Personnel Notes

Liebherr names US managing director

Liebherr Group has announced the appointment of Kai Friedrich as managing director of Newport News, Virginia-based Liebherr USA Co. Friedrich, who officially assumed his role Aug. 1, takes over from Peter Mayr and also serves as the divisional director for construction equipment.

Friedrich has served in varying capacities with the Liebherr Group, which is headquartered in Germany, for 17 years. In his new role as managing director of Liebherr USA, he will provide the leadership and guidance that is necessary to oversee and implement the corporate and strategic plans for the nine product segments that are part of the company’s sales and service organization.

Liebherr USA’s nine product segments include mobile and crawler cranes, tower cranes, construction equipment, components, concrete technology, refrigeration and freezing, mining, deep foundation machines and maritime cranes.

As divisional director for construction equipment, Friedrich is responsible for managing the Liebherr sales, service, training and product management staff for the construction equipment product range.

“Kai Friedrich has a proven track record of leadership and many accomplishments with Liebherr over the years,” says Torben Reher, a managing director with Liebherr USA. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from several Liebherr companies in various international markets and will no doubt be a tremendous asset to the growth of our product segments here in the United States.”

Previous Liebherr positions Friedrich held include posts in the Middle East and Africa region and managing director of Liebherr-Export AG.

“I am looking forward to working with our experienced team and the well-established distribution network in supporting and engaging our customer base here in the U.S.,” Friedrich says. “It is a pleasure and honor for me to join the Liebherr USA team.”

Gershman, Brickner & Bratton announces personnel changes

Gershman, Brickner & Bratton Inc. (GBB), a solid waste management consulting company that is based in McLean, Virginia, has announced the promotion of Paige Davis to GBB consultant II and the hiring of Mary George as a project engineer.

According to a news release from GBB, Davis joined the company in 2018, after completing her Master of Science degree in sustainability management at American University’s Kogod School of Business in Washington. She is a member of multiple GBB project teams, providing research, analysis and support on various assignments. These include environmental and sustainability studies, waste audits, feasibility studies, best practices reviews and strategic solid waste management planning. 

“In a short period, with her educational background, experience from multiple internships and positive attitude, Paige integrated herself seamlessly as a valuable and sought-after GBB team member,” says Jennifer Porter, GBB vice president and sustainability officer. “This is a well-deserved promotion reflecting her ability to take increasing responsibilities.” 

“The consulting world was the logical step following my educational path, and I am excited to contribute more to GBB projects that have a direct impact on communities while learning from industry mentors and advancing my career,” Davis says. 

Davis is based in southeast Virginia and can be reached at pdavis@gbbinc.com or by phone at 703-663-2432. 

George has over three years of project management experience in consulting/engineering firms where, most recently, she supervised overall aspects of projects related to building envelope construction and restoration.

With experience in construction document reviews, construction management and design and engineering, her initial focus as a GBB project engineer will be to work with a large confidential retail company with a global presence and a desire to enhance the sustainability of its operations to achieve zero C&D waste during store renovations.

An engineer in training, George holds a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering science from the University of Virginia and is pursuing a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.

“Mary’s engineering education, experience with architectural/mechanical/structural construction drawings, ability to work with owners/engineers/designers/contractors and desire to have a meaningful impact on the environment are a perfect match as GBB grows and further expands its sustainability and circular economy practice, as well as continues to expand its core services,” Chris Lund, a senior vice president at GBB, says.

“I am inspired by the work GBB does, its mission and the forward-thinking clients the firm works with,” George says of her new position. “I am committed to diverting materials from landfills by instilling circular economy principles into every project.”

Based in Colorado, George can be reached at mgeorge@gbbinc.com or by phone at 757-383-3248.

Stadler America hires senior sales technician

Colfax, North Carolina-based Stadler America LLC has hired Will Hess as a sales senior technician. In the new position, he will serve as a service contact and assist on projects and installations in addition to being part of the commissioning, startup and training teams on new, retrofit and upgraded recycling systems.

Hess brings 14 years of equipment manufacturing and field service experience to the role. He has experience with conveyors, screens, shredders and hydraulic products. The company says Hess’ experience “will quickly transfer over to the Stadler model of problem-solving, design, build and implementing turnkey responsibility” for its customers. 

“Will’s background in customer service and troubleshooting from an operator’s viewpoint, along with his ability to engage and connect with all levels of employees in training, will serve Stadler well as we grow our staff,” the company says.

Casella announces retirement of chief accounting officer

Casella Waste Systems Inc., Rutland, Vermont, a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, has announced that its Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer Christopher B. Heald plans to retire March 31, 2022, after a 20-year career with the company.

“I would like to sincerely thank Chris for his exemplary service to the company and his strong contributions to our success throughout his tenure with the company,” says John W. Casella, chairman and CEO of Casella. “Chris has demonstrated the utmost integrity, a strong work ethic and a high level of service to our team throughout his exemplary career at the company. While Chris will be greatly missed by the team, we wish him the best in his retirement, and we have great confidence in our accounting team to continue his legacy of excellence.”

Heald plans to stay with the company in an advisory capacity during a transition period, according to the company.