Relentless Ally since 2016

As Business Development Manager, Preston leverages his relationships and project expertise to aid our client development and work-winning efforts. Prior to this role, he gained over six years of project management experience working with our Large Projects and Interiors & Special Projects team. Preston joined Balfour Beatty in 2016 after graduating from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

Right on Track

Whether they carry commercial goods, raw materials or people, trains rarely have the luxury of stopping for long. That’s rarely an issue on an active rail line, but when railways require new construction, renovation and modernization, you need a hands-on expert who can keep things on track.

As one of Balfour Beatty’s leading rail experts, Area Operations Manager Chuck Chapman understands the importance of solutions-driven rail construction. Throughout his impressive 35-year career, Chuck has honed his skills as an innovative problem-solver, a master communicator and a creative project scheduler for public and private clients alike. Every dollar and every hour saved counts, and Balfour Beatty’s forward-thinking rail professionals like Chuck skillfully identify them at every turn.

Hands-On Problem Solving

Project leaders must display innovative problem-solving and the willingness to roll up one’s sleeves, take a personal role in the project plan and execute the best path forward.

Chuck’s storied career is replete with such situations, both as an estimator and as a project manager, and where the two disciplines converge. On a former employer’s bridge project, Chuck and his team were faced with a dilemma: the project required the creation of a dewatered area to facilitate bridgework, but traditional methods of sinking a cofferdam using sheet piles wouldn’t be adequate.

The approach spans of the bridge offered too little clearance to install cofferdams, and splicing sheet piles to handle the task would have increased project costs. So Chuck and his team got creative. They combined the strengths of each method by securing sheet piles to the cofferdam base using bulb seals.

“On each phase of the bridge, our solution probably saved four to six months,” Chuck recalls. “You multiply that across 36 segments, and the time and cost savings made an incredible difference for our client.”

While that level of creative problem-solving can come with the territory of complex infrastructure construction, it remains one of Chuck’s favorite aspects of his job and something he sees as wise stewardship of clients’ valuable time and money.

“There’s always an opportunity to partner with our clients, develop solutions and proactively prevent problems,” Chuck adds. “We get the right people together to create solutions that serve a project technically, fiscally and safely.”

Complete Communication

From the earliest planning phases to the completion of a project’s lifecycle, project leaders must be master communicators with every stakeholder. Direct, constant communication with clients, owners and trade partners can help prevent costly delays and any unnecessary impacts to the traveling public or vital supply chains that rely on rail infrastructure.

On Chuck’s most recent project, the electrification of Caltrain in San Jose, California, he prioritizes clear and consistent communication with project leaders, the client and local municipal authorities, ensuring Balfour Beatty adheres to all standards and procedures for working in and around critical infrastructure. Chuck understands that early and proactive team alignment enables the collaborative development of solutions that enhance critical logistics and safety planning. 

Impact-Sensitive Scheduling

Chuck and his fellow rail experts at Balfour Beatty cultivate a shared team understanding our client’s vision and target turnover dates, enabling strategic and successful project schedules.

“Traffic impacts and utility relocation are at the forefront of our minds on any rail project, because we know how mission critical both can be,” Chuck says. “By identifying these constraints early, we’re actually empowered to plan the most effective solutions such as nighttime closures and utility relocations that avoid interference with rail tracks and any permitting necessary to accomplish both.”

Balfour Beatty’s rail leaders can also leverage the many advantages of prefabrication where it can accelerate the schedule, save money and mitigate a project’s public impact. Railway replacements are a prime example.

“Prefabrication is another powerful tool in our planning toolbox,” Chuck says. “If we can build 1,000 feet of rail next to its final location, we can keep trains moving during that process, take the line out of service for a shorter outage period and install the new rail all at once.”

United in Vision

For Chuck, understanding a client’s vision is just par for the course. By communicating that vision to all stakeholders, then planning, designing and scheduling projects accordingly, the entire team stays on track.

Rail is one of our oldest modes of motorized travel but still plays a crucial role in the way we move people and goods around our communities and around the country. We’re proud to serve our clients by making rail construction and renovation as efficient, expedient and economical as possible and empowering leaders like Chuck who can make it happen.

Relentless Ally since 1986

As the Vice President of Operations, Bryan is a seasoned and results-driven leader with a proven track record for driving operational success. With extensive experience working on large, complex projects like 500 Folsom and LAX Automated People Mover, he excels in optimizing processes and implementing efficiencies for his team. Bryan's exceptional analytical skills, strategic vision, and dedication to achieving client objectives make him a valuable asset in overseeing and elevating project success from inception to completion.

Relentless Ally since 2013

In his role as estimator for Total Power Group (TPG), Gary Fields seeks opportunities to provide equipment and services to customers, builds relationships with clients and vendors while also generating business for the manufacturing facility.

Gary leads his TPG teammates to deliver on project materials, equipment and services while maintaining communication with the client. He provides a level of continuity with customers and lends his project knowledge and experience to his colleagues.

While not at work, Gary enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially while boating. He serves as a lifetime member of the United States Power Squadron, a boating safety organization, and combines his passion for music and the beach by playing guitar in a local beach music band.

Relentless Ally since 2016

Kevin Miller serves as general manager for Total Power Group (TPG) and oversees the manufacturing facility in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He leads business development and operations delivering traction power projects in major cities across the country as well as customized energy solutions with a high-level of flexibility and value to TPG customers.

After an extensive career in food processing manufacturing, Kevin joined TPG in 2016. Since that time, he has secured and delivered projects for major city transit authorities in New York City, Los Angeles, Detroit, Denver, Charlotte and Boston. TPG is currently working in tandem with Balfour Beatty’s rail division at the Caltrain Electrification project and Los Angeles World Airport’s (LAX) Automated People Mover (APM) project.

Kevin received his bachelor of science degree in accounting from Ball State University. He is a father of three and enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors. 

Relentless Ally since 2023

Jeff Jessamine serves as project director for Balfour Beatty’s Civils business in the west region. He currently sits on Los Angeles World Airport’s (LAX) Automated People Mover (APM) project.

With over two decades of experience in the heavy civil market sector, Jeff has led many large-scale government infrastructure projects, including the largest consolidated rental car facility in the world to date at LAX and the Naval Station Pearl Harbor reconstruction.

Jeff holds a general engineering contractor’s license in California and is an accredited alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practitioner. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Forensic Expert Witness Association.

Relentless Ally since 2017

Christine Poll serves as accounting manager for Total Power Group (TPG) with an additional focus on sales.

After an extensive career in healthcare administration, Christine joined TPG in 2017. She has grown in the company from project analyst to human resources administrator to project accountant prior to being named accounting manager.

Christine graduated from Fayetteville State University with a bachelor of science in business administration, with minors in economics and accounting. She is a proud wife to a retired combat Air Force veteran, mother of three daughters and grandmother to three. Christine enjoys spending time with her family, reading and occasionally line dancing.

Relentless Ally since 2012

Will Pfeffer provides solutions for Balfour Beatty rail clients in transportation, freight and industrial services as the area operations manager.

He leads a strategic team and manages resources to provide a high-level of customer service to the rail business while also developing relationships to attract new projects. Will is a problem-solving servant leader that enjoys providing a personalized experience for clients and for the growth of his teammates.

Will attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, commonly referred to as Cal Poly Pomona, and received a bachelor of science in construction engineering technology prior to earning a master of business administration (MBA). He is also a certified project management professional (PMP).

A life-long Southern Californian, Will enjoys camping and making the most of Disneyland Park passes with his three children.

Relentless Ally since 1985

Roger Wilson brings his background as a civil engineer to serve as technical director for Balfour Beatty’s rail business.

Roger is a long-time Balfour Beatty teammate for the U.S. and the UK and is a project advisor on Los Angeles World Airport’s (LAX) Automated People Mover (APM) project. He served as the project manager for the first design-build highway project in the UK before moving to the U.S. Roger serves as an O&M board member for the Eagle P3 Commuter Rail.

While not at work, Roger enjoys skiing, golfing and hiking throughout Colorado and traveling to visit his four children.

Relentless Ally since 2019

Steve Williams is a problem-solving leader for Balfour Beatty’s civils business as the vice president of risk management. While promoting a culture of risk awareness, he supports complex projects and bid pursuits with the development of a corporate risk management policy, program and financial structure.

Steve plays an active role in providing solutions and context to the understanding of risks for Balfour Beatty teammates. He is passionate about integrating new technology into the risk methodologies of daily operations to create value through efficiency, safety and positive outcomes.

Although he began his career as a teacher, Steve’s broad perspective on risk management was born from his developmental work for companies across Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and the U.S. His efforts in leading mergers and acquisitions sparked the desire to continually utilize available technologies to overcome business obstacles.

In his free time, Steve enjoys cooking for his family, camping as well as watching college football and baseball. His love of music and travel combine in his occasional performances for a jazz and big band group that have played festivals and community concerts across North Texas, Italy and France, with plans to continue to play across Europe in the future.

Relentless Ally since 1999

Jay Boyd serves as the vice president of operations for Balfour Beatty’s civils business in the southeast region. He brings several decades of extensive supervisory and hands-on experience in complex heavy civil and marine construction projects to the company.

Since joining Balfour Beatty in 1999, Jay has grown from a project manager to specializing in overseeing environmentally sensitive projects within budget and at the highest standards of safety, innovation and quality. He is a licensed tugboat captain, certified crane operator and an expert in working in offshore and coastal marine environments.

Relentless Ally since 1996

Brian Ficzeri serves as the chief estimator for Balfour Beatty’s civils business in the southwest region, overseeing the estimating of all highways and bridges projects across Texas.

Brian joined Balfour Beatty in 1996 after college graduation and participated in the management of large highway projects throughout the Houston area prior to joining the estimating team in 2010.  Brian has assisted in multiple winning design build joint venture pursuits in Dallas (Dallas Horseshoe, The Southern Gateway and I-635 East) as well as Austin (U.S. 183 South and Oak Hill Parkway).

Brian graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelor of science in civil engineering. Brian is a father of two and loves to spend time with his family.  When not at work, Brian enjoys sports, working in the yard and home improvement projects.

Relentless Ally since 1999

Keith Nixon leads alternative delivery efforts for Balfour Beatty’s civils southeast region. He is passionately focused on effectively delivering innovative projects with an emphasis on safety, quality and timeliness.

Since joining Balfour Beatty in 1999, Keith continues to cultivate and utilize decades of industry experience spanning all aspects of project delivery. He serves as the client's single point of contact and is responsible for all planning, design, construction and contractual matters. Keith’s expertise plays a key role in developing and implementing the region’s strategic business plans and covers various contract types, including design-build, progressive design-build and CM-GC.

Keith is a graduate of Robert Gordon University in Scotland where he received a Bachelor of Science in quantity surveying. He is a Designated Design-Build Professional (DBIA) and a member of the Carolinas Association of General Contractors (CAGC).

Relentless Ally since 2008

Sarah Brand serves as vice president of national business acquisition for Balfour Beatty’s national operations where she is responsible for the development and support of strategic pursuits, with a focus on Federal acquisition with other teams. Sarah also supports Public-Private Partnership (P3) programs with the company's Buildings and Investments operations, and she is active in researching U.S. Rail opportunities and partnerships within existing Balfour Beatty geographies.

Since starting her career at Balfour Beatty in 2008, Sarah has successfully led the planning, design integration, and delivery efforts for various civic and social projects partnering with a range of clients from private developers to federal government entities. She has also guided project teams through the successful execution of design-build or team-based delivery methods and played an integral role in the pursuit and delivery of many high-profile projects including the National Science Foundation Headquarters, the Utah Data Center (USACE) and the $700 million design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) Joint Government Center in Broward County, Florida

Sarah is a graduate of Duke University where she received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering with an emphasis on structures and a certificate in architectural engineering. She is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Virginia, a certified Core Clarity instructor, Designated Design-Build Professional (DBIA), and LEED® Accredited Professional.

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys practicing yoga, reading and fishing as well as spending time with her husband and two children.

Relentless Ally since 2006

Kelly Phariss serves as vice president of the company’s Civils operations in the West where he manages its diverse project portfolio within the rail, highways and bridges and water sectors in California, Oregon and Washington. 

Kelly is a long-time Balfour Beatty Civils teammate and is a critical leader on Los Angeles World Airport’s (LAX) Automated People Mover (APM) project. In addition to his role as vice president, he will also serve as deputy director on the LAX APM project and support and pursue opportunities that blend scopes of work involving the company’s expert Building and Civils construction services. 

Kelly is a graduate of the University of California, Davis where he received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Relentless Ally since 2005

Christine McAnney is an expert in construction law, including the negotiation, mediation, and arbitration of large and complex construction-related legal matters. A Balfour Beatty Relentless Ally since 2005, Christine currently serves as Vice President and General Counsel for US Civils operations.

Christine obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida and her juris doctor from George Mason University School of Law. She maintains multiple state bar admissions, is a panel member of the American Arbitration Association, and is a Fellow and Board Member of the American College of Construction Lawyers.

A true leader in construction law, Christine also played an integral role in founding the Construction Industry Ethics and Compliance Initiative (CIECI), a non-profit association of U.S. construction industry participants dedicated to the promotion of integrity and ethical conduct in construction. She currently serves as CIECI treasurer.

Apart from work, Christine enjoys spending time with her family and her two lovable Irish Wolfhounds.

Mark Johnnie serves as senior vice president and chief operating officer for Balfour Beatty's civils business overseeing operations and delivery of highways and bridges projects throughout the United States, where he brings a strong local reputation and capability to Balfour Beatty clients. 

After an extensive career with some of the construction industry's most successful companies, Mark joined Balfour Beatty in 1998. In his tenure with the company, Mark has managed or overseen some of our most notable projects, including the San Mateo Bridge Widening, Smith Creek Parkway, Surf City Bridge Replacement, U.S. 70 Havelock Bypass, Maysville Bypass and the Northeast Water Purification Plant.

Since 2007, Mark has served various leadership roles in the Carolinas Association of General Contractors (CAGC) and beginning January 2023, he will serve as chairman of the CAGC Board of Directors.

Mark graduated from Oregon State University and holds two bachelor of science degrees – one in construction engineering management and the other in business administration. Mark is a father of three, grandfather of two and loves spending time with his family. He also enjoys the outdoors, whether on a bike as president of Cape Fear Cyclists or just in his yard.