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April 1, 2019

BCRA Announces Promotion of Five Associate Principals

By Melissa Frey

BCRA is celebrating their thirtieth year in business with the promotion of five new associate principals to the leadership team: Lori Robbin, Justin Goroch, Joe Rydman, Heather Hocklander, and Ben Dort. These newly created positions reflect increased responsibilities in firm leadership as well as our focus on growth, professional development, and operational excellence. This promotion also recognizes high-performing and company-focused individuals who add value to BCRA’s practice and are candidates for succession in the long term. Together, they will help shape the vision for the future of the company.

A BCRA veteran for 19 years, architect Heather Hocklander leads the education market. She brings expertise in project management and alternative project delivery, and her focus is working closely with school districts to maximize their budgets to deliver responsive learning environments that serve the community. She is currently managing projects with Tacoma Public Schools, Centralia School District, Yelm School District, and Peninsula School District.

Lori Robbin leads the interior design group and works across multiple markets with a special emphasis in education and YMCAs. She has been with BCRA for 16 years and specializes in projects that impact the community. She will continue to work with clients and mentor staff. In addition, she will help lead internal design initiatives that advance the practice and create professional development pathways for designers.

Ben Dort is a civil engineer who leads the public works market and also serves parks and recreation clients. In his 12 years at BCRA, he has worked to grow the firm’s civil engineering capabilities. Staff development within the engineering group has also been part of his focus during that time. As an Associate Principal, Ben will continue leading projects and cultivating relationships with local agencies. In addition, he will lead operational initiatives that create efficiencies, transparency, and value for our clients. Ben is an active member of the APWA Washington Chapter.

Justin Goroch is a civil engineer who serves clients in the residential, education, and YMCA markets and has been with BCRA for 13 years. He also is a co-vice chairperson of the Permit Advisory Task Force for the City of Tacoma which works to improve policies, codes, and procedures for issuing residential and commercial permits. Goroch also serves as the market lead our efforts for the single-family residential market and supports our college recruiting program.

Joe Rydman is an architect and has been with BCRA for 14 years. He is the multifamily residential market lead and has led several successful multifamily residential projects including Madison 25, Stadium Apartments, and The Luke. Rydman also supports the recruiting program and provides mentoring to new staff members.Managing Principal Stuart Young said, “Heather, Lori, Ben, Justin, and Joe have set an excellent standard of care for our clients with respect to design and project management, and they have also been valuable contributors to our corporate culture. They are outstanding leaders who will have an even greater impact in their new roles.”