Kitchell is pleased to announce the promotion of Heather Brown to Executive Director of Engineering Architectural Services (EAS). With more than 25 years of industry experience, Heather brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of excellence to her new role.

Heather is an esteemed leader in the construction industry, renowned for her conceptual thinking and meticulous approach to project management. In her role as Kitchell’s Executive Director of Engineering and Architectural Services, she will be responsible for the Department’s growth and success, by effectively executing the Department’s annual business plan, as well as strategic plan.

Heather’s journey into mechanical engineering began with the ambition of becoming a fighter jet pilot. However, after discovering she was near-sighted, her career path took a turn when she secured an internship at a mechanical engineering firm. This experience ignited her passion for the field, leading her to excel as a mechanical engineering professional. Over the years, she has worked on a diverse range of projects, including public, healthcare, K-12/higher education, and commercial facilities. She particularly enjoys the complexities of healthcare projects, which allow her to leverage her problem-solving skills to address and resolve intricate challenges.

Despite her extensive background, Heather is known for her fearless approach to leadership and her willingness to embrace new challenges. She has played a pivotal role in enhancing Kitchell’s processes, by encouraging the EAS Department’s entrepreneurial spirit that led to the development and success of our Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) SQL Server and FCA Dashboard. In addition to being a licensed mechanical engineer in California and Arizona, Heather is also a LEED Accredited Professional, underscoring her commitment to sustainability to the built environment.

In her personal time, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband, and their two children, Sofia and Olivia. Family is very important to her, and she appreciates all the moments they spend together, whether it’s watching Sofia and Olivia play sports, playing games at a local brewery, or traveling domestically and internationally.

Heather attributes much of her professional growth to her time at Kitchell, stating, “Without Kitchell, I don’t think I’d be the leader I am today. For the past 20 years, they have stretched and challenged me into the person I am today.”

Bill Johal, Vice President of Business Development at Kitchell, commented on Heather’s promotion, saying, “Heather’s dedication and innovative mindset have been invaluable to our team. Her ability to foresee potential challenges and address them proactively has significantly contributed to our success. We are excited to see her continue to drive excellence in her new role.”

Kitchell is confident that under Heather’s leadership, the Engineering Architectural Services Department will continue to thrive and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

We are excited to announce Brian Jemo’s promotion to Bay Area Regional Executive.

Brian has been a vital part of the Kitchell team for 22 years, significantly contributing to the success of the Bay Area leadership team. His experience includes leading key Bay Area accounts such as City College of San Francisco, San Francisco Unified School District and Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District.

Brian’s journey with Kitchell began right after college. His first interview was with Northern California Operations Manager Jennifer Frahm and Senior Project Manager Marie Otaya, who, like him, are still with the company. He started on July 1, 2002, as a project engineer working on school projects in San Mateo. Over the years, he has witnessed significant changes in the industry and within Kitchell.

Brian attributes his dedication to the supportive and growth-oriented environment at Kitchell, where colleagues are committed to adding value to their projects and creating an enjoyable work atmosphere. Kitchell represents his career and a significant part of his life, and he is proud to be part of a company that prioritizes the well-being of its employees and clients.

“Brian has truly earned this promotion! Throughout his 22 years with Kitchell, he has consistently demonstrated leadership and expertise with his teams, clients, projects, and industry peers. Brian’s journey from Project Engineer to Regional Executive epitomizes a true Kitchell success story. I am confident that, with Brian at the helm and the support of our team, the Bay Area is set for continued growth and success,” said Geoff Bachanas, Vice President of Operations.

Most recently, Brian graduated from the CASH School Facilities Leadership Academy! This intensive program is a collaborative effort between the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) and the Fiscal Crisis Management Team (FCMAT) to provide training for current and future school facility leaders.

In his free time, Brian is an avid golfer who loves the challenge and precision the sport requires, along with the added benefit of being outdoors. He also enjoys sharing his passion for golf with his 15-year-old son, and they regularly play together.

Please join us in congratulating Brian on his new role as Bay Area Regional Executive!