Batson-Cook Construction

As senior vice president of risk management at Batson-Cook, Allen Westmoreland plays a vital role at the company by identifying and minimizing uncertainties that challenge the construction industry. With more than 30 years’ experience, he brings extensive knowledge in construction risks, engineering, insurance and brokerage, and safety best practices. Allen leverages that background to manage the organization’s exposures through assessments of liabilities and enact precautionary steps to mitigate those that are unacceptable.

Allen joined Batson-Cook in 2017 and oversees risk, contracts, procurement and the company’s safety program.

HOMETOWN

 Originally growing up in the Florida panhandle but has lived the last 30 years in Atlanta

EDUCATION

Louisiana State University, Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Georgia State University, Master of Business Administration in Risk Management and Finance

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

CFMA, RIMs, AGC Risk and Insurance Committee

Dunwoody United Methodist Church, Dunwoody, Georgia

PERSONAL

Wife, Shari; two children, Brady and Grace

Long time board member and president of one of the country’s largest youth sports organizations; baseball, football, cheerleading

Hobbies include spending time with family, golf, reading and girls travel softball

Chris Shepherd joined Batson-Cook in 2007 as an assistant project manager in the company’s healthcare market. He became a project executive in 2016 to assist prospective and current clients achieve their construction goals. In 2022, Chris accepted his current role as vice president and business unit leader for northeast Florida where he applies his wealth of healthcare construction experience to build new relationships, enhance the skills of our project teams, and manage other tasks essential to the growth of his division.

Chris has more than 29 years of experience in the construction industry. Chris’ personal construction portfolio exceeds $1 billion.

HOMETOWN

Jacksonville, Fla.

EDUCATION

University of Florida; Bachelor of Science and Master’s degree in Construction Management

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

Association Builders and Contractors, Florida

Florida Healthcare Engineers Association

American Healthcare Association CHC

Vice-Chair of the Construction Management Advisory Board for the University of North Florida

PERSONAL

Wife and one daughter

Enjoys the outdoors, exercising, tennis, sporting clays, time at the beach and surfing when the waves are decent

As a skilled builder with 45 years of experience in construction operations, Chuck Gaston is a skilled and knowledgeable leader who is driven by his passion to build. With strong core values and respected leadership, Chuck can find efficiencies that yield significant benefits for Batson-Cook’s new and existing clients.

Chuck joined the company in 1984 as a field engineer and advanced to the role of assistant superintendent, superintendent, and general superintendent before becoming a vice president of field operations. He was promoted to Senior Vice President of Field Operations in 2022. Chuck's personal construction portfolio exceeds $2 billion.

HOMETOWN

Knoxville, Tennessee

EDUCATION

The University of Tennessee; Certificate of Land Surveying

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

LEED AP

OSHA 30

Vice President of Hawks Farm HOA

PERSONAL

Wife, Karla, three daughters, nine grandchildren and two dogs

Loves restoring old cars and riding Harleys on weekends

Curt Rigney held every position in project management at Batson-Cook as he advanced to become the first senior vice president and general manager of Batson-Cook’s Charlotte Division, which was formally established in 2016. He carries overall responsibility for the division’s strategic planning and business development along with the successful delivery of all projects managed by the Charlotte office.

With more than two decades of construction experience, Curt has managed projects ranging from $3.5 million to $400 million, and his personal portfolio tops $1.2 billion. He has spent more than half of his career with Batson-Cook – which he likes to call “the small feel big work company” – and considers his role as senior project manager for Duke Energy Center in Charlotte to be his greatest career accomplishment to date.  

HOMETOWN

Woodstock, GA

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION / RECOGNITION

Georgia Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

“Top 20 Under 40 Emerging Leaders,” ENR Southeast

Licensed General Contractor, State of Georgia

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

UNCC Childress Klein Center for Real Estate, Advisory Board

USGBC of North Carolina

Parents Partnered for Preemies

PERSONAL

Wife, Kristie; one daughter, two sons

Self-described tinkerer who likes to work on cars

Enjoys spending time with family, working outdoors, and fishing

Darin Appleton leads Batson-Cook’s West Point Division as senior vice president and general manager. In this role, he carries ultimate responsibility for the strategic planning, business development, construction operations, and client relationships essential to the growth of the West Point Division.

Darin started at Batson-Cook as an intern in the West Point office and has been an assistant project manager, project manager, senior project manager, and a project executive over the course of his career. His personal portfolio tops $634 million.    

HOMETOWN

Marietta, Ga.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION / RECOGNITION

Degree in Building Science from Auburn

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

ASHE Certified Healthcare Constructor

LEED Accredited Professional

PERSONAL

Wife, Kristy; three children, Tucker, Avery James, and Collins

Enjoys spending time with family, mountain biking, backpacking, and exercising

Darrell Brooks, a 44-year veteran in the construction industry, began his career learning on-the-job as a superintendent in the company’s healthcare market. He became a senior vice president of field operations in 2022 and supports project operations across the Florida and Texas divisions by focusing on jobsite safety, mentoring and coaching field staff, overseeing project schedules, labor management, quality control, as well as cultivating client and key trade partner relationships. He prides himself on bringing the best out of people, and uses every opportunity to mentor colleagues and help them reach the next level in their careers.

Darrell has more than 44 years of experience in the construction industry. Darrell has overseen more than 200 projects with a personal construction portfolio exceeding $1 billion.

HOMETOWN

Jacksonville, Fla.

PERSONAL

Wife, Marsha, two children, Whitney and Brandon, and four grandchildren. One dog, Buddy, who is a German short-hair pointer

Enjoys quail hunting, sporting clays, and attending grandkids’ sports events

With a personal portfolio topping $540 million in healthcare projects alone, Denny Godwin clearly brings a wealth of skill and knowledge to his role as senior vice president and general manager of Batson-Cook’s Atlanta Healthcare operations.

Denny is responsible for the strategic planning, business development, construction operations, and client relationships essential to the growth of the Atlanta Healthcare Division. He oversees a dedicated team of project managers and superintendents who specialize in healthcare construction, are passionate about finding innovative solutions to building quality projects, and never forget that enhancing the healthcare experience for patients is the ultimate goal. 

HOMETOWN

Andover, MA

EDUCATION 

Georgia Southern University; bachelor’s in construction science; minor in business

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

Civil Engineering & Construction Management Advisory Board, Georgia Southern University

Associated General Contractors of Georgia

American Society for Healthcare Engineering

American Hospital Association

PERSONAL

Wife, Cyndi; two sons and a daughter

Enjoys fly fishing, hunting, and coaching son’s soccer team

Evender (Even) Spradlin has more than 25 years of construction experience and has been senior vice president and general manager of the Jacksonville Division since 2012. In this role, he carries overall responsibility for the strategic planning, business development, construction operations, and client relationships essential to the growth of the Jacksonville Division. 

Additionally, Even has led the company’s Florida Healthcare Division since 2014. He oversees the procurement, preconstruction, and construction of all hospital and healthcare projects throughout Florida, with an emphasis in the Northeast, Central, and Tampa Bay regions.

Even began his career at Batson-Cook in 1996 as an office engineer. As he advanced, he soon determined that hospital and healthcare construction would be his specialty. In 2012, he transitioned from project executive to general manager of the Jacksonville Division during construction of the company’s then-largest healthcare project, the $200-million Weaver Tower at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville. 

Under Even’s leadership, Batson-Cook’s position in Florida’s hospital and healthcare construction sector has grown impressively. He has a personal portfolio of nearly $548 million in this market sector alone.

HOMETOWN

Port Orange, FL

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION / RECOGNITION

University of Florida; Bachelor of Science in Building Construction

Certified Healthcare Contractor, American Society for Healthcare Administration

LEED AP, BD+C

Certified General Contractor in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina

“Top 20 Under 40” Construction Professional; ENR Southeast

“Top 40 Under 40” Professional; Jacksonville Business Journal

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

Advisory Board, UNF Department of Construction Management

Christ’s Cupboard Food Bank

Coach for his children’s various athletic teams

PERSONAL

Wife, Michele; one daughter, two sons

Enjoys anything outdoors - spending time with his family on the boat, watching his children’s sports, shooting sports, fishing, and golfing

J. Littleton (Litt) Glover has provided legal and financial counsel to Batson-Cook Company since 1974.  His extensive knowledge of and experience in construction law and finance have allowed him to advise Batson-Cook in an exceptional and professional manner in all areas of operation.  He works diligently to assist the company in avoiding potential problems, and ensures that any problems which do arise are resolved in a fair and favorable manner.

Additionally, Litt serves as president and chief executive officer of Batson-Cook Development Company (BCDC), a sister company founded in 1963 which specializes in the development of commercial and residential properties. Batson-Cook and BCDC, both subsidiaries of Kajima USA, work together to provide complete development and construction services to clients who request them.  Litt plays an integral role in ensuring that the combined services are delivered in a seamless manner.

HOMETOWN

Atlanta, Georgia

EDUCATION 

Vanderbilt University, Bachelor of Arts in Economics

University of Virginia School of Law, Juris Doctorate

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

State Bar of Georgia 

American Bar Association 

Brand Group Holdings; Director

PERSONAL

Married; 5 children; 12 grandchildren

Primary hobby is golf

Member; Christ Church, Frederica

As treasurer and chief financial officer of Batson-Cook, Jeffrey (Jeff) Krall carries ultimate responsibility for the company’s fiscal operations.  For 33 years, he has worked in construction and construction-related accounting, having begun in the field as a project accountant. He then served as project accounting manager, manager of job cost accounting, controller, vice president of finance, and CFO before joining Batson-Cook as CFO.

Jeff is responsible for the accounting, treasury, and information technology functions of the company.

HOMETOWN

Collegedale, TN

EDUCATION

Southern Adventist University; Bachelor of Science in Accounting

AFFILIATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS

Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA): active member, past president and past board member of the Georgia chapter; past member of the national organization’s Executive Committee and currently on numerous national CFMA committees

Institute of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals (ICCIFP); trustee

Certified Public Accountant

Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)

PERSONAL

Married; three children

Enjoys golf, sailing, and many other outdoor sports

Jimmy has spent his entire professional career with Batson-Cook. He started as an intern and has been a field engineer, assistant project manager, project manager, senior project manager, and a project executive. He became a vice president and business unit leader in 2023 and supports healthcare clients to grow the market in the metro Atlanta area. Jimmy also enjoys fostering the growth of those he works with, acknowledging their hard work, and celebrating their successes

Jimmy believes nothing fosters trust or builds relationships like results. When he makes a commitment on a jobsite, he is motivated to perform at his best to deliver results that exceed our clients’ expectations..

Jimmy has more than 22 years of experience in the construction industry. Jimmy has a personal construction portfolio exceeding $1.2 billion.

HOMETOWN

Rome, Ga.

EDUCATION

Southern Polytechnic State University, Bachelor of Science in Construction

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

ASHE Certified Healthcare Constructor

LEED Accredited Professional

PERSONAL

Wife, Paula, two children, Emma & Luke

Emma’s Marching Band events, Luke’s Baseball Games, hanging out with family & friends, and fishing

Serves as Deacon, Youth Director, and Sunday School Superintendent at Cochran Ridge Baptist Church in Hiram, Ga.

Kevin Appleton’s passion for construction and his commitment to building relationships are the primary forces that guide him in his role as chief operations officer.  As COO, Kevin oversees the construction operations of Batson-Cook’s seven regional offices.

Upon graduation from college, Kevin joined Batson-Cook as a field engineer. He quickly advanced to project superintendent, by which time he was working almost exclusively in healthcare construction. He was serving as senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Atlanta healthcare division when he was named COO. Kevin’s personal construction portfolio exceeds $1 billion.

HOMETOWN

Birmingham, AL

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION

Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering; Auburn University

Certified Healthcare Constructor, AHA  

LEED® Accredited Professional

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

American Society for Healthcare Engineering

Auburn Building Construction Industry Executive Board

Kirkwood Neighborhood Organization

PERSONAL

Wife, Kim; one son

Enjoys staying active; spending time in the yard; participating in the variety of events/activities available in Atlanta

As the vice president human resources and corporate secretary of the Batson-Cook Company, Nancy plays a leading role by providing a full range of human resource services focused on growth and retention. As the first female executive on the leadership team, she understands the importance of inclusion and how it formulates a stronger organization. Her duties include overseeing employee benefits, providing development opportunities and training, recruiting talent, and encouraging open communications.

Nancy joined Batson-Cook as the director of human resources in 2007 and assumed the role of vice president in 2015.

HOMETOWN

 Pensacola, Florida

EDUCATION

LaGrange College, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

Member of The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

PERSONAL

Husband and five children

Avid sports fan, War Eagle!

Hobbies include spending time with family, traveling, and most outdoor activities

Neha Dugal is breaking new ground at Batson-Cook by focusing her determination to build client relationships in the Dallas market. With more than 15 years’ experience in healthcare development, she possesses a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and the knowledge of what it takes to be successful.

People are who Neha cares about the most, which is why she embodies our core values so well. She enjoys fostering relationships with colleagues and customers alike. This positive collaboration promises a unique partnership throughout the process, from a project’s conception to its completion, and makes her vital to the growth of the company. 

HOMETOWN

Pune, India

EDUCATION

Bachelors in Civil Engineering – Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT), Pune, India

Masters of Science – Construction Management – Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

Member – Association of Medical Facility Professionals (AMFP)

Member – Irving Chamber of Commerce

Member & Networking Committee - American College of Healthcare Executives

Member of Batson-Cook Diversity & Inclusion Committee

PERSONAL

Husband (Arjun), daughters Ava (6 years) and Ria (9 years)

Enjoys spending time with the family, hot yoga, golf, karaoke and playing board games

Pat Ray brings more than two and a half decades of hands-on commercial construction experience to his role as senior vice president and general manager of Batson-Cook’s Atlanta Commercial division. His passion for building relationships, coupled with a strong desire to uphold Batson-Cook’s core values, makes him an invaluable team member to grow our presence in the commercial sector.

Pat joined the company in 2015 as a Project Executive. He was promoted to Senior Vice President, General Manager, Atlanta Commercial division in 2021.

HOMETOWN

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

EDUCATION

University of Southern Mississippi; Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church

LEED AP

OSHA 30

PERSONAL

Wife Melanie, three children

Fly fishing, golf, hunting, and Ole Miss sports

Randy Hall has been president and CEO of Batson-Cook since 2013. He became the sixth president of the century-old general contracting firm in 2012 and was named CEO a year later. He carries ultimate responsibility for the firm’s strategic planning, business development, preconstruction services, and construction operations.

Randy guides the company by combining the tools of the construction trade he has honed for more than three decades with the relationships he has developed during that time. He is a 26-year veteran with Batson-Cook, having risen through the ranks in assignments that afforded him a broad range of both field and office experience. He served as senior vice president and general manager of the company’s West Point, GA, and Atlanta regional offices prior to being named president of the company.

HOMETOWN

Millbrook, AL

EDUCATION

Auburn University, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

National Director, Associated General Contractors of America

Board of Directors, Associated General Contractors of Georgia; past president

Executive Board, College of Architecture, Design and Construction; Auburn University

Board of Directors, Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America

Downtown Atlanta Rotary Club

PERSONAL

Wife, Janet; five adult children

Health and fitness, cycling, and golf

Die-hard Auburn University football fan

Robert Trice joined Batson-Cook in 1996 as a project engineer in our special projects group, an effort focused on tenant build-outs, renovations, small additions, churches, and miscellaneous projects. Since then, he’s built senior living facilities, multi-family, religious related projects, office, specialty, municipal, master planned communities, and design-build projects. In 2023, Robert was promoted to the vice president and business unit leader role and will oversee the company’s wood frame/senior-living projects. Robert brings a wealth of knowledge to potential and current clients embarking on building endeavors. He also works seamlessly with our employees to help them be successful in their careers while ensuring that Batson-Cook clients receive best-in-class service.

Robert has more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry with more than 125 completed projects and a personal construction portfolio exceeding $225 million.
  
HOMETOWN

Seaford, DE

EDUCATION

Clemson University, Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

PERSONAL

Wife, Amy, and four cats

Enjoys golf, being a handyman and fixing things, travelling, architectural/engineering history, drawing, bowling, biking, reading