Leadership

Richard G. Tucker

Executive Vice President

Richard (Rick) G. Tucker, LEED AP, grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado and is a graduate of Colorado State University with a bachelor of science in Industrial Construction Management. He is currently the Executive Vice President for Hensel Phelps based out of the Greeley, Colorado, office. Rick began his post-college career with Hensel Phelps where he rose through the ranks from Field Engineer to Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Project Manager and Operations Manager before being appointed to Regional Vice President of the Rocky Mountain Region in 2009. In January 2013, Rick was appointed to Executive Vice President.

Having worked with Hensel Phelps for the past 30 years, Rick’s career has seen work in a variety of locations, starting in Colorado and then taking assignments in Southern California, Virginia and Northern California before returning to Colorado in 2009. In his present assignment, he has overall responsibility for the successful management and execution of the Central and Western United States, including the Rocky Mountain, Southcentral, Southwest and Pacific Northwest regional offices as well as Hensel Phelps’ Water small group.

Rick is currently serving on the Board of Directors for both the Denver Civic Ventures Inc. and Colorado Youth Outdoors, and is Chairman for the Professional Advisory Development Board (PADB) for the Construction Management department at Colorado State University. Additionally, Rick is a member of the Downtown Denver Partnership Management Committee and previously served as chairman of the Colorado Associated General Contractors.

Rick and his wife, April, live in Windsor, Colorado, and are the parents of two boys. The family enjoys the Colorado outdoors, including hunting and water skiing.

Michael J. Choutka

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Michael (Mike) J. Choutka joined Hensel Phelps in 1991 and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management Engineering. As Chairman and CEO, Mike is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the enterprise by working with the board of directors and the executive management team to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans, and policies. He is also charged with advancing employee engagement and overseeing all operations and business activities to ensure they produce the desired results consistent with Hensel Phelps’ overall strategy and mission.

Mike began his post-college career with Hensel Phelps, rising through the ranks from Field Engineer, Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Project Manager, Operations Manager, Vice President, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and President before being appointed Chairman and CEO.

Mike has been active in industry associations for more than 25 years and has served on several industry boards of directors. He was Chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Central Florida Chapter in 2011. He is still active in ABC and serves as a Trustee for the Free Enterprise Alliance (FEA) having served as the FEA Chair from 2017-2018. Additionally, Mike supports growing the construction industry through mentorship and serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the ACE Mentor Program of America. He is the Co-Chair of Construction Safety Week and is a member of the Construction Industry Round Table.

Mike is passionate about making positive change throughout the entire industry. He is a Founding Board member of AEC Unites, whose purpose is to drive equity and inclusion everywhere in the AEC industry. As a member of the YPO Gold Rocky Mountain Chapter, Mike participates in local events throughout the year. He is actively involved in supporting the American Cancer Society, World Vision, United Way, and the Boys and Girls Club.

Mike and his wife, Barb, enjoy traveling and spending time with their family. They are also avid sports fans and attend as many college and professional sporting events as they can.

Bradley (Brad) A. Jeanneret

President & Chief Operating Officer

Bradley (Brad) Jeanneret joined Hensel Phelps in 1996 and is a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management. As President and Chief Operating Officer, Brad oversees all corporate initiatives and assures operational excellence throughout the business.

Brad’s career with Hensel Phelps started in Southern California as a Field Engineer. From there,  he rose through the operational ranks as an Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Project Superintendent, Project Manager, Vice President and Executive Vice President before being appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer. During the course of Brad’s career, he has worked at numerous offices throughout the country.

Brad’s passion has remained rooted in transforming the industry’s approach to overcoming challenges, with a keen focus on enhancing safety protocols, elevating quality standards, addressing shortages in skilled professionals and harnessing the full potential of technology to maximize operational efficiencies.

In 2023, Brad led the inception of Diverge, Hensel Phelps’ innovative arm, dedicated to reshaping the industry landscape and ushering a new era of unparalleled progress and innovation.

Brad has actively engaged with industry associations throughout his career, culminating in his recent three-year tenure as Chair of the Building Division for the AGC of California.

Beyond professional endeavors, the Jeanneret family extends their commitment to community impact, and supports numerous charities throughout Orange County, California.

Outside of work, Brad and his wife enjoy spending time with their two daughters. Their hobbies include boating and spending time outdoors.

Allan J. Bliesmer

Executive Vice President

Allan J. Bliesmer joined Hensel Phelps in 1991 and is a graduate of Colorado State University with a bachelor of science in Construction Management. He is currently the Executive Vice President for Hensel Phelps overseeing the Eastern Division. Allan began his post-college career with Hensel Phelps as a Field Engineer and rose through the ranks of Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Project Manager and Operations Manager before being appointed Rocky Mountain Regional Vice President. In January 2021, Allan was appointed to Executive Vice President.

Allan’s career began with the construction of a Federal Correctional Facility in Colorado where he spent several of the following years on a number of high-profile projects before venturing out to other regions of the country. Allan served as the executive in charge on the $340 million Phoenix Sky Train – Stage-One project at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The project was selected as Engineering News Record’s Southwest Transportation Project of the Year, and was also awarded the Southwest Safety Project of the Year.

Allan and his wife are parents to a son and daughter, and enjoy snow skiing, water skiing, hiking and running.

Joel B. Douglass

General Manager, Hensel Phelps Services

Joel B. Douglass, DBIA, is a graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor of science in Construction Engineering and Management. Joining Hensel Phelps in 1988 as an intern on the Tri-Party project in San Antonio, Texas, Joel has risen through the ranks of Field Engineer, Office Engineer, Scheduling Engineer, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Project Manager and Operations Manager, before being appointed General Manager of Hensel Phelps Services.

Throughout his career, Joel has worked in multiple regions on projects valued at over $3 billion nationwide, including moving internationally for a key project. Joel’s experience in the construction business provided great benefits as he helped to build the Services team for Hensel Phelps.

Hensel Phelps Services delivers excellence through facility life solutions nationwide. Providing a single-source solution, the Services team specializes in a variety of offerings and capabilities, including: Integrated Facility Management Services, Facilities Management Consulting Services, Facility Commissioning Services, Low Voltage Systems Integration and Specialized Construction Programs. As General Manager, Joel establishes policies and strategies that promote the growth of Hensel Phelps Services. He bears overall responsibility for the management and direction of all procurements, projects and the fulfillment of Hensel Phelps’ obligations to its clients.

Joel is passionate about giving back to the community, as he actively supports several local, regional and national organizations. Joel and his wife enjoy successful careers, and when away from the office, revel in quality time with family and travel adventures.

Thomas J. Diersbock

Executive Vice President

Thomas (Tom) J. Diersbock, LEED AP, is a graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor of science in Construction Management. As the previous Regional Vice President for Hensel Phelps’ Pacific Region based in Honolulu, Hawaii, he was responsible for the overall management and operation of the Pacific Region, including the Hawaiian Islands and Guam.

Tom began his career with Hensel Phelps, rising through the ranks from Field Engineer, Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Project Superintendent, Project Manager, Operations Manager, and Regional Vice President before being appointed to Executive Vice President.

Tom spent much of his career with Hensel Phelps in the Southern California Region. He was the project manager on notable projects, such as the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel and the United States Federal Courthouse in San Diego. In 2012, Tom was promoted to Operations Manager after he and his family relocated to the Pacific Region in Honolulu, Hawaii. Tom helped to establish the Pacific Region by overseeing some of the region’s largest projects.

Married with three daughters, the family participates in the kids’ sports, as well as boating, diving and off-island travel.

Steve M. Grauer

Regional Vice President

Steve M. Grauer, DBIA, joined Hensel Phelps in 1990 and is a graduate of the University of Washington with a bachelor of science degree in Construction Management. He is the Regional Vice President of the Southwest Region based in Phoenix, Arizona. Steve has served in various roles including Field Engineer, Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Project Manager, Operations Manager and Manager of Work Procurement prior to being appointed as the Regional Vice President of the Southwest Region.

A Designated Design-Build Professional, Steve has worked across the United States for Hensel Phelps during his tenure, providing him with a unique understanding of the local business and trade partner communities. Steve is the National Board Chair of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and is the current Board Chair of the Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA). He has served on ABA’s Board of Directors since 2016, and is also active on the Support Sky Harbor Coalition Board of Directors.

Steve is dedicated to giving back, as evidenced by his support of local, regional and national organizations with a commitment of his time and personal contributions.

Outside of work he enjoys the outdoors, traveling, flying helicopters and working on projects around the home. Steve also enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with family on the water or at the beach.

David M. Brooke

Regional Vice President

David M. Brooke, DBIA, LEED AP, joined Hensel Phelps in 2005 and is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a bachelor of science in Construction Management. He is Hensel Phelps’ Regional Vice President with oversight of the Mid Atlantic Region based in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

David began his post-college career with Hensel Phelps in Colorado, rising through the ranks from Intern, Field Engineer, Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Project Manager and Operations Manager before being appointed Regional Vice President of the Mid Atlantic Region. From coast to coast, David has relocated nine times to work on various notable projects across the country

He has served many positions with the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) since 2014 and is currently a Northern Virginia ABC Legislative Committee Member. David is also an active Designated Design-Build Professional and member of Washington Building Congress. With a commitment of his time and personal contributions, David is actively involved in supporting local, regional and national organizations.

As an extremely active family, David, his wife, Samantha, and their two children, Avery and Finn, spend much of their quality time together outdoors creating memories with mountain biking, backcountry skiing, fly fishing, running and more.

Damian J. Buessing

Regional Vice President

Damian joined Hensel Phelps in 2001 and is a graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor of science in Architectural Engineering. Damian began his career as an Office Engineer at the Hewitt Hall Laboratory project at UC Irvine and has risen through the ranks to his current position as the Regional Vice President of the Southern California Region. Throughout his career, Damian has been an integral part of growing the Southern California market for Hensel Phelps through his leadership roles on high-profile projects with Kaiser Permanente, Delta Air Lines, UC Irvine, Hoag and Sharp Healthcare.

Damian’s wife, Michelle, is a breast cancer survivor, and following her cancer journey in 2010, he has actively supported organizations dedicated to eliminating this disease. He holds leadership positions in Team Michelle (dedicated to eliminating breast cancer) and the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge and is an active participant in the yearly Susan G. Komen 3-Day. Damian is also active within his church and he and his family can be found every Wednesday evening preparing and serving meals at the Community Table.

Damian and his wife have three amazing children and a life full of acrobatic gymnastics, soccer, horse riding and time with their friends. Damian is an avid trail runner and loves to be outdoors, whether at their property in Silverado or out golfing, wine tasting or exploring with his family.

Bradley D. Winans

Regional Vice President

Bradley (Brad) D. Winans, LEED AP joined Hensel Phelps in 1992 after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin’s Architectural Engineering program. As Regional Vice President of the Southcentral Region, Brad establishes strategies and clarity that promote the growth of the Southcentral Regional office based in Austin, Texas. He bears overall corporate responsibility for the management and direction of all projects within the region and the fulfillment of Hensel Phelps’ obligations to its clients.

Brad began his career in Dallas as a Field Engineer on the DART Light Rail Line and has since worked in Austin, Houston, Missouri, Albuquerque, and Orlando and rose through the organization fulfilling positions of Scheduler, Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Project Manager, Operations Manager and Manager of Work Procurement, before being appointed to his current role.

Since returning to Texas, Brad is an active member in the Austin Chamber of Commerce and Associated General Contractors (AGC). He is a past board member of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Central Florida Chapter. Brad has served as Executive in Charge of many high profile and complex projects, including work for NASA, Samsung, MD Anderson, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the City of Austin.

Married with two children, Brad and his family enjoy water skiing, golf, tennis, travel and spending time with friends and family.

Laird B. Heikens

Vice President, Hensel Phelps Real Estate Development

Laird B. Heikens, LEEP AP joined Hensel Phelps in 1989 after graduating from Colorado State University with a bachelor of science degree in Construction Management and a minor in Geology. Based in Colorado, Laird is Vice President of Hensel Phelps Real Estate Development with oversight of the Real Estate Development group located across the country. Laird started his career with Hensel Phelps in 1989, rising through the ranks from Field Engineer, Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Superintendent, Project Manager, Operations Manager, Director of Mission Critical Services and Manager of Work Procurement prior to being appointed as Vice President of Hensel Phelps Real Estate Development.

Laird provides the leadership, strategies and clarity that promote the growth of Hensel Phelps Real Estate Development. He bears overall corporate responsibility for the management and direction of all Real Estate Development related projects and potential Real Estate Development related project investments made by the company nationwide.

Laird is dedicated to the development and construction industry and supports many regional and national organizations. Married with twins, Laird enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, cooking and all activities related to the outdoors with special interest in trail running and road biking.

Jennifer K. Scholz

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Jennifer (Jenny) K. Scholz is a graduate of the University of Denver with a bachelor of science in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy. Jenny is a licensed CPA and started working with Hensel Phelps as their external auditor before joining the Hensel Phelps team in 2011.

Giving back to the community is an important aspect of Jenny’s values. Currently, Jenny serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Weld County. As a proud alum of the University of Denver, she continues to mentor students in the accounting program, helping students to find internships, fulltime positions and answer questions about career opportunities.

Jenny and her husband love the active life that their two kids bring. Weekends are spent with the family taking in the great Colorado outdoors, cooking, playing with legos, having dance parties in the living room and helping on the soccer field.

Robert P. Majerus

Vice President and General Counsel

Robert (Bob) P. Majerus, is a graduate of Georgetown University with a bachelor of arts degree, and received his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame. He joined Hensel Phelps in 2006 and serves as Vice President and General Counsel. Bob has overall responsibility for contractual and legal matters for the organization. Prior to joining Hensel Phelps, Bob was a trial attorney for a private law firm. He began his career with Hensel Phelps as Associate General Counsel before being appointed Vice President and General Counsel.

Bob is admitted to the Arizona and Washington Bar Associations. He is serving as the Chair of the Building Division of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and is a member of the AGC Board of Directors.

To meet his strong pledge to give back to the community, Bob is actively involved in supporting local, regional and national organizations with a commitment of his time and personal contributions.

Shannon M. Gustine 

Regional Vice President

Shannon M. Gustine joined Hensel Phelps in 1996 with a master of science from Oregon State University and a bachelor of science from Santa Clara University in Civil Engineering. Shannon started her work with Hensel Phelps following graduation and has held the title of Office Engineer, Field Engineer, Project Engineer, Design Manager, Area Superintendent, Project Manager, Operations Manager and Director of Operations prior to her current role. Most of her career has been in Northern California working on a variety of projects in multiple market sectors with a focus on projects administered through alternative delivery methods. In 2015, she relocated to the Pacific Northwest to re-establish the Hensel Phelps office and presence in that region. She is currently Regional Vice President with oversight over all operations in Northern California.

Shannon is passionate about growing small and diverse businesses in addition to fostering inclusive work environments. Through active mentorship and work with industry initiatives like AGC’s Culture of CARE, Shannon is committed to making an impact in both our organization and our industry. Focused on true collaboration and maximizing value on our projects, Shannon is also on the Board of the Design-Build Institute of America’s Northwest Region.

Shannon and her husband have twin daughters. Together they enjoy spending time creating adventures and seeing new places.

Derek H. Hoffine

Regional Vice President

Derek H. Hoffine joined Hensel Phelps in 2002 and is a graduate of Pittsburg State University with a bachelor of science degree in Construction Engineering Technology. As Regional Vice President, Derek establishes policies and strategies that promote the growth of the Rocky Mountain Region based in Thornton, Colorado. He bears overall corporate responsibility for the management and direction of all projects in the Rocky Mountain Region and the fulfillment of Hensel Phelps’ obligations to its clients.

Derek began his post-college career with Hensel Phelps as a Field Engineer in the Southeast Region. He has worked on various projects in the states of Nebraska, South Carolina, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Florida. He has worked in the positions of Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Project Manager and Operations Manager. He spent a few years in the Mid Atlantic Region as an Operations Manager supporting various Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia projects. In 2019, he became Director of Operations in the Rocky Mountain Region before being appointed Regional Vice President.

He currently serves on the Workforce Development Committee that supports Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) National in workforce development and training.

Derek and his wife Jen have two sons and three daughters and reside in Erie, Colorado. The Hoffine’s enjoy sports, traveling and spending time with family.

Scott G. Bills

Regional Vice President

Scott G. Bills, DBIA, LEED AP, is a graduate of Utah Valley University with a bachelor of science degree in Construction Management. As the Regional Vice President for Hensel Phelps’ Pacific Northwest Region based in Bellevue, Washington, he is responsible for the management and direction of all projects in the Pacific Northwest and the fulfillment of Hensel Phelps’ obligations to its clients.

Scott joined Hensel Phelps in 2000 and began his career as a Field Engineer in Sacramento, California and has served in various roles including Office Engineer, Estimator, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Design Manager, Project Manager, Operations Manager and Director of Operations prior to being appointed as the Pacific Northwest Regional Vice President. Most of his career has been focused in Northern California with opportunities to work in the Southern California and Pacific Northwest Regions.

Scott is actively involved with Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and is serving on several Associated General Contractors (AGC) and Port of Seattle committees with a focus on industry best practices and improving diversity in contracting. Scott is dedicated to removing barriers and helping build capacity for small, minority business partners.

Scott and his wife Julie reside in Renton, Washington, and have two adult children and one grandson. Scott and Julie enjoy traveling, hiking and biking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and spending time together with family.

Jonathan E. Tseu

Regional Vice President, Pacific

Jonathan (Jon) E. Tseu, DBIA, LEED AP, joined Hensel Phelps in 1997 and is a graduate of University of Colorado with a master’s degree in civil engineering. As the Regional Vice President for Hensel Phelps’ Pacific Region based in Honolulu, Hawaii, he is responsible for the overall management and operation of projects in Hawaii and Guam.

Jon began his post-college career with Hensel Phelps rising through the ranks from Intern, Field Engineer, Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Project Manager and Operations Manager before being appointed Regional Vice President of the Pacific Region in 2024.

Jon spent much of his career with Hensel Phelps in the Rocky Mountain Region with over $1.3 billion of work, including some on notable projects, such as the $166 million Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. In 2017, Jon and his family relocated to the Pacific Region where he oversaw one of the region’s largest projects, the $352 million Mauka Concourse Extension at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Married with two sons, Jon and his wife Erin enjoy traveling the Hawaiian Islands and the world chasing adventure and memories. When Jon is not creating memories with his family, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking and any type of outdoor fun.

Brian J. Penner

General Manager, Hensel Phelps Water

Brian is the General Manager of Hensel Phelps Water, which specializes in the construction of water and wastewater treatment facilities and related projects all across the country. Brian began his career with Hensel Phelps after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in construction management. He started as a Field Engineer and rose through the ranks to Operations Manager in the Rocky Mountain Region before being appointed General Manager of Hensel Phelps Water.

With a portfolio of over $2.5 billion in successful construction projects, Brian has worked on both private and public projects with major national clients. He is an active member of Associated General Contractors (AGC) and has served on the AGC Colorado Board of Directors since 2017 and is currently Vice Chairman. He is also active in the Construction Owners Association of America (COAA) and has been an instructor at the COAA Training Institute since 2013.

Brian loves spending time with his family in the Rocky Mountains and supporting his three boys’ active lifestyles. From football to skiing and snowboarding, the Penner family is extremely active.

Justin C. Starnes 

Regional Vice President

Justin C. Starnes is a University of Central Missouri graduate with a bachelor of science degree in Construction Management. As the Regional Vice President for Hensel Phelps’ Southeast Region based in Orlando, Florida, Justin is responsible for the management and direction of all projects in the Southeast and fulfilling Hensel Phelps’ obligations to its clients.

Justin joined Hensel Phelps in 2002 as a Field Engineer in Miami, Florida. Justin has served in many operational roles over his tenure with Hensel Phelps, spanning the Southeast, Mid Atlantic and Southwest Regions.

Justin and his wife, Shanna, live in Central Florida and have two children, Payton and Tristin. They love the beach, water or any outdoor activity spending time as a family.

Clif Fesler 

General Manager, Mid South

As the General Manager of Mid South, James C. (Clif) Fesler III, DBIA, LEED AP, oversees the management and direction of all projects in Tennessee and surrounding areas, while fulfilling Hensel Phelps’ obligations to its clients.

Clif joined Hensel Phelps in 1999 as an Office Engineer after receiving a Building Construction degree from Virginia Tech. Throughout his tenure, Clif has supported projects throughout the country including in our Mid Atlantic and Southeast Regions.

Since beginning his career at Hensel Phelps in 1999, he has risen through the ranks of Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Project Superintendent, Project Manager and Operations Manager before relocating to Nashville, Tennessee.

With a portfolio of $3.2 billion in completed projects, Clif has experience in a wide range of markets in both the private and public sectors. Some significant projects Clif has worked on during his tenure include the Pentagon Renovation Wedges 2-5 and the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST) Building 245 Modernization.

Clif is an active volunteer and mentor in the community and supports programs including ACE Mentor Program of America. He is also an active member of Urban Land Institute (ULI) Nashville.

Clif, his wife Emily and their two daughters, Dylan and Selby, enjoy spending their free time outdoors participating in water sports and boating.