PRESIDENT

With over 30 years of industry expertise, Mr. Ruppel is a seasoned leader in contracting, construction, and consulting. His broad skill set encompasses estimating, design, permitting, construction, and project management. He has successfully contributed to projects across a wide range of industries and states, from straightforward building renovations to complex, multi-billion-dollar mega projects. His deep industry knowledge spans forestry, heavy civil works, telecommunications, multimodal transportation, rail infrastructure, and vertical construction.

Having spent 80% of Kiewit career on projects, Mr. Ruppel brings a hands-on, practical approach to transforming complex plans into successful, on-time, and on-budget project deliveries.

His expertise extends to strategic leadership, team and talent development, operational planning, accurate estimating, procurement management, and claims support. Known for his leadership, Mr. Ruppel excels at guiding projects through complex business environments, consistently delivering exceptional results, building high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence.

VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

With more than 35 years of experience in change management and project leadership, Julia Ruppel brings a proven ability to turn strategic goals into measurable results. She has successfully led complex organizational initiatives that improve performance, streamline operations, and support long-term growth.

As Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Aspen Project Management, Julia leads with collaboration, trust, and a people-first mindset. Her leadership emphasizes positive reinforcement, team motivation, and cultivating a workplace culture built on respect and shared purpose. Julia is committed to helping teams thrive by creating the systems and support they need to deliver their best work.

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Gary Strike brings decades of public-sector experience, having served as Branch Chief of the Architect and Engineering Branch at the Bureau of Land Management’s National Operations Center and as Branch Chief for several divisions within the Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands Highway Division. He also has direct experience managing complex infrastructure projects in the field.

As Vice President of Operations at Aspen Project Management, Gary Strike provides strategic leadership across all phases of project delivery. He works closely with clients, partners, and team members to ensure projects are executed with clarity, consistency, and care. His collaborative approach helps business leaders stay focused while navigating the complexities of commercial vertical and horizontal construction.

Gary is a registered Professional Engineer in Colorado and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State University, Chico.

VICE PRESIDENT OF PROJECTS

Jim Kerrigan is a seasoned civil engineer and project manager with over 15 years of experience at the Federal Highway Administration’s Central Federal Lands Division. He has led the full lifecycle delivery of complex highway and infrastructure projects, managing budgets, coordinating multi-agency stakeholders, and navigating challenging environmental and political contexts. Jim brings deep technical expertise in roadway design, construction management, and federal acquisitions, including MATOC and A-E procurements. Notably, he directed pavement preservation efforts across 43 national parks and delivered high-profile projects in remote locations such as the Grand Canyon and Beartooth Highway.

As Vice President of Projects at Aspen Project Management, Jim provides technical oversight and project leadership across the portfolio. He works closely with owners, design teams, and contractors to ensure every project is delivered with precision, transparency, and a strong focus on results. His engineering acumen and field-tested leadership help clients move forward with confidence in even the most complex settings.

Jim holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Utah State University.

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

Dara Perreira brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, and strategic operations across nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Her work is grounded in supporting mission-driven teams and advancing systems that strengthen organizations from the inside out.

As Chief People Officer at Aspen Project Management, Dara leads human resources and business operations, ensuring that internal systems align with the firm’s commitment to delivering best-in-class service. She has overseen HR strategy and employee development for statewide institutions and has managed organizational change initiatives in both corporate and faith-based settings.

Dara holds an MBA in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Chaminade University. She is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and holds executive certificates in Executive Coaching from the University of Texas at Dallas, Design Thinking from Stanford University, and Leading Remote Teams from Cornell University.

COST MANAGER

With more than 25 years of leadership experience in the electric utility industry, Sue Lee brings a strong background in engineering administration, project management, and infrastructure planning. Known for her ability to optimize complex systems and drive innovation, Sue has delivered measurable results across a wide range of utility operations.

At Aspen Project Management, Sue applies her expertise in cost management, joint use infrastructure, and regulatory compliance to help ensure every project is financially responsible and strategically aligned. She is a trusted collaborator with a long-standing track record of building effective partnerships across public and private sectors. Sue’s approach reflects a deep commitment to efficiency, accountability, and supporting infrastructure that strengthens Colorado communities.

PROJECT ASSISTANT

Kamalei Lee is an experienced engagement strategist and project assistant with a strong record of supporting high-impact initiatives across the nonprofit, higher education, and consulting sectors. She brings a focused approach to stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency, and team alignment.

At Aspen Project Management, Kamalei contributes to project planning, communications, and internal operations with precision and a clear sense of purpose. She holds an M.A. in Management from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University and a B.A. in Public Relations from the University of La Verne. Kamalei is committed to ensuring that each project is supported by clear communication, strong coordination, and a shared vision for success.

OFFICE ENGINEER

Patrick Breeden is a developing project professional with a background in mechanical engineering and hands-on experience supporting operational and project teams.

As Office Engineer at Aspen Project Management, Patrick assists with budget tracking, documentation, and day-to-day coordination across active construction projects, helping to ensure that schedules and costs stay on track.

Patrick is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Fairfield University.

BUSINESS SPECIALIST

JB Kerrigan is a business and marketing student at Utah State University with practical experience in customer service, entrepreneurship, and construction support. As the founder of Kerrigan Lawn Mowing Company, he managed daily operations for more than six years, building a solid foundation in business logistics, client communication, and team coordination.

At Aspen Project Management, JB supports internal operations and project functions with a thoughtful, team-oriented mindset. His background in retail and roofing demonstrates a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a commitment to learning. JB brings energy, reliability, and a collaborative spirit to every project he touches.