Andrew Nortz

President

Andrew Nortz is the President of Underground Construction Co., Inc. 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.

Art DeLeon

Director of the DOT Fleet

Art DeLeon serves as Underground Construction Co., Inc.’s Director of the Department of Transportation (DOT Fleet), where he ensures compliance with DOT and FMCSA drug testing requirements. His responsibilities include overseeing employee DOT training for new daily vehicle inspection reports, managing electronic logbooks, tracking vehicle registrations, and maintaining drivers’ licenses for Class A, B, and C drivers. He is also responsible for monitoring driver medical cards, motor vehicle reports (MVR), conducting annual driver reviews, and performing field yard inspections.

Art’s extensive career spans over 40 years, starting right out of high school, working for a trenching company and a commercial building company. Most of his career has been with Underground Construction Co., Inc., working across various sectors including telecommunications, gas (plastic and steel), electric dry duct, the operation of the first bore machines, Bay Area refineries, and airport fueling projects. His journey with UCCo began on a joint venture project that supplied drinking water from the San Luis Reservoir to the Coyote Reservoir in Santa Clara. His commitment to the construction industry and dedication to safety is evident, having worked in safety roles for 34 years. He also served in the US Army and reserves.

Art takes pride in training and supporting his team, addressing daily challenges, and promoting a safety-first culture. He values working alongside team members who share his commitment to safety and believes that UCCo has the best fleet and equipment on the West Coast. Art is passionate about contributing to UCCo’s mission of building America and enjoys collaborating with other skilled Undergrounders.

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.

Brian Donecker

Vice President of Health & Safety & Training

Brian Donecker is the Vice President of Health & Safety & Training for Underground Construction Co., Inc. Brian oversees the health and safety of over 500 craft and salaried workers and is directly responsible for 14 safety professionals and supporting staff. He ensures that client specifications and industry standards are met by developing, organizing, and providing focused, multi-disciplinary OQ training groups. Brian brings with him over twenty years of experience in heavy civil infrastructure, railway, mining, and roadway construction. Before his directorial debut, Brian served as a safety engineer, safety specialist, area safety manager, district safety manager and safety project manager for various contractors. His expertise of health and safety enhances his ability to interpret and communicate new standards and regulations from essential safety and health administrations such as OSHA, Cal OSHA, MSHA, DOT, PHMSA, and EPA. Brian received his Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Health and Safety from California State University Chico in 1997.

Jason Bowen

Chief Financial Officer

Jason Bowen is the Chief Financial Officer of Underground Construction Co., Inc. where he oversees the company’s accounting, finance, and information technology functions. AS CFO, Jason is responsible for the fiscal health of Underground, supporting the financial operations, financial planning, analysis, reporting, business systems and compliance. Before joining Underground five years ago, Jason worked for global engineering firms assuming chief financial officer and controller positions. Having worked with different personalities throughout his 20 years in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, Jason is proud to be working in a family environment alongside some of the best people in the industry.

Joe Froome

Director of Safety, Northern California

Joe Froome is the Director of 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.

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.

Kevin Salazar

Director of Quality

Kevin Salazar serves as the Director of Quality at Underground Construction Co., Inc., overseeing the OQ program and quality inspections, ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the enterprise. With a career spanning 36 years, Kevin’s journey began as a gas crew laborer. Through dedication and hard work, he steadily climbed the ranks, holding positions such as gas crew journeyman welder, underground construction combo crew journeyman, gas & electric crew supervisor, and eventually gas operations superintendent. Kevin’s expertise and leadership skills positioned him for management roles as a construction manager and a principal program manager for gas qualifications (OQ), overseeing gas qualifications for internal employees and numerous contractors. His debut as Director of Quality is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and leadership in the utility industry. Kevin’s passion for safety, quality, and community service continues to drive him forward as he contributes to the success of UCCo and the well-being of its employees and customers. Kevin holds certifications as a journeyman pipefitter, Incident Command System 200 & 300, NACE / AMPP CIP1 Certified Coatings Inspector, and American Petroleum Institute API 1169 Certified. Additionally, Kevin is a certified BBQ judge with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). Outside of work, he is a proud servant of his communities, having served for four years with the Inter Utility Working Group (IUWG) of California Utility Operators (OQ) Committee. He is also a longstanding Commissioner for the City of Campbell CA, Board of Appeals, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the workplace.

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.

Ray Lemen

Director of Operations Support

Ray Lemen is a seasoned professional in the realm of Underground Construction Co., Inc., boasting over three decades of experience with the company. Currently holding the title of Director of Operations Support, he oversees the Operations Support department, playing a pivotal role in facilitating the smooth onboarding process and providing comprehensive support for field operations.

Having spent his entire career at UCCo, Ray has transitioned through various positions, starting from a laborer and progressing to positions such as Foreman, Superintendent, General Superintendent, and Operations Process Manager. This multifaceted experience equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved at Underground Construction Co., Inc. Beyond the projects and workload, he is proud of the company’s culture, values, and most notably, their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of every individual, a value he passionately upholds.

For Ray, the best part of being an Undergrounder lies in the people he works alongside, the vibrant culture they foster, and their steadfast dedication to ensuring that each member of the team returns home safely every day.

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.

Thiel Harryman

Vice President, Business Administration

Thiel Harryman serves as the Vice President of Business Administration at Underground Construction Co., Inc. Thiel assumes responsibility for overseeing the organization’s multifaceted operations, encompassing employee development, legal affairs, human resources, contract management, and operational oversight.

Thiel began his journey as an Undergrounder in 1999 as an Intern. Following his graduation from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, he ventured into the utility power plant industry. Here, he honed his skills as a design and construction management engineer. Thiel officially joined Underground Construction in 2006, where he took on pivotal roles as a Project Engineer and Project Manager. During his tenure, he successfully oversaw complex fueling system projects spanning the United States and Guam.

In 2017, Thiel transitioned to our sister company Nova Group, Inc., as the Vice President of Operations. There, he dedicated six years to providing invaluable support to high-impact projects for the Global Department of Energy and Department of Defense, both domestically and internationally.

In December 2022, Thiel Harryman returned to Underground Construction Co., Inc., where he continues to contribute his expertise. He is also a licensed mechanical engineer in the State of California, further solidifying his professional qualifications and dedication to his field.