Leadership

Kraig Abbey has played a key role in growing Eichleay’s presence in the Mountain Region. He has over 25 years of progressive experience in project execution and operations management. After spending much of his early career in project controls, he went on to oversee approximately 125 employees across 3 regional offices for a competitor organization. As Managing Director of the Business Team, he is now responsible for the project accounting, business analytics, and technology services functions within the company. One of his primary areas of focus is on developing and implementing tools which enhance visibility to project performance and enable continuous improvement. Kraig received his B.S. in Engineering Science (Mechanical) with a Minor in Business Administration from Montana Tech of the University of Montana.

Samar Adranly joined Eichleay in 1998. During her lengthy tenure with the company she has held many significant positions within the functional areas of engineering and project management. As a Director for the Drive Team, she is now responsible for overseeing work and client relationships within several different market sectors. With over 25 years of hands-on expertise, she has a deep, diverse background in all aspects of project delivery and has played a significant role in the success of several of the company’s most prominent projects. Samar has a M.S. in Structural Engineering and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. She is a registered Structural Engineer in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Washington and a registered Civil Engineer in California, Michigan, Nevada, and Utah.

Kristen Airhart is responsible for talent management and human resources at Eichleay and has overseen those functional areas since 2016. As the Managing Director of the People Team, she also oversees the HSE and compliance functions for the company. Prior to Eichleay, Kristen held several positions of increasing responsibility within the field of recruiting and served as the Global Director of Resourcing for one of the world’s largest EPC organizations. With 20 years of experience in the project delivery business, she leads a team that leverages best in class practices and technologies to ensure that Eichleay is able to attract, retain, develop, and manage the best project delivery talent available in the marketplace. Kristen holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from the University of Florida.

Newsha Ghodsi started with Eichleay as a Program Director where she was responsible for overseeing a significant client relationship for the company. Her effectiveness in that role led to her current position as Managing Director of the Execute Team where she is now the single point of accountability for design engineering / architecture, as well as procurement, project controls, and support services, on all projects. Previously, Newsha was the Technical Manager and more recently the Operations Manager for a major operating company in the Los Angeles, CA area. She has 25 years of broad-based experience in process engineering, operations and technical management, as well as supply and trading activities in the downstream refining sector. After earning her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from UCLA, she went on to obtain her M.B.A. from there as well.

David Jacobsen is a Director on the Business Team and is responsible for overseeing technology services at Eichleay. In addition to guiding our technology strategy, he leads a talented team of network engineers, programmers, and other specialists who support the company’s IT, proprietary software, CAD, laser scanning, and other technology related assets. His diverse background includes stints in civil engineering, CAD administration, software development, and systems engineering. This experience was initially obtained while working for a large EPC and later as an independent consultant and entrepreneur. David received his B.S. in Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.

Jette Jensen’s can-do attitude, calm demeanor, uncommon commitment, and unrivaled competency are the glue that binds the entire Eichleay team together. A native of Denmark, she has been one of the key pillars of the organization since 1988. Her solid background in human resources, benefits administration, corporate policies and procedures, insurance, and accounting has been integral to Eichleay’s  steady growth and continued success.

Heather Kassab is a Director in the Drive Group and is responsible for managing one of Eichleay’s largest client relationships. She has 17 years of progressively responsible experience within the realms of process engineering, contracts administration, project and program management.  Before she joined Eichleay, she spent 15 years working on mega projects, before moving into portfolio management of smaller capital projects. She oversees Eichleay’s Emerging Professionals Program, which was established to develop and mentor employees in the first 5 years of their career. In 2019, Engineering News Record (ENR) recognized her as one of its Top Young Professionals. Heather received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University.

Attained through wide ranging field based and corporate assignments, Cathy Madore brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Eichleay. As a Director on the People Team, she serves as the functional lead for capability and culture at Eichleay. She is a Six Sigma Black Belt and a published author in multiple scientific journals. Cathy received her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of South Carolina-Aiken. She is also an Associate Safety Professional through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

Kara Millhollin has been instrumental in facilitating Eichleay’s expansion into the Pacific Northwest geography and now serves as the Managing Director of the Build Team where her primary areas of concentration include strategy, marketing, and business development. Having held senior level operations, engineering, turnarounds, and projects positions at several of the world’s largest energy companies, her knowledge of the wants and needs of clients is tremendous. She is particularly adept at promoting organizational effectiveness, systematic processes, and high performing teams and utilizes those skills to develop our employees and foster strong relationships, both internally and externally. Kara received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Montana State University and her M.B.A. from Western Washington University.

John Sakamoto joined Eichleay in 1992 and is now the Managing Director of the Drive Team overseeing all Project, Program, and Construction Management, as well as staffing services. Beyond being a recognized expert in the field of operational risk management, he is highly experienced in regulatory interpretation, regulatory advocacy, and permitting. He is also adept in the management of complex capital projects from conceptual planning through startup and commissioning. His diverse process plant background includes project director level responsibilities on several of Eichleay’s landmark projects. John graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and is a registered Civil Engineer in the state of California. He currently sits on the Western States Petroleum Association’s (WSPA) Board of Directors and is a past President.

After coming onboard in 2008, Mei Schwaninger successfully led Eichleay’s Project Accounting Group through several of the most significant projects ever undertaken by the company. She is now the Corporate Treasurer and Controller responsible for the preparation of financial statements and oversight of the general ledger, cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, tax compliance, budgeting, and forecasting functions. Born in Nanjing, China she immigrated to the United States as a teenager to attend school. Upon graduation she worked for a local general contractor, two regional homebuilders, and a global EPC firm. Mei holds a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from San Francisco State University.

Jim Vicknair joined Eichleay in 2013 after leaving a large global EPC firm. Now as a Director on the Build Team, his primary focus is on strategy and business development for the Oil & Gas market sector, as well as Mining & Metals.  Having started his career in the building trades, and with over 30 years in the construction business, the strong bonds that Jim has established during his career have enabled him to become a highly effective leader in the fields of labor relations, project delivery, and organizational management. These unique skill sets were developed and honed through the knowledge that he gained from working in the field, participating in professional organizations such as the Construction Industry Institute (CII), and overseeing everything from alliance relationships to megaprojects. Jim is a Certified Construction Manager (CCM).