guard, and is both a Certified Industrial Hygienist and a Certified Safety Professional.
Rebecca is active in the American Society of Safety Professionals’ Wisconsin Chapter as a Past President, Women In Safety Excellence Chair and Mentor.
Ryan E. Hutchins's Bio
Ryan provides executive leadership to business in Mexico, the Southwest, Ohio, and New England. With over 20 years at Gilbane, Ryan has held key operational and sales management roles, including providing hands-on leadership to the business development teams. Throughout his career, he has raised the bar for quality in construction standards, bridged labor relations, championed minority participation and workforce strategies, and initiated new services. Ryan earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Babson College.
Ryan believes we can move our business forward by embracing innovation. The world around us is changing daily and this industry needs to push innovation to grow. He also encourages the celebration of inclusion and diversity at Gilbane and truly enjoys spending time with all our employees and finding ways to help them grow as people and within our organization. Ryan’s civic involvement includes leadership positions in many industry associations. He has served as the Children’s Trust Chair, current emeritus board member and past Chair of Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, and is currently a Wentworth Trustee serving as the Board Secretary.
Steve Duvel's Bio
Steve leads the continued development, growth and oversight of Gilbane’s New England division, which is comprised of more than 320 employees. Steve began his career with Gilbane in 1997 and has served in many positions with the company. He is the co-chair of the Strategic Advisory Council of the Roger Williams University Construction Management Professional Advisory Board and is serving on New England Council’s board of directors. Graduate of the 2012, Theta II, Class of Leadership Rhode Island, he is a Lean Practitioner and graduated from the Executive Leadership Program at Babson College. He is a current member of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, Construction Management Association of America and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Steve’s leadership philosophy is to lead with your strengths. When we exercise our natural talents and strengths, one quickly concludes that we need others to be successful. He believes that diverse teams are the most successful teams.
Thomas M. Laird, Jr.'s Bio
Tom is president and chief executive officer of Gilbane Building Company. A 35-year veteran of Gilbane, Tom joined the company out of college and has worked throughout his career in many leadership roles in multiple regions and services areas across the country.
An executive vice president (EVP) since 2012, Tom is Gilbane’s longest-serving executive leader. Most recently, he was responsible for overseeing the New York Division, which includes New York City, Upstate New York, and New Jersey. He serves as Gilbane’s champion for our Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) agenda and leads the company’s Innovation Council and Technology Group. Tom’s previous positions at Gilbane include senior vice president/regional manager of the Central region, district manager in the Cleveland office, and regional manager of business development in the Mid-Atlantic region. He earned his Master of Science in Real Estate from Johns Hopkins University and his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the University of Cincinnati.
Tom served as board chairman for the ACE Mentor Program of Cleveland and in 2012, was the recipient of the Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Non-Profit Board Executive of the Year for his work with ACE. Tom also serves on the Legacy Board of Providence House and previously served on the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation.
Estimating, Purchasing & Preconstruction
Operations
Finance & Accounting
Michael M. Costello's Bio
Mike is responsible for maintaining the quality and timeliness of the internal reporting and controls, monthly financial reports with forecast data, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cost, payroll and joint venture accounting. He is also responsible for the administration and internal maintenance and development of all national accounts for office equipment, office supplies, travel and travel-related services. A Certified Public Accountant, Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Psychology from California State University and his Master of Business Administration/Finance from California Polytechnic University.
Mike has a proven track record of delivering top and bottom-line growth for both large and small companies in the U.S. and overseas.
Other
Carolyn Pfude's Bio
Under Carolyn’s leadership, Gilbane’s Transition Planning & Management (TPM) and Facilities Management Service (FMS) have grown significantly. She specializes in large project portfolios with complex transition and facility management requirements in virtually every market sector. Known for her leadership, innovative approaches and commitment to preparing clients for successfully activating, occupying and sustaining operations of their new or renovated facilities, she is well versed in operational transition and facility activation consulting and with directing project teams. Carolyn graduated from Mercer University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications.
Carolyn’s team has a passion for working with their clients to fully understand the way they do business and what their future vision is for their new facility. They add value by capturing everything that needs to be done by the owner (outside of the construction contract) and ensuring there is a plan and resources in place to be fully operational on day one.