Welcome, New TEAM MEMBERS!

We are thrilled to have welcomed 17 new team members in Quarter 1 of 2025! 

CARTER DECAP – Project Engineer

Carter DeCap joined Russell as Project Engineer in January in our Quad Cities office. Carter completed two summer internships with Russell and recently graduated from University of Wisconsin – Platteville where he studied Construction Management. In this role, Carter supports the project manager with project budget and schedule. 

ERNESTO LEON – Superintendent

Ernesto Leon joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as Superintendent in January. Ernesto brings over 20 years of construction industry experience. In his role, Ernesto leverages his extensive field knowledge to ensure projects are executed efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality standards. He oversees daily jobsite operations, coordinates with subcontractors, and ensures adherence to project schedules and budgets.

BRANDON JAYNE – Superintendent

Brandon Jayne joined Russell in the St. Louis office as Superintendent in January. Brandon brings over 15 years of construction industry expertise to Russell. In his role, Brandon manages day-to-day jobsite activities, ensuring safety, schedule, and quality standards are met. He works closely with subcontractors, oversees site coordination, and drives progress to keep projects on track.  

SHEILA JARECKE – Senior Project Manager

Sheila Jarecke joined Russell in the Kansas City office as Senior Project Manager in January. In her role, Sheila is responsible for managing budgets, schedules, and client communications while ensuring high-quality project delivery.

LEE DOWDY – Superintendent

Lee Dowdy joined Russell in the Kansas City office as Superintendent in February. In his role, Lee is responsible for overseeing daily jobsite operations, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and managing the project schedule and subcontractor coordination.

CHRIS LUCAS – Estimator

Chris Lucas joined Russell in the St. Louis office as an Estimator in February. Chris brings over 12 years of construction experience to Russell. In his role, Chris is responsible for preparing detailed cost estimates, analyzing project documents, and identifying opportunities for value engineering.

JACOB NOTTER – Maintenance Technician 

Jacob Notter joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as a Maintenance Technician in March. In his role, Jacob is responsible for performing a wide range of facility maintenance tasks, including repairs, inspections, and preventative upkeep across company properties. He ensures building systems operate efficiently and supports a safe, functional environment for all staff. 

MATTHEW MILLIN – Site Safety & Health Officer 

Matthew Millin joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as Site Safety and Health Officer in March. Matthew brings over 11 years of safety experience to Russell. In his role, Matthew is responsible for implementing and monitoring safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment. He conducts regular site inspections, leads safety training sessions, and collaborates with project teams to promote a culture of safety.

JUSTIN CLEGG – Mechanical Systems Specialist  

Justin Clegg joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as Mechanical Systems Specialist in March. Justin brings over 15 years of construction experience to Russell. In his role, Justin is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of mechanical systems across all phases of construction projects. He works closely with project teams, subcontractors, and design professionals to ensure HVAC, plumbing, and other mechanical components are installed efficiently and meet quality standards. 

BOB WILLIS – Warehouse Manager 

Bob Willis joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as Warehouse Manager in March. In his role, Bob is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the warehouse, including inventory control, equipment tracking, and material distribution to job sites. He ensures efficient organization, accurate documentation, and timely delivery of supplies to support field teams. 

LEE MAXWELL – Senior Project Manager 

Lee Maxwell joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as Senior Project Manager in March. Lee brings over 15 years of construction experience to Russell. In his role, Lee is responsible for leading project teams from preconstruction through closeout, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

SARA HOUZENGA – Property Management Accountant 

Sara Houzenga joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as Property Management Accountant in March. In her role, Sara is responsible for managing financial operations related to property management, including processing invoices, reconciling accounts, preparing financial reports, and tracking budgets.

DUTCH RICE – Superintendent 

Dutch Rice joined Russell in the Kansas City office as Superintendent in March. Dutch brings over 35 years of construction experience to Russell. In his role, Dutch is responsible for day-to-day on-site activities, including coordination of subcontractors, schedule control, and identification and resolution of any on-site challenges that may arise.

NICOLE KREEGER – Vice President, Marketing and Client Relations  

Nicole Kreeger joined Russell in the Quad Cities office as Vice President, Marketing and Client Relations in March. Nicole brings over 12 years of marketing experience to Russell. In her role, Nicole is responsible for leading the company’s marketing strategy, brand development, and client engagement. She oversees internal and external communications, proposal development, and market positioning to support business growth across all regions.

JEFF TROST – Superintendent  

Jeff Trost joined Russell in the Kansas City office as Superintendent in March. In his role, Jeff oversees daily on-site operations, including subcontractor coordination, schedule management, and resolving challenges that arise in the field. He plays a key role in ensuring projects run smoothly, safely, and according to plan.

SAMANTHA NYSTROM – Project Engineer  

Samantha Nystrom joined Russell in the St. Louis office as a Project Engineer in March. In her role, Samantha supports project teams with coordination, documentation, and communication throughout the construction phase. She assists with submittals, RFIs, scheduling, and quality control to help ensure projects stay on track and meet performance standards.

JOE PANKRATZ – Senior Preconstruction Manager 

Joe Pankratz joined Russell in the St. Louis office as a Senior Preconstruction Manager in March. In his role, Joe is responsible for leading preconstruction efforts, including budgeting, estimating, and early project planning to ensure a smooth transition into construction.