Walsh Construction Co.

Bill Reid joined Walsh Construction Co. as a laborer in 1979 and has risen through the ranks to his current position as Vice President and General Manager of the Washington region.

With 34 years in the construction industry, Bill has unusually broad experience in a variety of arenas and has shown exceptional leadership on his projects. He has completed some our largest multi-family housing projects in both urban settings and on sites with large-scale infrastructure.

Bob Forster joined Walsh Construction Co. in 1972, and spent the early part of his career in the field learning the requirements of quality construction from the ground up. In a unique and extremely valuable way, Bob has spent the last 40 years developing that field experience into methods, systems and programs that have firmly placed WALSH at the head of the heavy frame, multi-unit housing construction market in Portland and much of the Pacific Northwest.

Bob has developed several methods to ensure WALSH crews work more efficiently and is particularly adept at solving complex construction problems. As Executive Vice-President of the company, Bob is also responsible for all field construction activities, labor negotiations, bonding issues and personnel.

Elizabeth Rinehart has taken an active role as a community builder. She has worked on pioneering and sustainable projects that provide new housing, services and neighborhoods for individuals, families and seniors throughout the Puget Sound Area. Her work includes the LEED Gold YWCA Family Village at Issaquah, Brettler Family Place and Phyllis Gutierrez Kinney Place at the former SandPoint Naval Station, and the award-winning Greenfire Campus, a prominent green project in Seattle designed to LEED Platinum and Gold.

Elizabeth has been an AmeriCorps Construction Team Leader for East King County Habitat for Humanity and has a background as a Permit Coordinator for the City of Mercer Island. Elizabeth also serves as Walsh Construction Co.’s representative on the Housing Development Consortium, a group of non-profit organizations working together to provide affordable housing in Seattle and King County.

Elizabeth Rinehart is the general manager of WALSH’s Washington-based operations. Rinehart, a 13-year employee, succeeds Bill Reid who will remain with the company as WALSH’s president for the Washington region. With more than 18 years’ experience in the construction industry, Rinehart has established a reputation for her commitment to building sustainable and affordable neighborhoods.

A graduate of The University of Oregon, John joined WALSH in 2000, after an 11-year public accounting career focused on finance, accounting, risk and tax strategies for the construction and real estate investment industries. John serves as WALSH’s Chief Financial Officer and takes an active role in working with WALSH project teams and project owners to establish practical and equitable contractual agreements, develop proper risk strategies, procure and monitor construction financing agreements and ensure that the financial reporting and compliance needs are met.

John is on the board of directors of Bridge Meadows and The Portland Community Tool Bank and frequently presents construction-related topics on behalf of the AICPA and other industry organizations. In his free time, John enjoys spending time at the Oregon coast with his wife Karen, son Brandon and dog Fred, as well as traveling, golfing and engaging in almost any outdoor activity.

Matt joined the ranks of Walsh Construction Co. in 1980 as a laborer shortly after graduating from Oregon State University with a B. S. in Business and a Minor in Construction Engineering Management. Over the next several years he worked his way to carpenter; assistant superintendent; superintendent; project manager; senior project manager; and President of RDF Builders and Contractors Equipment Co., a subsidiary of the Walsh Group.

Matt’s involvement at WALSH has also included overseeing the development of WALSH’s Safety Program and the Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program; both are well respected within the industry. Throughout Matt’s career at WALSH, he has delivered results in all phases of construction operations. On January 1, 2014, WALSH’s board elected Matt President of Walsh Construction Co. Matt oversees all WALSH strategies and is applying more than three decades of construction management experience to his leadership role.

Ryan joined WALSH in 1988 as a laborer while still in high school. After completing his college education, Ryan joined WALSH’s management trainee program working his way into positions of greater leadership and skill, from laborer to carpenter to assistant superintendent and eventually on to superintendent. During his years in the trades, Ryan acquired a vast knowledge of construction systems specializing in wood frame. His specific experience is constructing student housing projects and educational facilities. With the company for over 28 years, Ryan has completed some of our most technical projects and is extremely familiar with WALSH’s project management processes, which will help ensure a smooth construction flow. In 2017, Ryan was named Vice President and assumed the role of General Manager for Walsh Construction Co.’s Oregon division, working with WALSH project managers on all preconstruction efforts. As General Manager, Ryan takes an active role in the pre-construction process with value engineering, cost estimating, method and product analysis, and contract negotiations, as well as execution of the construction phase. During construction, Ryan actively monitors the project for its performance to the safety, quality, schedule and budget goals established by the team.

Aaron is a multi-unit housing expert and has earned the respect of clients who value professional site management. He possesses an excellent ability to create, communicate and execute complex and demanding schedules, resulting in a superb track record of on-time completions. He will focus on minimizing impacts on the neighborhood during construction and will work closely with the WALSH Superintendent on daily management of the jobsite. Aaron will also manage the weekly update of the CPM schedule. Once construction commences, Aaron will be responsible for all project coordination, scheduling and quality control. He is positive, focused on delivering a smoothly run project, and delivers top-quality finishes. As a LEED Accredited Professional, he will bring valuable knowledge to the team.

Afton has a construction background that spans seven years, with experience in many types of housing projects, from mixed-use and condominiums to large-scale affordable housing redevelopments and complex tenant improvements. She joined Walsh Construction Co. in 2008 as an intern. As Community Outreach Director, Afton is a key member of the project team. This full-fledged company commitment to diversity has Afton building further upon WALSH’s existing community and business relationships as well as creating and fostering new opportunities for our Outreach Program. She helps maintain WALSH’s comprehensive list of qualified MWESB firms and maintains regular contact and communication with those firms during the WALSH bidding process. Afton is an integral part of our community outreach efforts.

Project Manager Bennett Barnwell joined Walsh Construction Co. in 2006 and worked up through the ranks as Project Engineer, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent and now Project Manager. Bennett is an exceptional planner who excels in both wood and concrete construction. As project manager, Bennett has responsibility for a variety of duties including preconstruction services, client relations, estimating and budgeting, scheduling, subcontractor selection and coordination. He brings a wealth of experience in the coordination and turnover of mixed-use projects. He possesses an excellent ability to create, communicate and execute complex and demanding schedules. During construction, Bennett will lead the team to achieve all project goals related to safety, schedule, budget, quality, and sustainable construction. Bennett will assist in preconstruction efforts, implement budget and subcontractor selection.

Brandi started her career as an assistant superintendent with Walsh in 2004 after graduating from Oregon State University with a BS in Construction Management. She spent over a decade in the field, acquiring a vast knowledge of construction systems with specific experience in constructing wood frame, multi-unit housing projects. She took the true Walsh “builder” path to Project Manager by working her way into positions of greater leadership and skill, from assistant superintendent to superintendent and as project manager, managing her first project in 2012 and just recently finishing The Union, a 189,713 SF, seven-story mixed-use apartment building.

With the company for over 13 years, she has experience in many types of projects, from mixed-use, market rate and affordable housing, to tenant improvements, and educational facilities. She has an extensive background in 5 over 1 wood framed construction projects.  Other areas of construction that she has include an extensive background with preconstruction services and estimating. As a LEED AP, she will provide valuable insight and assistance with sustainability goals.

A member of the WALSH team for 17 years, Brian is a self-professed geek who loves to work on complex urban projects. Brian has extensive concrete building experience with a specialized focus in multi-unit housing. He is a thoughtful and communicative team leader who always thinks about the end user on every project. Along with extensive field experience, Brian has Master and Bachelor of Science degrees in Construction Engineering Management and Civil Engineering, respectively.

His scheduling and project planning skills ensure a smooth transition to the successful construction process. He directs and coordinates the preconstruction efforts of WALSH as well as other major consultants and subcontractors. As Senior Project Manager, Brian assists the team through value engineering, final budgeting and construction to ensure that the full efforts and attention of the WALSH team are focused on the project.

Chuck joined the WALSH team in 1998 as a superintendent after working as a structural engineering consultant. As he gained a firm understanding of building systems, Chuck worked into the role of project manager focusing on large-scale, complex and commercial building construction. As a Senior Project Manager, Chuck’s duties include estimating, value engineering, contract negotiations, job cost and schedule monitoring, safety and affirmative action compliance, among other project management duties.

Craig joined the WALSH team in 1999 as a superintendent and as he gained a firm understanding of building systems, Craig worked into the role of project manager focusing on large-scale, complex and commercial building construction. Craig also  specializes in mixed-use, multi-family projects and is a thoughtful and communicative team leader who always thinks about the end user on every project. He has proven himself to be a team player that knows how to successfully deliver projects safely and on time; he is a strong addition to any project team. Craig has responsibility for a wide range of duties including on-going estimating, budgeting, scheduling and job coordination. He provides support in green building decisions, value engineering and overall project success.

Dean has over 30 years of construction experience. As Senior Project Manager he will guide the project team from preconstruction through closeout. Dean specializes in mixed-use, multi-unit housing and has a wealth of experience which enables him to tackle a wide variety of projects with knowledge and a thoughtful strategy. Dean prides himself in being proactive in spotting constructibility issues prior to construction and offering solutions that minimize cost and scheduling impacts. He offers a wide knowledge base of construction practices and scopes so he can provide cost effective solutions. As a Project Manager Dean will implement schedule and budget, assist in achieving LEED certification and be heavily involved in preconstruction efforts and contract negotiatio

Greg has managed some of Walsh’s most complex residential projects. As a key team member at Alderbrook Inn, Greg was involved from the beginning on the extensive addition and rebuild of the landmark resort. Greg recently completed UW Lander Hall, a seven-story, mixed-use building with 357 units. The project is a hub for student services, and includes a restaurant/dining hall and regional desk. Greg is a champion of green building, and his work includes Kenyon House, the first multi-unit housing in Washington to achieve Platinum LEED for Homes. He has extensive experience with schedule preparation, analysis and all other aspects of project management; a dedicated and effective team leader who works closely with the owner and design team to help achieve project goals.

Jack is well-respected for his work with non-profit organizations and is very familiar with the administrative processes involved with successfully managing affordable housing projects. Jack has an active role in all value engineering, cost estimating, method and product analysis. He has extensive experience with schedule preparation and analysis and all other aspects of project management. Jack works with our superintendents throughout the construction phase to direct the completion of the work, ensuring that all project goals for safety, schedule, quality, and budget are exceeded. He is a dedicated and effective team leader who works closely with the owner and design team to help achieve project goals.

Jake LaManna joined Walsh Construction Co. (WALSH) in 2015 and has 10 years of experience in the architecture and construction industries. As a WALSH Quality Manager he is responsible for the implementation of Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures. In the preconstruction phase of a project, Jake reviews the drawings and specifications in progress and advises the project team on quality and constructability issues. During construction, Jake oversees installation procedures and envelope coordination activities and conducts construction reviews with the craftspeople responsible for execution to ensure a high quality project.

Jake was drawn to WALSH to work in the space between the construction documentation and the physical products’ installation to make the building enclosure durable and the building process enjoyable — both in construction for the builders and in operation for the tenants and the owners. He appreciates translating “Architect” into “Builder” and back again while applying the tenets of sound building science to improve the durability and value of WALSH projects. In his spare time, he volunteers for the Construction Specifications Institute in Portland, Oregon; silently partners in the operation of a small craft brewing operation in his hometown of Gillette, Wyoming; and on the weekends works diligently on the upkeep of his wife Ali’s fifth generation family farm near La Center, WA. Sometimes he takes a vacation to ski/snowboard or lay in the sun.
Oh, and there are two dogs too.

Jay Nees is a Walsh Construction Co. project manager who joined Walsh Construction Co. in 1999 as an assistant superintendent and has worked his way up to senior project manager. He has been involved in many of our tenant improvement projects, and understands the particular sensitivities of working in occupied spaces. As senior project manager, Jay’s duties include estimating, value engineering, contract negotiations with owners and subcontractors, job cost and schedule monitoring, safety and encourage community outreach participation and other project management duties.

Jay has technical knowledge combined with hands-on experience, enabling him to tackle the most challenging projects. He has built and renovated buildings of all types, including wood-frame, concrete, and structural steel, as well as a vast array of hybrid structures. A strong advocate, Jay is passionate about working to overcome social, cultural and financial barriers to safe, affordable housing.

Marc has a profound understanding of business development and project management including: preconstruction, MEP coordination, risk mitigation, accurate financial forecasting, cost control of subcontractors and suppliers, effective contract administration, and timely closeout of projects. As a Senior Project Manager at Walsh Construction Co., Marc works with the team on all stages of project preparation, from preconstruction through the final estimate and value engineering phases. Marc has successfully managed senior care projects valued at over $100m across various commercial markets and continues to build strong customer relationships in this market.

Sandi is a project leader with 19 years of industry experience and a comprehensive background in new construction, retrofit/renovations and industrial projects. Her mastery of project management extends to fast track and design-build projects, quality control, and sites with rigorous environmental requirements. Sandi has managed a diversity of projects, with an outstanding track record of on-time and ahead of schedule delivery. Her rapport-building approach to communications promotes team building and positive, efficient results.

Tracy has 18 years of  experience with mixed-use and renovation projects, including high-profile new  such as the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in Seattle, and fast track, complex tenant improvements for commercial clients including Boeing, US Bank, ID Biomedical and Wright Runstad. Tracy was a key member of our Douglas Residence Hall and BelRoy Court teams, taking charge throughout  of subcontractor coordination and sustainability documentation for these challenging mixed-use  projects.