James (Jim) Elmer , founder and president of James W. Elmer Construction Co., Spokane, Wash., was sworn in as Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) national chairman at ABC’s 2010 National Convention in San Diego on February 3. Elmer’s 38 years of construction experience includes working on several heavy industrial construction projects involving fossil fuel and nuclear power plants.

Elmer began his involvement with ABC in 1986, and served as chairman of several committees, including the Government Affairs Coordinating Committee. He has also served as a member of ABC’s board of directors and the Legislative Committee. In 1998, ABC presented him with the National Grassroots Member of the Year Award. At the chapter level, Elmer served as 1991 chairman of ABC’s Inland Pacific chapter. In 1998, the chapter awarded him the Bo Engstrom Award for extraordinary service.

REIS

INCA Engineers, Inc. , a Tetra Tech Company, has appointed Rich Reis as vice president of operations. Reis has 30 years of managerial and hands-on experience in civil and environmental engineering, construction, and project management. Reis, who holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Southern California, served formerly as the Northwest Regional Operations Manager at WHPacific for eight years, where he provided operational oversight for 11 offices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. Reis is a member of the American Council of Engineering Companies and the Society of American Military Engineers, and is currently on the Board of Directors for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce.

Skanska hired Caitlin Powell as sustainability engineer in its Beaverton office. Powell is a 2009 graduate of Colorado State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in construction management with a focus on green building. She is the Oregon chair of the Cascadia Chapter of Emerging Green Builders and also serves on the faculty of Portland Community College.

HORTON

CLEM

POWELL

Skanska also promoted Steve Clem to vice president of preconstruction for Oregon. During his 12-year tenure with Skanska, Clem has been instrumental in driving change as it relates to sustainable practices in the construction profession both locally and nationally.

WHPacific recently hired Mike Horton as Director of Transportation in the Olympia office. Horton has over 32 years of experience as a transportation engineer, with 30 years in various positions within WSDOT. Horton will provide senior-level oversight and management of transportation projects in the Olympia area as well as participate in business development.