Midstate Construction Names New CEO as Longtime Leader Steps Back
Midstate Construction Corp., a Petaluma-based general contractor in business for more than 91 years, has announced a series of leadership promotions and personnel changes. All changes took effect May 5.
Roger Nelson, who has guided Midstate Construction for nearly five decades, moves from president to chairman of the board. Nelson joined the company in 1977, the same year he purchased ownership of the firm from its founding owner, John Winblad.
Nelson will remain actively involved in the company’s strategic direction, weighing in on major decisions while empowering the next generation of leadership to take the helm, according to the news release.
“Roger’s impact can be felt in everything Midstate has built over the past 50 years,” said Monica Soiland Nelson, who has been named CEO. The two are married.
Monica Nelson joined Midstate in 1996 as project coordinator and went on to serve as vice president of marketing and business development until becoming CEO.
Wesley E. Barry II has been named chief operating officer. He joined Midstate in 1997 as an estimator before moving into project management, which gave him a well-rounded understanding of the business’ operations, according to the announcement.
Ben Honsvick has been promoted to chief estimator. He joined Midstate in 2004 as an estimator after earning his degree in construction management from Brigham Young University in Idaho. Over the past two decades, Honsvick has gained expertise across Midstate’s range of project types, including multifamily affordable housing, hospitality, wineries, public works and retail.
Bill Gehri has been promoted to general superintendent, Midstate’s senior field leadership role. Gehri joined Midstate in 2019 as project superintendent and rose to director of field labor before assuming his new position. Gehri will oversee field employees companywide.
Carly Gompertz joined Midstate in 2013 as estimating coordinator. Her new role adds executive administrative and facilities management support to her existing responsibilities.
Patrick Draeger has retired as vice president for estimating after a 45-year career with Midstate, one of the longest tenures in the company’s history. Draeger joined Midstate in 1981 as an estimator.
Over his career, Draeger oversaw the estimating of hundreds of projects totaling more than $700 million in completed construction. His work spanned a range of project types — from the $72.9 million Cannery at Railroad Square affordable housing community in Santa Rosa, to the Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa, the Lytton Rancheria homeland community in Windsor, the Signorello Winery fermentation building in Napa Valley, luxury inns, K-8 schools and waterfront office buildings.
Draeger will remain connected to the firm through its board of directors.
“Pat expanded our estimating department tremendously,” said Monica Nelson. “His relationships with local subcontractors, our exceptional clientele and his understanding of the North Bay market are unmatched. We are enormously grateful for everything he has given to this company and to the projects he helped bring to life.”
Marilyn Belove retired after 19 years as executive administrator to the chairman. She also oversaw facilities management and project closeout coordination. Belove joined Midstate in 2007, supporting senior leadership and helping administration of complex construction project closeouts, Monica Nelson said.