Kent Companies announces several promotions and welcomes key hires to drive expansion and technology initiatives across the country.
- Ben Herrema, CPA, MBA, Chief Operating Officer – As a long-standing member of the Kent Companies leadership team, Herrema served as Chief Financial Officer for the past six years. Throughout his tenure, the organization adopted modern ERP software and technology-driven reporting initiatives. As Chief Operating Officer, Herrema leads safety operations, technology integration, and enterprise reporting; facility and resource planning; and fleet operations.
- Sarah Pattison, CPA, CCIFP, Chief Financial Officer – Pattison’s promotion to Chief Financial Officer is a reflection of her leadership of Kent Companies’ finance and accounting teams. Pattison previously served as Director of Finance and has served the firm in an advisory role for 15 years. Pattison recently completed a multi-company consolidation to align all Kent operating entities into a singular, streamlined organization. This initiative positions Kent Companies for efficiency and structured growth.
- Mindy Curtiss, SHRM-SCP, Human Resources Director – Mindy Curtiss’ promotion to national human resources operations expands her leadership to all Kent Companies offices and over twenty business units. Curtiss’ tenure with Kent Companies extends over ten years. As an accredited Human Resources professional, Curtiss ensures the best and highest use of Kent’s resources to serve our employees. Curtiss will lead all company initiatives for performance evaluation, staffing, benefits administration, culture, and more.
- Tanya Escobedo, Facilities & Program Director – In her new role, Escobedo will support Kent Companies’ safety team with strategic program operations. Escobedo also assumes responsibility for facilities oversight at all Kent Companies offices.
- Jarod Prior, Director of Construction Technology – In a newly-created role, Prior assumes responsibility for Kent Companies’ technology integration across preconstruction, safety, and operations. Prior oversees Kent Companies’ BIM efforts as well as Kent University, a key platform in technology adoption and deployment across the organization.
- Wes Gibson, PE, National Mission Critical Division Manager – Wes Gibson is a 20-year construction industry executive. In this role, he leads Kent Concrete’s national expansion in mission critical and advanced manufacturing sectors. Gibson’s team travels nationwide, pursuing work outside of Kent’s core operations in Texas, the Carolinas, and Michigan. Gibson’s group provides national coverage for customers traveling the country with Kent Concrete.
- Brian Carson, Division Manager – San Antonio – Kent Concrete welcomes construction executive Brian Carson to lead San Antonio operations. Under Carson’s leadership, Kent Concrete builds upon a 25+ year history as the leading concrete place and finish contractor in Texas.
- Cindi Larobardiere, Corporate Finance Manager – Larobardiere’s promotion expands her role from Midwest Controller to a national position with oversight of Kent’s finance team.
- Aimee Schueneman, Corporate Controller – Schueneman’s promotion to Corporate Controller extends her oversight of daily accounting and cost control to all Kent operating divisions.
“When we work together, we win together,” shares Kent Companies CEO Jeff VanderLaan. “Our expansion is a testament to our collective commitment to growth. Everything we do is to create more opportunity for our people, and these leaders live that value every day.” As Kent Companies approaches 70 years in operations, the firm continues strategic, organic growth and adheres to its Four Hallmarks of Safety, Productivity, Quality, and Customer Service every day.
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