Burke Construction Group Announces the Addition of Mike Sims, DBIA, LEED AP as Vice President of Operations

Burke Construction Group is pleased to announce the addition of Mike Sims, DBIA, LEED AP as the Vice President of Operations.

With more than 26 years in the construction industry, Mike brings extensive construction management experience and a successful track record in executive leadership. With excellent professional and intangible skills, Mike will be an integral asset to Burke’s continued development. In 1996, Mike began his Construction Management career in Las Vegas with a local construction firm and spent over 13 years with LendLease, a globally integrated real estate, investment and construction group serving as Vice President/Project Executive. Some of his high-profile projects include state-of-the-art and multi-million-dollar facilities including Oceanside Plaza in California, VA Healthcare Center and the Horizon Uptown Mixed-Use Development. Most notably, Mike was a fundamental piece in the development of the Privatized Army Lodging (PAL) program. As Regional Senior Construction Manager, he oversaw the design-build operations for a large portion of the project. With an initial budget of $1.5 Billion, this program included renovations and construction of new hotel buildings, totaling 12,500 hotel rooms stretching over 41 Army installations. Throughout his illustrious career, Mike has collaborated on all fronts of the industry, leading both Construction & Development Operations teams.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and a Minor in Business Management from Brigham Young University (BYU). Mike was most recently with Shawmut, a national design and construction firm as Senior Director of Major Projects for their Western Region. We are incredibly excited to welcome Mike and his family to the Burke team.

Burke is also proud to announce our current Vice President of Operations, Thad Lawrence, will transition back into the role of Corporate Vice President to continue to focus on strategic growth opportunities.

Burke Construction Group Announces the Addition of Debbie Schmitt as the Vice President of Finance & Accounting

Burke Construction Group is pleased to announce the addition of Debbie Schmitt as Vice President of Finance & Accounting. With more than 20 years in the finance and accounting field, Debbie’s successful track record in the industry and exceptional professionalism aligns with Burke’s unparalleled commitment to excellence. Working her way through the ranks in her career, Debbie has demonstrated unmatched potential and the ability to take her teams to high levels of growth and performance. Her strong leadership qualities, expertise and charisma will provide both strategic and deliberate insight to the company.

Debbie started her career in public accounting as a Senior Staff Auditor with a world-class, multi-national accounting firm. Since that time, she spent 8 years as the Division VP of Finance for Nevada and California with one of the largest home builders in the United States and Director of Accounting for a world-renowned hospitality corporation. Most recently, Debbie was the Controller for North America’s largest independently owned construction equipment rental company.

As part of Burke’s Senior Management Leadership team, Debbie will oversee the operations, management, and continuous development of the Accounting & Finance Department. In this key leadership role, she will be responsible for Burke’s essential financial activities. Debbie will lead the charge in providing strategic leadership for the company by working with the Senior Management Team in maintaining current and long-range strategies, plans and policies.

Burke Appointed as a Kansas State Alumni Fellow for the College of Engineering

Burke Construction Group is pleased to announce the recent appointment of President & CEO, Kevin E. Burke as a Kansas State Alumni Fellow for the College of Engineering. The College of Engineering enrolls over 4,100 students into 8 academic departments and 11 undergraduate degree programs.

Every year since 1983 the Kansas State Alumni Association recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers. With approximately 187,000 living graduates, this recognition is a special way of honoring alumni’s many contributions to their profession and the university. The 317 Kansas State Alumni Fellows are chosen by each college to return as distinguished guests, mentors, friends, and counselors. This special appointment will give Kevin the opportunity to share his professional expertise with students as well as faculty in the classroom and informal settings.

Kevin Burke earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in business management from Kansas State University. Since joining Burke Construction Group in 1989, Mr. Burke has held various leadership positions within the organization, culminating into his appointment as President & CEO in 2001. Kevin was twice appointed by the governor of Nevada as Chairman of the state’s Contractor’s Board and is currently sitting on the Nevada Contractors Association (NCA) board. Additionally, Mr. Burke also continues to play a key role in some of the construction industry’s most distinguished organizations, including National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP), Henderson Chamber of Commerce (HCC), Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Young President’s Organization (YPO) Gold. In addition to the large role Kevin plays within the industry, he is also very focused on giving back to the community through charities and volunteering opportunities, especially in the Southern Nevada region.

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About the KSU Foundation – Established in 1944, The Kansas State University Foundation staff members work in close partnership with university administrators, deans and faculty to secure charitable contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations to support identified priorities for the university. Gifts received through the foundation fund undergraduate and graduate student scholarships, establish faculty chairs and professorships, provide college and departmental support, and enhance the campus infrastructure.  For more information, please visit www.found.ksu.edu.

Burke Construction Group Announces the addition of New Shareholders & Principals

Burke Construction Group is pleased to announce the recent addition of Dimitri Mihaloliakos and Thad Lawrence as Shareholders and Principals.

Dimitri Mihaloliakos, a 22-year construction professional and Vice President of Estimating at Burke, previously held the role of Chief Estimator during his 13-year tenure.  Dimitri has built a strong reputation in the construction industry, remaining active in the commercial development community, where he serves as a member of the Nevada Contractors Association (NCA), National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) and the leadership organization, Vistage. A graduate of the UNLV Construction Management Program with a minor in Architectural Design, Dimitri has volunteered his time and knowledge as a visiting professor at his alma mater.

With 20 years of industry knowledge, Vice President of Preconstruction Thad Lawrence, LEED AP, distinguished himself early-on since joining Burke in 2007.  During his tenure with the company, he has worked in the capacity of Project Manager – joining the Estimating and Preconstruction team in 2010, where he merged his years of experience in Operations.  Since that time, he was promoted to a Senior Estimator and Director of Preconstruction Services, where his leadership has been instrumental in delivering numerous successful projects – notably, serving as a certified U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Quality Management specialist leading our Federal Projects Division as well as the Development Manager and Project Executive for our Strategic Partners.  Committed to industry growth and education, Thad remains actively involved in organizations such as NCA, NAIOP and Vistage.

Both executive team members have worked diligently over the years – continuing to provide leadership and strategic direction for our continued growth and success.  In addition to Partner/Principal Jim Colegrove, who heads Burke’s Special Projects Group, President & CEO, Kevin Burke noted that he “could not be more proud to welcome Dimitri and Thad into ownership of the company, a commitment which my brother and Founder would have been equally as proud.”

Burke Appointed to Kansas State University College of Engineering Advisory Council

Appointed by KSU’s Dean of Engineering, Darren Dawson, with advice from current council members and from the college executive committee, Kevin takes great pride in being a part of the leadership and development promoting the connection of K-State faculty, students, alumni, and industry.  He will serve a three-year term beginning in the Fall of 2017.

A graduate of Kansas State University, with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in business management, Kevin also lends his industry knowledge through his membership on the Board of Directors for the Nevada Contractors Association (NCA) and PIRCH, Inc. (past Board Member and current Strategic Advisor). Previously the Governor-appointed Chairman from 2009 – 2012, Kevin continues to serve on the Nevada State Contractor’s Board. He is also a member of several professional organizations, including NAIOP, the Young President’s Organization (YPO-GOLD), and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA).

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About the Kansas State University College of Engineering Advisory Council – The Engineering College Advisory Council is a group of industrial, business, legislative, and professional leaders who are committed to the vitality of the College of Engineering at Kansas State University. The council helps the College of Engineering to strengthen its learning, research, and outreach programs, improve its facilities, expand its base of support, and serve its alumni. Council members actively participate in the continual assessment of the college’s progress and the development of college/industry partnerships. For more information, please visit www.engg.ksu.edu/alumni-partners/advisory-council/.

Burke Appointed to Kansas State University Foundation Board of Trustees

We are pleased to announce the recent appointment of President & CEO, Kevin E. Burke to the Kansas State University Foundation Board of Trustees.

The foundation now has 321 trustees serving as the university’s premier advocates, ambassadors and investors.  In September of 2016, 45 members were elected to four-year terms on the foundation’s board of trustees.

By giving their time, talent and treasure, these trustees and directors exemplify leadership and outstanding commitment to the K-State Family,” said Greg Willems, president and CEO of the KSU Foundation. “We thank our trustees – new and returning – for their leadership and dedication to K-State.”

A graduate of Kansas State University, Kevin earned his Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in business management.  As a proud Wildcat alumnus, he looks forward to serving the KSU Foundation and K-State community – keeping with KSU traditions of innovation and inspiration.

Additionally, Kevin lends his industry knowledge through his membership on the Board of Directors for the Nevada Contractors Association (NCA) and PIRCH, Inc. (past Board Member and current Strategic Advisor). Previously the Governor-appointed Chairman from 2009 – 2012, Kevin continues to serve on the Nevada State Contractor’s Board. He is also a member of several professional organizations, including NAIOP, the Young President’s Organization (YPO-GOLD), and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA).

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About the KSU Foundation – Established in 1944, The Kansas State University Foundation staff members work in close partnership with university administrators, deans and faculty to secure charitable contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations to support identified priorities for the university. Gifts received through the foundation fund undergraduate and graduate student scholarships, establish faculty chairs and professorships, provide college and departmental support, and enhance the campus infrastructure.  For more information, please visit www.found.ksu.edu.

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