PROMOTIONS: BUILDING GREAT PEOPLE

Russell is excited to announce the promotion of 26 team members in Q1 of 2026! 
 
Brad Paulsen has transitioned into the role of Project Executive – Field Operations. Since joining Russell in April 2022, Brad has led both national and local field operations from our growing Kansas City office. He has provided exceptional support across preconstruction, design, field operations, and client relations, contributing meaningfully to project success. Brad’s adaptability, growth, and steady leadership exemplify our core value of Integrity through transparency, accountability, and trust. Congratulations, Brad!
Matt Bladel has transitioned into the role of Preconstruction Manager on the Quad Cities Preconstruction team. Beginning his transition in September, Matt quickly made an impact by contributing to multiple projects in a short period of time. His healthcare experience and Client-Centric approach continue to strengthen our Preconstruction team, and we’re excited to support his continued growth. Congratulations, Matt!
Patrick Lemkuil has transitioned from Project Manager to Superintendent. Patrick joined Russell in 2019 as a Project Engineer and has been a key contributor across Healthcare, Mission Critical, and Multi Family projects. Having found his calling in the field, Patrick has fully embraced the Superintendent role while consistently bringing Russell’s culture to every jobsite. We’re excited to support his continued growth and leadership. Congratulations, Patrick!
Brenna Ripp has been promoted to Project Manager. Brenna joined Russell in 2020 as a Preconstruction Engineer and has contributed across a wide range of projects. Beyond her project responsibilities, she is a driving force behind culture in the Quad Cities office, leading Russell’s Culture and Connections Committee and helping balance hard work with fun. Whether she’s creating moments of connection or tracking down critical project details, Brenna embodies our core values of Community and Integrity. Congratulations, Brenna!
Shawn Brinell has been promoted to Senior Project Manager. Shawn joined Russell in 2025 with the opening of our Springfield, Missouri office and has been a key contributor to its early success. His leadership, execution, and commitment to client relationships—particularly with O’Reilly Development—reflect our Client-Centric core value and support continued regional growth. Congratulations, Shawn!
Kate Elverd has been promoted to Project Manager! Since joining Russell in 2023 as a Project Engineer, Kate has made a strong and immediate impact through her Client-Centric mindset and consistent delivery. She continues to build trusted relationships and demonstrate leadership in every role she takes on. We’re excited to support her continued growth. Congratulations, Kate!
Andy Mills has been promoted to Assistant Superintendent! Andy joined Russell just over a year ago and immediately made a strong impression on the St. Louis team. His capabilities extend well beyond carpentry, demonstrated through his work ethic, initiative, and growing depth of construction knowledge. Andy quickly took on added responsibility, assisting with drawings and subcontractor scheduling while consistently seeking new challenges. We’re excited to see his continued growth. Congratulations, Andy!
Mike Murrens has been promoted to Senior Superintendent! Over his 20 years at Russell, Mike has led projects of increasing size and complexity while consistently delighting clients and project teams. He is widely respected throughout the Quad Cities construction community for his high standards in Safety, quality, and client satisfaction. Mike also goes above and beyond by volunteering his time at Russell events. Congratulations, Mike!
 
Brady O’Neil has been promoted to Project Manager! Brady joined Russell in 2022 as an intern and transitioned to a full-time Project Engineer in May 2024. He has played a key role in leading and coordinating complex MEP scopes, particularly on projects involving intricate foundry process equipment. Brady exemplifies our Client-Centric core value through his ability to build trust and relationships, both on and off the jobsite. Congratulations, Brady!
Jen Perteet has been promoted to Senior Project Coordinator. Jen has demonstrated consistent growth across core competencies, becoming a trusted subject matter expert and steady anchor for the Kansas City office. She supports a substantial project workload while partnering closely across departments to drive operational consistency and bring forward thoughtful ideas rooted in Innovation. Jen’s technical growth, leadership, and positive impact make this promotion well deserved. Congratulations, Jen!
Erik Stenzel has been promoted to Regional Safety Manager! In his role as Field Safety Manager, Erik demonstrated strong leadership and a deep commitment to ensuring our teams go home safe every day. His proactive mindset, attention to detail, and dedication to field support have made a meaningful impact across our operations. We’re excited to see Erik continue advancing Russell’s safety culture in this expanded role. Congratulations, Erik!
Bill Wilson has been promoted to Senior Superintendent. In his three and a half years at Russell, Bill has made a lasting impact on both clients and teammates. His Client-Centric approach, ownership mindset, and team-building leadership have created strong, lasting relationships. Bill is also a valued mentor, generously investing time in teammates and trade partners, embodying our core value of Appreciating People. Congratulations, Bill!
Jakob Jepsen has been promoted to Superintendent. Jakob has been a model contributor across several impactful projects and consistently steps in wherever needed, including supporting Safety leadership. Most recently, he has played a key role in driving projects through final completion. Jakob exemplifies Integrity and accountability in his daily leadership. Congratulations, Jakob!
Tyler James has been promoted to Senior VDC Manager. In nearly two years with Russell, Tyler has made a significant impact by strengthening and streamlining coordination processes on highly complex projects. He serves as the BIM liaison for both the St. Louis and Springfield offices and is known for his Client-Centric approach and commitment to Appreciating People. Tyler also played a key role in launching the VDC internship program and training staff in drone licensing. Congratulations, Tyler!
Megan Lingafelter has been promoted to Project Manager. Megan joined Russell four years ago after spending two summers as an intern and consistently exemplifies our Client-Centric core value. Clients trust Megan to act in their best interests, and trade partners frequently recognize her professionalism and collaborative approach. We’re excited to see her continued success. Congratulations, Megan!
Lindsay Eisentrout has been promoted to Senior Project Manager. Over her ten years at Russell, Lindsay has been a true culture leader who elevates teams, strengthens relationships, and delivers complex projects with consistency. Her recent support of the St. Louis office has been instrumental to its success. This promotion reflects her steady leadership and lasting impact. Congratulations, Lindsay!
Ben Day has been promoted to Superintendent. Since joining Russell in June 2022, Ben has consistently demonstrated a Client-Centric approach and built strong relationships on his projects. We’re thankful for his contributions and excited to support his continued growth. Congratulations, Ben!
 
Aleksey “Al” Kokshin has been promoted to Carpenter Foreman. Al joined Russell in 2025 with 20 years of industry experience and has embraced every challenge put in front of him. His leadership, positive attitude, and attention to detail align strongly with our values of Appreciating People and Innovation. Congratulations, Al!
Chris Parshall has been promoted to Superintendent. Over the past three years, Chris has successfully delivered multiple projects, including recent work at Washington County Hospital. Known for his willingness to take on any challenge, Chris consistently delights clients and builds trust through Integrity and a strong commitment to Safety. Congratulations, Chris!
Mary Beth Barton-Murray has transitioned from Senior Project Coordinator to Administrative Services Coordinator. A long-tenured team member, Mary Beth brings deep institutional knowledge and plays a foundational role in resource planning, system alignment, ERP approvals, and onboarding support. Her behind-the-scenes work reflects our core value of Integrity and supports accuracy, consistency, and accountability across the organization. Congratulations, Mary Beth!
Dylan Swicegood has been promoted to Preconstruction Manager. Since joining Russell nearly four years ago as an intern, Dylan has demonstrated remarkable growth, leading pursuits, managing design phases, and supporting complex preconstruction efforts. He consistently operates with Integrity and a team-first mindset. Congratulations, Dylan!
Drew Curtis has been promoted to Pursuit Manager. He has been a valued member of the Russell team for more than four years and plays a critical role in leading pursuit deliverables. His reliability and dedication have ensured deadlines are consistently met, even under high pressure. Drew’s leadership has elevated the pursuit process, complemented by earning his drone and APMP certifications. Congratulations, Drew!
Jamie Calvert has been promoted to Client Engagement & CRM Strategist. She has been a dedicated member of the Russell team for eight and a half years and is the backbone of our CRM platform. She supports system evolution, advanced reporting, and client experience initiatives while bringing warmth and consistency from groundbreaking through ribbon cutting. Jamie exemplifies a Client-Centric mindset and makes a lasting impact every day. Congratulations, Jamie!
Sarah Connors has been promoted to Client Acquisition & Brand Manager. She continues to play a vital leadership role at Russell, focusing on lead generation and brand management. An innovative thinker, Sarah has helped advance tools while consistently elevating how Russell shows up in the market. Her strategic mindset and Client-Centric approach make her a key driver of future growth. Congratulations, Sarah!

Tom Banta has been promoted to Vice President, Business Development. In just two years at Russell, Tom has driven significant growth in the Iowa City–Cedar Rapids Corridor, generating new relationships, expanding brand presence, and contributing to Russell’s growth. Congratulations, Tom!

 
Noah Fornero Green has been promoted to Data & Systems Support Analyst. Over the past four years, Noah has become a trusted resource across the organization, providing dependable technology and data support with a calm, Client-Centric approach. His work strengthening reporting systems has had a lasting impact on how teams access and rely on data. Congratulations, Noah!