HMA Public Relations adds Kelsey Makings
HMA Public Relations, a Phoenix-based public relations and marketing communications firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Kelsey Makings to its team.
As the newest account executive, Makings will be responsible for client management, business development, social and digital media strategies, content creation, media relations, print and digital communications, promotional marketing and event coordination.
Prior to joining HMA, Makings held several positions around the Valley, emphasizing her strengths in copywriting, social media management, public relations, web and graphic design, online sales, advertising, media relations, and live entertainment.
“Kelsey comes to us with a strong writing background and is well-versed in traditional and digital communications strategies. We are happy to have her as part of our account services team,” said Abbie S. Fink, vice president/general manager.
Makings graduated Cum Laude from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University in 2011 with a major in Print Journalism and a minor in Communications. She was awarded the 1st Place National Headliner Award for Innovation.
Kitchell adds project directors
Kitchell has added two new Project Directors to its arsenal of building professionals.
Todd McMillen and Brian Brown, both LEED-AP accredited industry veterans, collectively bring more than six decades of experience to the employee-owned company.
“These two professionals bring great depth of experience in sectors where we see tremendous growth and potential,” said Kitchell Contractors President Steve Whitworth. “The fact that they chose to move their careers to Kitchell speaks volumes about our culture and book of business, and we’re fortunate to have them as part of our team.”
Project Director Todd McMillen has worked on a wide range of projects in Arizona and on the East Coast for the past 35-plus years, including casino/hospitality, senior living facilities and public-sector projects in Massachusetts and Arizona. He is a Lean advocate who is well-known for his work on criminal justice facilities. One of his notable Arizona projects was the Maricopa County South Court Tower, a LEED Gold-certified building for which he served as senior project executive.
Project Director Brian Brown, a 32-year industry veteran, has overseen health care and higher education projects in San Diego and Tucson, most recently serving as project director for the Banner University Medical Center Replacement Hospital. His projects have been recognized with the ACG Constructor Award for Excellence in Project Management. Brown received his degree in civil engineering from San Diego State University. He is a member of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council and the Arizona Builders Association.
Sharp Construction continues expanding
Sharp Construction, a woman-owned and operated general contractor, is experiencing exciting growth as the Valley’s commercial real estate industry continues to flourish.
Sharp Construction was founded in 2017 by CEO | Principal Tiffany Sharp and CFO | Principal Jeff Pinter. After less than six months, with recently added industry expert Stephanie Handley as Vice President | Business Development, Sharp boasts eight employees at its office in the Camelback Corridor.
“Our industry is evolving faster than ever before. As technology continues to advance, the rate of learning has accelerated, which is driving the movement for increased productivity for ourselves and our partners in the construction industry,” Sharp said. “All of which translates into a more successful project for our customers. Given this, Sharp is well positioned to deliver a best-in-class experience utilizing tried and true processes, secure subcontractor selection methods, open-book budget formation, and unrivaled customer service.
“We’ve assembled a highly experienced and motivated team. Our high-end quality, attention to detail, scheduling metrics and management, strict budget adherence, quality control, and safety management is what sets us apart,” Sharp said
Sharp has managed design and construction projects since 2005 and has a true passion for what she does. Her field and operations experience from the custom home business and years spent at Intel have afforded her a deep understanding of aesthetic and functional design, programming, best-in-class practices, trends, safety, building codes, and environmental regulations.
Her duties at Sharp include operations management, project management, estimating, training, culture development and sales. An Iowa native, Sharp graduated from Arizona State University with Master of Science in construction management.
Pinter’s duties at Sharp include finance, estimating, sales, business development, and human resources. He has extensive construction experience after stints at Perini Building Company, Immedia Integrated Technologies, Adolfson & Peterson, and Fitch Architecture.
A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pinter earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin in education, economics and finance, and an MBA from ASU.
“Even though there are numerous suitable general contractors in the Valley, we believe there is niche we can fulfill in the Arizona market based on our past experiences,” Pinter said. “We know that construction projects are best built when partnerships are formed; between customers and general contractors and between general contractors and subcontractors.
“We began Sharp Construction with the intention to build a company with a great culture where all employees and partners share in our achievements; we do believe that this is our path to success,” Pinter said.
Handley joins Sharp Construction after almost three years at Wespac Construction as its business development director. Her duties at Sharp include developing a brand and marketing strategy for the company while leveraging new and existing relationships with owners, developers, brokers, architects, and consultants to build partnerships for new tenant improvements and ground-up construction projects.
“I was thrilled to be asked to join Sharp and to be on the ground floor of truly building up a company, shaping the culture, and defining the goals,” Handley said. “I love research, meeting new people, and developing new opportunities. I welcome any chance to connect people and companies. At Sharp, I get the chance to develop the brand strategy and define our tactics for getting our name out there. It’s very exciting.”
Handley is involved with numerous industry groups including the Arizona Association for Economic Development, ULI Arizona, and Valley Partnership.
