Locations
Sussex Development Corp.
President
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Cindy Wells's Bio
Cindy joined the Sussex Team in 2017, as our Administrative Assistant and has since proven to be an integral part of our daily life. She keeps the office running smoothly and earned the esteemed position of being our first Chief People Officer. She provides exceptional customer relations and service throughout the entire organization; being the first-person people speak with upon visiting or calling our office. Not only does Cindy serve the office in an administrative capacity, but she maintains team morale by exuding compassion, helpfulness, professionalism and leadership to all employees.
If Cindy isn't working, you can find her enjoying a variety of activities: walking on the beach, traveling, enjoying new adventures, or reading a good novel. She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is passionate about serving the community and has dedicated over twelve years volunteering with multiple non-profit organizations with a focus on natural disaster relief causes.
Harry L. Davis III's Bio
Harry is a Virginia Beach native with strong ties to the local community. In 1978, he graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction. Before founding Sussex Development in 1990, Harry began his construction career as a Project Engineer on multi-million dollar projects, such as the State of Georgia Prison Hospital Complex, working his way up to Vice-President for a prominent area general contractor.
Harry firmly believes in a commitment to family, community and the construction industry. He currently serves on the Second Century Committee at Virginia Beach United Methodist Church. He has served the Associated General Contractors of Virginia in various capacities, including President of both the state and local chapters and is currently on the board of the Builders & Contractor’s Exchange, becoming its President in 2018. Harry is an avid supporter of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters, and the Wounded Warrior Program, along with other area youth and military groups.
LeeAnn Old's Bio
LeeAnn joined the Sussex Development Team in 2006, as an Accountant after completing her B.A. degree in Business Management, with a concentration in Accounting, from Virginia Wesleyan College. LeeAnn quickly implemented methods to more accurately track job costs, allowing for better reporting and evaluation of finished projects. In 2009, she was promoted to Controller, and was named Chief Financial Officer in 2018. She is responsible for all financial and accounting operations of the company, including risk management and human resource functions. In 2011, LeeAnn passed the Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals (CCIFP) exam to become one of only a few individuals certified in the State of Virginia and specializes in construction accounting.
Estimating, Purchasing & Preconstruction
Cassie Gillick's Bio
Cassie grew up in Boston, MA, eventually graduating from Wentworth Institute of Technology, obtaining her B.S. in Construction Management. She completed multiple co-ops and internships in the general contracting field and especially fell in love with the industry after having the opportunity to travel the world working for an international general contractor. Since returning stateside, she has devoted her career to the construction industry engaging in roles from Project Engineer to Senior Estimator, and in 2018 joined Sussex Development as our lead Estimator.
In addition to a full-time career, Cassie is working on a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a construction management concentration. She is dedicated to the March of Dimes, volunteering each year for March for Babies in Virginia Beach. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two young children, two huskies, and runs a cottage cake baking business. Cassie is OSHA-30 certified, certified in ACI Concrete Field Testing (Grade I), and certified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Quality Management for Contractors.
Victoria Birckbichler's Bio
Victoria began her construction career with a prominent New England nursing facility developer, before moving to Europe, where she earned her B.A. in Business Management and Psychology. She spent six successful years as a Project Manager for a Virginia Beach based international signage firm, where she specialized in national branding conversion programs and large-scale architectural projects across the country. She facilitated site surveys, met with ARBs, and managed all aspects of leading a project through the design, production, installation, billing and final project close out, often coordinating more than 350 contractors for a single project.
In 2005, Victoria accepted a position with Sussex Development as a Project Engineer, and after a few short months was promoted to Senior Project Engineer, and in 2015, accepted a position as Preconstruction Manager. Since joining Sussex Development, Victoria completed her certification as a Construction Industry Technician through Clemson University, and in 2013, attained her ASHE Healthcare Construction Certification. From 2008-2011 she was mentored by the founder of Circle Safety & Health Consultants to become familiar with OSHA/VOSH regulations, site safety auditing and helped lead Sussex Development in further development of its Safety Program. Victoria also has a vital role overseeing our IT/Communication systems.
For many years Victoria was a member of the local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate (HRACRE). Presently she is focusing her community efforts through organizations her daughter participates, like the Girl Scouts and a Volunteer Community Dance Group.
Operations
Andrew Hammond's Bio
Andy joined Sussex Development in 2008, with a goal to get back into the field and out of the office. He earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Andy spent five years as a Project Manager on municipal earthmoving and underground utility projects, then seven years as a Project Manager for small commercial construction projects. Before either of those roles, he was a field superintendent for similar projects to those he managed. Andy is OSHA 10-Hour Certified and CPR/Adult AED/First Aid Certified.
At Sussex Development, Andy quickly proved himself to be well-qualified in leading field activities on a wide array of projects such as small-scale patient room renovations, exterior canopy / entrance renovation and he completed a high-end, multi-unit residential condominium building. Many of his projects are in ultra-sensitive patient areas, like Labor & Delivery Units and Imaging Centers, which require an extra level of attention to the patients, security and ICRA requirements. Andy’s portfolio includes such clients as ABNB Federal Credit Union, TowneBank and East Beach Villas. Most of Andy’s project portfolio with Sussex Development has been medical work where he performed dozens of projects for Sentara Healthcare, Sentara Medical Group, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. Currently Andy is in the unique position of being assigned a multi-year contract, managing many small to large scale construction projects for an international manufacturing Client in Virginia Beach.
When he has free moments, Andy enjoys spending quality time with his wife and four children, playing an active role in their schooling and extra-curricular activities.
David Brothers's Bio
David grew up in Elizabeth City. He is a firm believer in continuing education and learning. He graduated from Mid-Atlantic Christin University in 1980, with a B.A. in Ministry, going on to complete an additional 46 CU at the undergrad and grad levels, he completed course work in the North Carolina State Certificate of Project Management program, was previously a licensed NC Limited Builder and Virginia Class A Builder. He is CPR/AED/First Aid and OSHA 30 hour certified and completed USACE CQM certification in 2011, and 2017, and is also a Virginia Certified Responsible Land Disturber.
Since 1998, David has been active in the construction industry as either a superintendent or project manager. He is accomplished in writing scopes of work, bid packages, reviewing submittals, reviewing contract documents, project scheduling, crew management, quality control and project documentation. David is a skilled framer and trim carpenter. He is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with family and friends, a good game of golf, and can be found on ski slopes in winter.
Jeff Ocker's Bio
Jeff is one Sussex Development’s original three employees and has remained a Team member since 1990. During high school, Jeff attended Virginia Beach VoTec School for Carpentry, and went on to complete an AGC sponsored apprenticeship program. Jeff is CPR, Adult AED and First Aid Certified, OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour Certified and a Virginia Responsible Land Disturber.
Jeff takes a hands-on approach to field activities and is experienced in most areas of construction. He visualizes contract drawings and sees how a building will come together, making him particularly skilled in identifying challenges and providing innovative solutions. His experience makes Jeff one of our most valued senior level Project Superintendents. He has performed multiple projects for the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, erected the Rouse Building, College of the Albemarle Aviation Training Center and Widgeon Professional Center (the home of Sussex Development’s corporate office).
When not at work, Jeff enjoys hunting and is an avid Kayak fisherman.
John Dalton's Bio
John is a Hampton Roads native and joined the local construction industry at the age of 15. His early career was in concrete and site work, running heavy equipment – a skill he has maintained throughout his career. John has extensive experience in sitework, utilities and framing. He has also field supervised the erection of several prefabricated metal buildings. John is OSHA 30 Hour and Silica certified.
Keith Ayers's Bio
Keith began working residential construction projects part-time in high school where he developed a passion for the industry. After graduating he took a full-time job in the commercial sector. Keith is experienced in a wide cross-section of the marketplace, focusing on medical, bank and retail projects. Keith has experience being a Project Superintendent on two, multimillion dollar LEED Platinum Projects.
Guiding Keith is a passion to learn. He is continuously seeking ways to hone his skills and take on new challenges. Consequently, he holds OSHA 10, 30, 510 and Focus-Four Certifications. Keith is Mold Remediation Certified and a Virginia Responsible Land Disturber (RLD).
His aptitude for technology lead him to become a leader for Sussex Development’s Superintendent Team in ways to maximize the benefits of having iPads on job sites. He is motivated to research new apps, programs and methods to improve the field experience, and mentors his co-workers on the mobile devices. On the jobsite, this attitude helps him work with design professionals and subcontractor to overcome obstacles.
Keith has successfully renovated and built new facilities such as TowneBank, College of the Albemarle, Wagner Macula & Retina Centers and Advanced Vision Institute.
Keith Selby's Bio
Keith has nearly four decades of construction experience. He started as a journeyman carpenter after high school and ultimately joined Sussex Development’s Team in 2001. Throughout his career, Keith sought to learn all he could about leading a successful construction project. He is an accomplished team leader on projects ranging from the smallest 1,000 SF renovation to ground-up projects. Keith is ASHE HCC Certified, Mold Remediation Certified, a Certified Renovator (Lead-Based Paint) and maintains CPR / AED & First Aid Certifications.
In recent years, Keith’s focus has been on medical projects, taking a lead role in our work for Sentara Healthcare. He is especially sensitive to working in a hospital setting, around patients and medical staff.
Keith possesses an intense sense of community and giving. At thirteen he joined the Hampton Volunteer Fire Department where he has remained a volunteer and is currently their Incident Safety Officer. In his free time, he and his family are avid campers and enjoy the outdoors.
Lee Sawyer's Bio
Lee started his construction career when he was 15, working weekends, vacations and holidays in high school. He has accumulated a wealth of knowledge over nearly 60-years in construction and has been a solid asset to the Sussex Development Team since 2004.
Lee spent four years as an electrical apprentice, four years serving as a civil service drafter, one-year working with acoustical ceilings and ten years as a caseworker. Prior to joining Sussex Development, he owned and operated his own construction company, performing commercial renovations and build-outs for clients like Haynes Furniture, Circuit City and numerous retail stores in area malls. Lee’s company had a residential division that built 100+ area homes, one was a Home-A-Rama award recipient. Lee is OSHA 10-Hour Certified, Mold Remediation Certified and is a Certified Renovator (Lead-Based Paint), and First Aid/AED/CPR certified.
He specializes in medical project renovations, having completed dozens of projects for the area’s leading health care providers. His secondary niche is Class A office buildouts and renovations. His reach extends outside Hampton Roads, into Maryland and Delaware.
In his youth, Lee was an avid equestrian and competed in numerous events. Now in his spare time, you might find him riding his motorcycle with friends.
Mike Spicer's Bio
Mike is one of the original three Sussex Development Team Members. He has nearly 50-years of hands-on construction experience in the Mid-Atlantic Region. He attended the Delaware Vocation School and worked his way up from a carpenter to Project Superintendent before joining Sussex Development.
Mike has a solid reputation as a powerhouse in delivering first-class projects on schedule and under budget. Clients trust his integrity, judgment, attention to detail and ability to provide them with quality buildings. Subcontractors know they will be treated fairly and count on Mike to give them the support they need.
His market niche is multi-million dollar medical, recreational, and institutional facilities. Mike managed the construction of more than twenty YMCA projects through the years, and performed countless work with TowneBank. His dedication to excellence is exemplified in the multiple repeat work and referrals from our existing clientele.
Ric Horton's Bio
Ric boasts that his construction career began in elementary school helping his dad, who was also a contractor. His experience continued after graduating high school in 1979, and has carried forward throughout his adult life. Ric is OSHA 30-Hour Certified, Mold Remediation Certified, is a Certified Renovator (Lead-Based Paint), a Virginia Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) and maintains his First Aid / AED/ CPR certification.
Before joining the Sussex Team in 2007, Ric spent five years working with a major local steel erection company. The previous fourteen years he traveled throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and Tennessee, successfully managing the construction of dozens of chain restaurants. Ric is a preferred Superintendent on TowneBank projects and fostered a solid relationship with other clients, such as Sentara Healthcare.
Ric is known for identifying potential areas of conflict early in a project, finding feasible and cost-effective solutions and alerting the Architect and Owner with sufficient time to allow for the adjustment and maintain the project schedule. He is an excellent mentor to others and his solid leadership skills lend well to managing the daily operations and workers on both large and small construction projects.
Rolley Davis's Bio
Rolley was born into the construction industry, so it was a natural fit when choosing his career path. Growing up, he spent many hours at Sussex Development learning from his father, interning in the office and field throughout high school and college. These early influences led him to pursue a B.S. in Construction Management at East Carolina University. While in college he was a volunteer fire fighter for the Eastern Pines, NC Volunteer Fire Department and visited China in 2008, touring the region’s ancient and modern architecture.
Since joining the Sussex Development Team full time in 2009, as an Assistant Superintendent then Project Superintendent, he gained substantial hands-on experience with ground up construction projects, such as YMCAs and oversaw many specialized medical renovations and build outs. He is currently focused on serving the needs of our Banking, Industrial and Medical clientele.
Rolley is now one of our Project Managers and oversees our Service Department, providing post-construction care for several continual Clients. Rolley is OSHA 30-hour, ASHE Healthcare Construction and Mold Remediation certified. In June of 2017, Rolley completed the requirements to become a CICTI Certified Healthcare Trainer. In addition to becoming a new dad, Rolley is active in the Young Leaders of the Associated General Contractors (AGC).