Category: Press Release

HPM to Attend 2024 Farnborough International Airshow in England

Posted on July 16, 2024

HPM will attend the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) in Farnborough, United Kingdom, outside of London, from July 22-24. President Ryan Austin will be joined by Vice President of Business Development Jay Daily, Vice President of Business Development Andi Sims and Director of Business Development Cynthia Foteh at the event. This marks a decade of attendance for HPM at the second-largest airshow of its kind world-wide.

FIA is a biennial trade exhibition bringing together aerospace industry professionals, economic and business development recruiters, and city, state and national delegations from around the globe to demonstrate their business offerings to potential customers and investors. More than 1,200 exhibitors from 44 countries will be represented in this year’s trade show exhibition, displaying products and service capabilities to nearly 75,000 attendees from 102 countries.

HPM provides owners’ representation for large capital building projects — including airlines, aircraft manufacturers, airports, maintenance-repair-overhaul (MRO) companies and space and defense firms, as well as local and state governments interested in attracting capital investments. HPM’s portfolio of experience in aviation & aerospace projects includes managing the design and construction of the first Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility and the management of a variety of manufacturing and MRO facilities for national and international clients. HPM’s most recent initiatives includes projects for Airbus, Aerojet Rocketdyne, the Mobile Airport Authority, Sierra Space, ST Aerospace, Boom Supersonic, Leonardo Helicopters and AAR’s new MRO facility at Miami International Airport.

“We are thrilled to again have a presence at FIA, the most impactful place to learn and network among innovators in aviation and aerospace,” said Austin. “We always value the time spent collaborating with our peers, partners and clients in an environment with unmatched expertise. HPM’s offerings continue to expand, and our specialized expertise within the aviation and aerospace sector continues to grow, as we pursue new partnerships and add value for industry leaders. We look forward to showcasing our capabilities and strengthening our presence at Farnborough this year.”

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.”

HPM and UNA Break Ground on Bank Independent Stadium

Posted on June 18, 2024

HPM has announced the groundbreaking for Bank Independent Stadium at the University of North Alabama, marking Florence, Alabama’s first dedicated stadium. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday, June 14th, and construction is expected to begin immediately with a goal of project completion in Fall 2026.

The event came just a few hours after members of the Board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing and supporting Bank Independent Stadium design and overall budgetary approach, which paved the way for moving the project into its third and final phase. The launch of the historic Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign to raise $100 million for UNA has helped propel this project forward.

“The fundraising success we have experienced this far – and less than a full year into the Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign – indicates that we have tremendous support and momentum for Bank Independent Stadium as well as for the other priorities that are part of the campaign,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “It is gratifying to witness the great excitement for this project and to note how it complements the growth and academic success of the institution as we approach our third century of offering educational excellence.”

The Bank Independent Stadium has a base cost of approximately $65 million. To date, total fundraising for the stadium has soared to $25 million, and officials expect to add significantly to that figure once work on the project begins. The UNA Board has authorized the institution to borrow up to $35 million toward the cost of construction. Additionally, the UNA Department of Athletics reserved funds for this project during the planning process and will make those available for construction.

HPM is working closely with UNA to provide specialized services throughout the entirety of the project. Starting with preconstruction, HPM is overseeing budgeting, scheduling, design management, risk assessment and contract negotiation. The program management firm, which has worked on over two million square feet of athletic facility projects, uses its more than 25 years of experience and industry connections in the Southeast to effectively understand the university’s needs and serve as the official owner’s representative until the project’s completion.

“The start of construction of Bank Independent Stadium signifies a new chapter for UNA’s athletic program and the City of Florence, and HPM is ecstatic to be part of this dynamic project,” said Ben Henson, Vice President of Program Development at HPM. “Bank Independent Stadium will be a transformative addition to the University, ushering in a new era of growth for the school and bringing best-in-class recreational and entertainment offerings to the community.”

The design was approved by the Board and includes capacity for more than 10,000 Lions fans as well as other amenities, including the ability for future expansion, a 360-degree fan concourse, a premium tower featuring a new weight room, 13 spacious suites, a multipurpose stadium club, outdoor gathering areas, and multiple seating options with new fan amenities.

Concurrent with construction on Bank Independent Stadium, work will also be taking place at the baseball field adjacent to the stadium and at the UNA Spring Sports Complex at Cox Creek. The location will include a multipurpose turf field and track that will be available for academic, athletic, intramural, and community use. UNA’s football and soccer teams will use the multipurpose field during construction. As Bank Independent Stadium prepares to open, the Marching Pride will become the primary tenant of the Sports Complex at Cox Creek.

UNA Baseball will enjoy a reimagined space for the 2025 season that will include a new state of-the-art playing surface, an all-chairback seating concourse, a video board, and a unique outfield wall that resembles Fenway Park’s historic “Green Monster.” HPM will also be providing program management services for the Sports Complex at Cox Creek and baseball field.

Round Rock ISD Breaks Ground on Early College High School

Posted on May 16, 2024

Round Rock ISD, HPM, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, O’Connell Robertson have announced the groundbreaking of a $31 million facility for Early College High School (ECHS), an existing high school with more than 500 students in Round Rock, Texas. HPM will serve as program manager for the project.

ECHS provides an advanced curriculum at both the high school and college levels, allowing students the unique opportunity to prepare for careers directly out of high school or advancing them in their college credits. Currently, ECHS operates out of 10 portable buildings on Austin Community College’s Round Rock campus. This project will consolidate the students, staff and faculty into one 46,500-square-foot facility.

The new building will include classrooms and science labs, student breakout spaces, a cafeteria and central common area to accommodate 150 students, a fitness center, an administration suite, outdoor dining facilities, and study spaces. The site will also be located on Austin Community College’s Round Rock Campus on College Park Drive, allowing students easy access to both campus facilities.

“We are pleased to continue our legacy of providing premier program management services on K-12 initiatives with this meaningful, game-changing project for Round Rock ISD,” said HPM President, Ryan Austin. “Soon, ECHS students and faculty will have a state-of-the-art facility to call home that provides the nurturing, modernized learning environment needed to continue achieving the level of education they deserve. We are excited to work alongside Round Rock ISD and additional partners and look forward to announcing future milestones as progress advances.”

HPM will offer project management, quality control and preconstruction services for the project, ensuring budget and compliance is adhered to throughout construction. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors serves as the Construction Manager at-Risk collaborating with O’Connell Robertson as the architect of record for the school facility.

HPM Completes Renovation at Drake State Community and Technical College

Posted on May 13, 2024

HPM has announced the completion of renovations at Drake State Community and Technical College on the library building and Building 700, which will now house the school’s growing nursing program. HPM served as the construction manager and advisor for the $15 million project, which began in June 2022. The firm provided preconstruction services, including estimating and drawing reviews, project management, field coordination and closeout services.

“The new library and nursing school facilities at Drake State Community and Technical College will greatly enhance student life and overall campus involvement, said HPM President Ryan Austin. “While we have had a long-standing relationship with the Alabama Community College System, this is our first project with Drake State. We look forward to growing this partnership on numerous projects to come.”

The three-story library, which is the only multistory building on the campus, received major renovations to the lower two floors. The first and second floors now include the library; financial aid, admissions and advising offices; a testing center; campus bookstore; game room and lounge areas for students. The third floor houses the campus administration offices, which were previously located in Building 700, and received new paint and ceiling upgrades.

After the school’s nursing program outgrew its former location in Building 100, the decision was made to move it to the larger Building 700 to meet enrollment needs. After the renovation, Building 700 now includes four large-skills labs; two simulation labs, where professors can observe students practicing; and conference rooms and offices for the faculty and staff. With HPM’s guidance on budget allotment, the nursing school was able to purchase $400,000 worth of new equipment with savings, including additional beds, training mannequins and medical carts.

In addition to the renovation of the library and Building 700, HPM oversaw the complete overhaul of the mechanical yard attached to Building 700 in a separate project package. The renovation of the mechanical yard included the installation of two chillers and new electrical equipment, doubling its size. The upgraded mechanical yard allows for future growth on campus, as new buildings will now be able to hook up to the equipment due to its larger size and capacity. HPM also coordinated with the contractor and the campus during the installation of new utility lines to ensure that pathways and building entrances remained open safe for use during the school sessions.

“The completion of these renovations marks a pivotal moment in Drake State’s commitment to academic excellence,” said Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims. “Our updated library and the transformation of Building 700 to accommodate our expanding nursing programs will enhance student experiences and cultivate a dynamic learning environment. We extend our appreciation to HPM for their expertise and dedication throughout this project, which will impact our students for years to come.”

HPM Promotes Taylor Thorn to Vice President of Growth Strategy

Posted on January 9, 2024

HPM has announced the promotion of Taylor Thorn to Vice President of Growth Strategy for the company. Thorn is a 13-year veteran of the commercial real estate and construction industries and will oversee all growth initiatives for HPM in his new role.

Career Path

Thorn began his career with HPM as a Project Engineer in 2012, before being promoted to Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Senior Program Manager, Program Executive and most recently, Assistant to HPM President, Ryan Austin. As Vice President of Growth Strategy, Thorn will oversee business development, marketing and client relations for HPM, as well as overall leadership for the firm’s staff of more than 160 individuals. His goal within this position will be to identify and understand the needs of prospective clients to provide holistic solutions through HPM’s range of service lines.

“We’re in a monumental chapter of HPM’s growth story in 2024, with many new projects and company initiatives on the horizon,” said Austin. “We needed someone to oversee growth within all facets of our company and no one understands the vision for the future of HPM quite like Taylor. He is a true champion of not only our firm and its people, but of every client we have worked with and their individual successes. I rest easy knowing Taylor is helping to lead HPM into another year of prosperity.”

Throughout his career at HPM, Thorn has managed client partnerships, program staffing and internal controls and reporting. He first joined The University of Alabama account team and has provided oversight and leadership for multiple program accounts including Regions Bank, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Calhoun Community College, Buffalo Rock, Ole Miss, National Cement and Avanti Polar Lipids.

What’s Next?

“For over a decade, I have seen firsthand not only the overall growth and achievements of HPM, but also the personal growth of each employee that has turned our company into the program management powerhouse that it is,” said Thorn. “I believe HPM has thrived because of our supportive culture, commitment to fostering meaningful client relationships and combined years of expertise and experience within the industry. I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead HPM alongside Ryan as we expand our footprint into new avenues and markets and continue to serve our clients with top-tier program management and owners’ representation services.

Thorn is a graduate of Auburn University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in construction management. He is a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED certified. He is a member of the 2017 Future Leaders in Construction (FLIC) cohort, a group comprised of individuals demonstrating robust leadership and effective management skills within the construction industry.

HPM to Serve as Program Manager for University of North Alabama’s Bank Independent Stadium

Posted on December 15, 2023

Birmingham-based program management firm HPM will serve as program manager for University of North Alabama new Bank Independent Stadium. The firm will also provide owner’s representation and preconstruction services for the state-of-the-art, multipurpose facility on UNA’s campus. Davis Architects has been selected as the architect of record. The project is in the design phase with targeted completion during the 2026-27 academic year.

About the Facility

The multipurpose stadium will be thoughtfully designed for year-round utilization by UNA and the wider Shoals community. The venue will re-develop the campus space that currently houses the UNA turf field, Mike D. Lane Field and a grass practice field, incorporating UNA’s football, baseball and soccer teams into the re-imagined design. In addition to athletic practices and sporting events, Bank Independent Stadium will also enrich the community with concerts and live performances as well as other academic and community events. The new facility will serve as the new home for the University of North Alabama Lions football team. For over 70 years, the Lions played football at Braly Municipal Stadium, an off-campus facility owned by Florence City Schools.

“The forthcoming Bank Independent Stadium is an exciting addition to our extensive portfolio of sports and recreation projects across the country, and we have seen immense demand for these types of facilities in Alabama as our state’s population continues to grow,” said HPM Vice President of Program Development Ben Henson. “We’re looking forward to working alongside The University of North Alabama to deliver this highly anticipated multipurpose facility, which will serve as a transformative community venue and a catalyst for Florence’s burgeoning growth story.”

Services and Logistics

HPM will work closely with UNA to provide specialized services throughout the entirety of the project. Starting with preconstruction, HPM will oversee budgeting and scheduling, design management, risk assessment and contract negotiation. The program management firm, which has worked on over two million square feet of athletic facility projects, will use its more than 25 years of experience and industry connections in the Southeast to understand the university’s needs effectively and to serve as the official owner’s representative until the project’s completion. After the conclusion of the design phase, which is expected to conclude in 2024, a detailed plan for the stadium with more information about the scope, features and cost will be formulated.

“We are excited about this next step in the process of seeing the Bank Independent Stadium come to like at the University of North Alabama,” said Evan Thornton, UNA CFO and Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs. “HPM and Davis Architects will be tremendous assets to us as we embark on this historic project.”

HPM Expands Presence with Larger Office in Huntsville Alabama

Posted on December 5, 2023

Alabama-based national Program Management firm HPM announces the opening of a larger office location in Huntsville, Alabama. This solidifies the company’s commitment to broaden its footprint within the market and supports an increase in clients and projects within the region. Since 1997, the company has established a solid reputation as a leader in representing owners in managing the planning, design and construction of capital projects and has completed numerous projects across North Alabama.

Roots in Huntsville, Alabama

“HPM has stayed loyal to its roots in Alabama since our company’s beginnings more than 26 years ago. This expansion proved to be an easy decision as Huntsville remains one of our most active markets in the state,” said HPM President Ryan Austin. “As Huntsville, Madison, Decatur and the surrounding areas have experienced explosive growth, we have seen an influx of work here, too. We knew it was in the best interest of our firm and our clients to expand our footprint as investment continues to pour into the market. With this larger presence, we can foster our existing long-term relationships with valued partners while also making new connections to continue providing quality work to the region’s most high-profile projects.”

HPM’s presence in North Alabama area dates back to 2009. The company got its start in the region with the construction of Westwind Technology’s MRO facility for which HPM provided program management and owners’ representation services. In recent years, the firm has continued to serve the market with notable projects including 52,000 square feet of interior renovations at Drake State Community & Technical College; the construction of a new 204,000-square-foot North Alabama distribution center for Buffalo Rock; the renovation of the 180,000-square-foot Sparkman Building at Calhoun Community College; and renovation and expansion projects on behalf of Aerojet Rocketdyne. HPM is slated manage the construction of The University of Alabama in Huntsville’s New Engineering Building, commencing in Fall 2024.

Bright Days Ahead

The new Huntsville office is located downtown at 200 Clinton Avenue West, Suite 703. The space enables HPM to better serve clients within the Huntsville area and expand capabilities on projects throughout the market. HPM has appointed Senior Program Manager, David Jones to lead initiatives out of the Huntsville office. Since joining HPM in 2018, David has assisted in the execution of ongoing capital development programs throughout Alabama. He possesses more than 17 years of construction experience.

“This expansion bolsters HPM’s services in markets across the region, and I’m honored to oversee our talented team and ongoing strategy in Huntsville,” said Jones. “We have established a trusted reputation through our project successes in the market, and now we can grow our portfolio with a stronger boots-on-the-ground approach. We look forward to finding new opportunities for growth and strengthening our robust team in The Rocket City and beyond.”

HPM Announces Groundbreaking on Support Center at Whiting Aviation Park in Milton, Florida

Posted on July 31, 2023

HPM Announces Groundbreaking on Support Center at Whiting Aviation Park in Milton, Florida

113,000-square-foot facility will assist U.S. Navy, commercial helicopter operators
in Gulf of Mexico region

Birmingham, Ala.  (July 31, 2023) – Birmingham-based program management firm HPM and Leonardo Helicopters have officially broken ground on a state-of-the-art customer support center in Milton, Florida. HPM is providing program management and preconstruction services for the helicopter support center at Whiting Aviation Park, a site immediately adjacent to the Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF). The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

The Leonardo Helicopters Florida Support Center will span 113,000 square feet and include four large hangar bays, major component repair and overhaul, transmission work that will include Dynamic Test Bench, a full-sized paint booth and all associated tooling and equipment. In addition, a large parts warehouse will also be co-located to enable a more efficient supply chain response for the U.S. Navy’s TH-73 fleet at NASWF, as well as for commercial customers operating throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

“This support center is an exciting addition to our extensive portfolio of aviation and defense projects across the country, and we have seen an immense demand for these types of facilities in Northwest Florida,” said HPM President Ryan Austin. “The region continues to serve as one of the top locations for growth within the aviation and aerospace industries, and we have been busy providing quality program management services for a number of clients who are building in the market. We’re looking forward to working alongside Leonardo to deliver this highly anticipated support center, as it plays into Milton’s burgeoning growth story.”

To better serve the needs of this fleet and more than 1,000 Leonardo aircraft that are operating throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Central America, the company worked closely with partners at Santa Rosa County and Space Florida to select a site at Whiting Aviation Park for its new comprehensive customer support facility. Located on 267 acres of industrially zoned land owned by Santa Rosa County, the Whiting Aviation Park features a “first of its kind” limited access use agreement between Santa Rosa County and the US Navy, allowing tenants of the park to have access to NASWF’s 6,000 ft. runway and air traffic control. HPM was selected as the program manager for the project, set to oversee budget, compliance and scheduling controls during the planning and construction stages.

“We are thrilled to break ground at Whiting Aviation Park on Leonardo Helicopters’ new Florida Support Center,” said Clyde Woltman, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo Helicopters US. “With this modern and highly efficient facility, Leonardo Helicopters will be able to bring its industry-leading product support services even closer to our customers. We would not be here today if not for the constant partnership and support of the State of Florida, Space Florida, Santa Rosa County, Triumph Gulf Coast, and the United States Navy.”

Leonardo first announced its intention to build a helicopter support center at Whiting Aviation Park in 2019, before the United States Navy selected a variant of the Leonardo AW119, now named the TH-73 “Thrasher,” to serve as the primary training aircraft for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard as well as other allied nations. The first aircraft was delivered to the US Navy in June of 2021 and in July, with the support of Santa Rosa County and Triumph Gulf Coast, Leonardo opened a temporary hangar at Peter Prince Airport to gain its FAA Part 145 certification and begin repair work while a larger, permanent facility was being designed and developed at Whiting. Since that time, Leonardo has hired 19 full time employees in Santa Rosa County.

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About HPM

HPM provides comprehensive planning, design and construction-related experience to offer clients a one-stop approach to complete program management and owner’s representation. From real estate acquisition analysis and facilities assessments to construction auditing and move management, HPM services clients in aerospace, automotive, sports and entertainment venues, commercial and industrial, higher education, K-12 and state and local government. With a footprint of accounts, projects and offices spanning throughout the US, the HPM team manages its work for national and international clients while providing a flexible, scalable team of experts at just the right time in the life of your facilities. For more information, please visit www.hpmleadership.com.

HPM Hires Senior Project Manager As Firm Expands Life Sciences Footprint

Posted on July 17, 2023

HPM Hires Senior Project Manager As Firm Expands Life Sciences Footprint

Chandler Creel brings decades of experience overseeing facility shutdowns and construction projects for pharmaceutical and life sciences companies

Birmingham, Ala.  (July 17, 2023) – Birmingham-based program management firm, HPM announces hiring Chandler Creel as Senior Project Manager, expanding the firm’s capabilities in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. Chandler joined HPM’s Atlanta office and is overseeing numerous projects across the firm’s portfolio.

Chandler brings over two decades of experience in design and construction project management, scheduling and planning, procurement, shutdown work, and business operations. He has worked across four continents for clients within the residential, commercial, industrial, oil and gas, and life sciences verticals. His previous titles include Project Engineer at CB&I, Senior Project Engineer at JE Dunn Construction, and Project Manager at CRB Group, where he oversaw high-profile pharmaceutical and medical clients.

“I began my construction career at 16 and quickly developed a passion for teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. Of all the industries I worked in, I found a calling in life sciences,” said Creel. “Because life sciences projects combine complexity and a positive impact on the world, I found significant gratification and excitement in my work. I look forward to leveraging my experience alongside HPM’s incredible reputation and world-class services to better serve former, current, and new clients as a trusted advisor.”

Chandler credits his success with shutdown projects to developing trust within the team and robust processes for planning, communicating, and executing work. “Life sciences projects are of the highest quality and often have immovable deadlines. A positive team dynamic and a systematic approach to every aspect of the project are invaluable, especially when issues arise,” Creel added.

“Chandler is the component we need to successfully round out our roster of industry experts and continue forging our way into the life sciences industry, which is one of the most thriving sectors of commercial real estate and construction,” said HPM President Ryan Austin. “It’s an uncompromising industry, and it takes someone who can meet aggressive deadlines and who possesses an unwillingness to settle for anything less than perfect. Chandler’s qualities and experiences make him an ideal leader during this next phase of growth at our firm.”

HPM recently handled program management for the construction of two new production facilities, a solvent warehouse, and various site infrastructure projects for Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc., owned by Croda International and located in Alabaster, Alabama. The firm is also overseeing the renovation of its existing quality and analytics building and the ground-up construction of a new 20,000-40,000-square-foot cGMP manufacturing facility, which will give Avanti the opportunity to modernize and automate multiple formerly hands-on processes.

Chandler is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction. While at Georgia Tech, he led multiple trips to New Orleans for Katrina relief and represented Georgia Tech nationally at the Associated Builders and Contractors student construction competition. Chandler was selected to serve as the primary leader for the Lean Construction Institute’s Georgia Chapter and is involved with ISPE.

The life sciences sector has seen record growth in recent years, with laboratory inventory growing by nearly 50% to 181.7 million square feet at the end of 2022, according to a report from CBRE. Life sciences also boasts a relatively low vacancy rate compared to other sectors and is expected to continue this growth as spending on research and development increases at a sustained pace.

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