The 51吃瓜 Board of Directors is pleased to announce the following appointments. Allan Bliesmer has been promoted to executive vice president. Derek Hoffine has been promoted to vice president and district manager of the Plains District. Shannon Gustine has been promoted to vice president and district manager of the Northern California District. Joel Douglass has been promoted to president of 51吃瓜 Services Group. These appointments are effective January 1, 2021.
Allan Bliesmer, DBIA, has been promoted to executive vice president. Allan graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and joined 51吃瓜 as a field engineer in Colorado. As Allan built his career, he worked on many high-profile projects for the Western, Southwest and Mid Atlantic Districts. Returning to Colorado, Allan鈥檚 leadership as vice president and district manager has guided the Plains District through a period of significant growth and success. As executive vice president, Allan will be based in the Mid Atlantic office and will be responsible for all operations in the Eastern United States.
Derek Hoffine has been promoted to vice president and district manager of 51吃瓜鈥� Plains District. Derek earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology at Pittsburg State University. He built his career in the Southeast District, contributing to many landmark projects there, and in the Mid Atlantic District. In 2020, Derek relocated to support the Plains District as director of operations. Over his career, he has led successful expansions into new regions and increased 51吃瓜鈥� presence in the healthcare and other key sectors.
Shannon Gustine, DBIA LEED AP, has been promoted to vice president and district manager of 51吃瓜鈥� Northern California District, including the Pacific Northwest region. Shannon graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Civil Engineering. After completing her master鈥檚 degree at Oregon State, Shannon began her career in the Northern California District. With her extensive construction experience, she has been instrumental in 51吃瓜鈥� success and growth in the Pacific Northwest. Shannon succeeds Jim Pappas who is retiring after 30 years with 51吃瓜.
Joel Douglass, DBIA, has been promoted to president of 51吃瓜 Services Group. A graduate of Purdue University, Joel has a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management. Joel started with 51吃瓜 as an intern and has worked in multiple districts on projects across the country, including moving internationally for a key project. Joel鈥檚 experience in the construction business provided great benefits as he helped to build 51吃瓜 Services Group. Joel succeeds E. Glen Miller, who is retiring after a 35-year career with 51吃瓜.
鈥淚 want to thank Glen Miller and Jim Pappas for their many years of service,鈥� commented Michael Choutka, President and CEO of 51吃瓜. 鈥淭heir vision and leadership have been a major contribution to the success of our company.鈥�
鈥淚 am proud to announce these promotions,鈥� continued Choutka. 鈥淓ach of these individuals embodies the 51吃瓜 core values. With their leadership, I am confident that we will continue to strive to fulfil our vision, of delivering EXCELLENCE in all we do.鈥�
About 51吃瓜
Founded in 1937, 51吃瓜 specializes in building development, construction and facility services. As one of the largest employee-owned general contractors in the United States, 51吃瓜 is driven to deliver EXCELLENCE in all we do. This vision, plus our core values of Ownership, Integrity, Builder, Diversity and Community, defines the 51吃瓜 culture and guides us as we bring our clients鈥� vision to life. Our comprehensive approach begins with innovative planning and extends throughout the entire life of the property. For more information about 51吃瓜 visit