Leadership Dev

Kevin joined the staff in September 2025 bringing to DCA over 40 years of utility contractor experience including pipeline, gas distribution, electric, and fiber. Previously he held leadership positions with several DCA member companies overseeing pipe construction and rehabilitation operations as well as HSEQ responsibilities. Kevin is a past Board member and President of the DCA and has been active in the pipeline/gas distribution industries promoting DCA efforts in PSMS and OQIP. Kevin graduated from New Mexico School of Mines with a BS in Petroleum Geological Engineering. 

Andy Miller is the equipment fleet manager and director of special projects for Alex E. Paris Contracting Co., based in Atlasburg, Pennsylvania. The Alex Paris Company is a fourth-generation full service heavy/civil/utility and pipeline contractor that has been in business for over 96 years servicing the Mid-Atlantic areas. Miller graduated from Washington & Jefferson College with a B.A. in business and received his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987. He has been involved in the construction and heavy equipment industry since childhood. He joined the Alex Paris Company in 1993 and has been active in all aspects of the organization since. Miller attended his first DCA convention in 2012 and has served as co-chair of the Government Relations committee.

Chad Davis joined Miller Pipeline in 1997. He is the Vice President of Operations for the central and south regions. He has served as a DCA director since 2023. Chad Davis has a progressive work history within Miller Pipeline, starting as a laborer in 1997, then advancing to an operator and becoming a foreman by 2000. In 2005, he earned a promotion to superintendent and, in 2011, assumed his current role, where he oversees construction operations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. In the past decade, Davis has demonstrated exceptional skills in managing large projects, initiating new ventures, and integrating acquired operations in the eastern and southern regions of the United States. Davis is actively involved in the DCA and other industry organizations, as well as state gas associations. His dedication and contributions to Miller Pipeline were recognized in 2014 when he was honored with the Daniel Watters Individual Achievement Award, a distinction that highlighted his unwavering loyalty, outstanding leadership, remarkable performance, and integrity. This recognition has set a high standard for others. In addition to his professional commitments, Davis also engages with the Children’s Bureau of Indianapolis and annually participates in Habitat for Humanity.

Hotz currently leads ECI’s Trenchless Division, which includes the sales, estimating, project management and construction operations teams. Hotz has a Master of Science degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology and is a licensed Professional Engineer in 10 states. He previously served as manager of engineering, division manager, and vice president of operations at Laney. Prior to joining ECI, Hotz worked with GeoEngineers, Inc., Mears Group and Laney Group. Hotz is active in several industry associations, including DCA, PLCA, and NASTT. He and his wife started attending DCA functions in 2016 and have enjoyed the many friendships and connections made throughout the years as well as the friends their children have made through DCA functions. Hotz has served as co-chair of the Trenchless & HDD committee, participated on the Strategic Vision and the Future Leaders’ committees, and currently serves on the DCA Government Relations committee. Rob Hotz is the general manager of HDD operations for ECI Contracting located in West Concord, Minnesota.

Reeves began working in the utility industry in 1989, performing power pole and power line inspections in Indiana. A career change in 1990 initiated a shift to the natural gas industry, where Reeves performed and later managed code compliance services such as leak surveys and line locating throughout the upper Midwest. Reeves moved to Minnesota in 1997 and joined Q3 Contracting (Q3C) in 1998. During his time with Q3C, Reeves held multiple positions in field operations management and estimating. He was named president of Q3C in September 2017 and moved into the President role with PSC in April of 2024. Doug Reeves is president of the gas line business for Primoris Services Corporation (PSC), Little Canada, Minnesota.

Dale purchased the U.S. assets of Pe Ben Industries Company Ltd in 2016 and became the Founder of Pe Ben USA, Inc. He began his career as a labourer in the Alberta oilfields before joining Kaps Transport, western Canada’s largest oil rig mover. In 1988, he joined Pe Ben Industries as Operations Manager. In 1995, Dale relocated from Edmonton to Houston to establish Pe Ben Industries’ U.S. division. With very few industry contacts initially, he was solely responsible for launching and growing the company’s U.S. operations. In January 2006, when Pe Ben Industries was acquired by the Mullen group, they had decided to divest itself of the US division, Dale seized the opportunity and successfully purchased the U.S. business unit. Today, he remains actively involved in the industry, currently serving on the board of directors as director America North of IPLOCA and serving in the past on labor committees with the Pipeline Contractors Association of Canada, is an honorary member of the Pipe Line Contractors Association and is also a former board member and past president of the Distribution Contractors Association.

Dan Britz joined Michels in 2023 and is the president of Michels Utility Services Inc., headquartered in Brownsville, Wisconsin. Dan has more than 19 years of industry experience, beginning as a project manager overseeing transmission facility and maintenance projects across the Central US. During this time, he expanded his knowledge and education and was promoted to president of Minnesota Limited in 2021. Dan navigated both dynamic market changes as well as multiple ownership changes during his tenure. In January 2024, Dan accepted the role of president for Michels Utility Services Inc. where he continues to develop strategy and organizational structure. Britz graduated from Bemidji State University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology and completed his Master of Business Administration from St. Cloud State University. Britz has been involved with multiple industry events and associations in his career. He served on the PLCA board of directors in 2022 and has been a member representative for the PLCA, DCA, INGAA, and various others. He was elected as a DCA director in 2024.

Randy Bunch joined Eastern Utilities/Haugland Group, located in Melville, New York, in July of 2023 as director of trenchless operations where he over sees all day-to-day trenchless operations. Bunch joined BNSF Railway in 1994, where he worked his way through the ranks holding several positions in his tenure with them. He started as a laborer and eventually worked his way to a supervisor. While employed at BNSF Railway, Bunch attended many classes, and training programs at Johnson County Community College in Kansas, such as leadership training, welding school, FRA (Federal Railroad Association) certifications and more. In 2008, Bunch started working in the underground construction industry for Gabe’s Construction, Nomad Pipeline Services and Aaron Enterprises. He worked positions from directional drill foreman to vice president of operations. Bunch has been an active member in the DCA since 2014. He served as co-chair on the Safety & Risk committee from 2021-2024. He currently serves on Safety & Risk and HDD & Trenchless sub-committees. Randy participated in several other subcommittees and round table discussions that have focused on trenchless operations. He represented DCA in the 2022 Below Ground Worker Demonstration Day in Washington DC and the Celebration of Construction at the National Mall in 2023.

Bill Colson began his career in 1997 as an operator with the Operating Engineers and advanced through roles including foreman, safety manager, project manager, and general manager. He has worked with union pipeline and HDD contractors nationwide. An active member of the Distribution Contractors Association since 2017, Colson has co-chaired the Safety & Risk Management Committee since 2018 and joined the Board of Directors in 2023. Bill is a Senior Project Manager with Grace Industries LLC, an affiliate of the Haugland Group.

Eastway started with Gabe’s in 2011 as the engineering & estimating manager and contract administrator after spending 8 years as a structural engineer for a consulting firm in Indianapolis. He then became the vice president of HDD & specialty projects in 2016, overseeing all aspects of Gabe’s HDD and Specialty (Civil) work. In July 2023, Eastway became the chief operating officer as Gabe’s added their telecom and wireless divisions to his responsibilities. He continues to be the responsible charge professional engineer for Gabe’s. Nate is active in national, state, and local associations of pipeline, gas, HVUG, water/wastewater, and telecom wireless industries. He is an active participant with the DCA, Pipe Line Contractors Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, and the IEEE Insulated Conductors Committee. He started attending DCA functions in 2013 and is the current co-chair of the Trenchless & HDD committee. Eastway served as the 2024 DCA director-at-large. Nate Eastway is the chief operating officer for Gabe’s Construction Co. Inc., in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Ed started with Hallen Construction almost 39 years ago. The epitome of working your way up “the hard way”. Ed has climbed the ladder during his career at Hallen Construction from Dispatcher to Senior Vice President of Operations. His passion and motivation are a testament to his continuing success with the company. During his tenure with the company Ed has been involved with securing and running various contracts from Keyhole excavation to mains and services with Hallen’s two biggest customers, National Grid and Con Edison. Ed also was the lead in the creation of Hallen’s Drafting and Paving departments. He also coordinated all New York City DOT and community relations responsibilities ensuring compliance and high customer satisfaction ratings. Ed is also a member of the American Gas Association and Northeast Gas Association.

Thomas Jones boasts over three decades of extensive experience within the utility industry, covering a diverse array of sectors such as gas operations, communications, and power delivery. His expertise is highlighted by his exceptional leadership in business operations, strategic planning, and fostering growth and business development, along with his profound knowledge of engineering and construction management. Thomas began his career as an intern at the City of Redding Electric Department as a Draftsman while attending college studying Civil Engineering. Thomas ultimately ended up with Power Engineers in Boise Idaho as a Project Manager before navigating his way to MasTec North America, Inc. where he was the Vice President for the Utility Services Group focusing on the growth of the Natural Gas, Midstream Pipeline, Power Delivery, and Communications infrastructure business across the US. Thomas started with Primoris in 2022 as the Vice President for the Utility Operations responsible for the Strategy and Development of the Utility Operations. Currently serving at Primoris Services Corporation, Thomas plays a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of outstanding services to clients, maintaining exemplary safety standards, spearheading growth initiatives, and enhancing the company’s engagement both within the industry and the broader community, particularly in the areas of Utility Infrastructure. Thomas Jones is active in national, state, and local associations including American Society of Civil Engineers, PCCA, PDi2, WEI, and the DCA. Additionally, Thomas is on the Board of Trustees for the LLS in Southern CA.

Pete has over 38 years’ experience in the utility distribution construction and energy services industry. Prior to his current role at MP Technologies, he was with the Michels Family of companies serving in varying management roles including President of Michels Utility Services, Inc., Vice President Gas Distribution, and General Manager of Gas Distribution of Michels Pipeline Construction. Prior to joining Michels, Pete worked with InfraSource/Quanta Services for over 20 years in varying capacities, starting with the company back in the Mueller Pipeliner days. Fojtik earned a bachelor’s degree in construction administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but literally began his career in the trenches, working his way up from a laborer/fuser through varying management roles. Pete has also served on the Center of Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) board of directors and on the American Gas Association (AGA) construction operations committee and workforce development task group.

Ken Hugen joined the Vermeer organization in June of 1984 and is presently the general manager of Sales for RDO Equipment Co.’s Vermeer division in the US. RDO Equipment Co. distributes Vermeer industrial equipment in Minnesota, North Dakota, Northern Nevada, Oregon, California, and Hawaii. In 1984 Hugen started in the parts department at Vermeer in Memphis, Tennessee then moved to a sales position selling in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. In late 1985, he moved to Northern California taking an account manager position in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1991, he bought the Northern California Vermeer dealership with a partner, and they named it Vermeer, Inc. They opened locations in Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Fresno. For the next 13 years Hugen learned the ins and outs of the Vermeer dealer life serving at different times many of these key roles: aftermarket manager, sales manager, account manager, secretary treasurer and vice president of sales. In November 2004, RDO Equipment Co. purchased the Vermeer organizations in California and Oregon and Hugen stayed with RDO as General Manager of Northern California. In 2009, he accepted the role of general manager of sales for the RDO Vermeer Area of Responsibility (AOR) in the US, which is the current role he serves today. In this role he works in the gas and oil pipeline sector and works with corporate and key accounts. He was a leader in the creation of RDO’s customer guarantee program, the RDO Promise, which was launched in 2010 and remains an instrumental part of the organization today. Hugen is active in the pipeline and gas distribution industry association, as well as Vermeer product application and fleet ownership strategist. He started attending DCA functions in 2012. He regularly attends the convention, mid year and fall meetings. He currently holds the secretary position on the Government Relations Committee and has attended a Washington DC fly in.

Kwynn’s career began in the Service Department at Ditch Witch of Western Pennsylvania, where he worked alongside his father and developed a strong technical foundation and appreciation for the industry. In 2005, he relocated to Tennessee to join Astec Underground and American Augers, serving as a Regional Sales Manager before advancing into the role of Ground Engaging Product Manager. In 2012, Kwynn returned to American Augers as a Territory Manager, overseeing a broad and diverse region that included Canada, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. His ability to build strong dealer relationships, develop market strategies, and support customer success led to his promotion in 2018 to North American Sales Manager for American Augers. Following The Toro Company’s acquisition of Charles Machine Works in 2019, the Ditch Witch and American Augers sales organizations were integrated. As part of this transition, Kwynn assumed his current role as Corporate Account Sales Manager, supporting all brands within the Ditch Witch Division. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with distributors and contractors nationwide, helping deliver practical solutions, technical expertise, and strategic guidance to address the daily challenges of underground construction. In 2013, Kwynn attended his first DCA Annual Conference in Miami and has remained an active and dedicated participant in the association. He is also involved in several other industry organizations, including PCCA and PDI2. Currently, he serves as Co-Chair of the DCA Membership Committee and sits on the Trenchless Committee Board. In November 2025, he participated in a DCA Fly-In on the Hill in Washington, D.C., representing the Southeastern Region and advocating for the interests of the underground construction industry.