10 Employees at Tacoma and Seattle offices promoted to leadership positions
TACOMA, Wash. (July 11, 2018) – PCS Structural Solutions (PCS) has always credited its employees with the company’s successes. Fittingly, 10 engineers have been promoted to leadership positions to match the firm’s rapidly expanding client and project base.
The promotions come on a wave of upward growth, following the west coast expansion and opening of the Portland office (Dec. 2017), the unveiling of the Seattle branch’s new office (June 2018) and the launch of the company’s new tagline, “Connected Teams. Bold Solutions.” (June 2018).
“We have a fantastic team here, and these promotions are just a part of the many exciting things happening at PCS Structural Solutions!” says CEO Brian Phair. “Our culture embraces and elevates individuals who have the passion to be true partners for our clients. We had a firm-wide growth plan prior to this busy market and it’s exciting to see the dividends pay off for numerous individuals.”
Four Associates were promoted to new Senior Associate positions. Senior Associates will serve as Subject Matter Experts (SME) on specific aspects of business development, analysis and training, in addition to absorbing some Principal responsibilities.
Kirk Keppler from the Tacoma office was promoted to Senior Associate after 21 years with PCS. He has worked on many of the firm’s institutional, commercial and educational projects that deal with new construction and renovation of existing facilities. Keppler is currently working on the Emerald Queen Casino on 1-5 in Fife and Foster High School in Tukwila.
“Kirk’s elite technical skills and ability to design and manage highly complex projects set him apart from many in the engineering field,” says Principal Jeff Klein.
Wes Neeley from the Tacoma office was also promoted to Senior Associate after 17 years with PCS. He has experience with both the new construction and renovations of institutional, educational and commercial projects. He is currently working on several K-12 projects, including the Webster School for Seattle Public Schools; Emerald Hills Elementary and Tehaleh Elementary for Sumner School District; and Centennial Elementary, McLane Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary for Olympia School District.
“Wes has been around construction his entire life and has a vast amount of practical experience with understanding, evaluating and renovating existing buildings,” says Senior Principal Jim Collins. “He is an excellent mentor of the young engineers and we are looking forward to developing his leadership skills.”
Farther north, Steve Farvour in the Seattle branch was also promoted to Senior Associate after 19 years with PCS. He has served as Project Manager on many of the firm’s commercial, educational and residential facilities that deal with new construction and renovations of existing facilities. Farvour recently completed work on UW Denny Hall in Seattle and is currently working on Magnolia Elementary School in Seattle and Issaquah High School.
“Steve has the technical skills to manage multiple projects and the interpersonal skills to form lasting relationships with clients based on trust and valued collaboration,” says Principal Rick Oehmcke. “He has excelled at mentoring young engineers, and I know he will shine in this expanded leadership role on our large and complex projects.”
Kevin Rothrock from the Seattle office rounds out the new Senior Associates. He has over 16 years of structural engineering experience and specializes in the hospitality and housing market sector. His recent projects include Bellevue Memory Care, Tacoma Art Museum and the Tacoma Convention Center Hotel.
“Kevin is a strong leader, mentor and collaborator whose technical and communication skills make every team better,” says Associate Principal Ted Ryan. “He is helping to shape the next generation of engineers in our housing, mid-rise and mixed-use work, and I look forward to seeing him grow into additional technical and business development opportunities.”
Additionally, Dan Tappel from the Tacoma office was promoted from Project Manager to Associate. He is currently working on Madison Elementary School in Mount Vernon, APA Tacoma Lab Expansion and the Olympia Courtyard Hotel Detention Vaults.
“Dan’s diverse experience and inherent leadership qualities have made him an integral part of our team, particularly in managing and improving our special projects group,” says Principal Jack Pinkard. “He is a strong communicator and a great resource, and I look forward to seeing him mentor the younger engineers, solidify the special projects team and take a growing role in the company.”
Brent Olson from the Seattle office was promoted from Project Engineer to Project Manager. He is currently working on Queen Anne Elementary School in Seattle, Highline High School in Burien and Northwest Kidney Centers – Rainier Beach Clinic & Burien Campus.
“Brent is an excellent teacher and a natural leader,” says President and Managing Partner Craig Stauffer. “His strong communication skills and desire to share his knowledge make him an integral part of every team, and clients specifically ask to work with him on their upcoming projects.”
Lastly, four Design Engineers were promoted to Project Engineers. Abigail Messegee, Evan Olszko, Jon Thorpe and Tanner Reijm all work in the Tacoma office and have been with PCS since 2016.
Messegee is currently working on Tehaleh Heights Elementary School, Emerald Hills Elementary School in Bonney Lake, and Washington High School in Tacoma.
“Abigail is energetic, personable, hardworking and has a great understanding of work-life balance,” says mentor Wes Neeley. “I look forward to seeing how she can promote PCS in new geographic areas with new clients, as well as continuing high levels of customer service with local clients.”
Olszko’s current projects include Skyview Middle School and Canyon Creek Elementary School in Woodinville, Grant Center for the Expressive Arts in Tacoma and South Sound Behavioral Health in Lacey.
“Evan has been presented with a strong mix of complicated projects and schedules and has risen to the occasion in speed, competency and confidence,” says mentor and Associate Principal Todd Parke. “I am looking forward to seeing him continue to gain confidence as he takes on a larger role in projects moving forward.”
Reijm is working on the Emerald Queen Casino in Fife, Foster High School in Tukwila and Birney Elementary School in Tacoma.
“Tanner can take both complex and simple tasks and effortlessly work to create nicely integrated solutions,” says Parke. “He has grown into a very thorough and reliable young engineer, and I will enjoy seeing him continue to exceed growth targets on his way to project management.”
Thorpe is also working on the Emerald Queen Casino in Fife, in addition to Stanwood High School and Puyallup’s new Southwest Elementary School.
“Jon has an engaging personality that is highly valued by our clients,” says mentor and Associate Brianna Schildmeyer. “He naturally encourages conversation and team interaction, and his quest for knowledge elevates his presence in any room.”
About PCS Structural Solutions
PCS Structural Solutions is a 70-person single-discipline structural engineering firm with offices in Seattle, Tacoma and Portland. Since its founding in 1965, PCS has embraced the complexity of modern building systems and delivery methods to create order through focused expertise, innovation and teamwork. PCS specializes in structural engineering for buildings, including educational, civic, healthcare, commercial and residential facilities.
