PRESIDENT & TREASURER
Ramon A. Gaanderse
Ramon was the Funder of Southern Arizona Construction Career Days in 2014 and is the Communications Director for KE&G Construction and has 9-years of experience. He addresses and participates with all community outreach and leads the Marketing team by assisting in the preparation of statements for qualifications and bid proposals. Ramon now serves on the Pima Association of Governments/Regional Transportation Authority Citizens Advisory Committee. He also served as Chair of the City’s Transportation Bond Oversight Committee (Proposition 409). He attended a college prep school at Trinity-Pawling School in New York. Ramon came to Tucson and graduated from the University of Arizona in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. In his spare time, he especially enjoys playing hockey and following and attending the University of Arizona sports. Ramon has been married for six years to his wife, who works at a local hospital. They are proud parents to a 5-year old little girl.
SECRETARY
Dean Papajohn
Dean Papajohn is an associate professor of practice at the University of Arizona in the Department of Civil & Architectural Engineering where he leads the Construction Engineering Management focus. Dean enjoys bringing the practical side of engineering to the construction management courses he teaches at UA. In the classroom, Dean draws upon his experience in consulting as well as in the public sector with the Pima County Department of Transportation where he managed multi-million dollar infrastructure projects. His industry contacts allow Dean to connect students to industry professionals through construction site visits, guest speakers, mentoring, and internships. It has been rewarding for Dean to see students become energized about careers in construction engineering and to find willing partners within the construction industry who help strengthen the constructing engineering management program at UA.
BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
Chuck Gallagher
Chuck is a Co-Founder of the Southern Arizona Construction Career Days. Has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts from State University College at Buffalo, a Master's degree in Vocational Education from Northern Arizona University. Presently teaching Cabinetmaking at Pima Community since 2014. Taught 32 years at Santa Rita High School, Sahuarita High School, Chinle High School, and Many Farms High School. Was awarded 2008 Arizona Teacher of the year, 2007 Finalist for the National Career and Technical Teacher of the Year, 2007 Region V Career and Technical Teacher of the Year, 2006 Arizona Career and Technology Teacher of the Year, 2006 Arizona Athletics/Circle K Teacher of the Year Finalist, 2002 Best Community Service national Award- Chanel 1 News and the Angle Charity Award.
BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
Larry Hume
Construction experience spans over 35 years. Tucson native and believe in supporting his fellow small businesses. Recipient of the SAHBA Remodeler of the Year award for 2014 and 2015. Served as Chairman of the Remodelers Council for two years, on the Advisory council for four years and served as the as the Chairman of SAHBA Executive Board. His business, Accessible Home Remodeling, was established 10 years ago which is a family owned business.
BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
Heidi Lasham
2018 Woman of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Heidi Lasham encourages innovative ideas through a collaborative approach and open communication. With more than 20 years of experience in the consulting engineering industry, Heidi is now the Assistant Town Engineer for the Town of Sahuarita and oversees the operation of the Sahuarita Water Reclamation Facility. Heidi is highly involved within the community both personally and professionally. Heidi was invited to be on the Southern Arizona Construction Career Days (SACCD) Board in 2019, leads the "Engineering Learning Area," Vice President on the Women in Transportation Seminar Tucson Chapter Board, mentor to women in engineering at the University of Arizona, provides student outreach at the annual Sahuarita Water Festival, volunteers on the Parent Teacher Organization Board, as well as served on her community HOA board. Heidi graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer.