Meet Our Team


Since 1990, our team has been devoted to successfully delivering your vision for projects.

Sri Kumar, PE

President and CEO

Bryan Hafertepe, PE

COO and Project Specialist

David Hunley

David Hunley, PE

Vice President and CDO

Charl Neser, MRICS, CCP

Director

Charles Cleary, CPE

Chief Cost Specialist

Jeffrey Jones, PE, CCP

Senior Cost Specialist

Lisa Heckendorn-Blake, PMP

Senior Project Specialist

Jeff Bowman, CPE

Senior Cost Specialist

Karl David

Senior Cost Specialist

Mihail Risteski

Mihail Risteski, PMP

Senior Project Specialist

Angelo Mukas

Senior Project Specialist

Tere Ayers, RICS, CEP

Specialist

Kelly McFadzean

Specialist

Bo Petreski

Bojan (Bo) Petreski

Specialist

Ian de Keyzer

Chief Cost Specialist Emeritus

Michael Feeney, PE

Analyst III

J. Caleb Claxton, EIT

Analyst II

Suraj Gaikwad, CMIT

Analyst II

David Yi

David Yi

Analyst II

Dhaval Gohil

Dhaval Gohil

Analyst II

Ramon Valdez

Analyst I

Fabian Guevara

Fabian Guevara

Analyst I

Caleb Ponting

Analyst I

Christy Shadowens, MBA

Administrative Director

Deane Gardner

Administrative Assistant

Janet Terry

Senior Marketing Specialist

Elie Germain

Intern

Nicolas Chaves-Galeano

Intern

Trey Denigan

Intern

Connie Gowder, CCP

Former President/CEO (1990-2021)

  • Sri Kumar, PE

    President and CEO

    Cincinnati

    As President and CEO, Sri focuses his efforts on continuing to build strong relationships with Connico’s partners, investing in Connico’s people, and bringing the diverse knowledge base of Connico’s exceptional team to the forefront of delivering client solutions.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Charity:water

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Opportunity to grow as a person and grow my career the way I want!

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Reading. Alone. In silence.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Venturer – are always exploring and moving past boundaries. They’re strong-willed, goal-oriented, and focused on making an impact at work.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    “The reward for being kind is not that people will be kind in return. The reward for being loving is not that people will be loving in return. The reward for being honest is not that people will be honest in return. The reward for being kind is that it makes you a kind person, the reward for being loving is that it makes you a loving person, and the reward for being honest is that it makes you an honest person.”

  • Bryan Hafertepe, PE

    COO and Project Specialist

    Cincinnati

    Bryan is a licensed professional engineer focused on cost estimating, value integration, project management, and construction observation. As the COO, he leads Connico’s retention and recruitment efforts, including training and mentoring.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Cincinnati Boychoir

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    The opportunity to make a difference on many different projects all over the country is why I continue to love working at Connico.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Singing

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Altruist – driven to achieve operational efficiencies.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Whether you think you can or think you can’t – you’re right. — Henry Ford

  • David Hunley

    David Hunley, PE

    Vice President and CDO

    Cincinnati

    As Vice President and CDO, David assists in leading the major infrastructure projects for Connico. He also focuses on the development and growth of the business and the staff.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    My wife and I spend a lot of time and resources helping a local recovery mission at a local church.

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    This is a unique place with a unique experience for the right fit. This is perfect for me!

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Disc golf

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Promoter – accommodating; most comfortable working with others, he often puts team/company goals before his own personal goals.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Always treat others the way you want to be treated.

  • Charl Neser, MRICS, CCP

    Director

    Atlanta

    Charl’s experience in the construction industry includes specializing in cost estimating, cost management, litigation support, quantity surveying, contractor reconciliation, value engineering, and project management services.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Feed the Children.

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Teamwork within Connico – everyone has different personalities but within Connico we all work together as one team to make Connico great.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Woodworking.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Craftsman – formal, reserved, detail-oriented, and operationally focused.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Are you done yet?

  • Charles Cleary, CPE

    Chief Cost Specialist

    Atlanta

    Charles leads all of Connico’s estimating processes and is the go-to contact for related matters. He oversees project schedules and quality at a high level and helps the company achieve its long-term business goals as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    My Possibilities.

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Each person at Connico is awesome at what they do and all of us working together, makes us exceptional.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Restoration of old houses and woodworking.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Specialist – detail-oriented and thorough; works to ensure things don’t fall through the cracks, and follows up to ensure they’re done properly and on time.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    The best way to predict your future is to create it. — Abraham Lincoln

  • Jeffrey Jones, PE, CCP

    Senior Cost Specialist

    Atlanta

    Jeffrey has mechanical, plumbing and fire protection cost estimating and project management experience. He quantifies and prices materials and labor for systems, value engineering, and life-cycle cost analysis.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Covenant House Georgia.

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    To be part of a dynamic interactive team of professionals working toward common goals.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Boating.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Promoter – extraverted, harmonious, supportive, and encouraging.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Not all those who wander are lost.

  • Lisa Heckendorn-Blake, PMP

    Senior Project Specialist

    Cincinnati

    Lisa is experienced in planning, scheduling, budget development, cost/change management, construction management, and team coordination. She excels in performing under complicated and tight schedules requiring completion by a fixed deadline.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Society of Saint Vincent DePaul.

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    I love the work and my fellow employees are a joy to work with.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Kayaking.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Specialist – detail-oriented and precise, and follow-through is deep and literal to ensure tasks are completed in accordance with quality standards.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. — John F. Kennedy

  • Jeff Bowman, CPE

    Senior Cost Specialist

    Nashville

    Jeff has experience in construction management and consulting with expertise on large construction projects. His cost estimating expertise includes projects in various market segments.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    The Voice of the Martyrs.

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Because of the people. The people are committed, detail oriented, quality driven, team minded with strong expertise in the construction industry. There is also an atmosphere that reflects sincere care and concern for each other.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Woodworking, gardening, history, science, and reading.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Specialist – detail-oriented and precise.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Simplicity in character, in manners, in style; in all things the supreme excellence is simplicity. — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

  • Karl David

    Senior Cost Specialist

    Nashville

    Karl has numerous years of experience in consulting and construction management in various industries. At Connico, he assists with cost estimating.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Ocean Conservancy

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Because of the talented people, the dedication to doing it right, the attention to detail, and the quality above all else, this team is phenomenal.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Gardening and historical findings

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Specialist – detail-oriented and thorough; works to ensure things don’t fall through the cracks, and follows up to ensure they’re done properly and on time.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Check the tides, chart the course, set your sails – head for the unknown.

  • Mihail Risteski

    Mihail Risteski, PMP

    Senior Project Specialist

    Nashville

    Mihail has numerous years of experience in the construction industry specializing in scheduling and cost/change management. He has expertise in software programs such as Primavera 6, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Project.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Association Of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA)

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    The Connico team is inspiring, understanding and empowering in both personal and professional development. This approach makes the journey through life enjoyable.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Travel and food

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Altruist – congenial and cooperative with an efficient, precise work ethic.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man, but soon or late the man who wins, is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN! ― Walter D. Wintle

  • Angelo Mukas

    Senior Project Specialist

    Nashville

    Angelo has more than 13 years of construction industry experience specializing in construction administration. He has been on-site serving as a project manager, project engineer or superintendent for projects throughout the US. At Connico, Angelo will be providing construction administration for Connico’s projects.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Connico’s culture is the reason why I work here.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Travel

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Guardian – unselfish and approachable, with a focus on work that requires skill and great attention to detail.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Suffer well — Greek Proverb

  • Tere Ayers, RICS, CEP

    Specialist

    Atlanta

    Tere is experienced in quantity surveying and cost estimating. She excels at analyzing the costs involved in a project by providing cost observation and direction.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    The opportunity to work for a company passionate about delivering a quality product to its clients.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Singing, planning road trips, and reading.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Scholar – is accurate, reserved, imaginative and seeks a high level of technical expertise.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? — Luke 14:28 (New Revised Standard)

  • Kelly McFadzean

    Specialist

    Cincinnati

    Kelly has numerous years of experience in the industrial, residential, and commercial construction industries. He also has electrical maintenance and reporting expertise and uses his electrical expertise to aid in Connico’s cost estimates.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Hart County Scholarship Alliance, Red Cross, and Southeastern Grasslands Initiative

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Working at Connico allows me to work with an experienced, skilled, and diverse team on complex projects in a collaborative environment

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Hiking, boating, reading, travelling, and renovating old homes

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Guardian – unselfish and approachable, with a focus on work that requires skill and great attention to detail.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits. – Thomas Edison

  • Bo Petreski

    Bojan (Bo) Petreski

    Specialist

    Nashville

    Bo has 10 years of construction industry experience with expertise in estimating and project management. He is results driven with a keen eye for maintaining deadlines and completion schedules.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Space Exploration and Environmental Science, and Doctors without Borders

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Connico offers what very few other companies around the world do, experienced team with a team-spirit culture and a goal of excellence.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Swimming, Skiing, Gaming and Self-Improvement Books

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Individualist – highly independent and persistent, while remaining results-oriented

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. — Abraham Lincoln

  • Ian de Keyzer

    Chief Cost Specialist Emeritus

    Nashville

    Ian has experience in construction consulting and construction management. He provides cost estimating services using his depth of understanding that provides clarity when projects are estimated.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Goodwill Industries.

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Connico provides a tremendous environment and opportunity for me to enjoy the challenge that estimating (specifically Airport projects) offers.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Reading.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Controller – analytical, detail-oriented, precise, and thorough.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. — Winston Churchill

  • Michael Feeney, PE

    Analyst III

    Nashville

    Michael joined Connico after receiving his degree in civil engineering from University of Tennessee. He is a certified professional engineer and is focused on assisting in developing cost estimates, value integration, systems analyses and field observation.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Healing House.

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    The Culture – In my experience everyone, at Connico wants to succeed individually and as a team. Having the trust that your coworkers are going to try their very best on every project helps build a trustworthy and healthy culture

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Playing pickup sports like hockey, lacrosse, and basketball.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Collaborative – is a friendly, understanding, willing and patient team player.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax. — Mark Black

  • J. Caleb Claxton, EIT

    Analyst II

    Cincinnati

    Caleb joined Connico after receiving his degree in civil engineering from the University of Louisville. He is a certified civil engineering intern and is focused on assisting in developing cost estimates, value integration, systems analyses, and field observation.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Grace Fellowship Church

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Everyone is fun to work with and Connico offers great ways to help you learn and grow professionally. Connico is flexible and everyone has a voice in the company.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Hiking/exploring

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Persuader – a risk-taking, socially poised and motivating team builder.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.

  • Suraj Gaikwad, CMIT

    Analyst II

    Cincinnati

    Suraj is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in civil engineering. He has industry experience and is a certified Construction Manager in Training focused on assisting in developing cost estimates, on-site construction administration, and systems analyses.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Giving music lessons to children in need.

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Flexibility to choose and change your career path.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Exploring music.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Guardian – unselfish and approachable with a preference for detailed, skill-based work.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Humans are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise, both will wither and die.

  • David Yi

    David Yi

    Analyst II

    Nashville

    David is a recent graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Construction Management as well as construction industry experience. He assists with cost estimating as well as on-site construction administration.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Seattle Union Gospel Mission

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    The opportunity to learn and be a part of a company that invests into their employees.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    I enjoy playing basketball, hiking, and traveling.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Guardian – unselfish and approachable, with a focus on work that requires skill and great attention to detail.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. — C.S. Lewis

  • Dhaval Gohil

    Dhaval Gohil

    Analyst II

    Nashville

    Dhaval is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University with a masters degree in construction management. He has two years of experience in the industry and will be assisting with cost estimating while at Connico.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    charity: water

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Flexibility to work on different aspects of complex projects, mentoring and guidance from experienced professionals that helps you grow as an individual.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Travelling, hiking

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Artisan – accommodating and analytical while producing precise and accurate work.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Dream. Believe. Achieve.

  • Ramon Valdez

    Analyst I

    Nashville

    Ramon is a graduate of Tennessee Technological University with a degree in civil engineering focused on structural engineering. He has industry experience and is currently pursuing his Engineering Intern (EIT) certification. While at Connico, he is assisting in developing cost estimates and on-site construction administration.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Action Against Hunger

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    It’s a great environment and everyone treats you like family. It’s a company where you can grow and learn throughout your professional career.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Playing futbol, analyzing sports, building/renovating items

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Guardian – unselfish and approachable with a preference for detailed, skill-based work.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about. ―Winston Churchill

  • Fabian Guevara

    Fabian Guevara

    Analyst I

    Nashville

    Fabian is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in industrial engineering and engineering project management. While at Connico, he will be assisting with cost estimating, value integration, and systems analyses.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Hunger & Poverty

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Be part of an amazing goal-oriented team that will help me develop both in a professional and personal way.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Playing and watching sports, traveling

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Maverick – innovative “outside the box” thinker, undaunted by failure.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Most of us have two lives: the life we live, and the life we’re capable of living.

  • Caleb Ponting

    Analyst I

    Cincinnati

    Caleb is a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a degree in civil engineering. He previously worked as an intern at Connico and brings more than four years of experience in civil engineering. While at Connico, he is focused on assisting in developing cost estimates, value integration, and systems analyses.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Special Olympics

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    I work at Connico because there is a constant opportunity for learning, and the entire team is committed to helping each individual progress in their professional and personal lives.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Watching / playing sports and fishing

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Adapter – a bridge-builder, comfortable with changing situations.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.

  • Christy Shadowens, MBA

    Administrative Director

    Nashville

    Christy has extensive accounting and management experience for various industries. She excels in process management and development as well as vendor/client relations.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Rescue One Global

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Connico invests in their employees professional growth and personal well-being.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Canoeing.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Guardian – detail-oriented and precise, and follow-through is deep and literal to ensure tasks were completed in accordance with quality standards.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. ― Rumi

  • Deane Gardner

    Administrative Assistant

    Nashville

    Deane has numerous years of administrative experience and works to help keep our clients’ ventures running smoothly.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Nashville LaunchPad

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    I get to work with people I admire and respect.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Gardening

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Guardian – unselfish and approachable, with a focus on work that requires skill and great attention to detail.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    The time has come to turn your heart into a temple of fire. — Rumi

  • Janet Terry

    Senior Marketing Specialist

    Nashville

    Janet is an established marketing professional with numerous years of experience providing marketing-related services in the professional services industry.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    A21.

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    The camaraderie is exceptional, everyone working together to get the job done!

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Swimming, golfing, hiking, and reading.

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Guardian – usually unselfish and approachable, with a focus on work that requires skill and great attention to detail.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    I can do anything through Him who gives me strength. — Philippines 4:13

  • Elie Germain

    Intern

    Cincinnati

    Elie joined Connico while attending Lamar University where he is pursuing a degree in Construction Management. While at Connico, he is assisting in developing estimates and aiding in systems analyses.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    The Chauncy Glover Project

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Working at Connico provides many learning opportunities as I’m surrounded by intelligent individuals with different backgrounds and various experiences.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Working out

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Guardian – unselfish and approachable, with a focus on work that requires skill and great attention to detail.

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.

  • Nicolas Chaves-Galeano

    Intern

    Cincinnati

    Nicolas joined Connico for a second internship while attending University of Cincinnati where he is pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering. While at Connico, he is assisting in developing estimates and aiding in systems analyses.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Su Casa

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    To get hands on experience and learn in an inviting work environment with talented individuals.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Volleyball and running

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Operator – patient, conscientious, relaxed and cooperative team worker

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. — Nelson Mandela

  • Trey Denigan

    Intern

    Cincinnati

    Trey joined Connico as an intern while pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Indiana Wesleyan University. He will be assisting with cost estimating and systems analyses while with Connico.

    FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:

    Free the Nations Ministries

    WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:

    Connico provides a professional environment where employees can grow and learn in a multitude of disciplines.

    FAVORITE HOBBY:

    Soccer, pickleball, and theme parks

    PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:

    Controller – analytical, detail-oriented, precise, and thorough

    FAVORITE QUOTE:

    You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness. — Z. Ziglar

  • Connie Gowder, CCP

    Former President/CEO (1990-2021)

    Nashville

    As the founder and President of Connico, Connie provided construction consulting services for a number of years. Her expertise included cost estimating, project management, scheduling, construction oversight, claims preparation, and dispute resolution.

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