ACEC Colorado Honors Young Professional of the Year
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado (ACEC Colorado) honored Ryan Loftus, PE (Sterling Design Associates – Littleton) as the Young Professional of the Year at its virtual Leadership Development Program Graduation ceremony on Aug. 13.
The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes the notable skills and abilities of the next generation of engineering leaders. Entrants for this award must be nominated by a leader in their firm and demonstrate a significant impact on public welfare on a project and/or the furthering of professional growth and development within their firm.
Loftus was nominated by Wayne T. Sterling, PLA, LEED-AP, president at Sterling Design Associates, where Loftus has worked for the past five years. “From day one, Ryan has always been about people. This ranges from the clients that hire us to the staff and consultants he works with to the contractors that implement the design and all the way to the built environment end users…[it’s] inspiring to see on a daily basis,” commented Sterling.
In addition to his project responsibilities at Sterling Design Associates, Loftus has also made distinguishable contributions to the firm itself. In an effort to help the firm become a more streamlined land development company, Loftus implemented AutoCAD and Civil3D standards, which are technology software applications in the engineering industry. He also produced training manuals and conducted instructional seminars for both individual and companywide sessions. Loftus developed and instituted training methodologies for onboarding new employees, to quickly and efficiently acclimate new employees into the company while also ensuring standards are maintained.
“Although standards and training procedures provide benefits to cost-efficiency, the main goal of these directives is not aimed at the bottom line. These directives were developed with the desire to help each individual within our organization put their best foot forward, both personally and professionally,” commented Loftus.
Swinerton Announces Employee Transition and Promotions
As Swinerton’s Colorado Division continues to diversify its market participation and increase associated operational capacity, Swinerton announces the transition of Aaron Townsend to director of Target Markets from director of Preconstruction. Complimenting Aaron’s transition, Tyler Whittaker has been promoted to director of Preconstruction.
“Since joining Swinerton in 2012, Aaron has been instrumental in transforming Swinerton’s preconstruction department into a robust group of talented individuals who provide our clients excellent preconstruction services,” said Tim Kretzschmar, Swinerton’s Colorado Division manager and vice president. “Now, as Aaron directs Swinerton in market expansion and diversification, Tyler leverages his robust history of providing preconstruction services in the Colorado market since 2008 to lead our preconstruction team and continue to deliver services that our clients and design partners have come to expect from Swinerton.”
Mark Schaefer has also been promoted to Preconstruction manager. Mark graduated from Southern Illinoisc University in Edwards with his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. He’s been in the industry for over 13 years and joined Swinerton in 2013.
Kris Kreymborg has been promoted to senior project manager. Kris joined Swinerton in 2012 as part of the division’s first intern class in 2012. Kris graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Colorado State University.
Premier Multifamily Investment, Development and Property Management Company Welcomes New VP of Asset Management
Kairoi Residential, a premier, vertically integrated, multifamily investment, development and property management company, is pleased to welcome Chuck Briant as the vice president of asset management for the Investment Division. He will oversee all Kairoi Investment properties as the lead asset management executive responsible for executing the investment strategy from inception through disposition. He also leads investor relations with Kairoi’s existing partners and will contribute to cultivating new relationships.
Briant has a broad base of global real estate experience in all product types. He spent time in both the U.S. and Europe overseeing a large portfolio of global real estate assets during his ten years at Goldman Sachs. During his tenure at Goldman, he also served as the program leader of the real estate analyst cross-training program. After Goldman, he began to focus on multifamily becoming the Director of Investments for Cortland. In this role, he led all Cortland’s investment and management activities in the Dallas / Fort Worth market. His most recent role, prior to Kairoi, was as Nicolas Residential’s executive vice president of asset management and operations where he oversaw over 4,000 units in Texas and Oklahoma implementing institutional best practices and executing multiple business plans.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Chuck to the Kairoi team and continue to provide our investment partners with outstanding professionals who provide a wealth of experience and knowledge,” said Madison Marceau, president of acquisitions for Kairoi. “Our company is committed to providing our partners, residents, associates and colleagues with people they can trust and can feel confident in knowing are dedicated to providing the best service and outcomes possible.”
Denver Urban Renewal Authority Announces New CFO
The Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) has welcomed Charles Garcia as its new chief financial officer overseeing the organization’s financial operations.
Garcia joins DURA from Denver Public Schools (DPS) where he served as treasury director, managing the district’s treasury functions, including capital project financing and management of cash and investments. Garcia was also the primary liaison between DPS and DURA, where he led the process to analyze impacts of urban renewal and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects on DPS services.
“Charles brings not only a wealth of experience to DURA, he also understands and appreciates the value of collaboration and transparency in helping to foster responsible redevelopment,” said Tracy Huggins, executive director of DURA. “He has helped manage a variety of TIF projects that continue to provide mutual benefits to DPS, DURA and the citizens of Denver.”
Garcia brings more than 25 years of experience in public finance to DURA, having worked previously as an investment banker and financial advisor to state and local governments and nonprofits throughout Colorado. He has also held roles in commercial banking and as an advisor to educational institutions at Bank of the West.
“I’m grateful and excited to join an accomplished team that has been a key driver in the redevelopment and housing rehabilitation efforts of the city for many years,” said Garcia. “The opportunity to continue my work in public finance and combine it with my passion for projects that improve and sustain the physical, economic and social infrastructure of our communities is fantastic. I look forward to helping DURA manage and maintain the strong financial footing it needs to perform its important mission.”
As a board trustee for the Colorado Statewide Investment Program, Garcia also participates in the governance of an investment program that provides Colorado local governments with tools for meeting their cash flow and investment needs. Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with an emphasis in finance and a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
