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November 19, 2021

Promotion of Seven Principals

By Melissa Frey

 

BCRA has promoted seven new principals to its leadership team: Ben Dort, Heather Hocklander, Jeremy Doty, Jim Wolch, Joe Rydman, Justin Goroch, and Lori Robbin. This promotion recognizes individuals who add value to BCRA’s practice and culture, and who will help shape the future of the company. These newly created positions reflect the firm’s focus on professional development and strategic growth goals.

Managing Principal Doug Oberst says, “These individuals have consistently been performing at a high level for years and play a vital role in the growth and success of BCRA. Elevating these individuals communicates the confidence we have in this next class of leaders, and our optimism that they will be excellent stewards of BCRA’s future.”

Ben Dort, PE, a civil engineer, leads BCRA’s Public Works market and serves parks and recreation clients. In his 14 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 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.

A BCRA veteran for 21 years, architect Heather Hocklander, NCARB, LEED BD+C, leads the education and recreation markets. She brings expertise in effective project management and alternative project delivery, working closely with school districts to maximize their budgets to deliver responsive learning environments that serve communities for generations. She is also passionate about positively impacting diversity, equity, and inclusion. She serves as the Membership Committee Chair for Design-Build Institute of America’s Western Washington Chapter.

Jeremy Doty, AIA, NCARB, is an architect with a passion for elevating community. He has 21 years of experience, with a focus in the education, healthcare, and community markets. He is BCRA’s most experienced design-build architect, and recently helped Tacoma Public Schools deliver their first two progressive design-build schools. Internally, he leads staff development opportunities and sustainability initiatives. Jeremy is a member of Design Build Institute of America.

In his 17 years at BCRA, Jim Wolch, AIA, has delivered dozens of healthcare and education projects for local clients, which he views as a lasting way to contribute to healthy communities. As BCRA’s healthcare market lead, his recent focus has been on behavioral healthcare spaces that break societal stigmas and offer true places for healing. Jim’s strategic vision has been a significant factor in the growth of BCRA’s healthcare market.

Joe Rydman, RA, a registered architect, has been with BCRA for 16 years. He is the multifamily residential market lead and has delivered many successful multifamily residential projects in the Puget Sound, with an emphasis on end-user experience and community building. Joe also supports architecture discipline recruiting and growth.

Justin Goroch, PE, is a civil engineer who serves clients across markets and has been with BCRA for 15 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. Justin also serves as a co-lead for the civil engineering discipline and supports BCRA’s business development and operations efforts.

Lori Robbin, NCIDQ, leads the interior design group and works across multiple markets. Lori also serves on BCRA’s board. She has been with BCRA for 18 years and specializes in projects that impact the community, such as schools and YMCAs. She has made significant impact on the company in recent years through internal initiatives that advance our design practice and create professional development pathways. She will continue to work with clients and mentor staff in this new role.

Managing Principal Stuart Young says, “These seven principals contribute to our firm and community in unique ways. They have set an excellent standard of service 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.”