welcome: new team members

We are thrilled to have welcomed 18 new team members in Quarter 1 of 2023! 

SHERRIE BALMER – Director of Business Development

Sherrie Balmer joined Russell in the Kansas City office as a Director of Business Development in January. A Kansas City native, Sherrie brings over 30 years of experience in commercial construction, marketing, public relations, and mental/behavioral health. Sherrie will lead local business development efforts by generating strategy plans and building relationships to foster growth. 

 JACQUELINE TRUE – Director of Preconstruction

Jacqueline True joined Russell in the St. Louis office as a Director of Preconstruction in January.  With over 26 years of industry experience, Jacqueline holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. Jacqueline provides leadership to the  local preconstruction team, driving them to further growth opportunities in the St. Louis region and beyond.

ERIC PETERSON – Project Engineer

Eric Peterson joined Russell in the Kansas City office as a Project Engineer in January. Eric earned his undergraduate degree in Construction Science and Management from Kansas State University and brings over three years of experience. In his role, Eric plans, budgets, and organizes personnel for projects to ensure that they are as safe and efficient as possible. 

JEFFREY PARRISH – Project Executive

Jeffrey Parrish joined Russell in the Kansas City office as a Project Executive in January. Jeffrey has been in the construction industry for over 30 years, accumulating professional experience in various market segments, including education, healthcare, manufacturing, and historic renovation. As a Project Executive, Jeff is responsible for overseeing a project’s contract phases, ensuring the finished product is within budget and on schedule. 

ROBERT DUFFE – Senior Project Manager

Robert Duffe joined Russell in the St. Louis office as a Senior Project Manager in January. Robert holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Washington University – St. Louis and brings over 20 years of professional industry experience. In his new role, Robert’s responsibilities include cost estimate preparation, overall project organization, construction budget management, and schedule management. 

EMILY LUCKEY – Project Coordinator

Emily Luckey joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as a Project Coordinator in February. Emily studied Psychology at Eastern Illinois University and brings over 8 years of experience in the construction industry. 

JACOB ROCKEY – Project Engineer

Jacob Rockey joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as a Project Engineer in February. Jacob graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Construction Engineering and has been in the construction industry for four years. In his role, Jacob plans, budgets, and organizes personnel for projects to ensure that they are are as safe and efficient as possible. 

RUDY CERRONE – Superintendent

Rudy Cerrone joined Russell in the Davenport office as a Superintendent in February. Rudy earned his Master of Arts in Project Management from Northwestern University. He brings over 25 years of industry experience specifically in new construction, renovation and build-out of retail stores, multifamily, shopping malls, high-rise financial centers, medical buildings and hospitals. He also has experience with concrete foundation, slab, and panelized construction.

TED ZONTELLI – Superintendent

Ted Zontelli joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as a Superintendent in March. Ted brings over 26 years of experience in the construction industry. As a Superintendent, Ted is responsible for day-to-day on-site activities including the coordination between prime and sub-contractors, quality control, schedule control, troubleshooting, and resolutions to any issues during construction with the overall goal of delivering a quality product every time.

ANDREW JOGGERST – Field Engineer

Andrew Joggerst joined Russell in the St. Louis office as a Field Engineer in February. Andrew has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from Southwest Baptist University. He brings three years of experience in the construction industry. As a Field Engineer, Andrew is responsible for scheduling, coordinating, and supervising craft employee activities to ensure the safe and economic completion of projects.

DONALD BELL – Project Engineer

Donald Bell joined Russell in the Davenport office as a Project Engineer in February. Donald earned a Master of Arts degree in Engineering in Construction Project Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and brings over 7 years in the construction industry. As a Project Engineer, Donald’s key responsibilities are to lend support to the project manager and assist in budget and schedule creation, maintenance and adherence. 

ALEX KINSEY – Project Manager

Alex Kinsey joined Russell in the St. Louis office as a Project Manager in February. Richard has a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. He brings 7 years of experience in the industry. As a Project Manager, Alex serves as the main point of contact on projects including cost estimate preparation, overall project organization, project management, budget analysis, and schedule management through contract closeout. 

ALEX SIMONSON – Project Engineer

Alex Simonson joined Russell in the Kansas City office as a Project Engineer in February. Alex has earned his undergraduate degree in Construction Management from University of Nebraska – Omaha. He has been in the construction industry for 8 years. In his role, Alex’s key responsibilities are to lend support to the project manager and assist in budget and schedule creation, maintenance and adherence. 

BOBBIE GOETSCH – AP Accountant

Bobbie Goetsch joined Russell in the Davenport office as a AP Accountant in February. Fun fact, one of Bobbie’s favorite hobbies is chasing waterfalls. She has seen over 100 waterfalls so far! 

CURT FICKEN – Superintendent

Curt Ficken joined Russell in the Kansas City office as a Superintendent in February. Curt brings over 28 years of experience in the construction industry, including 10 years in commercial construction and 7 years framing and building houses. In his role, Curt is responsible for day-to-day on-site activities including the coordination between prime and sub-contractors, quality control, schedule control, troubleshooting, and resolutions to any issues during construction with the overall goal of delivering a quality product every time.

ED WILSON – Director of Real Estate Investment and Finance

Ed Wilson joined Russell in the St. Louis office as a Director of Real Estate Investment and Finance in March. Ed received his undergraduate degree in Finance from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and brings over 12 years of real estate investment experience. In his role, Ed is focused on identifying strategic commercial real estate investment trends and opportunities, developing lender and investment relationships, guiding capital raising, and leading market research.

 LAURA CURTIS – Accountant

Laura Curtis joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as an Accountant in March. Laura received her MBA from the University of Iowa. 

ANDY HOWELL – Director of Business Development

Andy Howell joined Russell in the St. Louis office as a Director of Business Development in March. Andy brings 8 years of experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri and an MBA from Missouri University of Science & Technology. Andy will lead local business development efforts by generating strategy plans and building relationships to foster growth.