
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, 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, PMP
Senior Project Specialist

Tere Ayers, RICS, CEP
Specialist

Kelly McFadzean
Specialist

Ian de Keyzer
Chief Cost Specialist Emeritus

Michael Feeney, PE
Analyst III

J. Caleb Claxton, EIT
Analyst II

Suraj Gaikwad, CMIT
Analyst II

Ramon Valdez
Analyst I

David Yi
Analyst II

Christy Shadowens, MBA
Administrative Director

Deane Gardner
Administrative Assistant

Janet Terry
Senior Marketing Specialist

Elie Germain
Co-op / Intern

Melanie Moorhouse
Co-op / Intern

Taylor Pham
Co-op / Intern

Connie Gowder, CCP
Former President/CEO (1990-2021)
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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.”
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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
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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.
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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?
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Elie Germain
Co-op / 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.
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Melanie Moorhouse
Co-op / Intern
Nashville
Melanie joined Connico as an intern while attending the University of Cincinnati where she is pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering. While at Connico, she is assisting with cost estimates, on-screen take-offs, and interpreting drawings.
FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY:The Shepherd’s Crook
WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:The values and opportunities to learn and grow from, plus the people I get to work with.
FAVORITE HOBBY:Traveling, baking, kayaking, and biking.
PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:Artisan – accommodating and analytical while producing precise and accurate work.
FAVORITE QUOTE:Everyday has the potential to be the greatest day of your life. — Lin-Manuel Miranda
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Taylor Pham
Co-op / Intern
Cincinnati
Taylor joined Connico as an intern while attending the University of Cincinnati where she is pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering. She is assisting with cost estimates, on-screen take-offs, and interpreting drawings while with Connico.
WHY I WORK AT CONNICO:A supportive working environment where I can have different exposures in both construction and aviation industry.
FAVORITE HOBBY:Baking
PREDICTIVE INDEX PROFILE:Altruist – congenial and cooperative with an efficient, precise work ethic.
FAVORITE QUOTE:You cannot control the behavior of others, but you can always choose how you respond to it. – Roy T.Bennett
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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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Having field construction experience is just one of our many differentiators. See what else makes our team exceptional.