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Gilbane Building Co.
Mr.
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Adam R. Jelen's Bio
Adam is responsible for Gilbane’s Midwest and West operations. A forward-thinking leader, Adam is dedicated to creating world-class facilities while moving our communities forward through workforce development and economic inclusion. He joined Gilbane in 2005 and quickly demonstrated outstanding abilities as a leader whose work ethic, creative management skills and engaging personal style have been an inspiration to all his colleagues. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and a recognized expert in Integrated Project Delivery, Lean Construction and Building Information Modeling. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction from Bradley University and Associate of Science in Science from Harper College.
Adam has a deep passion for inspiring others to achieve their personal best and advancing the industry with continuous elevation of project delivery. He serves as Executive Sponsor for Gilbane’s Military Advantage Employee Resource Group in support of veterans. He is a founding member and board President of the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Milwaukee.
Brad A. Gordon's Bio
Brad supervises all legal affairs including corporate policymaking, compliance, claims resolution, litigation management, labor relations, contracts and corporate governance and serves as Gilbane’s chief ethics and compliance officer. Licensed to practice law in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Virginia and D.C., he is an adjunct professor of law at Roger Williams University Law School and a Fellow in the American College of Construction Lawyers and frequently conducts professional seminars and participates in industry panels discussing topics ranging from risk management to corporate ethics.
Brad earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and his J.D. from George Washington University Law School.
In addition to teaching, Brad has served in various elected positions for the Town of Marion, Massachusetts, as a planning board member, school committee chairperson and currently Town Moderator.
Carolyn Pfude's Bio
Under Carolyn’s leadership, Gilbane’s Transition Planning & Management (TPM) and Facilities Management Service (FMS) have grown significantly. She specializes in large project portfolios with complex transition and facility management requirements in virtually every market sector. Known for her leadership, innovative approaches and commitment to preparing clients for successfully activating, occupying and sustaining operations of their new or renovated facilities, she is well versed in operational transition and facility activation consulting and with directing project teams. Carolyn graduated from Mercer University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications.
Carolyn’s team has a passion for working with their clients to fully understand the way they do business and what their future vision is for their new facility. They add value by capturing everything that needs to be done by the owner (outside of the construction contract) and ensuring there is a plan and resources in place to be fully operational on day one.
Dan Gilbane's Bio
Dan leads Gilbane’s companywide strategic initiatives, providing single-point executive oversight for several growing entities including disaster response and reconstruction services, a subsidiary providing equipment, jobsite safety, general labor, carpentry and final cleaning services. A fifth-generation Gilbane family member, Dan also leads the National Clients team and the company’s Centers of Excellence which drives value for clients throughout the project lifecycle through market-sector best practices. In addition to these client-driven focus areas, Dan has direct involvement with Gilbane’s acquisition strategy. Dan received his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Brown University and received a Master in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.
Dan is the co-sponsor of H@LA, Gilbane’s Hispanic and LatinX Employee Resource Group and was the United Way Campaign Chair for Greater Houston helping to raise over $70 million for some of the most vulnerable community members.
Donald Naber's Bio
During Don’s tenure with Gilbane for 14 years, he has implemented and managed various insurance and risk management programs. He is responsible for insurance claim management and insurance contract negotiations, including all risk management policy and procedures that complement these programs. He is versatile in structuring Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs (CCIPs) that provide value to our clients. Don received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Providence College.
As director of the Gilbane Insurance Group (GIG), Don works closely with Gilbane’s safety, purchasing, legal and operations department.
Gregory J. Coverdale's Bio
Greg manages the overall direction and leadership of the internal audit function for Gilbane. His job responsibilities include examining and evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of the system of internal controls and risk management processes for Gilbane Building Company and Gilbane Development Company. Greg has over 25 years of operational, financial, and compliance auditing experience in construction and real estate development. Greg earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bucknell University while majoring in accounting. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of Pennsylvania and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Greg brings a proactive approach to internal audit and works closely with our leadership teams and business units to identify, analyze, and manage internal controls.
Heidi Debenedetti's Bio
A Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) certified professional with more than 25 years of industry experience and knowledge, Heidi is responsible for the strategic growth and profitability of Gilbane’s Federal and Southeast Divisions. Heidi received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder and her Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University.
Heidi believes that there’s a difference between hearing what our clients say and really listening to and understanding what they are saying in order to partner to bring the right solutions forward. She believes that one of the ways we add value is through incorporation of cutting edge technology. Heidi serves as Executive Sponsor for empoWer, Gilbane’s Employee Resource Group dedicated to supporting women within the company.
Jason L. Pelkey's Bio
Jason directs the Gilbane Technology Group (GTG) that provides innovative capabilities for the company’s workforce, is the driver for information technology globally and supports Gilbane’s transformation agenda. Prior to joining Gilbane, Jason spent 14 years at General Electric after graduating from their Information Management Leadership Program. Throughout his career, he has been leading teams in every aspect of information technology and acquisition integration.
Jason holds a Master of Science in Management Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Clarkson University.
Kahlil Olmstead's Bio
In 2011, Kahlil helped develop Gilbane’s wholly owned subsidiary focused on workforce development. First launched in Gilbane’s New England Division, Kahlil applied the core value of entrepreneurship to grow our workforce business, which is now utilized across all Gilbane Divisions, promoting workforce development and providing employment opportunities for a diverse population nationwide. Kahlil earned his Bachelor of Arts in Government from Georgetown University and a Master of Urban Affairs/Planning from Boston University.
Kahlil is a role model for youth in under-resourced communities. He serves as vice-chair of the Cristo Rey High School board of trustees in Boston and was named vice-chair of the Governance Committee Boston for the Boston Police Activities League Board of Directors.
Karen Medeiros's Bio
Karen leads Gilbane’s business development teams to execute the firm’s sales strategy and engages audiences to continuously build Gilbane’s global brand and visibility. Her collaborative approach has generated award-winning campaigns, innovative digital strategies and original channels that inspire connectivity with clients, industry partners and employees.
She has held progressive roles during her 20+ years at Gilbane including marketing management and client development in New England, divisional sales management in the greater Washington DC area, and corporate leadership. Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Karen is inspired by serving her community. She is the Treasurer for Construction Safety Week, an industrywide annual event that brings together more than 70 national and global construction firms and sponsors to motivate everyone in the industry to be leaders in safety. She is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary which is dedicated to serving veterans, military, and their families. She is a former elected school committee member in Somerset, Massachusetts and has served on several boards including the Somerset Federal Credit Union and the Charlton College of Business at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Katherine Johnson's Bio
Katherine is responsible for developing and executing the company’s global people strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization. She is responsible for implementing and managing the company’s “People First” vision. She has more than 27 years of success in implementing strategies for global companies that have achieved organizational effectiveness, business goals for growth and innovative programs to attract and retain talent. Katherine holds a Master of Education and Organizational Development from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado.
Katherine feels Gilbane’s Caring core value resonates the most with her, as it truly puts People First. It speaks to who we are as a company and how we treat our people from safety to inclusion and more. Katherine has volunteered her time in targeted event opportunities to give back into her local community to help those who are less fortunate. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Volunteers of America, Colorado Chapter
Michael E. Mckelvy's Bio
Mike is president and chief executive officer of Gilbane Building Company. He joined the company in 2014 as chief operating officer. He has spent his entire career in the architecture and construction industry, bringing a broad-based background in both domestic and international markets, and vertical and horizontal construction. He has construction experience worldwide in more than 20 countries and is responsible for developing and executing the company’s strategic business plan. He directs the executive vice presidents and corporate senior vice presidents with ultimate accountability for profit and loss. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from Oklahoma University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana Tech University.
Mike is a supporter of Meeting Street in Providence, Rhode Island where he serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees since 2015. Founded in 1946, Meeting Street compassionately and innovatively empowers children and their families to thrive by fostering the development of the whole child. Meeting Street has created an environment where individuals of all abilities learn, play, work, and live together.
Michael M. Costello's Bio
Mike is responsible for maintaining the quality and timeliness of the internal reporting and controls, monthly financial reports with forecast data, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cost, payroll and joint venture accounting. He is also responsible for the administration and internal maintenance and development of all national accounts for office equipment, office supplies, travel and travel-related services. A Certified Public Accountant, Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Psychology from California State University and his Master of Business Administration/Finance from California Polytechnic University.
Mike has a proven track record of delivering top and bottom-line growth for both large and small companies in the U.S. and overseas.
Paul J. Choquette, III's Bio
Paul oversees all business and sales strategies for the Mid-Atlantic region including Washington, D.C., Maryland and Pennsylvania. In addition, Paul is responsible for our Transition Planning & Management (TPM) and Facilities Management Service (FMS) consulting services and leads our national strategy around public private partnerships. A fifth-generation Gilbane family member, he is an active participant in the community and industry organizations. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University and a Master of Business Administration from Northeastern University.
Paul serves as chairman for the ACE Mentor Program of Washington, D.C., and is the executive sponsor of Gilbane’s company-wide Black/African American Employee Resource Group. He is on multiple boards and serves on the Executive Board of the Federal City Council. Paul supports an innovative and inclusive culture so that teams have a safe space to explore new ideas and tools to increase productivity and efficiency. Paul believes business transformations happen when teams feel comfortable leaning into responsible risks and being solutions-driven.
Ryan E. Hutchins's Bio
Ryan provides executive leadership to business in Mexico, the Southwest, Ohio, and New England. With over 20 years at Gilbane, Ryan has held key operational and sales management roles, including providing hands-on leadership to the business development teams. Throughout his career, he has raised the bar for quality in construction standards, bridged labor relations, championed minority participation and workforce strategies, and initiated new services. Ryan earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Babson College.
Ryan believes we can move our business forward by embracing innovation. The world around us is changing daily and this industry needs to push innovation to grow. He also encourages the celebration of inclusion and diversity at Gilbane and truly enjoys spending time with all our employees and finding ways to help them grow as people and within our organization. Ryan’s civic involvement includes leadership positions in many industry associations. He has served as the Children’s Trust Chair, current emeritus board member and past Chair of Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, and is currently a Wentworth Trustee serving as the Board Secretary.
Steve Duvel's Bio
Steve leads the continued development, growth and oversight of Gilbane’s New England division, which is comprised of more than 320 employees. Steve began his career with Gilbane in 1997 and has served in many positions with the company. He is the co-chair of the Strategic Advisory Council of the Roger Williams University Construction Management Professional Advisory Board and is serving on New England Council’s board of directors. Graduate of the 2012, Theta II, Class of Leadership Rhode Island, he is a Lean Practitioner and graduated from the Executive Leadership Program at Babson College. He is a current member of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, Construction Management Association of America and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Steve’s leadership philosophy is to lead with your strengths. When we exercise our natural talents and strengths, one quickly concludes that we need others to be successful. He believes that diverse teams are the most successful teams.
Thomas F. Gilbane Jr.'s Bio
Tom is a fourth-generation Gilbane family member and the seventh to lead the company since its start in 1870. Tom sets the strategy and goals for Gilbane, Inc. in collaboration with the board of directors and directs the organization’s growth through acquisitions or investments. He has been the driving force behind Gilbane Building Company’s expansion in the U.S. and internationally. Under his guidance, Gilbane operates with a “one company” philosophy that maximizes resources and expertise for our clients. He exemplifies an inclusive family culture and commitment to our core values and safety. A graduate of Harvard Graduate School of Business’ Advanced Management Program, he earned a Master of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in civil engineering while majoring in project management. Tom earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Babson College and a Certificate in Building Construction from the Rhode Island School of Design. He attended Brown University for three years studying liberal arts and served six years in the Army National Guard’s Engineer Battalion as a 2nd Lieutenant.
Tom M. Laird, Jr.'s Bio
Tom leads Gilbane Technology Group (GTG) and plays a strategic role in driving innovation throughout Gilbane. He also provides executive leadership to the New York Division which includes New York City, Upstate New York, and New Jersey. He champions Gilbane’s Environmental, Sustainability & Governance (ESG) initiative which is dedicated to delivering a better future for our entire Gilbane family of employees, for the communities in which we live and work, and for the generations to come. Tom earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the University of Cincinnati and his Master of Science in Real Estate from Johns Hopkins University.
Tom served as board chairman for the ACE Mentor Program of Cleveland, which gave over $1million in college assistance for ACE students. He was named the 2012 recipient of the Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Non-Profit Board Executive of the Year.