McCarthy expands Renewable Energy Group

McCarthy Building Companies’ national renewable energy group, based in Phoenix, recently expanded with the addition of two experienced solar construction experts and promotion of an experienced preconstruction leader.

McCarthy’s national renewable energy group, a top-ranked EPC (engineer, procure, construct) general contractor, focuses on building utility-scale solar plants across the United States. McCarthy’s engineering and construction services offer in-budget development, site selection analysis, constructability reviews, cost-estimating, value analysis, schedule development, project management and schedule control for utilities, developers and private companies.

Expansion of the firm’s renewable energy group grows McCarthy’s ability to provide clients with innovative and effective solutions for alternative energy projects. The promotion and new hires include the following McCarthy renewable energy directors:

Brenda Byers, Preconstruction Director: With a decade of experience in renewable energy construction, Byers was recently promoted to director of preconstruction and is now responsible for overseeing plant designs, collaborating with project partners and subcontractors, and working closely with the project teams to maximize preconstruction planning for solar projects. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Wichita State University and a master’s degree in solar energy engineering and commercialization from Arizona State University. Byers is based in the firm’s Southwest regional office.

Phil Radin, Project Director: Radin began his career with MC Industrial, an independent McCarthy company, in 2000 and has nearly two decades of experience working on a wide array of industrial projects. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from the University of Central Missouri. He earned a LEED AP BD+C certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, and he is also a member of the Association for Iron and Steel Technology. Radin is based in the firm’s Southeast regional office. 

Mark Skidmore, Project Director: Skidmore has more than 14 years experience working in the solar industry covering all facets of a project from engineering and installation to operations and maintenance. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Arizona State University (ASU). He is also a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer, Certified Energy Manager and a Registered Electrical Engineer in Arizona. He is a member of the Association for Energy Engineers, International Association of Electrical Inspectors, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Construction Specification Institute, and he serves on the Solar Energy Engineering and Commercialization Advisory Board at ASU. Mark is based in the firm’s Southwest regional office.

Robert Sty joins HDR

Robert Sty, PE, LEED AP, has joined HDR as Director of Tech for the architecture practice. He is based in the Phoenix office, but will support tech sector work around the globe. 

In his new role, Sty will be responsible for business development strategies and overall practice leadership for the tech sector, including managing a growing portfolio of mission critical facilities such as data centers and other cybersecurity, telecomm, and semiconductor environments.

Sty has specialized in the design, construction, and operation of mission critical facilities for more than 20 years. Most recently, he was Americas Region Director for Data Center Design & Construction with Exyte (formally M+W Group) and Principal and Technologies Studio Leader with SmithGroup.

“Rob’s impressive track-record of helping firms both strengthen market positioning and deepen portfolio expertise in mission critical typologies make him a great fit to lead HDR’s tech sector at a time of unprecedented activity in the marketplace,” said Steve Riojas, Global Director of Education | Science | Tech.

Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR expands services in Tucson

Ramiro Scavo joined the Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR retail brokerage team in November 2018, after 25 years in the restaurant business. He served as both an executive chef and restaurant owner before launching his commercial real estate career.  Ramiro moved to Arizona from Chicago at age thirteen and has lived and worked in Cave Creek, Scottsdale, and Tucson. He has owned businesses throughout the Tucson area, giving him depth of market knowledge. Ramiro translates his strong focus on relationships and first-hand retailer experience to his practice advising business owners and operators on their location needs. His past accolades include Iron Chef, Tucson 2009/2010, Tucson Weekly “Best Chef” nominee 2016, Tucson Lifestyles “Best New Restaurant” 2012, and a 2010 bronze medalist in the Arizona Chef of the Year competition.