Category: Careers

HPM Hires Cynthia Foteh as Director of Business Development

Posted on July 15, 2024

HPM has announced the hiring of Cynthia Foteh as the company’s newest Director of Business Development. Based in HPM’s Austin office, Foteh will oversee client-relationship management and spearhead new business initiatives in the Texas market as HPM continues to pursue projects in the region.

Foteh possesses more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors of the AEC industry, having held positions including Business Development Manager at Powers Brown Architecture and Director of Business Development at WGA Consulting Engineers. As Director of Business Development at HPM, she will lead business strategy and sales initiatives, aiming to expand the firm’s presence in Texas.

“I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time, as HPM continues to expand its reach by offering premier program management services to high-profile clients across Texas,” said Foteh. “My passion for driving growth, fostering collaboration and building connections within this industry aligns with HPM’s mission and people-oriented values. I look forward to continuing to immerse myself in Texas-centric professional organizations and leadership communities, and to working alongside such a talented team as we expand our footprint across the state.”

Through her role, Foteh will aim to build and maintain relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders to deliver high-quality business solutions and strategies that meet the needs for quality program management services. She will focus on the education, municipal and manufacturing industries within Texas as she works to expand HPM’s portfolio.

“We are proud to welcome Cynthia to HPM, as her wealth of experience in AEC initiatives and ability to build meaningful relationships with clients will help us advance to the next stage of growth in Texas,” said Ryan Austin, HPM President. “It’s an exciting time for our firm, as we continue to expand into new markets and explore new sectors while strengthening our boots-on-the-ground efforts across the country. Cynthia will play a crucial role in ensuring this success and dedication to program management excellence continues for both our existing clients and those we will work with in the future.”

ENR Ranks HPM #25 on Top 50 Program Management Firms List

Posted on July 2, 2024

Each year, the Engineering News-Record (ENR) gathers data from firms nationwide to determine their Top 50 Program Management Firms list. HPM has been included in the list every year since 2014.

About ENR

ENR generates annual rankings in an effort to create structure in a large and, at times, overwhelming industry. Their surveys procure relevant information from key segments within the industry, including general contracting, engineering, architecture, and more specialized services, such as program management. Rankings are determined based on revenue generated both within the U.S. and abroad. ENR’s news, analysis, and commentary are published to empower construction industry professionals to do their jobs with greater knowledge and efficiency.

HPM’s Ongoing Growth

HPM has experienced exponential growth in the niche service offerings of construction audit and planning, along with more hallmark services like preconstruction, project management and owner’s representation. The company continues to spearhead projects on behalf of leading corporations in aviation and aerospace, industrial manufacturing, and technology while managing construction for cutting-edge sports and entertainment venues, higher education facilities and best-in-class K-12 schools.

Recent years have brought a surge in higher education projects for the company, opening doors to partner with numerous institutions for the first time in firm history. Current higher education projects include Mississippi State University’s Azalea Hall, the University of Mississippi’s Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation, the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s College of Engineering, and the University of North Alabama’s Bank Independent Stadium.

In addition to embarking on first-time programs with new partners, HPM maintains decades-long working relationships and ongoing projects with numerous esteemed clients. In 2023, HPM celebrated 20 years of work with Regions Bank, and celebrated 20 years of work on campus The University of Alabama in April this year. The company has managed projects on behalf of FedEx for eight years.

To support the company’s external growth initiatives, HPM has made strategic growth strides internally. In 2023, the firm hired 49 new employees and promoted 18. As a result of HPM’s ongoing development, employees have been provided with new opportunities for scalability and career advancement.

HPM Hosts 6th Annual Emerging Leaders Summer Seminar

Posted on June 26, 2024

On June 12-14, HPM hosted the 6th Annual Emerging Leaders Summer Seminar. The program equips rising talent with the necessary skills and resources to create long-lasting, successful careers.

Interns and co-ops from across the footprint traveled to the company’s headquarters in Birmingham, AL, to participate in the three-day event. The Emerging Leaders program provides a unique fusion of networking and educational opportunities. Among the most valuable components of the event is the setting it offers participants to connect with like-minded peers pursuing similar career paths. This year’s Emerging Leaders class includes Robert Beason, Mary Claire Besh, Marin Carter, James Chalmers, Griffin Cordova, Tate Duncan, Elli Garcia, Rijker Hutson, Emma Roach, Cheyenne Scarborough, and Steven Schultz. Together, the group represents six universities and a variety of majors, including Industrial and Systems Engineering, Building Science, Civil Engineering, and more.

This year’s curriculum included topics such as setting goals, presentations and public speaking, and building relationships. During breaks from teaching sessions, attendees participated in team-building activities designed to foster collaboration and communication. The company’s leading executives and project managers attended the seminar, many of whom were presenters. Each presentation was given in a conversational format, allowing participants the opportunity to ask questions and grasp HPM’s culture.

“Attending Emerging Leaders and meeting everyone has made me fall in love with HPM’s company culture,” said a participant. “I genuinely believe this company cares about me and my well-being.”

A unique aspect of the Emerging Leaders program is the opportunity to witness many of former co-op students and interns transition into full-time HPM employees building careers in preconstruction, project management, field coordination, planning and beyond.

“As Senior Recruiter, I meet students at universities nationwide throughout the year. When I talk with prospective interns and co-ops, I look for individuals with an appetite to learn and develop as leaders,” said Anna Dolen. “I could not be prouder of this year’s Emerging Leaders class in particular. Each of them is characterized by integrity and intelligence that is sure to be the foundation of impactful careers. It is rewarding to see the recruiting process come full circle at the Emerging Leaders Seminar each summer.”

HPM’s Bootcamp Program Raises the Bar for Professional Development

Posted on June 3, 2024

On May 24-25, HPM conducted Project Management Boot Camp, an internal professional development program that has become a core pillar of the company culture. Since the first boot camp in 2023, HPM has set a goal of holding 8 of the events per year. Half of the yearly boot camps are dedicated to professional development for field coordinators, while the other half are customized for project managers. Employees outside of the project management and field coordination departments are also invited to attend. Each event is curated to foster communication, teamwork, and critical thinking while educating attendees on the latest industry trends and internal best practices. The program is designed to provide a combination of opportunities for learning and socialization.

Last week’s boot camp event was held at HPM’s Mobile office. Day 1 topics included cost management, budget management, and risk management. The budget management course provided extensive training around building and managing internal and external budgets using the #1 construction management platform, Procore. After completing the first day’s curriculum, attendees enjoyed a dinner social as a group.

Day 2 of the boot camp began with a dynamic team-building exercise designed to foster communication and collaboration within the group. Following the activity, additional training sessions were conducted, focusing primarily on relationship building and schedule management. Senior Schedule Manager Matt Jackson gave a presentation on building detailed program schedules, providing best practices for tracking progress and eliminating threats to progress. To conclude the event, the operations team conducted a Q&A session to ensure attendees were well-versed in all company policies, benefits, and resources.

“HPM’s boot camp programs provide a unique space for employees to sharpen their technical skills while building relationships with their colleagues,” said Caleb Camp, Operations Manager. “Investing in the professional development of our employees is a core tenant of the company’s values, and we are pleased to continually improve processes that equip project teams with the resources they need to thrive in their roles.”

HPM’s Will Cather Included in BBJ’s 2024 NextGen BHM List

Posted on May 24, 2024

Will Cather, Project Manager at HPM, has been included in the 2024 NextGen BHM: Construction & Real Estate list published by Birmingham Business Journal. This list is comprised of up-and-coming industry leaders who demonstrate great potential and leadership qualities. Recipients were chosen based on their contributions to their companies, their role in the industry, the likelihood of them becoming prominent leaders in their field, and their role in the Birmingham community. All honorees are under the age of 30.

About the NextGen BHM Recipient

With a robust background in contracting, design, and project management work, Will is a master of all trades in the construction/real estate industry. He currently provides leadership on HPM’s Regions account. His scope of work includes numerous facilities maintenance capital projects, which often present demands around the clock. Capital replacements/upgrades of elevators, fire alarm systems, HVAC units, HVAC control systems and both exterior and interior LED lighting retrofits are all common FMC projects. Will remains available to the client, going above and beyond to demonstrate commitment to getting the job done with excellence. This consistent work ethic has earned him a remarkable amount of credibility within the industry.

Regions Project Manager David Caulkins heralded Will’s contributions, stating, “Will has been such an asset to the team, it’s hard to surmise into a simple statement. He is transparent, available, and impactful, all in a timely manner.”

Will was promoted after only eight months with HPM, an honor indicating his high level of performance and robust work ethic. “Will excels in managing client expectations as he communicates in a clear and effective manner”, said his supervisor, Charles Phillips. “He is a team player and fosters a collaborative work environment where his coworkers feel valued and motivated. Will understands that if one person on our team succeeds, we all succeed.”

Community Involvement

A rising star in his profession and his community, Will is dedicated to giving back to the Birmingham area. He is actively involved with The WellHouse, a local organization providing residential, therapeutic programs to female victims of human trafficking. After attending a gala benefitting the organization, Will immediately began pursuing opportunities to serve on their board.

A graduate of The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and life-long resident of Birmingham, Will is sure to impact the construction industry and the Magic City for decades to come.

HPM Celebrates National Construction Safety Week

Posted on May 6, 2024

HPM is proud to join over 250 companies in celebrating National Construction Safety Week for the tenth consecutive year. This annual observance was created to bolster a safety-centered culture across the industry. This year’s theme, Value Every Voice, reminds participants of their responsibility to speak up for safety on site. No matter their role, each person on a job site must be empowered to call attention to potential hazards. Construction Safety Week is a great reminder to take ownership of the health and safety of all working alongside them.

Construction Safety Week 2024

This morning, HPM joined Hoar Construction in hosting a Construction Safety Week breakfast to kick off this year’s festivities. Vice President of Field Operations Mike Pitts shared a meaningful quote, “If you see it, you own it. If you walk by it, you condone it.” Attendees signed a banner pledging to value every voice. All who signed committed to doing their part to ensure safe environments both on and off job sites.

Additional events will be held throughout the week across the company’s footprint. Various instructional training sessions will be held, one of which includes a heavy equipment demonstration at RPI Rentals. HPM looks forward to offering employees numerous opportunities to gather with coworkers this week in recognition of the vital role safety plays in the life of our company.

Construction Safety at HPM

Safety is critical to the HPM culture, and the health and safety of anyone in our care is paramount to our overall success. All HPM employees are expected to adhere to the project safety requirements while visiting a job site, and the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is always worn while on site. Safety glasses, hard hats, high-visibility vests, and work shoes are the minimum requirements.

Our role in safety may change from project to project, but it’s HPM’s role as the owners’ representative to verify and understand the contractor’s obligation with every project as it pertains to safety. Our culture requires that we “know the deal” which means we confirm our responsibilities on every new project rather than assuming they are the same as they were on our last project.

HPM’s Field Coordinators play an active role in ensuring safety protocols are strictly adhered to. This protects everyone in proximity to the job site, while also protecting the owner from potential lawsuits. An important factor is ensuring the job site is safe, particularly when located in a highly trafficked area. For instance, HPM manages numerous projects for clients in the K-12 and higher education industries. On these projects, students and faculty are often attending classes near active job sites. Field Coordinators add tremendous value in implementing the highest level of safety precautions to protect everyone in the vicinity of the project.

Progress Forges Ahead at Airbus Manufacturing Facility in Mobile

Posted on April 16, 2024

Construction was recently completed on two new paint shops at Airbus’ Mobile, AL campus. These facilities located on the west side of campus enable Airbus to triple their monthly paint production. The completion of these projects is only a symbol of the progress underway within the Single Aisle Ramp Up (SARU) expansion, slated to double the size of the Airbus footprint in North America. When the program is complete, Mobile will rank as the 4th largest aerospace manufacturing community in the world.

Leading the Charge

Leading HPM’s project team is Stewart Nobles. Stewart was recently promoted to Senior Program Manager after joining the account in 2019. His mechanical and technical background proved essential in providing value to the client, quickly establishing him as the “perfect fit” for a complex program such as Airbus. He is a strong team leader with a demonstrated ability to hone in on the finite details of a project, while also keeping the “big picture” end goal in mind.

A Robust History

HPM’s relationship with Airbus began over 15 years ago with the construction of their Mobile Engineering Center. From there, the HPM project team led the development of the first Final Assembly Line campus in North America at Mobile’s Brookley Aeroplex. Following the successful completion of the first A320 FAL, Airbus called upon HPM again to lead the development of the A220 FAL project and expand the Mobile campus to produce a second line of aircraft.

A Bright Future

In 2022, HPM was honored to be called upon once again to lead a third campus expansion increasing the production of the original A320 series aircraft line. Presently, we are deep in the construction phase, projected to reach completion in late 2025. Without question, bright days are ahead for Mobile as Airbus continues to generate unique new job opportunities for residents while fostering economic growth within the community.

North Alabama NAWIC Chapter #396 Officially Chartered

Posted on April 10, 2024

March 28, 2024, marked a pivotal milestone for the North Alabama community as Chapter #396 of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) was officially chartered. To commemorate the occasion, a celebration was held at 106 Jefferson Hotel in Huntsville. Members from NAWIC’s National, Nashville and Greater Birmingham chapters witnessed as chartering members were sworn in.

Among the eight women inducted as the inaugural North Alabama Board of Directors was HPM‘s Sarah Logan, who is serving as the chapter’s first Vice President. Amidst her colleagues, Sarah is known for providing exemplary project management services, most recently completing a dual-facility renovation project at Drake State Community & Technical College.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as the inaugural Vice President for the NAWIC North Alabama Chapter #396″, said Sarah. “More than anything, I look forward to connecting with fellow females in the industry as we link arms to pursue and advocate for meaningful opportunities for women in construction.”

Additional officers for the inaugural calendar year include Sara Beth Wilcox as President, Alexa Toler as President-Elect, Mary Seldon Luther as Secretary, Kasi Phillips as Treasurer, and Maurene Hanner and Andrea Simpson as Directors.

NAWIC was created by 16 founding members in the Fort Worth area in 1953. The organization’s mission from day one remains its purpose today: to advocate for the value and impact of women in construction. With more than 115 chapters across the nation, the organization has grown exponentially over the past 71 years.

Megan Cordingly, Ph.D. Promoted to Senior Business Analytics Manager

Posted on April 2, 2024

An integral part of HPM’s Operations team, Megan Cordingly, Ph.D. has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence and a keen understanding of the intricacies of business analytics. Her expertise in data visualization and ability to translate complex insights into actionable strategies have significantly contributed to HPM’s ability to provide accurate and digestible reporting metrics to our clients, project teams and company leadership. Because of her dedication and contribution to the continued success of our company, she has been promoted to Senior Business Analytics Manager.

Megan joined HPM in 2022. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in streamlining internal processes, resulting in significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. For example, she transformed HPM’s accounts receivable reporting by automating and digitizing the process. She was also instrumental in overhauling and improving the marketing quarterly checklist, allowing the marketing team to access vital project information, while combining historical data through a custom marketing dashboard. This allows the team to better pinpoint arising opportunities. In addition, she has worked with numerous project teams to develop custom dashboards that effectively deliver the information needed by our clients.

In her new role, Megan will lead efforts to create a comprehensive data analytics program for HPM that will support the continued evolution and growth of the company. Her key responsibilities will include driving the vision and strategies for collecting, managing and analyzing data while deploying cutting-edge visualization tools to automate reporting and enhance decision-making.

The initiatives led by Megan will be critical to HPM’s continued evolution as a technologically innovative company that leverages real-time data to identify trends and patterns valuable to predictive analytics efforts that can then be delivered as actionable insights, driving our project teams and our clients to success.

Megan and her husband David are the proud owners of two Great Danes, Shadow and Grace. In her spare time, Megan enjoys kayaking, growing vegetables in her backyard and spending time with family and friends.

March Madness: Community Involvement Version

Posted on March 27, 2024

The month of March has been full of community involvement opportunities at HPM. We are grateful for the multitude of organizations that exist to better the communities in which we live and work. Whether rolling up our sleeves to cook chili, attending events or hitting the golf course, it has been a privilege to support outstanding causes as a team across our footprint. Take a moment to learn more about the dedicated organizations we partnered with this month!

It’s Better than Good… It’s Exceptional

HPM’s Birmingham office kicked off the month with a strong start at The Exceptional Foundation‘s 20th Annual Chili Cookoff. With over 70 participating teams, the event saw unprecedented involvement this year. On top of supporting a great cause, we were proud to take home third place for our “HPM’s Chili Madness” recipe. The Exceptional Foundation provides year-round social and recreational services for adults and children with special needs. Their programs provide unique opportunities to promote healthy living, strong social relationships and community involvement. Learn more about getting involved with this impactful organization in the Magic City.

Beat Cancer, Eat Chili!

The following weekend, HPM’s Mobile team brought their chili game in support of the American Cancer Society. The group went all out for the theme, kept their eyes on the prize, and, most importantly, raised funds for a life-saving cause. As an added bonus, we defended our reigning champion status, taking home first place in our category. Thank you, ACS for allowing us to partner with you in your valiant effort to find a cure. Be sure to check out the organization’s volunteer opportunities.

Tomorrow’s Construction Leaders

HPM team members, Melissa Bradley and Sara Chapman participated in Read Across Montgomery Public Schools Week. The district added an exciting twist, focusing on career exploration through reading. Melissa and Sara leveraged this occasion to teach first graders about the many job opportunities in the construction field. They read the children’s book “Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site”, and conducted a coloring activity centered around hard hat safety. It was a privilege to spend time with the next generation of leaders. Thank you, Forest Avenue Magnet Elementary School for having us!

Bold Futures

Next on the agenda was sponsoring and attending Girls Inc.‘s Bold Futures Breakfast. Participants in the program, ranging from fourth-grade to high-school seniors shared stories of the organization’s impact on their personal confidence, character and career goals. Girls Inc. equips girls and young women to reach their full potential while advocating with and for them to end inequity and discrimination. With a presence in more than 350 cities in the United States and Canada, there are endless ways to serve this world-changing organization. Find your affiliate and learn more about involvement opportunities.

Shining Stars Gala

Our Texas team was pleased to support Round Rock ISD‘s 23rd annual Shining Stars Gala, “An Evening in Paradise!” Attendees gathered to celebrate the district’s successful growth strides while raising support for continued progress in the years to come. HPM considers it a great privilege to be a part of the vibrant, thriving community of Round Rock, TX.

Leading with the Lions

Last, but certainly not least, our Huntsville team participated in UNA‘s North Alabama Football Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the event will benefit the university’s upcoming project, Bank Independent Stadium, for which HPM is providing program management and owners’ representation services. We look forward to continuing to interact with the Florence/Shoals community as this project is brought to life!