Alabama

Doster Construction Co. of Birmingham, Ala., recently announced that M. Alan Chandler Jr. will lead the company’s health care group.

Chandler is responsible for the overall financial and administrative aspects of health care projects. A graduate of Auburn University with a master’s degree in construction science and management from Clemson University, Chandler started with the company in 1997 as an assistant project manager.

He is a certified professional constructor through the American Institute of Constructors’ certification program. In addition, he is a NAHB Certified Green Professional and a NAHB Certified Graduate Builder.

He is an associate member of the American Institute of Constructors and the former co-chairman of the Future Leaders in Construction, a program of the Associated Builders and Contractors Alabama Chapter.

Since Doster Construction Co. was founded in 1969, about 50 percent of the company’s construction volume has been in the health care field.

Louisiana

Block Cos. LLC, a general building and construction management firm based in Baton Rouge, La., recently announced that David Ray has joined the company as vice president. Ray will be helping Jason E. Keller, Block’s founder and president, in growing the company.

"Our company has experienced tremendous growth and a manager of David’s character, experience and commitment to excellence is the perfect addition to our team at this point," says Keller. "It’s a great step forward."

Ray comes to Block with more than 14 years of experience. Most recently he worked with MAPP Construction of Baton Rouge, serving as a project executive responsible for managing a team that last year completed approximately $40 million in construction projects throughout the southeast.

Ray’s primary responsibilities at Block will be assistance in the overall management of all aspects of the company, including estimating, bidding and business development.

Founded in 2005 by Jason E. Keller, Block Cos. has grown into a building conglomerate with project values at or exceeding $30 million in 2008.

Fred J. Grace III received the prestigious Medal of Honor from the Louisiana chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at its Design Conference Honors Luncheon in New Orleans Oct. 20. The Medal of Honor is given by AIA Louisiana in recognition for outstanding service in the field of architecture and to the community.

Grace, a leader in the field of architecture for 38 years, recently retired. He was founding partner of Grace & Hebert Architects of Baton Rouge, and played a major role in the firm’s more than 1,000 projects since 1967. He has designed governmental, educational, commercial, religious and other buildings throughout south Louisiana.

One of Grace’s most important contributions to Baton Rouge was developing a plan to improve East Baton Rouge Parish public schools.

After a school board bond issue proposition was rejected by voters, Grace became very concerned about the condition of East Baton Rouge schools. He toured all 99 schools, developed a new ’pay as you go’ plan for renovations and new construction of schools, and brought his idea to the attention of local media.

His plan outline was the basis of the plan that is continuing to repair and build schools and improve the quality of life in Baton Rouge.

"This spirit of problem solving is characteristic of Mr. Grace’s practice," said architect Trula Remson. "Throughout the years of his practice, Mr. Grace sought to provide inventive solutions to create solid, well-considered architecture."

His accomplishments in architecture include more than 20 honors and awards for construction and renovation projects.

Ellis Benckenstein, after 17 years of service to Associated Builders and Contractors’ Pelican Chapter in Southwest Louisiana, has announced his retirement. Benckenstein came to ABC after several years in the Lake Charles area school system. In retirement he will have plenty to keep him busy including his family, alligator hunting and fishing.

Chesapeake Energy Corp. has named Jennifer K. Voisin as administrative assistant for the company’s corporate development office in Shreveport, La.

Voisin is responsible for assisting with Chesapeake’s operations in the Haynesville Shale Play across northwest Louisiana and east Texas. The corporate development team manages stakeholder relations for Chesapeake’s operating units, including local and state government, royalty owners, news media, property owners and other strategic partners.

Prior to Voisin’s appointment with Chesapeake Energy, she served as administrative assistant at Spotsylvania County Elementary School in Fredericksburg, Va., and office coordinator for a dental practice in Lafayette, La. Most recently, she was employed by Home Healthcare Agency as a marketing and sales manager.

Voisin graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Chesapeake maintains regional corporate development offices in Shreveport; Charleston, W. V.; Fort Worth, Texas; and Little Rock, Ark.

Mississippi

Roy Anderson Corp. Chief Operating Officer Bob Gist recently announced the hiring of Roger Short to vice president of preconstruction.

Short has 22 years experience in construction as a certified professional estimator and senior project manager. He was director of preconstruction services for FoxCor in Dallas, Texas, before joining RAC.

During his tenure there he attained the level of vice president of administration with full responsibility for all estimating and project management.

"Roger brings with him a wealth of experience and an excellent reputation in preconstruction services, program management, contract negotiations and operations," Gist said.

Tennessee

The Lewis Group Architects of Knoxville, Tenn., recently added Rebecca Sullivan to its interior design department. She is a graduate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she received her bachelor’s degree in interior design. She previously worked for the University of Tennessee Medical Center as an interior designer with the facilities planning department. She currently resides in Knoxville, where she has been since 2003.