Learn more about the employee owners that lead Messer Construction Co.
Nick Apanius
Health Care Executive, LEED®-AP
Nick began his career at Messer in 1999 and served as Senior Project Manager before being promoted to Project Executive. His project experience includes the Christ Hospital Cardiovascular Center, Barr Laboratories Lab Renovation, and currently the Dearborn County Hospital Parking Garage/Patient Tower Expansion. in 2011, Nick transitioned in the role as health care executive. In this role, Nick leads a multi-functional team of people from across the company focused on one common goal: how to improve our services to the health care industry. In 2008 Nick earned LEED accreditation from the Green Building Certification Institute, making him a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP.)
C. Allen Begley, Jr.
Vice President
Allen began his career with Messer in 1973. He has an A.S. in Accounting from the Southwestern College of Business. Allen has served in many roles with diverse responsibilities within Operations. In 1995, Allen assumed the position of director of operations services, and in 1998 was appointed vice president, where he was responsible for critical services in the areas of safety, leadership and craft workforce performance. In 1999, Allen was appointed region leader and general manager of the Dayton region where he is responsible for providing leadership and supporting project performance for the entire region. With Allen serving as region leader, Messer won AGC’s 2003 Build America Award for the $75 million Schuster Performing Arts Center. Allen is affiliated with many professional and community organizations such as Montgomery County Employer’s Council, Associated General Contractors of America Open Shop Committee, City of Hamilton’s Green Committee and the Advisory Council of University of Dayton’s School of Engineering. He was elected to the Board of Directors of Culture Works in 2006.
Steven M. Bestard
Vice President
Steve began his career with Messer in 1992. He received a B.S. in Construction Engineering and Management from Purdue University in 1991. He is a registered engineer. Steve’s project management experience includes hospitals, religious facilities, entertainment projects, laboratories, multi-family housing, government facilities, parking structures, retail facilities, industrial facilities, distribution centers and office buildings. Steve currently serves as region leader and general manager of the Indianapolis region. He is a member of the Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) and Society of Professional Engineers. He serves in various roles for the Construction Engineering and Management Advisory Board at Purdue University, Property Committee for the Crossroads Council for the Boy Scouts of America and a Diversity mentor for the Indiana Construction Roundtable. He leads the Indianapolis region for Messer. He is a graduate of the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Class of 2009.
Christopher L. Cordrey
Director, EH&S
Chris began his career at Messer in 2005 and served as Safety Coordinator in the Louisville Region before moving to Cincinnati to serve as Environmental, Health & Safety Director. Before joining Messer, Chris served as National Safety Director for a large temporary agency. In that position he oversaw multiple regions, was involved with employee safety training and oversaw Workers’ Compensation.
Daniel C. France
Vice President
Dan began his career with Messer in 1995. He received a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1977. He has extensive health care construction experience as well as educational, industrial, correctional facility and parking garage project experience. Dan currently serves as region leader and general manager of Messer’s Nashville region. Prior to Nashville, Dan led Messer’s Lexington region. During this period, more than a dozen of Messer’s Lexington construction projects earned Build Kentucky Awards from the Associated General Contractors of Kentucky. Dan is a registered professional engineer. He is a member of the Middle Tennessee State University Commercial Construction Advisory Council and a board member for the Urban League of Middle Tennessee.
Mark R. Gillming
Senior Vice President
Mark began his career with Messer in 1985 after several years as a co-op student. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Cincinnati in 1985 with a B.S. in Construction Management. He also received an A.S. in Architectural Technology from the University of Cincinnati in 1983. In 1995, Mark received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Cincinnati, and in 2000 he received a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Cincinnati College of Applied Science. Mark has extensive health care project experience along with public and educational project experience. He resides in Messer’s Louisville region and leads operations in the southern regions. Under his leadership, the Louisville region has received the Kentuckiana Minority Business Council’s “Corporation of the Year” award in six consecutive years (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) for meeting high standards in identifying and utilizing community minority firms. Mark is a graduate of Leadership Kentucky and in 2008 began a three-year term on the Leadership Kentucky Board.
Richard A. Hensley
Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Rick began his career with Messer in 2009. Rick brings more than 35 years of experience in information technology leadership, business and systems planning, and process improvement. Rick graduated cum laude from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Analysis. He is past president of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Association for Systems Management, has served as a member of Miami University’s Business Information Systems Advisory Council, and recently served on Miami University’s Advisory Council for the Department of Computer Science and Systems Analysis. He is a member of City Gospel Mission’s Exodus Alumni Program board and has leadership roles in Crossroads Community Church First Impressions and Community Groups.
James R. Hess
Senior Vice President, LEED®-AP
Jim began his career with Messer in 1979. He received a B.S. in Civil Engineering, magna cum laude, from the University of Cincinnati in 1979. He also received an M.B.A. in Operations Management from the University of Cincinnati in 1987. In 1994, Jim was appointed region leader and general manager of the Columbus region which resulted in significant growth. He currently leads the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati project. The Museum Center at Union Terminal in Cincinnati, Ohio was awarded the 1991 Build America Award, and the Aronoff Center for the Arts was awarded the 1996 Build Ohio Award. With Jim serving as region leader, the Columbus region has received the 2004 Build Ohio Award and the 2005 Build America Award for the Ohio Judicial Center, home of the Ohio Supreme Court. Jim is a registered professional engineer in Ohio and a USGBC LEED Accredited Professional. He is affiliated with the Associated General Contractors of America, The Builders Exchange of Central Ohio and several community-based non-profit organizations including the Delaware Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America Simon Kenton Council and the United Way of Central Ohio.
E. Paul Hitter, Jr.
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Paul began his career with Messer in 1985. He received a B.S. in Business Administration from Xavier University in 1983 and an M.B.A. from Northern Kentucky University in 1991. He was promoted to Controller in 1996 and Chief Financial Officer in 2010. He is responsible for regulating all Messer’s financial affairs including expenditures and finances. He currently serves on the Boards of Every Child Succeeds, Urban Appalachian Council, Little Miami, Inc. and the TriCounty Economic Development Foundation. He serves on the Xavier University College of Management Advisory Board. Paul is a graduate of Leadership Northern Kentucky and Leadership Cincinnati Class XXXI.
Stephen L. Keckeis
Vice President
Steve began his career with Messer in 1982. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1982 with a B.S. in Construction Management. He also received an A.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1981. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Cincinnati in 1995. He has diverse project leadership experience, which includes airports, correctional facilities, medical facilities, recreational facilities, casinos, office buildings, government buildings, and parking garages. In addition, Steve has extensive experience with educational facilities, having lead and completed several projects ranging from K-12 and university-level facilities. He is involved with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind where he has and still serves as a building committee member as well as a member of the Board of Trustees. Steve recently relocated to Charlotte, NC to run this region.
Thomas M. Keckeis
President and Chief Executive Officer
Tom began his career with Messer in 1977 as a field engineer just after graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Throughout Tom’s career at Messer, he has delivered outstanding results in all phases of construction operations. As a result of his experience and capability, on January 1, 2005, Messer’s board of directors elected Tom president and chief operating officer. In 2010, Tom was elected chief executive officer of Messer Construction Co. He has a strong connection to employees at all levels of the organization and is supported by an outstanding leadership team. During his tenure, Tom has provided executive direction on several significant projects including the Aronoff Center for the Arts and the Museum Center at Union Terminal, both in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a registered professional engineer in Ohio. Tom is affiliated with the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) and a past board member of People Working Cooperatively. Tom is a Cincinnati YMCA board member and a building committee member at the Cincinnati Art Museum.
William S. Krausen
Professional Development Vice President
Bill began his career with Messer in 1982. He graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1982 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. In 1994, post serving as estimator and chief estimator, Bill accepted the responsibility of director of professional development. In 1999, Bill was appointed vice president and currently leads Messer’s company-wide professional development initiatives, which focus on attracting, recruiting, developing and retaining employees for the long-term. Bill also serves on several education committees for the AGC of America, the President’s Council for the Boy Scouts of America and the University of Cincinnati Construction Innovation Center. In 2001, Bill received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America.
Thomas M. Lampe
Project Development Vice President
Tom began his career with Messer in 1991. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1991 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He has extensive experience in preconstruction, planning, programming, value engineering, estimating and project management. His project management experience includes medical, research, housing, manufacturing, and educational facilities. Tom provides leadership and strategic counsel to Messer’s business development team members in each of Messer’s regions.
Andrew R. Lorenz
Vice President
Andy began his career with Messer in 1986. He received an A.S. in Civil and Construction Engineering Technology in 1981 and a B.S. in Construction Management in 1983 from the University of Cincinnati. He also received an M.B.A. from Xavier University in 1989. Andy's cost planning and estimating experience enhances his diverse project leadership experience, which includes health care, parking facilities, retail, entertainment, industrial, and a significant number of public institutional projects. His leadership and service on the Newport on the Levee project helped earn the 2001 Build Kentucky Award. In addition, the Cincinnati State Technical and Community College - ATLC project earned the 2005 Build Ohio award. He has served on the executive committee of AGC of Tennessee board of trustees and is a member of the board of trustees for the Episcopal School of Knoxville. Andy serves as Messer's Vice President and leader of the Knoxville region.
Mark S. Luegering
Senior Vice President
Mark began his career with Messer in 1983 after co-oping for four years. Mark received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1983. Upon graduation, he was assigned as quality assurance engineer on a major project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since then, he has progressed through increasing levels of responsibility including leading and developing Messer's presence in the Lexington and Louisville regions before returning to the Cincinnati region as a Senior Project Executive. Mark currently provides leadership for project operations and performance in Messer’s Cincinnati and northern regions. He serves in a number of board leadership roles including Kicks for Kids, Allied Construction Industries, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering Alumni Association.
David E. Miller
Vice President
Dave began his career with Messer in 1982 as a field engineer after co-oping for four years. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1981 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. His extensive project experience includes research buildings, manufacturing plants, apartments, hospitals, office buildings, airports, educational facilities and religious buildings. He has served as president of the AGC of Kentucky and served on its board for many years. In 2010, Dave was appointed region leader and general manager of the Louisville region where he is responsible for providing leadership and supporting project performance for the entire region.
Brooks A. Parker
Craft Force Development Vice President
Brooks began his career with Messer in 1975 as a journeyman carpenter. He quickly progressed and was promoted to carpenter foreman, field superintendent, and to project manager in 1995. Brooks has proven project experience on numerous projects including religious facilities, office buildings, hospitals, parking facilities, entertainment facilities and industrial facilities. Brooks holds certifications in Mobile Crane Inspection, Mobile Crane Operations (NCCCO), Tower Crane Operations (NCCCO), Master Trainer (NCCER), and ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher & Technician. He is on the Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development advisory committee along with the Woodward Career Technical advisory council. He completed all 10 supervisory programs through the Associated General Contractors of America in 1991.
William E. Rutz
Vice President
Bill began his career with Messer in 1972 after co-oping with Messer for one year. He received an A.S. in Building Construction from the University of Cincinnati where he graduated with high honors in 1972. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Applied Science in 1998. During more than three decades with the company, he has progressed through increasing levels of responsibility in operations. Bill provides executive leadership in the areas of Messer’s self-performance Craftforce, Equipment Rental Division, Employee Benefits and Professional Development. He also serves as Messer’s Corporate Secretary, EEO Officer, Code of Business Ethics & Business Conduct Compliance Officer, as well as a Trustee on the Messer Hourly Employee Retirement Plan committee and Messer Health Care committee. He serves on the advisory board of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College’s Civil Engineering program, the Great Oaks Council industry advisory committee, the Cintas Institute for Ethics Advisory Board and is a member of the National Construction Industry Ethics & Compliance Initiative.
Timothy J. Steigerwald
Senior Vice President, LEED®-GA
Tim began his career with Messer in 1988 after co-oping for several years. He received his B.S. in Construction Engineering and Management from Purdue University in 1987 and his M.B.A from Xavier University in 1993. Tim is a senior vice president, responsible for Project Development. Tim brings 24 years of experience at all levels of project leadership. Tim is on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, the Metro Indianapolis Coalition for Construction Safety, the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) National Diversity Committee, and on the Steering Committee for the Indiana Construction Roundtable (ICR). Tim serves as Second Vice President on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
Peter S. Strange
Chairman, Messer, Inc.
Pete began his full-time career with Messer in 1972 after four years of co-oping. He received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1972. In 1989, he led negotiations resulting in the purchase of all outstanding Messer stock by management and employees. In January 1990, at the completion of the buy out transaction, he was named president and chief executive officer. Effective January 1, 2005, Messer’s board of directors elected Pete chairman and chief executive officer. In 2010, Pete transitioned to Chairman of Messer, Inc. Pete continues to be engaged daily at Messer. His present focus is on expanding Messer’s value and depth. He is active in the community serving on the boards of various organizations including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Dan Beard Council-Boy Scouts of America and the Cincinnati Fine Arts Institute. His professional service focuses upon education, workforce development and innovation. Pete serves as a member of the Southwest Ohio Workforce Investment Board and on the Board of Directors of Construction Software Technology.
Bernard P. Suer
Senior Vice President
Bernie began his career with Messer in 1978 after co-oping at the company while earning his degree in civil engineering at the University of Cincinnati. The first part of his career was managing large construction programs at Mercy Anderson, The Christ Hospital, and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. In 1994, Bernie was promoted to Senior Vice President in charge of business development where he focused on developing Messer as an organization that delivers successful regional expansion and leadership in health care construction. In 2010, Bernie transitioned to leading relationships with corporate and health care clients. Bernie is on the Purcell Marian High School Board, member of Norwood Board of Zoning Appeals, Hamilton County Board of Building Standards, and a board member for the College of Mount St. Joseph.
Timothy C. Toft
Building Systems Group Vice President
Tim began his career with Messer in 1986. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati College of Applied Science in 1986. He is responsible for preconstruction and mechanical/electrical engineering coordination and supervision. His project experience encompasses almost every project type Messer has completed.
Matthew R. Verst
Director of Cost Planning & Estimating
Matt began his career at Messer in 2000 and served as Senior Estimator before being promoted to Principal Estimator. In his current role as Director of Cost Planning & Estimating, he is responsible for leading and developing Messer’s estimating department. He is also responsible for leading the overall preconstruction process, developing cost estimates, guaranteed maximum prices, constructability reviews, value analysis, preliminary schedules, and phasing plans by coordinating the efforts of Messer’s in-house estimating, scheduling, and engineering departments. He serves on the board of directors for Holly Hill Children’s Services.
Robert E. Verst, Jr.
Vice President
Rob began his career with Messer in 1987 after co-oping for three years. He graduated with a B.S. in Construction Management from Northern Kentucky University in 1987. He also obtained an A.S. in Construction Management from Northern Kentucky University in 1986. He serves on the Board of Directors for The Buckeye Ranch. His experience includes office buildings, power plants, recreational facilities, medical facilities, educational buildings, commercial facilities and trade contractor coordination. Rob currently serves as region leader and general manager of Messer’s Columbus region.
Kristin M. Wainscott
Accounting Vice President
Kris began her career with Messer in 1989. She is responsible for overseeing all financial and cost accounting functions for the company. Kris received an A.S. in Accounting from Cincinnati State Community and Technical College in 2001.
Thomas K. Wall
Rental Division Vice President
Tom has joined Messer as Rental Division Vice President in February, 2011. He brings over 30 years of management experience in the equipment rental and construction material supply operations with demonstrated success in areas of logistics management, marketing, sales management, asset control processes, and internal/external customer service.
Wanda Wallace
Director, Compensation
Wanda started her career with Messer in 2009, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in the field of Employee Benefits and Human Resources. She graduated with a Masters Degree in Human Resource Development from Xavier University. Wanda is responsible for directing the administration of employee benefit plans and payroll processes. She monitors and evaluates legislative changes and industry trends to develop and/or make recommendations to provide optimal benefit coverage for employees while maintaining Messer’s competitive position in employee benefit offerings. Wanda is a certified employee benefit specialist (CEBS) and served on the Governing Council of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS) from 2008 – 2010. She is a member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2011, Wanda was elected Treasurer for the Cincinnati Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and was previously the Foundation Chair.
Robert L. Williams
Vice President, LEED®-AP
Bob began his career with Messer in 1991 as a project engineer. He graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. in Construction Engineering in 1991. He received an M.B.A. from the University of Kentucky in 1997. Bob is also a LEED Accredited Professional (from the U.S. Green Building Council) and is a registered professional engineer in Kentucky. His project experience includes award-winning courthouses, library, educational, manufacturing, multi-unit housing, post office, retail, parking, religious and medical facilities. He is a graduate of the Executive Professional Engineer Leadership Program and is an advisory board member of the Salvation Army, Lexington, KY. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County and United Way of the Bluegrass. He is a member of the University of Kentucky Construction Engineering and Management Advisory Committee and on the board of directors for Bluegrass Tomorrow. Bob provides leadership for project operations and performance in the Lexington region.
Stanford T. Williams, Jr.
Economic Inclusion Vice President
Stanford began his career with Messer Construction in 2005. He has experience as an owner of a small business, an adjunct professor of business and operations management, consultant to small business owners on business development and implementing supplier diversity programs in the public sector. Stanford is currently leading Messer’s Economic Inclusion program across the entire company. In this role, he will be responsible for developing partnerships with certified minority- and woman-owned businesses that can lead to economic opportunities such as project work and joint venture opportunities with Messer Construction. Additionally, he is charged with finding minority men and women who have a desire to work in the craft workforce of Messer Construction and exposing them to the unlimited opportunities within the organization. Under Stan’s leadership, Messer was awarded the 2006 Ohio Governor’s Minority Business Development Award. Messer was the only construction firm – as well as the only majority-owned firm – to earn the award.
Tiffany Witham
Director, Marketing & Corporate Communications
Tiffany has been with Messer since 2008 and leads marketing strategy, execution and branding for the company. She received her B.S. in Marketing from Morehead State University. In recognition of her career achievements and leadership, she was chosen as a YWCA Rising Star in 2008, has been nominated for the Cincinnati Business Courier’s “40 under 40”, and is currently in the 2010 Women Excel Class with the Cincinnati Chamber.