David Evans and Associates, Inc. Promotes Gina Starkey to Dual Role of Chief Growth and Marketing Officer
David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA) is pleased to announce the expanded responsibilities of Gina Starkey, who will now assume the position of Chief Growth Officer in addition to her current role as Chief Marketing Officer and become Chief Marketing and Growth Officer.
“Gina has demonstrated strong leadership in steering DEA’s marketing team and driving DEA’s overall business development efforts as evidenced by the strong sales results,” stated Al Barkouli, Chairman and CEO of DEA. “We eagerly anticipate Gina’s leadership in pacing our growth strategies as we innovate and expand into new markets.”
In her newly expanded role, Gina will shape DEA’s business development strategies, identify growth opportunities, and coordinate firmwide business development initiatives. Her focus will be on developing prospects for expansion, as well as the addition of value-added services. Additionally, Gina will be involved in identifying merger and acquisition targets aligning with DEA’s overarching growth strategy. The success of this expanded role will be based on sales and revenue growth, among other factors.
Having led DEA’s marketing function for the past nine years, Gina brings a proven track record of success to her new role. Her innovative marketing strategies and business development initiatives have played a key role in DEA’s growth and success. In addition to her expanded growth-related responsibilities, Gina will continue to provide overall leadership to the marketing team, ensuring that DEA effectively builds its brand and provides industry thought leadership.
Gina will maintain her position as a key member of DEA’s Executive Leadership Team.
Congratulations, Gina!
DEA Appoints Mel Sears, P.E., PMP as Director of Alternative Project Delivery
DEA is pleased to announce the appointment of Mel Sears, P.E., PMP, as the Director of Alternative Project Delivery (APD). Based out of the Portland, Oregon office, Sears will lead DEA’s APD business development strategies, champion APD pursuits, develop teaming strategies, and serve as a vital liaison between DEA’s APD teams. He will report directly to DEA’s Chairman and CEO, Al Barkouli. Additionally, Sears will support DEA’s CEO on special initiatives across the range of infrastructure services offered by DEA.
Al Barkouli, Chairman and CEO, DEA, said, “Mel Sears brings invaluable expertise to his role as DEA’s Director of Alternative Project Delivery. His impressive track record in business development and executive leadership, and his commitment to community-driven projects have left an enduring impact on the industry. We’re delighted to have Mel leading DEA’s APD efforts, driving growth, and delivering excellence.”
Sears is a seasoned transportation executive with nearly 40 years of experience in both the public sector and private industry. He has a proven track record in business development/sales, profit and loss (P&L) accountability, and fostering client relationships for complex infrastructure projects throughout the Western United States. He also has executive experience overseeing consulting businesses in multi-state regions and offices, as well as forming strategic alliances.
Sears holds professional engineering licenses in Oregon, Washington, and California, and he is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute. With an impressive industry background that includes executive positions at national and regional A/E firms, in addition to public sector roles at Trimet and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Sears has directed a wide range of well-known initiatives and programs, spanning highways, interchanges, light-rail transit, arterials, water, and wastewater projects.
Sears’ career focus has been on developing and implementing a collaborative project development strategy that meets both owner and community objectives. His combination of public and private experience allows him to understand and resolve the complexities of delivering projects in today’s complex business environment, with a focus on community and equity.
Sears has also been involved in industry associations throughout his career, including serving as President of ACEC Oregon, President of ASCE Oregon, as a member of the Board of Directors for Oregon Business and Industry (OBI), and in leadership roles on many transportation funding ballot measure campaigns in Oregon, Washington, and California, among others.
David Evans and Associates, Inc. Appoints Aaron Fetzer as New Chief Financial Officer and Vice President
David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA) announces the appointment of Aaron Fetzer as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President. Aaron, an experienced finance and accounting professional, brings over 25 years of experience to the leadership team at DEA.
Aaron’s impressive background and accomplishments make him a valuable addition to the DEA family. Aaron succeeds Marc McGarity, who has provided unwavering dedication and leadership during his tenure as CFO. Marc will remain actively involved during this transition.
“We are grateful for Marc’s unwavering dedication and leadership during his time as CFO, and he will remain actively involved during this transition to ensure a seamless handover and work on special projects. Marc helped DEA build a strong foundation upon which Aaron can lead from and continue to drive DEA’s success. As we welcome Aaron to the DEA family, we also look forward to celebrating Marc’s career as he embarks on his well-deserved retirement in early 2024,” said Al Barkouli, Chairman and CEO, DEA.
In his role as Vice President and CFO, Aaron Fetzer will oversee DEA’s finance, accounting, and information services. His responsibilities include optimizing accounting and finance functions, leading the evolving information services environment, guiding annual stock valuations, managing the Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), ensuring compliance with governmental accounting standards, handling banking and financing relationships, tax planning, and supervising the preparation of financial statements. Additionally, Aaron will serve as the CFO, Treasurer, and Corporate Secretary for David Evans Enterprises, Inc., DEA’s parent company.
Before joining DEA, Aaron served as the CFO at Consor Engineers, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success. His career also includes significant contributions at Surveying and Mapping, LLC (SAM), and URS Corporation, Inc.
Aaron holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton, with majors in Accounting and Management. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).
Aaron’s appointment as DEA’s CFO underscores the company’s commitment to financial excellence and strategic growth.
John Vaterlaus Promoted to General Counsel at DEA
We are pleased to announce that John Vaterlaus has been promoted to General Counsel at David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA). John is succeeding Erin Austin, who retired after 26 years of dedicated service.
“I am honored to take on this new role and look forward to working with DEA’s outstanding team of professionals,” said John Vaterlaus, DEA’s General Counsel. “Together, we will continue DEA’s tradition of delivering excellent service and advice to our clients.”
Since joining DEA in February 2022 as Senior Counsel, John has been instrumental in reviewing and negotiating highly complex alternative delivery contracts. He has also provided invaluable legal advice to executive management on risks and strategies related to complicated technical issues on major projects.
With over 17 years at HDR, Inc., John Vaterlaus developed extensive legal expertise that will serve him well as the new General Counsel of DEA. In his new role, John will establish governance policies, advise on legal and business matters, deliver legal training, draft contracts, ensure regulatory compliance, lead ethics training, and manage disputes. His experience and knowledge of the industry will prove invaluable as DEA continues expanding its business.
“We are delighted to welcome John to his new role as General Counsel,” said Cindi Polychronis, DEA’s Chief Administrative Officer. “His expertise in construction and engineering law and commitment to excellence will be tremendous assets to our legal team and the entire organization.”
In addition to his professional credentials, John has published several articles on law and public policy in academic journals. He earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from Creighton University School of Law, a Master of Laws in Health Law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University, with honors.
Originally from Utah, John lives with his family in West Bountiful, outside of Salt Lake City. As General Counsel, he will work from both DEA’s Salt Lake City and Portland offices.
We look forward to John’s ongoing contributions and leadership in his new role as General Counsel. Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved promotion.
Al Barkouli Appointed Chair of Portland State University Foundation’s Board of Trustees
David Evans and Associates, Inc. congratulates Al Barkouli, PhD, PE, Chairman and CEO, on his appointment as Chair of the Portland State University Foundation’s Board of Trustees. His leadership and dedication will play an important role in advancing the university’s mission to serve our city through academic opportunity and community engagement.
The PSU Foundation is committed to supporting Portland State University through fostering relationships, community connections and philanthropy. Barkouli has been a dedicated trustee of the PSU Foundation since 2014.
Comprised of a diverse group of volunteer community leaders, the PSU Foundation Board of Trustees brings together individuals with unique skills and varied life experiences. Their collective belief in the transformative power of higher education for Oregon serves as the driving force behind their efforts.
“I am truly grateful and honored by this appointment as PSU Foundation Board Chair,” said Barkouli. “This opportunity allows me to give back to my alma mater and make a positive impact on the Oregon community.”
“We are so pleased to have Al extend his commitment to PSU in such a meaningful way,” said PSU Foundation President Sarah Schwarz. “His expertise, community connections and deep understanding of PSU’s vital mission make him an ideal partner. I am honored to work with him and to learn from him.”
Barkouli earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil engineering from Portland State University.
To learn more about the PSU Foundation and explore a complete list of its leadership volunteers, please visit the PSU Foundation website.
DEA Honored by DJC for Building Diversity in the A/E-Industry
The Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC) recently celebrated and recognized outstanding individuals, companies, and projects actively championing diversity and fostering growth in the A/E-industry. DEA was chosen as an honoree because of our unwavering commitment to several key pillars:
- Leading the A/E Industry in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Helping to Diversify the A/E Industry
- Advancing Economic Opportunity and Resiliency
Specifically, DEA was recognized for its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to increase its workforce diversity, advance educational opportunities for students from underrepresented populations, and promote economic revitalization of the economy by supporting small businesses in urban and rural areas.
DEA Makes the DJC Oregon’s Power List
We are thrilled to announce that DEA has been listed on DJC Oregon’s Power List! This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We’re committed to continuing to provide exceptional service and support to our clients and community.