Andrew McManus

Vice President of Major Projects

Andrew McManus is the Vice President of Major Projects of Underground Construction Co., Inc. and oversees all facets of major projects from outreach to estimation to management and close-out. Prior to current role, Andrew worked his way up through the company, starting as a project engineer, project manager, division manager of electric to vice president of electric. With 27 years in the construction industry, 24 with Underground, Andrew has grown with the company, both professionally and personally. As a third generation Undergrounder, he feels at home working alongside his friends to provide the best possible construction solutions, crowning Underground as his second home. Andrew earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a minor in Economics from Duke University.

Andrew Nortz

Vice President of Electrical Operations

Andrew Nortz is the Vice President of the Electrical Civil and Line Operations. He is responsible for operational oversight of the electrical division and preserves the company’s strategic goals, core values, and beliefs. Andrew is involved in the development and implementation of organizational structure, reporting relationships, and accountability for critical company metrics. He is acute to anticipating and preparing for future needs of the division. Upon graduating from San Luis Obispo for Construction Management, he accepted a project manager position for a commercial builder in the public works sector where he managed new construction, seismic retrofit work and critical infrastructure improvement. He later became the vice president of operations and was an integral part of the company’s growth for more than a decade. Andrew serves as a member of the Construction Management Advisory Council at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He also serves on the Industry Advisory Board for the Construction Resource Center, an organization that provides hands-on technical assistance to contractors, tradesperson, and future construction professionals.

Dr. Avery Fox

Director of Safety, SoCal Division

Dr. Avery Fox is the Director of Safety for the SoCal Division at Underground Construction Co., Inc., overseeing comprehensive health and safety programs for more than 250 craft and salaried employees and leading a department staff of four safety professionals.

Dr. Fox has nearly a decade of occupational safety and health experience in the pipeline, oil and gas, and utility construction industries. Dr. Fox started his career as a safety coordinator for Quanta Services, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, traveling worldwide to various electrical power, pipeline, industrial, and telecommunications projects. He was the Director of Safety, Health, and Environmental for T.G. Mercer Consulting Services, Inc. and MTS Quanta, LLC – both Quanta Services’ companies – headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, spanning projects nationwide from 2018 to 2023. He led efforts in T.G. Mercer’s achievement of Superior Company Safety Performance in 2020, 2021, and 2022, awarded by the Pipeline Contractors Association (PLCA).

In addition, Dr. Fox serves as the Student Section Liaison between the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) San Diego Chapter and numerous universities and colleges to build mentorship programs and provide guidance for students seeking occupational safety and health practitioner careers.
Dr. Fox earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health and a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma. In addition, Dr. Fox earned a Doctor of Education in Public Health from the American College of Education. Dr. Fox holds the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and Electrical Power Safety Excellence (EPSE) credentials.

Ben Lyon

Sr. Director of Gas – Northern California

Ben Lyon is the Senior Director for the Northern California gas transmission and distribution operations. With 28 years in the industry, Ben has the experience to strategically lead his team and the gas division. As part of executive management, Ben is proud to collaborate with some of the most intelligent and qualified professionals to provide the best construction solutions. Throughout his 22-year career at Underground, Ben has assumed positions leading up to his managerial role as project engineer, project manager and senior project manager. In addition to his contribution to Underground as a division manager, Ben has been actively involved in PG&E’s Alliance Partnership for over 10 years.  is the Senior Director for the Northern California gas transmission and distribution operations. With 28 years in the industry, Ben has the experience to strategically lead his team and the gas division. As part of executive management, Ben is proud to collaborate with some of the most intelligent and qualified professionals to provide the best construction solutions. Throughout his 22-year career at Underground, Ben has assumed positions leading up to his managerial role as project engineer, project manager and senior project manager. In addition to his contribution to Underground as a division manager, Ben has been actively involved in PG&E’s Alliance Partnership for over 10 years.

Chad Hardesty

President

Chad Hardesty is the President of Underground Construction Co., Inc. He began his career in the natural gas industry in 1995 when he became a laborer for a utility company. Shortly after, he assumed positions as a welder, foreman, and superintendent. After 11 years with the utility company, Chad had the opportunity to work as a contractor for projects throughout the country, which ultimately brought him to Underground in 2013. He began his Underground career as a Superintendent, where he noticed leadership’s solid foundation of integrity, honesty and strong morals that contributed to the family feel of the company. Throughout his time at UCCo, Chad has held positions ranging from General Superintendent, Division Manager, Vice President, and most recently as Chief Operating Officer. Chad recognizes and appreciates the opportunity to work with such talent at Underground and feels empowered to do his best work by being surrounded by coworkers that make him want to do better.

Chris Hudson

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Chris Hudson is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for Underground Construction Co., Inc. and is instrumental in leading the electrical division in its growth trajectory and success. He currently leads a team of 20 management and support staff personnel and supervises over 150 craft labor employees. Chris is responsible for profit and loss performance, scheduling, training and inventory control. By generating daily reports and designing performance metrics, Chris supports senior leadership and offers sound recommendations for corrective actions and improvements, as well as advanced tactical and strategic business goals. Prior to his role as director, Chris served as a project engineer, project manager and operations manager where he trained team personnel, managed complex project schedules for internal crews and subcontractors, and completed multi-million dollars estimates and budgets. Chris received both his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and his Master of Business Administration in Project Management from California State University, Chico.

Geline Rabaino-Le

Sr. Director of Electric Civil

Geline Rabaino-Le is the Senior Director of Electric Civil. She oversees and leads the electrical distribution civil operations across Northern California. Her responsibilities include safe and high-quality construction solutions, project management, field operations, subcontractors, cost controls, estimating, process implementation, and divisional profit and loss performance. Before joining Underground, Geline assumed various engineer positions working for a land development company, private commercial design company and a bay area municipality. She started her career with Underground as a project engineer assisting on gas and electric projects. She then became a project manager in the gas distribution division before becoming division manager. As a 12-year Undergrounder, she appreciates the opportunity to exercise her skills to help lead the company in a collaborative and healthy environment, the company’s values and the sense of “home” where people genuinely root for each other’s success. Geline holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from University of Davis, California and is a Registered Professional Civil Engineer.

Imran Malik

Director of Project Controls

Imran Malik serves as the Director of Project Controls at Underground Construction Co., Inc. to oversee various sectors, including Gas Transmission, Gas Distribution, Electrical Civil and Line, Major Projects, Sewer Camera Inspections, San Diego Group, Ontario, and IMC. One of his key tasks is to establish and implement a comprehensive set of tools, techniques, and processes that effectively measure and control project constraints across all divisions, such as time, cost, scope, risk, and resources, ensuring seamless coordination throughout the project lifecycle. Imran is adept at analyzing data to forecast and project various trends, as well as identifying potential issues and risks, enabling corrective measures. Imran is instrumental in preparing project claims and has always volunteered for teaching internal processes to new incoming Project Management Teams. Before assuming his role as Director of Project Controls, Imran served as a Project Engineer (PE), Project Manager (PM), and Program Director on a wide range of construction projects, including building construction, roads, tunneling, and airports. Throughout his seven-year tenure at Underground Construction Co., Inc. Imran has found a sense of stability and opportunities of professional advancement and development within the company. He has fostered and built strong relationships that extend beyond the professional realm, supporting and guiding him in various aspects of his life. Imran holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Physics and Mathematics, another in Civil Engineering along with two Masters of Business Administration with a specialization in Supply Chain Management and second in Finance. In addition to his educational achievements, Imran is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has earned his Total Quality Management (TQM) certification. Imran honorably served in the Pakistan Army for 24 years, during which he commanded a Battalion.

Joe Froome

Director of Field Safety, Northern California

Joe Froome is the Director of Field Safety for the Northern California region of Underground Construction Co., Inc. Joe began his career with UCCo in October 2021 as a Field Safety Representative in the Electric Division and was promoted to Safety Manager in the Gas Division in May 2022. Boasting an extensive background spanning over 25 years in field safety, Joe has garnered comprehensive experience across various facets of large-scale construction projects, supported by a multitude of construction certifications. His approach to safety is a profound commitment to the well-being of individuals that goes beyond the workplace, emphasizing the importance of returning home safely each day. For Joe, safety is not a matter of compliance with regulations and policies; rather, it is a belief in fostering a safety-centric work culture, empowering individuals to make sound choices, executing their responsibilities, and producing high-quality work safely. Joe takes pride in collaborating with an exceptional team of individuals who share a unified commitment to promoting and maintaining a culture of safety.

Josh DeLeon

Director of Equipment Division

Josh Deleon serves as the Director of the Equipment Division for Underground Construction Co., Inc. With a wealth of experience and expertise in the industry, Josh is responsible for overseeing all fleet and warehouse activities, as well as managing the procurement of equipment for the company’s operations. Josh’s journey with Underground Construction began at the young age of 19, and he has since dedicated 15 years of his career to the company’s success. His story is one of progression and determination, starting as a part-time apprentice mechanic and steadily working his way up the ranks. He has held positions such as shop mechanic, field mechanic, shop foreman, equipment superintendent, equipment manager and equipment manager of California operations, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in various roles within the organization. Throughout his tenure, Josh has developed a deep sense of loyalty and dedication to Underground Construction. He attributes his commitment to the company’s continuous growth and the multitude of expansive project opportunities it offers. For Josh, the most rewarding aspect of being an Undergrounder is the opportunity to witness and contribute to the collaboration of diverse personalities, all working together towards a shared goal.

Kenneth Helle

Vice President of Gas Operations

Kenneth Helle serves as the Vice President of Gas Operations at Underground Construction Co., Inc., overseeing gas transmission and distribution operations while fostering strong client relations. Kenneth’s tenure in the industry began as a pipeline welder working for various contractors as a proud member of UA Local 32. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the operations manager at Infrasource Construction LLC and general manager of Special Projects at Q3 (Primoris), further solidifying his reputation as a capable leader within the sector. In his new position at Underground Construction Co., Inc. Kenneth takes pride in being an “Undergrounder” and cherishes the opportunity to work alongside a talented team within a well-established organization. He values the resources and expertise surrounding him, recognizing them as essential components in maintaining the company’s leadership position in the natural gas industry.

Mike Kress

Senior Director Electric Line Operations

Mike Kress serves as the Senior Director of Electric Line Operations at Underground Construction Co., Inc., where he leads and oversees electrical line operations throughout Northern California. With a career spanning over 39 years in the utility industry, Mike initially started as a Lineman and has progressed through various roles, showcasing his dedication and expertise. As senior director, Mike is responsible for ensuring the safe execution of operations, efficient scheduling, comprehensive training programs, maintaining high-quality standards, effective project management, cost controls, accurate estimating, divisional profit and loss performance, and continuous process improvement. Having held positions such as construction supervisor, compliance supervisor, gas and electric superintendent, director of general construction, director of customer service delivery, director of the bay area region, and senior director of general construction and contractors, Mike brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the industry to his leadership role. Since joining Underground Construction Co., Inc. over a year ago, Mike has found a sense of belonging and has actively contributed to the company’s success. His certifications include Lean Six Sigma-Green Belt, NEMS, and Incident Command System 200, 400, IS368, ICS300, IS 700, IS 800, and SEMS 600.

Rick McLaughlin

Senior Director of Special Projects

Rick McLaughlin is the Senior Director of Special Projects, pursuing and estimating major projects and electric transmission work, and maintaining and building client relations. Rick was introduced to the construction industry at the age of 16, working side projects during weekends. Throughout his collegiate career at California State University, Chico, Rick served Contra Costa County as a student civil engineer, rating roads and working with the chip seal crews. After graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Rick worked for a chemical cleaning company as a laborer for six months before joining Underground Construction Co., Inc. Before his current role, Rick assumed positions as a Project Engineer, Project Manager, and most recently as the Division Manager of Transmission Electric. 29 years later, Rick still enjoys coming to work every day with the most ethical people in the industry. The overwhelming support leadership offers encourages Undergrounders to make the right decision, even if they are unpopular or difficult. Rick is a participant of Quanta Services Chairmen’s Challenge.

Ryan Merkl

Director of Information Technology

Ryan Merkl is the Director of Information Technology for Underground Construction Co., Inc. He brings with him 15 years of experience serving different industries including health care, transportation, advertising, and education. Ryan oversees the daily operations of the IT team and works with executives and managers to direct the current and future technology needs of the company. Ryan’s expertise extends to Quanta Services, Inc. on any technology initiatives and projects, as well as all IT compliance matters. Ryan started out as a senior systems engineer before stepping into his role as the information technology manager. He enjoys the ever-evolving landscape of information technology that challenges him and his team. Ryan looks forward to working with every Undergrounder, crediting the positive work environment to the familial feel of the company, despite its growth over the years. Ryan graduated from Buffalo State with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. He most recently completed the CompTIA Project and Certification.