Even though the coronavirus pandemic threatens many areas of the economy, that hasn't stopped construction companies from planning ahead and ensuring they have the necessary leadership to grow and move forward.

These latest executive moves made so far this year, mostly before the outbreak occurred, represent some of the most high-profile construction companies in the U.S., but smaller organizations may also take note and use this time of uncertainty to plan strategically for the future.

CRG (Clayco)

Andy Perille, Vice President of Development, Midwest

CRG, the private development and investment arm of general contractor Clayco, announced this month that former Liberty Property Trust executive Andy Perille joined its Chicago office as vice president of development. Perille's hiring comes on the heels of Liberty's $13 billion acquisition by Prologis. Perille was with Liberty for six years as senior development manager and then vice president of construction before joining CRG.

In his new position, Perille will use his experience in site selection and analysis, planning, design and construction of ground-up developments and value-add properties to oversee CRG's transactions in the Midwest. 

Perille, according to the company, will also assist the development company at the national level. Perille rounds out CRG's team of regional vice presidents of development.

Katerra

Nick Milestone, Director of Timber

Offsite construction company Katerra has named Nick Milestone — the chairman of the international membership organization Timber Research and Development Trade Association (TRADA) — as its new director of timber. Before joining Katerra, Milestone was the director of offsite manufacturing at the William Hare Group and, most recently, the managing director of B&K Structures, which Katerra characterized as the largest mass timber construction business in the United Kingdom.

Milestone said that his duties as director of timber will include helping to fully integrate mass timber production into Katerra's "end-to-end process;'" establishing a new, efficient build model; working on AEC professional services and third-party sales of cross-laminated timber; and supporting production at the company's factory in Spokane Valley, Washington.  

Swinerton

Paul Nielsen, Operations Manager, Southeast

Before Swinterton appointed Paul Nielsen its operations manager in the Southeast, Nielsen was the company's Atlanta market leader. Nielsen came to Swinerton in 2016 with many years of construction experience, including airport, office and medical projects.

In his role as operations manager, Nielsen will support project management; be involved in preconstruction strategy development; supervise planning and construction phases; and ensure compliance with contracts. 

Derek Mosiman, Director of Special Projects, Atlanta

Derek Mosiman, formerly Swinerton's project executive for the special projects group and aviation market leader, will oversee the construction team and ensure company projects are built in adherence to design, budget, quality and schedule specifications in his new role as director of special projects for Atlanta. Mosiman joined Swinerton in 2009.

The addition of Nielsen and Mosiman is part of a 15-person hiring round focused on supporting the company's operations in the southeast. The new hires include superintendent, project managers, estimators, project engineers and another director of special projects.

Triangle Associates Inc.

Patrick Celebak, President

Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Triangle Associates appointed Patrick Celebak president less than one year after he joined the company as senior vice president of finance. Before starting work at Triangle, Celebak served as the vice president of IMPCO Microfinishing, a Michigan-based manufacturing company. His duties as president will include supervising the company’s administration, finance and risk management operations as well as overseeing day-to-day operations.

Jim Conner, Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President

Triangle also promoted Jim Conner to COO and executive vice president after serving six years as senior vice president of business development. Before joining Triangle, Conner the West Michigan regional director for Barton Malow and Granger Construction.

In his new role, Conner will oversee day-to-day operations alongside Celebak and also oversee the company's business development, preconstruction and construction operations.

WSP

Andrew Esposito, Chief Financial Officer

Prior to joining WSP, Esposito, who will work out of the company's Orange, California, office, served as director of group finance operations for a technology company, also based in California. With expertise in corporate finance, Esposito will focus on project efficiency and value in his role as CFO, the firm said.

Steve Summers, Senior Vice President and Director of Program and Project Excellence and Delivery

Steve Summers, WSP's new senior vice president and director of program and project excellence and delivery, has 30 years of experience in the AEC industry. He will be responsible for project management and performance, project execution and delivery and ensuring follow through on WSP's commitment to health, safety, environment and quality. Summers will be based in WSP's Denver office.

Rich Driggs, Chief Operations Officer

Driggs, who is based in the company's Atlanta office, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company as COO. Driggs has more than 20 years of experience in the AEC and real estate industries and will work to ensure client satisfaction as WSP grows its operations. 

Driggs previously served as WSP's president of property and buildings.