People

As founder Sam Kitchell wisely noted throughout his life, Kitchell is only where it is today because of the quality of our people. We are fortunate to employ the best, brightest, proud yet humble individuals within the building industry, and are pleased to have them all carry the title “employee owner” through our enviable profit-sharing plan. This benefit is based on an annual vesting schedule that requires no individual financial investment, and has historically performed very well with low volatility. Our employees possess a wide range of skills and talents that, when combined, present a formidable team that brings projects to life. Kitchell employee owners take tremendous pride in their work, their relationships, and the legacy that the Kitchell name evokes.

Executive Team

Jim Swanson

President and CEO

Kitchell Corporation

As the CEO of Kitchell Corporation, Jim Swanson works closely with each of the companies that are part of the Kitchell family, and leads the corporate team that oversees all Kitchell financial, legal, technical and human resources functions.
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Steve Whitworth

President

Kitchell Contractors

Steve Whitworth joined Kitchell in 2006. He embodies the company's vision and values and has played a role on many significant projects. A stalwart client advocate, Steve brings construction expertise and fiscal responsibility to every project.
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Russ Fox

President

Kitchell CEM

As the leader of Sacramento-based Kitchell CEM, Russ Fox's 30-plus-year tenure has encompassed every managerial level and a vast array of public-sector work. He possesses deep knowledge and an expansive portfolio of construction and program management projects.
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Jeff Allen

President

Kitchell Development Company

Jeff Allen has spearheaded development of many notable projects during his years with Kitchell, including retail, multifamily, office and industrial projects in Arizona and California. He is responsible for the oversight of these holdings and Kitchell's growing property management team.
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Justin Newman

President

hardison/downey construction, inc.

Justin assumed leadership of h/d in 2019 and continues the company's nearly 35-year legacy as a contractor specializing in unique restaurant and retail, student housing, multifamily and tenant improvement projects.
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Steve Martin

President

American Refrigeration Supplies

Steve Martin leads ARS, a Phoenix-based HVAC wholesaler with a national footprint providing quality products and service to the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning industry. ARS sells primarily to licensed contractors in the repair and replacement market.
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Meet some of our Employee Owners

Bill Johal

Project Director

Bill’s participation with public safety and essential service facilities includes extensive time connecting with all the stakeholders. A mammoth task to some, Bill knows diligence paid early in a project’s life benefits all.
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Julie Garcia

Preconstruction Manager

Julie's expertise encompasses all preconstruction activities, specializing in healthcare construction costing and design team integration.
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Kirk Sheeley

Project Manager

Kirk's work experience includes serving as a project manager, cost engineer, project engineer and quality control engineer, as well as serving as a scheduling expert witness in complex construction litigation.
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Phil Glenn

Senior Project Manager

Phil is a healthcare construction expert and has managed some of Kitchell's most significant projects. He is a champion of Lean and offsite prefabrication.
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Rob Schramm

Director of Development

Rob has touched multiple facets of our business from construction to development of commercial assets. Rob is a graduate of West Point and served a tour in Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan in 2006.
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Mitch Tornell

Project Director

Mitch's career has primarily focused on correctional, detention and institutional facilities, including 15 prison and jail projects with public entities.
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Chris Kirch

Senior Project Manager

Chris, with nearly 20 years of construction experience at Kitchell, is a leader in the rapidly growing Houston, Texas region. He is a consummate team player with a commitment to ensuring the success of a project and satisfaction of the client.
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Rick Barton

Project Director

Rick has worked on a wide range of public and private projects including educational and municipal facilities, parking structures, office buildings and warehouses.
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Naveed Saboonchi

IT Manager

Naveed oversees Kitchell's communications and computer technology throughout California. His expertise spans research, planning, testing and deployment of complex, networked systems enabling Kitchell's offices to communicate seamlessly.
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B.A. Golston

Senior Project Manager

B.A.'s expertise encompasses construction administration, construction management and project management of public and private entities, including transportation, corrections, student housing, education and more.
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Lilia Villalpando

Project Engineer

Lilia's administrative responsibilities include RFI processing, change order processing and documentation, budget monitoring and monthly payment invoices for trade contractors, payment applications, prevailing wage verification, daily reports and tracking punchlist items.
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Daphne Faulkner

Project Director

Daphne, a designated Design-Build Professional (DBIA), leads Kitchell teams in California on complex healthcare and institutional projects. She is a passionate advocate for integrated and collaborative approaches to project delivery.
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Don Glatthorn

Vice President of Development

Don has a rich history in commercial development and has been with our California office since 1994. His public and private-sector portfolio includes strategic acquisitions, underwriting, entitlements, design, construction and leasing.
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Mike Seiber

Senior Development Director

Mike is involved in the acquisition, underwriting, entitlement, leasing, asset management and disposition of retail and other commercial properties in markets throughout California and Austin, Texas.
Marne Bouillon

Director of Design and Construction

With Kitchell since 1988, Marne leads acquisition and due diligence, entitlements and all facets of design and construction for Kitchell's retail, commercial and residential endeavors in California and Texas.
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