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Meet our Board of Directors

President: Helena Johnson, CIT, CDS - CG Schmidt, Inc. - www.cgschmidt.com

Founded in 1920 in Milwaukee, CG Schmidt is a leader in the construction management and design-build services of large, complex facility projects. We offer a higher-level of leadership and accountability throughout the entire planning and building process, and specialize in healthcare, corporate, industrial, senior living, educational, mixed-use and cultural markets. CG Schmidt is a value-based company that believes in creating exceptional facilities that improve the lives of others. I have worked for CG Schmidt since 2002, and am currently a project coordinator. I have had the privilege of working on a variety of projects including 875 East Wisconsin, GE Healthcare, Wheaton Franciscan Hospital and Uline Corporation.

I became a member of NAWIC in June of 2007. As I begin my fifth year as a member I look back and see that I have accomplished things I never thought I could. I began as the Membership Chairperson moved on to be on the Board of Directors and am currently President of our Chapter. In addition I am our Regional Membership Chairperson and the National Membership Co-Chair, to be Chairperson for the 2012-2013 membership year.

In addition, I have been able to take advantage of certification programs offered through the NAWIC Education Foundation. I currently have my CIT (Construction Certification Technician) and CDS (Construction Document Specialist) certifications. By participating in these programs I have been able to enhance my portfolio and move towards new career goals. This is one of many great educational values that NAWIC has to offer.

But, more importantly, I am privileged and honored to be working with the great group of ladies that belong out our Chapter. Everyone works hard and pitches in where help is needed for the various events that we hold and we have a great time at our monthly meetings and tours. I have also enjoyed meeting all of the other women in our region and throughout the country at Annual Planning and National Convention. My experience with NAWIC has been nothing but positive and I am so happy to be a member!

Vice President: Amber L. Thomas, P.E. - Collins Engineers, Inc. - www.collinsengr.com

Collins Engineers, Inc. is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 14 offices in the United States, Ireland, and Northern Ireland providing civil, structural, water resources, and underwater engineering services to various public and private sector clients. The initial expertise of the firm when opened in 1979 was in the areas of structural and transportation analysis, design, and underwater engineering. Over the years, the firm’s ability to provide additional engineering services has evolved to provide design and analysis coupled with field experience to the transportation, marine, and construction industries. Continually on the leading edge of standards and methodology, Collins provides engineering ingenuity and solutions to complex problems, and realistic, honest answers.

I have worked for Collins Engineers since 2005. I have my PE license and specialize in the construction of structures. I have worked as a project engineer and inspector on numerous projects and have experience with bridges, roadways, and retaining walls. I provide construction engineering services for our clients which includes material sampling/testing, electronic documentation, payment of contractors, cost and schedule tracking, and ensuring quality control.

I have been involved with NAWIC since college, and have gained a lot of insight and knowledge from the group. Since I work in a male dominated field it is nice to have a way to meet other females in our industry. NAWIC provides a great avenue for networking and many unique learning opportunities.

Treasurer: Michelle O'Rourke - Gilbane Building Company - www.gilbaneco.com

Gilbane's Milwaukee office has been providing construction management services throughout Wisconsin for more than 28 years. Headquartered in Providence, RI, and founded in 1873, Gilbane employs more than 1700 professional staff nationwide with expertise in construction, real estate development and facilities consulting services. Gilbane is a leader in serving the educational, healthcare, pharmaceutical, public assembly, aviation and advanced technologies markets nationwide.

I have been working in the construction industry for over thirteen years. I currently work for Gilbane Building Company as the Human Resources generalist, but started with Grunau Project Development prior to its acquisition by Gilbane in April of 2003.

I have been a member of NAWIC for seven years and have previously served as Secretary and Director. I enjoy the interaction with other members of the association and finding ways we can impact the construction industry and the community as a whole. My favorite events are Block Kids and the annual auction!

Secretary: Kassy Coen - Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental, Inc. - www.dawescrane.com

Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental, Inc. traces its roots to the 1945 merger of Shea Drayage Company of Racine and Matson Company of Kenosha. In 1978 Dawes became a member of the ALL Family of Companies – North America’s largest privately held crane and lift equipment rental and sales company. We rent the latest and most technologically advanced cranes from Manitowoc, Grove, Link-Belt, Terex, Liebherr, Broderson and Shuttlelift. Tower cranes from Peiner and Potain. Aerial work platforms from JLG, Genie, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Upright, Snorkel and Grove Manlift. Boom trucks from Manitex, National Crane, Elliott and Terex. And Material Handlers from Lull and Gradall.

At Dawes, I am the Marketing-Sales Assistant. My responsibilities include planning company events, meetings and outings; coordinating and developing sales campaigns and literature; writing articles for the company newsletter; working with the legal department to prepare equipment leases; and keeping inventory of company’s crane fleet.

Since joining NAWIC in 2010, I have received a greater understanding of the construction industry. NAWIC has given me the opportunity to get away from my desk and experience the construction industry and gain a greater appreciation of women in construction. I am excited to be on the NAWIC Milwaukee Chapter #105 Board and learn more about NAWIC and the construction industry.

Director: Brenda Graat - Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP-
www.bakertilly.com

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP is a full-service accounting and advisory firm that has specialized expertise and global reach in audit, tax, and management consulting to support its clients goals with knowledgeable, competitive insights. We are an independent member of Baker Tilly International, the world's eighth largest network of accounting firms and can bring access to market-specific knowledge in 120 countries. The differences that set us apart is our proactive, personal and responsive client service. We have broad industry and service offerings with deep specialization in every area. We bring our skills, integrity, and energy to each client engagement.

I have had the privilege to work at Baker Tilly for 9 years and am currently a tax manger. My role is to review tax returns for the greatest deductions and credits, tax planning and consulting services, high-level tax research, review business’ existing tax structure and practices and provide suggestions for improvement. My greatest accomplishments include passing all four parts of the Certified Public Accountant exam on the first try as well as graduated Cum Lauda with an MBA degree at Marquette University.

I have many special people in my life, which include my husband Dave, who I have been married for 7 wonderful years, and our two children Ethan (3) and Anna (1). I also have two sisters that I am fairly close to and amazing parents that have supported me throughout the years

. I joined NAWIC in the fall of 2003 and was introduced to this organization by a former co-worker. My experiences with NAWIC have been very enjoyable and a great way to meet wonderful women in construction related fields. I am excited to see what the new year has to offer and to learn more about the construction industry.

Director: Stevie Mistele-Wildt - Cobblestone Builders & Developers -
www.cobblestone-bldrs.com/

Stevie Mistele-Wildt joined NAWIC in October of 2009.

I have just celebrated 20 years in the new home residential construction building industry with Cobblestone Realty & Development. I started in 1991 with my father-in-law’s company as an expediter and in the last 6 years my husband and I purchased the company.

Dirk and I are the sole owners now of Cobblestone Builders & Developers. I wore many hats in the last 20 years and now can proudly say that I am a female owner, vice-president, secretary and treasurer of the company.

With the everyday duties of owning your own company I still try to find the time to do what I enjoy; sewing, creating, designing, golfing, exercising and riding my Harley Davidson.

I have 9 special people in my life, my family. 2 younger sisters and their husbands, my 2 special nieces – Hannah and Hailey, my husband Dirk and my Mom and especially the very special man in my life, my dad who I miss very much. He loved talking to me about construction and was proud of visiting all the homes that we built.

I became interested in NAWIC thru a business associate and now a friend, Kerry Molenda. Her and I now golf together and see each other at business events. She has given me an inside look of what NAWIC does for the community, and for encouraging other women in the construction industry. I love being a part of strong women in strong positions that have a strong presence. After all I think the "man" industry is not just for men anymore, we need to make strives in getting equal pay for equal jobs. I feel men are the weaker sex these days, they cannot multi-task as we can.

As a NAWIC board member I look forward to more involvement, I love planning and coordinating and getting involved.